Searcher Natural History Tours: Whalewatching, Snorkeling, Wildlife Adventures

2009 Baja Whalewatching Tour Schedule

2009 Tour #1

Departure	Arrival	Cost
Saturday, February 07, 2009 San Diego	Wednesday, February 18, 2009 Cabo San Lucas	$3,450 3 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: 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.

2009 Tour #2

Departure	Arrival	Cost
Sunday, February 22, 2009 San Diego	Thursday, March 05, 2009 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.
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.

2009 Tour #3

Departure	Arrival	Cost
Monday, March 09, 2009 San Diego	Friday, March 20, 2009 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.
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.

2009 Tour #4

Departure	Arrival	Cost
Tuesday, March 24, 2009 San Diego	Saturday, April 04, 2009 Cabo San Lucas	FULL
This is currently a private charter.
Show itinerary

2009 Tour #5

Departure	Arrival	Cost
Wednesday, April 08, 2009 San Diego	Sunday, April 19, 2009 Cabo San Lucas	$3,295 - NEWLY ADDED! Special price!
This 12-day tour includes hiking on offshore islands and whalewatching on the Pacific Ocean side of Baja California, plus an extension into the southern Sea of Cortez. This tour takes place during the tail-end of the gray whale season and possibly the peak of the blue whale season in Baja. We expect to encounter gray, blue, humpback, fin, and sperm whales, along with several species of dolphins and smaller whales. You'll snorkel with tropical reef fish at a variety of island stops in warmer water. 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 -- April, 2009 tour 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. We'll observe nesting birds, such as osprey and ravens, and enjoy unique desert plants. Day 4-5: Laguna San Ignacio Here we anchor and make this famous lagoon our home for two days. It will be the tail-end of the gray whale breeding season, and we expect to observe mothers and calves, 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 and the springtime waters should be wam. Again we'll spend time aboard Searcher for the afternoon whalewatching in this productive area, especially for blues which should be abundant. 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 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.

* 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

2009 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 -- April, 2009 tour