10 Feb 27, from £7,640

In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys

Baja and the Sea of Cortez: In Search of the Great Whales – with Smithsonian Journeys

Itinerary
Cabo San Lucas to Cabo San Lucas
Duration
11 days
Dates
10 Feb 27 to 20 Feb 27
Prices from

Come aboard Le Bellot for an unforgettable voyage.

In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.

This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.

This 11-day voyage aboard Le Bellot to the peninsula of Baja California and the Sea of Cortez is an extraordinary opportunity to explore a part of the world that Jacques Cousteau famously called “the world's aquarium.” Few places on earth can rival the abundance and variety of marine life to be found on this itinerary: playful sea lions, dolphins, sea turtles, dozens of different species of fish, and above all, whales. Nor is the rich profusion of species confined to the sea. The ibis, cormorants, and great blue herons that inhabit the dense mangroves of the peninsula's Pacific Coast, as well as the pelicans, gulls, and boobies living in the Sea of Cortez—all these, and more, make for a birder’s paradise.

Setting sail from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, enjoy a relaxing day at sea as you cruise along the Pacific Coast of the peninsula to reach Bahia Tortugas about halfway between Cabo San Lucas and San Diego. The following morning, a drive across the rugged, arid landscape of the Vizcaino Desert brings you to Guerrero Negro, a breeding area for grey whales, where you will enjoy extraordinary whale watching aboard a local boat. After another day at sea, find yourself in Magdalena Bay, where the morning is spent in search of grey whales, humpbacks, and dolphins, and visiting Bird Island, while the afternoon is devoted to exploring on foot amid the amazing sand dunes of this unbelievably beautiful area.

Rounding the southern tip of the peninsula, Le Bellot enters the Sea of Cortez—the primary object of Cousteau's fascination—to call at Cabo Pulmo National Park, where you may do some more whale watching (with the possibility of sighting an orca) or snorkel on the park's extensive reef, estimated to be around 20,000 years old and home to an incredible variety of marine life. Holders of appropriate PADI certification may choose to SCUBA dive here.

Heading north, deeper into the Sea of Cortez, arrive at Loreto Bay, which was christened a National Park in 1996 and designated a UNESCO World Heritage site a decade later. Spend two days here, exploring a region that is home to more than 800 species of marine life. Possible activities include hikes ashore, swimming, snorkeling, and an overnight in port in the charming Mexican town of Loreto. Coronado Island, the focus of the second day in Loreto Bay, is known for its startlingly white beaches and marine-life-rich reefs, where those who snorkel or SCUBA dive encounter colorful parrot fish, angel fish, rainbow wrasses, and puffer fish.

The final two days of your voyage are spent in the area around La Paz, calling first at Pichilingue to spend time at Balandra Beach ("the most beautiful beach of Baja California"). An overnight in port in La Paz is followed by a day exploring the group of islands just north of the city—swimming with sea lions at Los Islotes or taking advantage of more opportunities for snorkeling and SCUBA diving.

Discover through images the scouting of our expert : Baja California, Mexico: the secret gem of the Sea of Cortez

Note: The above is a description of current plans for each day, but as with all cruises, the schedule and order of activities is subject to change depending on weather and sea conditions. The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.

Overview

Your voyage

All-inclusive

Destination

Central America

Cabo San Lucas to Cabo San Lucas

Duration

11 days, 10 nights on board

Smithsonian Journeys, Discoveries

Smithsonian Journeys

Shore excursion or activity in each port of call + transfers included

Offers

PONANT Bonus 10%

Diving

Ref: CCBB45US - EE100227

Journey

Your daily itinerary

A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion or activity in each port of call.
Engaging discussions onboard with two Smithsonian Journeys Experts.
Extraordinary whale watching in their breeding habitats.
Extensive opportunities for snorkeling on some of the world's most dazzling reefs.
The UNESCO World Heritage site of Loreto Bay.
First Spanish Mission established in Baja California.
Overnights in port in the fascinating towns of Loreto and La Paz.
A day of sun and swimming on world-famous Balandra Beach.
Possibility of diving (PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent) with an experienced instructor on board (additional cost).

Baja and the Sea of Cortez: In Search of the Great Whales – with Smithsonian Journeys null

Size

484 ft²

*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.

Details