Sea Lions Of The Sea Of Cortez March 2022
Live from the field – from Erika Hernandez Calvo, Expedition Leader aboard Safari Voyager
If you are looking to spice up your snorkeling, nothing is more exciting than jumping in the water with California sea lions.
These charismatic marine mammals make their home on Los Islotes, a rocky outcropping on the northern end of the Isla Espíritu Santo archipelago. The rookery is home to over 500 California sea lions and is the southernmost breeding colony for these creatures.
Playful pups eagerly explore their surroundings. Their curiosity is on full display as they twirl through the water, sometimes approaching snorkelers with an inquisitive stare or a light nibble on your fins. Whether you see them flipping around you up close in the water or barking at your from the rocks on shore, it is always an amazing experience.
Experience Californian Life In San Diego Usa
At the end of the 19th century, the first Europeans coming all the way to California settled here, in San Diego. The historical centre of the city is full of traditional buildings from this time, colourfully restored, reminding you of this past era. But San Diego is also known for its exciting artistic centre. More extensive than New Yorks Central Park, Balboa Park is the largest cultural park in the US. Seventeen museums, a botanical garden and pavilions with international architectural influences are spread across the particularly abundant vegetation.
Top Things To Do And See In The Sea Of Cortez
Known for its diverse marine life and volcanic landscapes, some top things to do and see on a Sea of Cortez small ship cruise include:
Loreto Bay Marine Park – With its many sparkling shades of blue, the UNESCO-listed Loreto Bay National Marine Park is like a dream come true for many. A highlight of a Mexico cruise, the protected area is home to abundant wildlife and a plethora of awesome views. Enjoy kayaking here.
Bahia Agua Verde – A top spot for fishing and other sporting activities, experience something different with a mule ride into the arroyos with local rancheros. Learn about the local way of life of a Mexican cowboy.
Bahia Magdalena – A picturesque bay, Bahia Magdalena is especially great for sightings of gray whales.
Ensenada Grande – With its white sandy shore that is lapped by the shimmering sea, Ensenada Grande is a photogenic spot, terrific for a short relaxing sunbathing session. Cacti grow from the red rocks and colourful fish swim through the waters, You can also enjoy hiking in the desert-like landscapes.
Isla San Francisco – A small island in the Gulf of California, many Baja California cruises make a stop at Isla San Francisco. Admire the curved bay and see various reptiles roaming the land.
Los Islotes – If youve ever dreamt of swimming with sea lions, Los Islotes could make your dreams come true. Just seeing these splendid marine creatures basking on the craggy rocks and swimming through the sea is also a fabulous experience.
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Cabo San Lucas Baja California Peninsula Mexico
At the far south of the Baja California Peninsula, you can recognise Cabo San Lucas by its rock formations emerging from the water, creating an arc above the waves. Between the Gulf of California and the Pacific Ocean, the Cabo San Lucas Bay is also well-known for its fabulous fine sandy beaches and its busy nightlife.
Sea Of Cortez Cruise Itineraries
Initially, the most intriguing appeal of a Sea of Cortez cruise is the chance to combine wildlife spotting with water sports. Kayaking, snorkeling, standup paddleboarding and diving are huge for on-the-water fans whales, California sea lions, dolphins and tropical fish are plentiful. The beaches, too, are appealing and vary greatly in personality. Some have broken-shell sand, others consist of rocks while others are made up of crystal-fine sand.
Another major draw is the plethora of uninhabited islands scattered throughout the Sea of Cortez. Most of them are protected — there are no villages or towns — and feature an incredible biodiversity precisely because they are so isolated.
Whether your primary interests are wildlife, arts and culture or history, this region offers plenty of variety. Find Sea of Cortez itineraries on the following cruise lines:
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Leave From: Los Angeles Ends In: Los Angeles
- $60 per Couple Shipboard Credit*
*Amenities may not be combinable with all fares shown. Additional restrictions may apply.
- Choose Optional Princess PREMIER Fares which Includes Drinks, Wi-Fi, Specialty Dining, Crew Incentive, and MOREReserve this cruise and Choose Optional Princess PREMIER Fares which Includes Drinks, Wi-Fi, Specialty Dining, Crew Incentive, and MORE
Please contact your travel advisor for more information.*
*Promotion is subject to availability, may not be combinable with certain fares or other amenity offers, is capacity controlled and may be withdrawn at any time. Other restrictions apply.
You could pay less by talking to an agent: Questions We’re Here To Help!Dining Style: Formal Nights and Casual EveningsFormal Restaurant
Square Feet: 168
Informationprovided within these pages has been updated as of March 2020.While we do our best to ensure that stateroom descriptions anddeckplans appearing in this website are complete and accurate, wecannot be responsible for inaccurate representations, which may ormay not be under our control. Please reconfirm stateroomaccommodations and deck placement prior to booking.
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Exploring The Sea Of Cortez
As writer and longtime Lindblad naturalist Stewart Aitchison describes it – The Sea of Cortezits a romantic name that conjures up visions of fiery sunsets, leaping dolphins, and deserted beaches.
It is all this and so much more. Our routing is designed with flexibility in mind to maximize opportunities for wildlife sightings. It will most likely include the islands and activities listed below, although the order may vary.
Isla San Esteban and San Pedro Mártir:
Walk up a desert wash to search for desert songbirds such as the handsome black-throated sparrow, listen for the cascading song of the canyon wren, and search for the endemic pinto chuckwallaa plump, harmless desert lizard. Later visit Isla San Pedro Mártir, a 1,000-foot-high guano-covered island that is home to thousands of seabirds: brown pelicans, magnificent frigatebirds, Brandts cormorants, and California sea lions.
Isla San Marcos:
At Isla San Marcos there is a beautiful shoreline for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. In the afternoon we are again in rich waters, near the mouth of Bahía Concepción. Here we are on the lookout for pods of dolphinswith common and bottlenose dolphins being the most frequently encountered species. With luck these beautiful animals may join us as we go, riding the bow wave, sometimes twisting and turning, and sometimes leaping from the water.
Isla San José:
Bahía Loreto Marine Park:
Los Islotes and Isla San Francisco:
Day 8
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Dive Into A Natural Aquarium Gulf Of California Mexico
The largest aquarium in the world, according to Jacques Cousteau, has exceptional fauna. The best way to see it is by scuba diving in numerous places, which are full of surprises and have names that will make you dream: Isla Monserrate, Isla Coronado, Punta Colorada and Bahia Amortajada on the Isla San José, Isla Espíritu Santo, Isla Cerralvo… 39% of species known on the planet, 900 species of fish and 33 cetaceans can be found here. Common bottlenose dolphins, grey and blue whales, hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, seals and turtles have been recorded in the region.
Hal Ms Koningsdam Categories & Per Person Rates
Final payment due no later than 2.
Plus: pre-paid Ship/Port Fees of $260 per person.
Gratuities will not be pre-paid, but collected onboard by Holland America.Suites: $17.00 per person per dayAll Other Staterooms: $15.50 per person per day
Cancellation Schedule:*Cancellations must be received in writingThrough June 29, 2022: $250 per personJune 30-July 29, 2022: $500 per personJuly 30-Aug. 29, 2022: 50% of total costAugust 30, 2022 & after: Non-refundable
CABINS ARE NOT TRANSFERABLE NO EXCEPTIONS.
CHANGES: Must be made in WRITING. Any change made after cabin selection will be assessed a $250 per person administrative fee. There are no fees for adding additional passengers or waitlisting for an alternate stateroom.
Your User Name & Password is required for LRBCs Online Reservations System.
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Health And Safety Protocols
Princess is actively working with public health officials and medical experts in an effort to do everything possible to prevent illness, including COVID-19, onboard Princess ships. Here are some actions that Princess is taking to ensure our guests can sail confidently and safely with Princess.
Changing Itineraries
Princess is constantly monitoring the global health map and cancel or modify itineraries to impacted areas. Princess also prevents guests and crew who have recently traveled through these high-risk locations from boarding.
Enhancing Health Requirements
Princess will deny boarding to guests and crew if they:
- Have been in contact with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 or a person being monitored for COVID-19.
- Are suffering from a fever or flu-like symptoms prior to embarkation.
Stepping Up Screenings
At embarkation, Princess will require all guests and crew to participate in mandatory health screenings, which may include a thermal scan to check temperatures, and in some cases secondary screenings. Depending on the results, Princess will deny certain individuals boarding if they feel they could pose a risk to others.
Enhancing Sanitation Procedures in Embarkation Terminals
Cleaning Everywhere!
Free-flowing Hand Sanitizer
Keeping Crew Healthy
Revising Medical Protocols & Staying Prepared
24/7 Monitoring and Preparedness
The Best Sea Of Cortez Cruises
The Sea of Cortez is an often-overlooked destination by UKtravellers. Cradled between the barren Baja California Peninsulaand the Mexican mainland, at first glance you might assume that thewindswept coastline offers little more than rugged desertbeauty.
But dive under the surface of these waters and you’ll discoveran extraordinary wealth of wildlife that has earned the Sea ofCortez UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Famed for its hugenumbers of dolphins, sea turtles, blue whales, gray whales, orca,humpback, pilot and fin whales, whale sharks, manta rays and sealions, it’s no wonder Jacques Cousteau described the Sea of Cortezas ‘the world’s aquarium’.
Exploring by water is the best way to discover the region, butonly a handful of expedition cruise lines operate here. We’ve puttogether a short guide to the best options available
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Disembark / San Carlos / Loreto
Disembark in San Carlos after breakfast and transfer to Loreto. Here youll have the opportunity to visit the first mission in Baja California, as well as the nearby museum to learn more about what makes this town so special. Enjoy free time to explore quaint shops and vibrant side streets. After lunch, transfer to Loreto Airport for flights home.
Swim With Sea Lions Los Islotes Mexico
Steep cliff faces, jagged rocks and imposing boulders form Los Islotes, located in the southeast of Baja California. And it is here where a large colony of California sea lions can be found. Rarely fierce and quite playful, they are easily approached. It is even possible to swim next to them, which is a moving experience. Under the water, moray eels, grouper fish, clown fish and star fish bring a surprising touch of colour to the rocky depths.
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Islands Of The Sea Of Cortez
Cruise past the spectacular Friars Rocks at Lands End. For those who wish, we will arrange a visit to the historic town center of San José del Cabo. Isla San Pedro Mártir, Los Islotes, Isla San Franciscothese are some of the melodious names of islands scattered throughout this beautiful sea. After over 20 years of exploration here, we are still discovering new places and experiencing exciting events: bow-riding bottlenose dolphins, or sperm whales near our ship a pod of fin whales feeding around a convergence zone. The best areas for whale watching remain consistentthe waters south of Isla Carmen, Canal de Ballenas up north, and near the mouth of Bahía Concepción. Whether on the bridge of the ship, on Zodiacs, or kayaks, we will be in prime position to observe them all.
Day 15
Mexico Sea Of Cortez Coronavirus Updates And Protocols
**Updated June 13, 2022**
All guests and crew are required to have full vaccination to board, including a booster for all of those who are eligible.Documentation must be uploaded via the Guest Portal at least 30 days prior to departure.
Small vessel cruising provides an outlet for adventure in the outdoors with extended opportunities to be in fresh air in remote locations, with plenty of room to socially distance. As air travel continues so will the opportunity to join our highly experiential voyages, focused on nature, fresh air, in the outdoors. We dont operate in ports and remain in remote locations throughout the duration of our sailings. Smaller groups, more control, and a high level of safety protocols provide more confidence for our guests.
Requirements may change between now and your cruise departure. Stay up to date on our COVID-19 protocols.
San Jose del Cabo Hospitality Information:
Luggage: Please have your luggage checked in with the representative in the hospitality area by 3:00 p.m.Transfer to La Paz: You need to be back in the hospitality area NO LATER than 3:45 p.m. for the included group sightseeing and orientation transfer to the Safari Voyager.Hospitality: Barcelo Grand Faro Los Cabos Hotel Blvd. San Jose S/N Lote 9, Seccion Hotelera, 23400 San Jose del CaboHours: 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
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Explore Huatulco Bay By Catamaran Oaxaca State Mexico
An unmissable destination in southern Mexico, Huatulco Bay has 36 beaches that are each as idyllic as the other, as well as the Parque Nacional Huatulco, guaranteeing the preservation of the precious biodiversity. The best way to discover its splendour is to climb on board a catamaran and sail along the coastline. It is thus easy to admire the Sierra Madre mountains, the lush vegetation and the cliffs at the edge of these magnificent beaches. Birds, dolphins and manta rays will add to the magic of this excursion. A stop on a deserted beach in La India Bay, with an opportunity for swimming and hiking among the palms, will complete your trip into paradise.
Featured Baja Cruise Ports
Cabo San Lucas
Fall in love with the easygoing atmosphere and spectacular views of Cabo San Lucas. This small beach town is a paradise for fishing enthusiasts, water sports aficionados, and those who simply want to lay back and relax on an idyllic stretch of sand. Go swimming with your sweetheart at the secluded Lovers Beach. Snorkel alongside sea turtles and fish in the Sea of Cortez. Or go sport fishing and grill your catch for dinner.
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Where Do Sea Of Cortez Cruises Depart From
Mexico small ship cruises to the Sea of Cortez generally depart from La Paz, the state capital of Mexicos Baja California Sur, or San Jose del Cabo, located on the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula. You can reach each destination by air, arriving at Manuel Marquez de Leon International Airport or Los Cabos International Airport respectively. Regular flights connect each airport to domestic destinations, like Mexico City and Cancun, as well as international airports, including a variety in the USA.
The Puerto Los Cabos at San Jose del Cabo is a major gateway to the Sea of Cortez. The port is just a short 20-minute drive from the airport. Additionally, La Pazs port is an easy drive from the citys airport.
You can fly direct to San Jose del Cabo from, for example, LA, San Francisco, San Diego, Houston, Chicago, Seattle, New York, Denver, Atlanta, Detroit, and Washington, DC there are many non-stop direct flights connecting with the USA. A flight change will be needed, however, if you plan to fly into La Paz.
Our reservations team can help you book your next cruise to the Sea of Cortez in Mexico. Contact us today.
Best Time To Cruise The Sea Of Cortez
The best time to take a Sea of Cortez cruise depends on your main interests. A beautiful year-round destination, December to April is the best time to see whales. January to April is the high season for Sea of Cortez holidays in Mexico, and July to September are the hottest months. August and September are generally the rainiest months too. If you can bear the hot temperatures Sea of Cortez cruises in the summer are a great time to spot elephant seals, iguanas, blue-footed boobies, turtles, and lizards. Autumn is also good for wildlife spotting, with the added benefit of lower temperatures. Plan ahead and visit in October or November to beat the crowds.
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Lrbc #37 Itinerary & Themes:
Sat. 10/29: Depart San Diego, CA | 5p | Hometown BluesIts Embarkation Day wear a t-shirt, hat or article of clothing supporting your Local Blues Club, Blues Society or Performer!Sun. 10/30: Bluesin® At Sea | Kings & QueensFrom all the Blues Kings and Queens or maybe youll choose other royalty like the Kings and Queens of the Sea or wherever your universe lands! Mon. 10/31: Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, MX | 10a-5p | Halloween Trick or Treat! Get creative, cruisers anything goes!Tues. 11/1: Loreto, Baja California Sur, MX | 8a-6p | Dia de los MuertosGet in the spirit to honor musicians & friends who have passed & celebrate their spiritual journey.Wed. 11/2: Pichilinque , MX | 8a-6p | Go back in time & dress in the decade of your choice.Thurs. 11/3: Bluesin® At Sea | Legendary GearSport your LRBC attire! Merchandise will be available at the Wyndham the day prior to sailing & onboard all week in the Bluesin Bazaar. See the daily When & Where in your cabin for store location & times.Fri. 11/4: Bluesin® At Sea | Pajama Jam! Lets jam in our jammies for the final night!Sat. 11/5: Arrive San Diego, CA | 7a | Welcome Home