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Adventure Life VOYAGES
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1655 S 3rd St. W, Ste 1
Missoula MT, 59801 USA

Ship:  Sea Bird & Sea Lion

Itinerary:  Where the Desert Meets the Sea

click to enlarge
  Dolphin swimming in Baja

 cabins & deck plans  |  additional itineraries |  cancellation policy

Day 1 : Arrive Hermosillo / Transfer to Guaymas / Embark Ship

Depart U.S. and fly to Hermosillo, Mexico. Drive directly to our ship in Guaymas and set sail on the Sea of Cortez. (D)

Days 2-7 : Exploring the Sea of Cortez

This expedition is designed to take advantage of the best wildlife and exploring opportunities in the area. We will keep ourselves open to the possibilities. Our routing will include the islands listed below, although the order may vary (B,L,D):

Islas San Esteban and San Pedro Martir
In the morning land on Isla San Esteban for a walk up a desert wash, to search for desert birds and the endemic pinto chuckwalla - a fat, harmless desert lizard. In the afternoon visit Isla San Pedro Martir, a 1,000-foot-high guano-covered island that is home to thousands of seabirds. At this time of year blue-footed boobies, red-billed tropicbirds, pelicans and frigatebirds are all found here. A Zodiac cruise gives us close views of the birds and throngs of sea lions along the shoreline, and kayaks allow for personal explorations.

Canal de Ballenas and Isla Angel de la Guarda
In Canal de Ballenas it may be possible to see many species of whales and dolphins. Fin, sperm, and orca whales, bottlenose and common dolphin are among the species found in these waters. Later we land on Isla Angel de la Guarda for hikes among elephant trees and cardon cactus, and another opportunity for kayaking along a remote island shoreline.

Isla Rasa
In the spring one of the great wildlife spectacles of the Sea of Cortez is in full swing at Isla Rasa - the nesting of thousands of Heermann's gulls and elegant and royal terns. This population of seabirds has been closely studied for many years, and we will go ashore to meet the researchers and unobtrusively observe the nesting, feeding and territorial behavior of these three species.

Isla San Marcos
At Isla San Marcos there is a beautiful cove for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking, and a broad arroyo leading into the interior, with intriguing desert plants and good opportunities for bird watching. In the afternoon we are again in rich whale waters, near the mouth of Bahia Concepcion where we stand a good chance of sighting several species of whales, particularly fin or sperm.

Isla Santa Catalina
This morning we'll search for whales in the waters south of Isla Carmen, an area that has proven to be one of the best for finding blue whales, and often bottlenose and common dolphins. In the afternoon we visit Isla Santa Catalina, famous for its giant barrel cactus and rattleless rattlesnake. The protected bay of our anchorage is also an excellent site for snorkeling. With a full afternoon here there is time for swimming, snorkeling, hiking and kayaking.

Islas Los Islotes and Espiritu Santo
At Isla Los Islotes, snorkelers have one of life's great opportunities - swimming with graceful, curious sea lions. With a deeply indented shoreline and dramatically eroded cliff faces, Isla Espiritu Santo is perhaps the most beautiful island in the Sea of Cortez. We have a leisurely afternoon for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and in the evening a beach barbecue under the desert sky.

Day 8 : La Paz / Disembark Ship / Los Cabos / Return Home

This morning after breakfast we disembark in La Paz and drive to Los Cabos Airport for flights back home. On our way we stop in the lovely little town of Todos Santos, which has become a haven for artists in recent years. (B)

Ship Description: Sea Bird & Sea Lion

click to enlarge
  Sea Lion

These vessels can reach places inaccessible to larger ships due to their small size, yet they comfortably accommodates 62 guests in 31 outside cabins. The feeling, we’re told, is often compared to that of a large private yacht, with everyone integral to the adventure.

Accessibility means freedom. Our captains have decades of sailing experience in the regions we explore. They know when and where to navigate so that you feel the places we visit are all ours. Thanks to our sturdy fleet of Zodiacs and virtually untippable kayaks, you can be off the ship and out exploring within a moment’s notice. Launch your kayak from a picturesque beach, hike with our naturalists into the rain forest or walk easily along a sandy dune.

Our seasoned crew consists of expert Zodiac drivers and considerate service providers. Their energy, enthusiasm and field expertise are sure to enhance your experience.

Our ships feature a Library; Lounge with full-service bar and facilities for films, slide shows and lectures; Observation Deck; and partially covered Sun Deck with chairs and tables. Our "Open Bridge" policy allows you to meet Officers.

Meals are served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Breakfast is a wide selection buffet and lunch is often served family style. Menu emphasizes local flair.

All cabins face outside with windows, private facilities, and climate controls.

Cat 1 Main Deck Cabins #300-305. Conveniently positioned between the dining room and lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a large window.	Cat 1 Single Main Deck Cabins #300-305. Conveniently positioned between the dining room and lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a large window.
Cat 2 Bridge Deck cabins #100-104 and Upper Deck cabins #200-212, 215. These well-located cabins include two lower single beds, outside access and a window.	Cat 2 Single Bridge Deck cabins #100-104 and Upper Deck cabins #200-212, 215. These well-located cabins include two lower single beds, outside access and a window.
Cat 3 Bridge Deck cabins #105, 106 and Upper Deck cabins #214, 216, 217, 219. These cabins feature a seating unit with table, outside access and two large windows. Upper Deck cabins include two lower single beds which can convert to a double bed and a pull-out