Holiday Journey in the Sea of Cortez
- 8-day holiday voyage aboard the National Geographic Sea Bird
- Spend a once-in-a-lifetime holiday with family in a UNESCO World Heritage site among dolphins, sea lions and sea birds.
Expedition Details
Delve into a world of sparkling deserts, deep blue seas, wild islands and dazzling marine life on a holiday voyage into the Sea of Cortez. In the company of wildlife biologists, explore this UNESCO World Heritage site to the fullest on a variety of daily excursions. Hop into a Zodiac to encounter wildlife up close. Go kayaking and snorkeling, and follow naturalists on hikes amid giant barrel cacti.
Trip Highlights
- Go snorkeling amid sea lions, brilliant blue damselfish, and schools of king angelfish.
- Kayak the coast of Baja's remote islands, discovering high desert cliffs and sandy coves.
- Learn from a National Geographic photographer aboard an immersive Photo Expedition on the January 4 departure.
- Take a photo walk through the historic town of Loreto and venture into its 300-year-old mission.
Itinerary - 8 Days
Day 1 — U.S./Los Cabos/La Paz, Mexico
Depart the U.S. on a flight to Los Cabos and transfer to the harbor at La Paz. Get settled aboard the ship and take to the waters of the Sea of Cortez this afternoon.
National Geographic Sea Bird (D)
Days 2 through 7 — Exploring the Sea of Cortez
We’ll follow the currents and the wildlife, keeping our itinerary flexible and making the most of our time in this extraordinary wildlife sanctuary. Each day, you’ll have the opportunity to go on walks with local naturalists; swim; snorkel; and explore by kayak or Zodiac.
(B, L, D daily)
Listed below are some of the stops we will make during our expedition:
Isla San Jose or Isla Santa Catalina
On these pristine, uninhabited islands, snorkel among colorful parrotfish and flashing schools of surgeonfish. Walk among huge cacti and observe the great diversity of birdlife, including verdins, ladder-backed woodpeckers, and Costa’s hummingbirds.
Isla Danzante
Track whales, bottlenose dolphins, sea lions and other wildlife in the rich waters around Isla Danzante and take in sweeping views of the mainland.
Los Islotes
The archipelago of Los Islotes is home to a large colony of sea lions and sea birds. Jump in and snorkel among these playful and curious creatures.
Islas Espíritu Santo
With its rugged cliffs and coves carved deeply into the coastline, Espíritu Santo is one of the most beautiful islands in the Sea of Cortez. Examine the island’s volcanic landscapes on a kayak excursion. Go beachcombing or hike along the rocky coast, keeping your eye out for brown pelicans, gulls, wandering tattlers, great blue herons, and boobies. Gather for a barbecue around a campfire on the beach and take in a splendid display of stars.
Loreto and the Sierra de la Giganta
Explore the seaside town of Loreto, founded in 1697 by Jesuit missionaries. Take a photo walk with our photo instructor through the historic town center. Then journey into the Sierra de la Giganta mountains to visit San Javier Mission, the second oldest mission on the Baja Peninsula.
Day 8 — La Paz/Los Cabos/U.S.
Disembark in La Paz this morning. Examine the broad spectrum of reptiles that inhabit the Sea of Cortez on a visit to the open-air serpentarium. Take a stroll along the waterfront walkway known as the Malecón, and see a performance of local music. Transfer to Los Cabos for flights back to the U.S.
(B)
Special Offer
Complimentary Airfare
Book by June 30, 2013 for complimentary round-trip airfare from Los Angeles to Los Cabos on the Dec. 14th, 2013 departure, or kids under the age of 18 receive 50% off when traveling with a full-fare paying adult on the Dec. 21 or Dec. 28, 2013 departures.
National Geographic Expert
Michael Melford
National Geographic photographer Michael Melford has produced more than a dozen feature stories for National Geographic magazine and more than 30 for National Geographic Traveler, including eight covers. Some of Michael’s recent assignments have focused on Russia, Israel, and North America’s national parks. He has produced photography for eight books for National Geographic, including three on Alaska, his favorite being Treasures of Alaska, for which he spent four months traveling to every corner of the state. When not shooting for National Geographic, Michael enjoys giving seminars and workshops on photography and sharing both his love of nature and his extensive knowledge of the craft.
Michael will join the following departure:
Dec 14 - 21, 2013
This trip is offered in association with Lindblad Expeditions.
Give a Gift Certificate
Give the Gift of a National Geographic Expedition Aboard the National Geographic Fleet
Dates
The January 4, 2014 departure is a photo expedition.
Expedition Cost
Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single cabin in Category 1 add $2,500, and for a single cabin in Category 2 add $2,880. Airfare is not included in the expedition cost. Round-trip economy airfare between Los Angeles and Los Cabos is $500 (subject to change).
