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Searcher

Searcher Baja California whale watching - Frank Balthis
BAJA CALIFORNIA WHALE WATCHING CRUISE
Description: The small size of the Searcher enables access to parts of Baja California and the Sea of Cortez that the larger cruise ships are unable to reach, including permits to enter and anchor in the grey whale calving grounds of Laguna San Ignacio. With just 25 passengers the Searcher offers an intimate small ship experience with which to enjoy the grey whales and bountiful marine life of Baja California.
Searcher Baja California whale watching Searcher Baja California Whale watching - Steve Lamb
Searcher Baja California whale watching - Sally Walton
Searcher Baja California whale watching - Sally Walton
Searcher Baja California whale watching - Sally Walton

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive San Diego. Board Searcher at Fisherman's Landing by 8 pm for passenger orientation. Depart 11 pm.
Galapagos Yachts
Day 2: Stop at Esenada Harbour to clear Mexican customs and immigration. Cruise along Todos Santos islands to view nesting seabirds, rocky reef and cliff life, and harbour seal adults and pups. (FB)
Galapagos Yachts
Day 3: Explore Islas San Benito, hiking to an old lighthouse, observing elephant seals crowded in coves, and nesting birds such as ospreys and ravens. (FB)
Galapagos Yachts
Day 4 & 5: Spend two days observing grey whales in Laguna San Ignacio. Whale watch from skiffs as grey whale mothers care for their young, and explore pristine beaches.  (FB)
Galapagos Yachts
Day 6: Spend the day offshore in Bahia Magdalena observing blue and humpback whales, herds of common dolphins, sea turtles and pelagic seabirds. (FB)
Galapagos Yachts
Day 7: Photograph beautiful rock formations at Land's End, then cruise to Gorda Banks where humpback whales gather. Go ashore at Los Frailes to explore the beach and birdwatch. (FB)
Galapagos Yachts
Day 8: Explore the caves and cliffs of Isla San Jose for up close views of nesting brown and blue-footed boobies, pelicans, yellow-footed gulls, osprey and white-throated swifts, then go ashore for a plant and bird hike. After the hike there will be the opportunity for some snorkelling in the reefs and sandy coves. In the afternoon there will be plenty of time to whale watch for blue, fin and sperm whales, as well as large pods bottlenose dolphins that frequent the area. (FB)
Galapagos Yachts
Day 9: Hike on Isla Catalina which is famous for its 12-foot barrel cactus and other desert plants that grow along the canyon. Bird life is abundant and includes cardinals, Gila woodpeckers, ravens and verdin. Amongst the other residents are the rare endemic rattleless Santa Catalina rattlesnake, and the abundant emerald-tailed lizard. There will be more snorkelling opportunities and afternoon whale-watching in this productive area on board Searcher. (FB)
Galapagos Yachts
Day 10: Stop in Bahia Agua Verde to birdwatch ashore then snorkel among giant sea fans. Then there's time to whale watch offshore for blue, fin or other whales. (FB)
Galapagos Yachts
Day 11: Start the day bird watching in Nopolo, then travel to Los Islotes, two islets and underwater rock reefs used by sea lions as haul out sites. Skiff ride around the islets for great views of sea lions, fishes and invertebrates along the reefs, nesting boobies and other birds. There will also be an opportunity for some snorkelling. (FB)
Galapagos Yachts
Day 12: Disembark Searcher in Cabo San Lucas at 8 am and transfer to San Jose del Cabo airport. (B)

2011 DATES AND RATES (GBP per person)
DEPARTS  
2011
22 FEB; 24 MAR; 08 APR

£2500

Capacity: 25 passengers • Overall Length: 95 feet • Cabins: 12 twin upper/lower and 3 triple upper/lower cabins with shared heads • Facilities: Lounge/dining room with small library; wildlife observation decks on stern, upper deck and bow area; 3 aluminium skiffs.


Searcher Baja California whale watching Searcher Baja California whale watching Searcher Baja California whale watching Searcher Baja California whale watching

 

Additional costs (per person)

Flights: London to San Diego; Cabo San Lucas to London: From £600 • Personal Items: Tips; drinks; items of a personal nature etc


Reading Suggestions:

In association with nhbs Environment Bookstore

Collins Field Guide to the Birds of Mexico and Central America Mexico Field Guides: Sea and Shore Birds



 
Mexico Field Guides: Marine Mammals Mexico `Field Guides: Reef Fish