Tour Itinerary - 12-Day Baja Whale Watching 2 column

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San Diego

Travel to San Diego, California. Board Searcher at Fisherman’s Landing by 8 p.m. for passenger orientation. Depart at 10 p.m.

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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. Whale watch during the afternoon for migrating gray whales, dolphins, and seabirds aboard Searcher.

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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 wildlife photography. We’ll observe nesting birds, such as osprey and ravens, and enjoy unique desert plants.

Laguna San Ignacio

Here we anchor among the gray whales and make this famous lagoon our home for two days. Whale watch from smaller boats, called pangas, and see eye-to-eye with the whales. Observe mother gray whales care for their 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.

Offshore Bahía Magdalena

Spend the day observing blue whales and humpback whales, herds of common dolphins, sea turtles, and pelagic seabirds with the Baja California peninsula as a truly scenic backdrop for wildlife photography.

Offshore Cabo San Lucas

Cruise to Gorda Banks where humpback whales gather. Humpback whales are very acrobatic–spectacular to observe, photograph, and listen to with our underwater microphone.

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Isla San José

Searcher will arrive at the first stop in the Sea of Cortez for sunrise at the spectacular red sandstone cliffs of Punta Colorado. 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 whale watch for blue whales, fin whales and sperm whales, as well as the large pods of bottlenose dolphins that frequent this area. NOTE: If the Whale Shark Encounter is offered on this day, the remaining itinerary may be re-ordered.

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Isla San Francisco

We’ll stop at this small island with a beautiful sandy beach to explore sand dune community and snorkel in an area where Cortez garden eels are found. This island has beautiful desert plants and an early morning walk is an enjoyable option. Bird life is abundant too.

Again we’ll spend time aboard Searcher for the afternoon whale watching in this productive area.

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La Paz/Los Islotes

Arrive to La Paz area to observe the area’s whale sharks and participate in the optional Whale Shark Encounter. 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. Then there’s time to whale watch offshore for blue, fin, or other whales. NOTE: If the Whale Shark Encounter is offered on this day, the previous itinerary may be re-ordered.

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Isla Cerralvo

Make a stop at one of Baja California’s premiere islands for giant cardón and barrel cactus, and incredible scenery. We’ll go ashore for a botanical walk in an immense arroyo and then dive in for some great snorkeling. There’s time to whale watch offshore for Baja’s blue whales, fin whales, and other whales.

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Cabo San Lucas

Disembark Searcher in Cabo San Lucas early morning. Transfer to Los Cabos (also called San Jose del Cabo) airport for return flight connections or downtown for hotel stay in Cabo San Lucas or San Jose del Cabo (recommended) on your own. Arrange for a flight out after 12 noon.

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Tour Itinerary – 12-Day Baja Whale Watching 2 column