Searcher Natural History Tours: Whalewatching, Snorkeling, Wildlife Adventures

2011 Baja Whalewatching Tour Schedule

2011 Tour #1

Departure	Arrival	Cost
Sunday, January 23, 2011 San Diego	Thursday, February 03, 2011 Cabo San Lucas	3750 25 spots left
Join us as we follow southbound migrating gray whales, encounter mating groups and mothers with newborns, and meet the first-arrivals in Laguna San Ignacio! This 12-day tour includes hiking on offshore islands and whalewatching with the gray and humpback whales of the Pacific Ocean side of Baja California, plus an extension into the southern Sea of Cortez where blue, humpback, fin, and sperm whales are found. We offer snorkeling with tropical reef fish at a variety of island stops on this tour. Passengers board Searcher in San Diego and fly home from Cabo San Lucas. Spyhopping gray whale. Photo by Val Shore.
Show itinerary 12-day itinerary for San Diego to Cabo San Lucas Day 1: San Diego Travel to San Diego. Board Searcher at Fisherman's Landing by 8 p.m. for passenger orientation. Depart 11 p.m. Day 2: Islas Todos Santos Stop at Ensenada harbor for Mexican Customs and Immigration clearance. Cruise along Todos Santos islands to view nesting seabirds, rocky reef and cliff life, and harbor seal adults and pups. Whalewatch during the afternoon for migrating gray whales, dolphins, and seabirds aboard Searcher. Day 3: Islas San Benito Hike to an old lighthouse and observe elephant seals crowded in each cove. It's breeding season and jousting males, nursing pups, and resting females make for wonderful photography. We'll observe nesting birds, such as osprey and ravens, and enjoy unique desert plants. Day 4-5: Laguna San Ignacio Here we anchor among the gray whales and make this famous lagoon our home for two days. Whalewatch from smaller boats, called pangas, and see eye-to-eye with the whales. Observe mothers care for their young and marvel at the power and grace of breaching and spyhopping whales. Explore pristine beaches for shells, blooming plants, and tidal animals and observe feeding birds in the mangrove channels. Day 6: Offshore Bahía Magdalena Spend the day observing blue and humpback whales, herds of common dolphins, sea turtles, and pelagic seabirds with the peninsula as a truly scenic backdrop for photography. Day 7: Cabo San Lucas & Los Frailes Photograph beautiful Land's End rock formations, then cruise to Gorda Banks where humpback whales gather. Humpback whales are very acrobatic--spectacular to observe, photograph, and listen to with our underwater microphone. We'll go ashore at Los Frailes to walk along a beautiful beach and birdwatch. Day 8: Isla San José Searcher will arrive at the spectacular red sandstone cliffs of Punta Colorado for photographing at sunrise. We'll take a skiff ride into a cave and along the cliffs for up-close views of nesting brown and blue-footed boobies, pelicans, yellow-footed gulls, osprey and white-throated swifts. Then we'll take a desert plant and bird walk through an arroyo formed by the scenic red cliffs. After our hike, we can enjoy snorkeling to view tropical fish in the reefs and sandy coves underwater. For the afternoon, we'll have plenty of time to whalewatch for blue, fin and sperm whales, as well as the large pods of bottlenose dolphin that frequent this area. Day 9: Isla Santa Catalina This island is famous for the 12-foot "wavy" barrel cactus and other dese rt plants that grow along the canyon, where an early morning walk is an enjoyable option. Birdlife is abundant and we should see and hear cardinals, Gila woodpeckers, ravens, and verdin. Also famous residents are the rare endemic Santa Catalina rattleless rattlesnake and the abundant emerald-tailed lizards. There will be snorkeling opportunities at this island, where the shallow reefs are home to many species of fish, sea stars, sea fans, and more marine life. Again we'll spend time aboard Searcher for the afternoon whalewatching in this productive area. Day 10: Bahia Agua Verde We'll stop at this beautiful bay on the peninsula to birdwatch ashore then snorkel among giant sea fans. Then there's time to whalewatch offshore for blue, fin, or other whales. Day 11: Nopolo and Islas Los Islotes Birdwatch in the early morning at one of Baja's best locations. Then we travel to Los Islotes, two islets and underwater rocky reefs used by sea lions as haul-out sites. Skiff rides around the islets give great views of the sea lions, fishes and invertebrates along the reefs, and nesting boobies and other birds. Or dive in for some great snorkeling! Day 12: Cabo San Lucas Disembark Searcher in Cabo San Lucas at 8 a.m. Vans are available for transport to Los Cabos (also called San Jose del Cabo) airport for return flight connections or downtown for hotel stay in Cabo San Lucas on your own. MEALS INCLUDED: All meals from breakfast on Day 2 through breakfast on Day 12. TRAVEL NOT INCLUDED: To San Diego (Fisherman's Landing where Searcher is docked) on Day 1 and return from Cabo San Lucas on Day 12. New Passport Requirements for Re-entering the US Beginning with our 2007 tours, Searcher Natural History Tour participants will need a valid passport for travel to Baja California. A new State Department requires all travelers, including U.S. citizens, to and from the Americas, the Caribbean, and Bermuda to have a passport to enter or re-enter the United States. This is a change from prior travel requirements and will be applied to all air and sea travel to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda effective 12/31/06. For details: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2225.html Itineraries and schedules subject to change based on weather conditions, captain's discretion, and the uncertainties operating within foreign preserve guidelines.

2011 Tour #2

Departure	Arrival	Cost
Monday, February 07, 2011 San Diego	Friday, February 18, 2011 Cabo San Lucas	FULL $3750
This 12-day tour includes hiking on offshore islands and whalewatching with the gray and humpback whales of the Pacific Ocean side of Baja California, plus an extension into the southern Sea of Cortez where blue, humpback, fin, and sperm whales are found. We offer snorkeling with tropical reef fish at a variety of island stops on this tour. Passengers board Searcher in San Diego and fly home from Cabo San Lucas. Photo by Frank McDonagh, one of our favorite passengers, who came eye-to-eye with this gray whale calf in Laguna San Ignacio!
Show itinerary 12-day itinerary for San Diego to Cabo San Lucas Day 1: San Diego Travel to San Diego. Board Searcher at Fisherman's Landing by 8 p.m. for passenger orientation. Depart 11 p.m. Day 2: Islas Todos Santos Stop at Ensenada harbor for Mexican Customs and Immigration clearance. Cruise along Todos Santos islands to view nesting seabirds, rocky reef and cliff life, and harbor seal adults and pups. Whalewatch during the afternoon for migrating gray whales, dolphins, and seabirds aboard Searcher. Day 3: Islas San Benito Hike to an old lighthouse and observe elephant seals crowded in each cove. It's breeding season and jousting males, nursing pups, and resting females make for wonderful photography. We'll observe nesting birds, such as osprey and ravens, and enjoy unique desert plants. Day 4-5: Laguna San Ignacio Here we anchor among the gray whales and make this famous lagoon our home for two days. Whalewatch from smaller boats, called pangas, and see eye-to-eye with the whales. Observe mothers care for their young and marvel at the power and grace of breaching and spyhopping whales. Explore pristine beaches for shells, blooming plants, and tidal animals and observe feeding birds in the mangrove channels. Day 6: Offshore Bahía Magdalena Spend the day observing blue and humpback whales, herds of common dolphins, sea turtles, and pelagic seabirds with the peninsula as a truly scenic backdrop for photography. Day 7: Cabo San Lucas & Los Frailes Photograph beautiful Land's End rock formations, then cruise to Gorda Banks where humpback whales gather. Humpback whales are very acrobatic--spectacular to observe, photograph, and listen to with our underwater microphone. We'll go ashore at Los Frailes to walk along a beautiful beach and birdwatch. Day 8: Isla San José Searcher will arrive at the spectacular red sandstone cliffs of Punta Colorado for photographing at sunrise. We'll take a skiff ride into a cave and along the cliffs for up-close views of nesting brown and blue-footed boobies, pelicans, yellow-footed gulls, osprey and white-throated swifts. Then we'll take a desert plant and bird walk through an arroyo formed by the scenic red cliffs. After our hike, we can enjoy snorkeling to view tropical fish in the reefs and sandy coves underwater. For the afternoon, we'll have plenty of time to whalewatch for blue, fin and sperm whales, as well as the large pods of bottlenose dolphin that frequent this area. Day 9: Isla Santa Catalina This island is famous for the 12-foot "wavy" barrel cactus and other dese rt plants that grow along the canyon, where an early morning walk is an enjoyable option. Birdlife is abundant and we should see and hear cardinals, Gila woodpeckers, ravens, and verdin. Also famous residents are the rare endemic Santa Catalina rattleless rattlesnake and the abundant emerald-tailed lizards. There will be snorkeling opportunities at this island, where the shallow reefs are home to many species of fish, sea stars, sea fans, and more marine life. Again we'll spend time aboard Searcher for the afternoon whalewatching in this productive area. Day 10: Bahia Agua Verde We'll stop at this beautiful bay on the peninsula to birdwatch ashore then snorkel among giant sea fans. Then there's time to whalewatch offshore for blue, fin, or other whales. Day 11: Nopolo and Islas Los Islotes Birdwatch in the early morning at one of Baja's best locations. Then we travel to Los Islotes, two islets and underwater rocky reefs used by sea lions as haul-out sites. Skiff rides around the islets give great views of the sea lions, fishes and invertebrates along the reefs, and nesting boobies and other birds. Or dive in for some great snorkeling! Day 12: Cabo San Lucas Disembark Searcher in Cabo San Lucas at 8 a.m. Vans are available for transport to Los Cabos (also called San Jose del Cabo) airport for return flight connections or downtown for hotel stay in Cabo San Lucas on your own. MEALS INCLUDED: All meals from breakfast on Day 2 through breakfast on Day 12. TRAVEL NOT INCLUDED: To San Diego (Fisherman's Landing where Searcher is docked) on Day 1 and return from Cabo San Lucas on Day 12. New Passport Requirements for Re-entering the US Beginning with our 2007 tours, Searcher Natural History Tour participants will need a valid passport for travel to Baja California. A new State Department requires all travelers, including U.S. citizens, to and from the Americas, the Caribbean, and Bermuda to have a passport to enter or re-enter the United States. This is a change from prior travel requirements and will be applied to all air and sea travel to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda effective 12/31/06. For details: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2225.html Itineraries and schedules subject to change based on weather conditions, captain's discretion, and the uncertainties operating within foreign preserve guidelines.

2011 Tour #3

Departure	Arrival	Cost
Tuesday, February 22, 2011 San Diego	Saturday, March 05, 2011 Cabo San Lucas	Call/email for availability! 25 spots left
This 12-day tour includes hiking on offshore islands and whalewatching with the gray and humpback whales of the Pacific Ocean side of Baja California, plus an extension into the southern Sea of Cortez where blue, humpback, fin, and sperm whales are found. We offer snorkeling with tropical reef fish at a variety of island stops on this tour. Passengers board Searcher in San Diego and fly home from Cabo San Lucas. Photo by Frank McDonagh, one of our favorite passengers, who came eye-to-eye with this gray whale calf in Laguna San Ignacio!
Show itinerary 12-day itinerary for San Diego to Cabo San Lucas Day 1: San Diego Travel to San Diego. Board Searcher at Fisherman's Landing by 8 p.m. for passenger orientation. Depart 11 p.m. Day 2: Islas Todos Santos Stop at Ensenada harbor for Mexican Customs and Immigration clearance. Cruise along Todos Santos islands to view nesting seabirds, rocky reef and cliff life, and harbor seal adults and pups. Whalewatch during the afternoon for migrating gray whales, dolphins, and seabirds aboard Searcher. Day 3: Islas San Benito Hike to an old lighthouse and observe elephant seals crowded in each cove. It's breeding season and jousting males, nursing pups, and resting females make for wonderful photography. We'll observe nesting birds, such as osprey and ravens, and enjoy unique desert plants. Day 4-5: Laguna San Ignacio Here we anchor among the gray whales and make this famous lagoon our home for two days. Whalewatch from smaller boats, called pangas, and see eye-to-eye with the whales. Observe mothers care for their young and marvel at the power and grace of breaching and spyhopping whales. Explore pristine beaches for shells, blooming plants, and tidal animals and observe feeding birds in the mangrove channels. Day 6: Offshore Bahía Magdalena Spend the day observing blue and humpback whales, herds of common dolphins, sea turtles, and pelagic seabirds with the peninsula as a truly scenic backdrop for photography. Day 7: Cabo San Lucas & Los Frailes Photograph beautiful Land's End rock formations, then cruise to Gorda Banks where humpback whales gather. Humpback whales are very acrobatic--spectacular to observe, photograph, and listen to with our underwater microphone. We'll go ashore at Los Frailes to walk along a beautiful beach and birdwatch. Day 8: Isla San José Searcher will arrive at the spectacular red sandstone cliffs of Punta Colorado for photographing at sunrise. We'll take a skiff ride into a cave and along the cliffs for up-close views of nesting brown and blue-footed boobies, pelicans, yellow-footed gulls, osprey and white-throated swifts. Then we'll take a desert plant and bird walk through an arroyo formed by the scenic red cliffs. After our hike, we can enjoy snorkeling to view tropical fish in the reefs and sandy coves underwater. For the afternoon, we'll have plenty of time to whalewatch for blue, fin and sperm whales, as well as the large pods of bottlenose dolphin that frequent this area. Day 9: Isla Santa Catalina This island is famous for the 12-foot "wavy" barrel cactus and other dese rt plants that grow along the canyon, where an early morning walk is an enjoyable option. Birdlife is abundant and we should see and hear cardinals, Gila woodpeckers, ravens, and verdin. Also famous residents are the rare endemic Santa Catalina rattleless rattlesnake and the abundant emerald-tailed lizards. There will be snorkeling opportunities at this island, where the shallow reefs are home to many species of fish, sea stars, sea fans, and more marine life. Again we'll spend time aboard Searcher for the afternoon whalewatching in this productive area. Day 10: Bahia Agua Verde We'll stop at this beautiful bay on the peninsula to birdwatch ashore then snorkel among giant sea fans. Then there's time to whalewatch offshore for blue, fin, or other whales. Day 11: Nopolo and Islas Los Islotes Birdwatch in the early morning at one of Baja's best locations. Then we travel to Los Islotes, two islets and underwater rocky reefs used by sea lions as haul-out sites. Skiff rides around the islets give great views of the sea lions, fishes and invertebrates along the reefs, and nesting boobies and other birds. Or dive in for some great snorkeling! Day 12: Cabo San Lucas Disembark Searcher in Cabo San Lucas at 8 a.m. Vans are available for transport to Los Cabos (also called San Jose del Cabo) airport for return flight connections or downtown for hotel stay in Cabo San Lucas on your own. MEALS INCLUDED: All meals from breakfast on Day 2 through breakfast on Day 12. TRAVEL NOT INCLUDED: To San Diego (Fisherman's Landing where Searcher is docked) on Day 1 and return from Cabo San Lucas on Day 12. New Passport Requirements for Re-entering the US Beginning with our 2007 tours, Searcher Natural History Tour participants will need a valid passport for travel to Baja California. A new State Department requires all travelers, including U.S. citizens, to and from the Americas, the Caribbean, and Bermuda to have a passport to enter or re-enter the United States. This is a change from prior travel requirements and will be applied to all air and sea travel to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda effective 12/31/06. For details: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2225.html Itineraries and schedules subject to change based on weather conditions, captain's discretion, and the uncertainties operating within foreign preserve guidelines.

2011 Tour #4

Departure	Arrival	Cost
Thursday, March 24, 2011 San Diego	Monday, April 04, 2011 Cabo San Lucas	Call for availability! 25 spots left
This 12-day tour includes hiking on offshore islands and whalewatching with the gray and humpback whales of the Pacific Ocean side of Baja California, plus an extension into the southern Sea of Cortez where blue, humpback, fin, and sperm whales are found. We offer snorkeling with tropical reef fish at a variety of island stops on this tour. Passengers board Searcher in San Diego and fly home from Cabo San Lucas.
Show itinerary 12-day itinerary for San Diego to Cabo San Lucas Day 1: San Diego Travel to San Diego. Board Searcher at Fisherman's Landing by 8 p.m. for passenger orientation. Depart 11 p.m. Day 2: Islas Todos Santos Stop at Ensenada harbor for Mexican Customs and Immigration clearance. Cruise along Todos Santos islands to view nesting seabirds, rocky reef and cliff life, and harbor seal adults and pups. Whalewatch during the afternoon for migrating gray whales, dolphins, and seabirds aboard Searcher. Day 3: Islas San Benito Hike to an old lighthouse and observe elephant seals crowded in each cove. It's breeding season and jousting males, nursing pups, and resting females make for wonderful photography. We'll observe nesting birds, such as osprey and ravens, and enjoy unique desert plants. Day 4-5: Laguna San Ignacio Here we anchor among the gray whales and make this famous lagoon our home for two days. Whalewatch from smaller boats, called pangas, and see eye-to-eye with the whales. Observe mothers care for their young and marvel at the power and grace of breaching and spyhopping whales. Explore pristine beaches for shells, blooming plants, and tidal animals and observe feeding birds in the mangrove channels. Day 6: Offshore Bahía Magdalena Spend the day observing blue and humpback whales, herds of common dolphins, sea turtles, and pelagic seabirds with the peninsula as a truly scenic backdrop for photography. Day 7: Cabo San Lucas & Los Frailes Photograph beautiful Land's End rock formations, then cruise to Gorda Banks where humpback whales gather. Humpback whales are very acrobatic--spectacular to observe, photograph, and listen to with our underwater microphone. We'll go ashore at Los Frailes to walk along a beautiful beach and birdwatch. Day 8: Isla San José Searcher will arrive at the spectacular red sandstone cliffs of Punta Colorado for photographing at sunrise. We'll take a skiff ride into a cave and along the cliffs for up-close views of nesting brown and blue-footed boobies, pelicans, yellow-footed gulls, osprey and white-throated swifts. Then we'll take a desert plant and bird walk through an arroyo formed by the scenic red cliffs. After our hike, we can enjoy snorkeling to view tropical fish in the reefs and sandy coves underwater. For the afternoon, we'll have plenty of time to whalewatch for blue, fin and sperm whales, as well as the large pods of bottlenose dolphin that frequent this area. Day 9: Isla Santa Catalina This island is famous for the 12-foot "wavy" barrel cactus and other dese rt plants that grow along the canyon, where an early morning walk is an enjoyable option. Birdlife is abundant and we should see and hear cardinals, Gila woodpeckers, ravens, and verdin. Also famous residents are the rare endemic Santa Catalina rattleless rattlesnake and the abundant emerald-tailed lizards. There will be snorkeling opportunities at this island, where the shallow reefs are home to many species of fish, sea stars, sea fans, and more marine life. Again we'll spend time aboard Searcher for the afternoon whalewatching in this productive area. Day 10: Bahia Agua Verde We'll stop at this beautiful bay on the peninsula to birdwatch ashore then snorkel among giant sea fans. Then there's time to whalewatch offshore for blue, fin, or other whales. Day 11: Nopolo and Islas Los Islotes Birdwatch in the early morning at one of Baja's best locations. Then we travel to Los Islotes, two islets and underwater rocky reefs used by sea lions as haul-out sites. Skiff rides around the islets give great views of the sea lions, fishes and invertebrates along the reefs, and nesting boobies and other birds. Or dive in for some great snorkeling! Day 12: Cabo San Lucas Disembark Searcher in Cabo San Lucas at 8 a.m. Vans are available for transport to Los Cabos (also called San Jose del Cabo) airport for return flight connections or downtown for hotel stay in Cabo San Lucas on your own. MEALS INCLUDED: All meals from breakfast on Day 2 through breakfast on Day 12. TRAVEL NOT INCLUDED: To San Diego (Fisherman's Landing where Searcher is docked) on Day 1 and return from Cabo San Lucas on Day 12. New Passport Requirements for Re-entering the US Beginning with our 2007 tours, Searcher Natural History Tour participants will need a valid passport for travel to Baja California. A new State Department requires all travelers, including U.S. citizens, to and from the Americas, the Caribbean, and Bermuda to have a passport to enter or re-enter the United States. This is a change from prior travel requirements and will be applied to all air and sea travel to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda effective 12/31/06. For details: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2225.html Itineraries and schedules subject to change based on weather conditions, captain's discretion, and the uncertainties operating within foreign preserve guidelines.

2011 Tour #5

Departure	Arrival	Cost
Friday, April 08, 2011 San Diego	Thursday, April 21, 2011 Cabo San Lucas	Call/email for availability! 24 spots left
THE LAST KINGDOM OF THE WHALES The Extraordinary Cetaceans and Birds of Baja California An expedition sponsored by BirdQuest -- www.birdquest.co.uk/HolidaysbyRegion.cfm Baja California Mainland Post-Tour Extension to Sunday 24th April (3 days) Leaders: Mark Beaman and Peter Gaede Group Size Limit: 26 (16 on extension)
Show itinerary Our journey begins in the evening in San Diego, in southernmost California, and from here we sail overnight to Ensenada, the first port in Mexico, in order to clear customs and immigration. From now on we enter the wilderness, stopping first at Islas Todos Santos and then at the remote Islas San Benitos, where the piles of Northern Elephant Seals on the beaches are a sight to behold. Seabirding is great throughout the journey and amongst the most exciting species we should see are Laysan and Black-footed Albatrosses, Black-vented Shearwater, Least and Black Storm-Petrels, Masked Booby, Heermann’s, Yellow-footed and Sabine’s Gulls, Cassin’s Auklet, and the sought-after Xantus’s and Craveri’s Murrelets. The supporting cast includes Pink-footed and Sooty Shearwaters, Red-billed Tropicbird, Blue-footed and Brown Boobies, Magnificent Frigatebird, Pomarine and Long-tailed Skuas (or Pomarine and Long-tailed Jaegers) and the beautiful Elegant Tern. We spend two days at untouched Laguna San Ignacio with the Gray Whales and then sail south, through waters that hold Blue and Humpback Whales, until we enter the Gulf of California (or Sea of Cortez). The last part of our journey will be spent amongst the dramatic scenery of the coastal islands and mainland of southern Baja, where the sounds attract the great whales (Blue, Fin, Bryde’s and Sperm in particular, all of which we should see) as well as enormous pods of dolphins. We will make a series of landings on the very scenic islands, home to endemic plants (including some strange cacti) and reptiles, and a great selection of desert birds including the endemic Xantus’s Hummingbird and the endemic Grey Thrasher. There will even be an opportunity to snorkel with playful California Sealions that like to gently nibble one’s fins, or blow bubbles in one’s face! We will be travelling on Searcher, a large (95ft, or about 30m long), very well-equipped and comfortable, ocean-going sport-fishing boat that, on our special charter, will take up to 26 passengers in 13 twin-berth cabins. There is plenty of open deck space on two levels for wildlife observation and the bridge is open to all. There is also a spacious dining area and a library. The crew are a great bunch and really make the voyage a fun experience for every passenger. Landings (and snorkeling trips) are made with the ship’s launches, although at Laguna San Ignacio we have to use local boats because of national park regulations. Our special charter is a day longer than the standard Searcher itinerary. We can use this extra time to great effect and make sure there are no surprise misses, so it will be well worth a little extra. Travelling to Baja on Searcher and spending time with the whales and seabirds is really an extraordinary experience, so don’t miss it! During the optional post-tour extension we will explore the marshlands near San José del Cabo and the isolated Sierra de la Laguna mountains of the Baja mainland in search of several more endemics, including the diminutive Cape Pygmy-Owl (split from Northern), Belding’s Yellowthroat, Baird’s Junco and with luck San Lucas Robin (split from American Robin).

2010 Baja Whalewatching Tour Schedule

2010 Tour #1

Departure	Arrival	Cost
Tuesday, March 09, 2010 San Diego	Saturday, March 20, 2010 Cabo San Lucas	FULL
This 12-day tour includes hiking on offshore islands and whalewatching with the gray and humpback whales of the Pacific Ocean side of Baja California, plus an extension into the southern Sea of Cortez where blue, humpback, fin, and sperm whales are found. We offer snorkeling with tropical reef fish at a variety of island stops on this tour. Passengers board Searcher in San Diego and fly home from Cabo San Lucas. Come eye-to-eye with a gray whale calf in Laguna San Ignacio. Photo by one of our most favorite passengers, Frank McDonagh.
Show itinerary 12-day itinerary for San Diego to Cabo San Lucas Day 1: San Diego Travel to San Diego. Board Searcher at Fisherman's Landing by 8 p.m. for passenger orientation. Depart 11 p.m. Day 2: Islas Todos Santos Stop at Ensenada harbor for Mexican Customs and Immigration clearance. Cruise along Todos Santos islands to view nesting seabirds, rocky reef and cliff life, and harbor seal adults and pups. Whalewatch during the afternoon for migrating gray whales, dolphins, and seabirds aboard Searcher. Day 3: Islas San Benito Hike to an old lighthouse and observe elephant seals crowded in each cove. It's breeding season and jousting males, nursing pups, and resting females make for wonderful photography. We'll observe nesting birds, such as osprey and ravens, and enjoy unique desert plants. Day 4-5: Laguna San Ignacio Here we anchor among the gray whales and make this famous lagoon our home for two days. Whalewatch from smaller boats, called pangas, and see eye-to-eye with the whales. Observe mothers care for their young and marvel at the power and grace of breaching and spyhopping whales. Explore pristine beaches for shells, blooming plants, and tidal animals and observe feeding birds in the mangrove channels. Day 6: Offshore Bahía Magdalena Spend the day observing blue and humpback whales, herds of common dolphins, sea turtles, and pelagic seabirds with the peninsula as a truly scenic backdrop for photography. Day 7: Cabo San Lucas & Los Frailes Photograph beautiful Land's End rock formations, then cruise to Gorda Banks where humpback whales gather. Humpback whales are very acrobatic--spectacular to observe, photograph, and listen to with our underwater microphone. We'll go ashore at Los Frailes to walk along a beautiful beach and birdwatch. Day 8: Isla San José Searcher will arrive at the spectacular red sandstone cliffs of Punta Colorado for photographing at sunrise. We'll take a skiff ride into a cave and along the cliffs for up-close views of nesting brown and blue-footed boobies, pelicans, yellow-footed gulls, osprey and white-throated swifts. Then we'll take a desert plant and bird walk through an arroyo formed by the scenic red cliffs. After our hike, we can enjoy snorkeling to view tropical fish in the reefs and sandy coves underwater. For the afternoon, we'll have plenty of time to whalewatch for blue, fin and sperm whales, as well as the large pods of bottlenose dolphin that frequent this area. Day 9: Isla Santa Catalina This island is famous for the 12-foot "wavy" barrel cactus and other dese rt plants that grow along the canyon, where an early morning walk is an enjoyable option. Birdlife is abundant and we should see and hear cardinals, Gila woodpeckers, ravens, and verdin. Also famous residents are the rare endemic Santa Catalina rattleless rattlesnake and the abundant emerald-tailed lizards. There will be snorkeling opportunities at this island, where the shallow reefs are home to many species of fish, sea stars, sea fans, and more marine life. Again we'll spend time aboard Searcher for the afternoon whalewatching in this productive area. Day 10: Bahia Agua Verde We'll stop at this beautiful bay on the peninsula to birdwatch ashore then snorkel among giant sea fans. Then there's time to whalewatch offshore for blue, fin, or other whales. Day 11: Nopol— and Islas Los Islotes Birdwatch in the early morning at one of Baja's best locations. Then we travel to Los Islotes, two islets and underwater rocky reefs used by sea lions as haul-out sites. Skiff rides around the islets give great views of the sea lions, fishes and invertebrates along the reefs, and nesting boobies and other birds. Or dive in for some great snorkeling! Day 12: Cabo San Lucas Disembark Searcher in Cabo San Lucas at 8 a.m. Vans are available for transport to Los Cabos (also called San Jose del Cabo) airport for return flight connections or downtown for hotel stay in Cabo San Lucas on your own. MEALS INCLUDED: All meals from breakfast on Day 2 through breakfast on Day 12. TRAVEL NOT INCLUDED: To San Diego (Fisherman's Landing where Searcher is docked) on Day 1 and return from Cabo San Lucas on Day 12. New Passport Requirements for Re-entering the US Beginning with our 2007 tours, Searcher Natural History Tour participants will need a valid passport for travel to Baja California. A new State Department requires all travelers, including U.S. citizens, to and from the Americas, the Caribbean, and Bermuda to have a passport to enter or re-enter the United States. This is a change from prior travel requirements and will be applied to all air and sea travel to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda effective 12/31/06. For details: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2225.html Itineraries and schedules subject to change based on weather conditions, captain's discretion, and the uncertainties operating within foreign preserve guidelines.

2010 Tour #2

Departure	Arrival	Cost
Thursday, March 25, 2010 San Diego	Monday, April 05, 2010 Cabo San Lucas	FULL
This 12-day tour includes hiking on offshore islands and whalewatching with the gray and humpback whales of the Pacific Ocean side of Baja California, plus an extension into the southern Sea of Cortez where blue, humpback, fin, and sperm whales are found. We offer snorkeling with tropical reef fish at a variety of island stops on this tour. Passengers board Searcher in San Diego and fly home from Cabo San Lucas. Come eye-to-eye with a gray whale calf in Laguna San Ignacio. Photo by one of our most favorite passengers, Frank McDonagh.
Show itinerary

2010 Tour #3

Departure	Arrival	Cost
Saturday, May 29, 2010 San Diego	Monday, May 31, 2010 San Diego	395 11 spots left
We're off in search of blue whales and more on this Memorial Day weekend adventure. Late spring can find us among these magnificent mammals, along with dolphins, other whales, pinnipeds, and pelagic seabirds seldom seen from shore. Explore the productive offshore waters with us! Blue whale fluking before a dive. Photo by Isabel Crisostomo.
Show itinerary Day 1: Board Searcher at 8 a.m. at Fisherman's Landing in San Diego. Motor to the 9-mile bank in search of migrating offshore blue whales and dolphins. We'll spend the rest of the day over deep-water areas to encounter pelagic birds and other marine life. Day 2: Spend the entire day offshore searching and observing marine mammals and birds. Day 3: Cruise past Los Coronados Islands (in Mexican waters) to view seabirds, elephant seals, California sea lions, and other animals who use these remote islets for resting, nesting, and feeding. Arrive back to the dock at Fisherman's Landing by noon. Bow-riding common dolphins. Photo by Jean Parfitt.

* Fuel Surcharge If the cost of marine diesel fuel rises unexpectedly, a fuel surcharge will be imposed.

Passport Requirements for Re-entering the US

Searcher Natural History Tour participants will need a valid passport for air travel back to the U.S. from Baja California, Mexico.
For details: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2225.html

Searcher Natural History Tours searcher@bajawhale.com (619) 226-2403
Some photographs taken by Frank S. Balthis of Nature's Design, FrankBalthis@yahoo.com

2011 Baja Whalewatching Tour Schedule

12-day itinerary for San Diego to Cabo San Lucas

12-day itinerary for San Diego to Cabo San Lucas

12-day itinerary for San Diego to Cabo San Lucas

12-day itinerary for San Diego to Cabo San Lucas

THE LAST KINGDOM OF THE WHALES

The Extraordinary Cetaceans and Birds of Baja California

2010 Baja Whalewatching Tour Schedule

12-day itinerary for San Diego to Cabo San Lucas