Whales & Wildness: Spring in the Sea of Cortez
Overview
Highlights
- Spring in the Sea of Cortez is the best time to see large pods of dolphins and various species of whales—blue, sperm, pilot, fin, humpback and Bryde’s—all in the same week.
- Explore water-level caves by kayak, hike uninhabited beaches, snorkel among fish and acrobatic sea lions, and see colorful cactus blossoms.
- Visit the old mining town of Santa Rosalia, with its wooden homes and historic steel church, designed by Gustave Eiffel.
- Experience a voyage of pure discovery in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a flexible itinerary and sites chosen by the region’s most knowledgeable staff, based on conditions and to maximize wildlife sightings.
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Trip includes
- Accommodations and meals
- Educational materials
- Pre-departure information
- Entrance fees, excursions, and sightseeing noted as included in the itinerary
- All gratuities except those for train or ship's crew, unless otherwise noted on the itinerary
- Ground transportation during the expedition
- Transfers to and from group flights where applicable
- Services of National Geographic experts and/or local guides, lecturers, expedition leaders, and any other staff
- Taxes, port charges, baggage handling, and service charges
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Itinerary
Meals: Dinner
Fly into La Paz, then embark the ship and set sail on the Sea of Cortez.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Daily)
Our routing is designed with flexibility in mind to maximize opportunities for wildlife sightings. It will most likely include the islands and activities listed below, although the order may vary
This morning after breakfast we disembark in La Paz and transfer to the airport for flights home.
Meals: Breakfast
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Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with National Geographic Expeditions.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
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Logistics
What's excluded
- Air transportation and related fees (except as indicated in the itinerary);
- Activities noted as optional in the itinerary
- Gratuities for train or ship’s crew, unless otherwise noted on the itinerary page
- Passport, visa, and permit expenses
- Medical expenses and immunizations
- Baggage/accident/cancellation insurance
- Personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone calls, and alcoholic beverages
Accommodating just 62 guests in 31 outside cabins, the National Geographic Sea Bird is large enough to operate in remote environments in comfort, yet small enough to enter ports and narrow inlets inaccessible to bigger ships. It carries sea kayaks and a fleet of Zodiacs, providing easy access to coastlines and other places of interest. Each cabin faces outside. All cabins have windows and are attractively and comfortably furnished with lower berths, private bathrooms, reading lights, and individual climate control. The Sea Bird is authorized to operate in the Tongass National Forest under a Forest Service Special Use Permit.
2016 Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single cabin in 2015, add $2,850 in Category 1 and $3,270 in Category 2. For a single cabin in 2016, add $3,000 in Category 1 and $3430 in Category 2. International airfare to/from La Paz is not included in the expedition cost.
National Geographic Sea Bird
7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches and 7 Dinners
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