Journey Mexico Baja Multisport: Gray Whales, Hiking and Sea Kayaking

This trip is an off-the-beaten-path adventure that visits both the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez coastlines of Baja California, Mexico. It is ideal for active travelers wanting to combine remote hiking and paddling in pristine wilderness settings and amazing wildlife viewing opportunities with visits to local villages.

Highlights

The Grey Whales:

Visit the amazing breeding grounds of the Pacific Gray Whales during their annual migration here
Enjoy boat trips into the lagoons getting a chance for arms length encounters with these giant cetaceans
Comb the miles of secluded beaches and revel in the pristine marine wilderness of Baja California’s Pacific Lagoons, some of the last mating and calving grounds of the Pacific Gray Whale

Kayaking the Sea of Cortez:

Full day Sea-Kayaking expedition in the Sea of Cortez in the turquoise waters of the protected bays and beaches of the beautiful Island of Espiritu Santo. We will also enjoy natural history guided walks and a visit to the resident sea lion colony at Los Islotes where we can opt to swim and snorkel with these playful and fun-loving marine mammals.
Snorkel and relax on the exquisite white sand beaches outside of La Paz

Hiking in the Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve:

Day hike the sweeping seascapes of the rugged Pacific Coast of Southern Baja California
Hike into the Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere reserve and experience the magic of cascading waterfalls in the spectacular cactus forests of this seldom visited desert wilderness
Explore the charming fishing village turned artist enclave of Todos Santos for a taste of the old Baja
Try your hand at surfing the crescent beach of Los Cerritos beach outside the town of Todos Santos

Prices

4+ clients at $2,290 per client per person in double occupancy Single Supplement $450 requested or forced

Dates

2012 Departure Dates (7 Days)
February 06 2012
February 13 2012
February 20 2012
February 27 2012
March 05 2012
March 12 2012
March 19 2012

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Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival Day La Paz Transfer from airport and settle into lovely boutique hotel in Todos Santos. Meet group leader and other members of group for orientation in lobby of hotel at 8:00 P.M. (Overnight: Todos Santos Inn or Los Colibris) (No Meals Included)

Day 2

Todos Santos Historic Town Walking Tour/Sea Cliffs Hike Meet early in hotel courtyard for an transfer to Todos Santos. Once we arrive, we will have an orientation from our guide and learn about the fascinating oasis of Todos Santos and its long history as an important community in Southern Baja. After a delicious lunch, we will explore the secluded coast line and pristine beaches surrounding the oasis town of Todos Santos. Our sea cliff hike takes us along miles of spectacular coastline with sweeping views of Baja’s stark and rugged coastline. (Overnight: Todos Santos Inn or Los Colibris) (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included)

Day 3

Todos Santos Triple Waterfall ½ day Hike/Afternoon Surfing Lesson Today we set out to explore the Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere reserve and we transfer to the trail head where we begin walking up the arroyo (river bed). The landscape changes as the cactus forest thickens and then unexpectedly we come to not one, not two, but three different waterfalls in the middle of the desert. Enjoy the opportunity to splash and take pictures or just relax with a wonderful picnic lunch. We then travel from the interior to the beautiful crescent shaped beach of Los Cerritos for a picnic lunch and an opportunity to try our hand at surfing in the gentle Pacific rollers. Late afternoon return to our beautiful accommodation and night out on the town on your own at one of the many fantastic eateries. (Overnight: Todos Santos Inn or Los Colibris) (Breakfast and Lunch Included)

Day 4

Todos Santos – La Paz – Sea Kayaking/Snorkeling Espiritu Santo Island and the Sea of Cortes After an early morning breakfast, we transfer across the peninsula (1:30h) to our high speed motorboat that is waiting to take us out to Espiritu Santo Island. Your guide will discuss points on safety and provide beginners with the basics of sea-kayaking and correct use of gear and kayaks. We then embark paddling the turquoise waters of Espiritu Santo Island beneath spectacular volcanic cliffs and arrive at one of many beautiful beaches to for a picnic lunch. After lunch and a natural history walk, we board our speedy launch and ride to a beautiful off-shore island which is home to a large sea lion colony. Prepare to experience the amazing thrill of swimming with sea lion pups and snorkel amongst thousands of tropical fish. We then return to our hotel in La Paz. Night out on the town for dinner! (Overnight: B&B el Angel Azul or equivalent) (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included)

Day 5

La Paz – Magdalena Bay Transfer to the shores of the Pacific Lagoons at Lopez Mateos - considered to be the finest whale-watching area in the La Paz proximity (transfer time is 3.5 hours). Typically, within minutes of clambering aboard our motor skiffs, we are out in the bay surrounded by Whales. The spectacle is quite amazing and several close up encounters are practically guaranteed. Returning to the shore it is then just a quick drive to our accommodation. Relax and then freshen up before dinner of fresh sea food. (Overnight: Hotel at Magdalena Bay) (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included)

Day 6

Magdalena Bay Whale-watching Arise to a Mexican cooked breakfast before our second whale-watching trip. We will venture out into the bay for a second opportunity to immerse our selves amongst the whales. For the last ten years many of our guests have been thrilled by the whales swimming right alongside our boats giving them the extraordinary opportunity to pet them. We will return to Lopez Mateos for a delicious lunch and then transfer back to La Paz arriving at around 4.00pm, which gives time for anyone wishing to connect on through to Los Cabos the same day. (Overnight: B&B Angel Azul or equivalent) (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included)

Day 7

Departure day La Paz - Home Group taxis to airport or to Cabo Airport (at an extra cost) or extend your stay. (Breakfast Included) Every year The Gray Whale makes its annual migration from the Chirikof Basin to Magdelena Bay, a round trip of some 12,400 miles making it the longest migration by any mammal. During the Gray's winter visit, they calve and nurse in the shallow lagoons. These amazing Gray Whale nursing grounds are protected by strict Mexican environmental and ecological legislation. We are careful to observe these regulations by exclusively working with licensed cooperatives that have trained boat drivers. This in turn helps support local fishermen and their families. * Important Note: Please request specific itinerary for each departure upon confirmation as Journey Mexico reserves the right to change the order of trip activities due to availability constraints.

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