ITINERARY: 8 DAYS
DAY 1: U.S./LA PAZ, MEXICO
Arrive in La Paz and drive along the beautiful
Malecón to meet our ship.
National Geographic Sea Bird (D)DAY 2: EXPLORING THE SEA OF CORTEZ
We’ll follow the currents and the wildlife
today, exploring pristine, uninhabited islands
such as Isla San Jose or Isla Santa Catalina;
and snorkeling among colorful parrotfi sh and
fl ashing schools of surgeonfi sh. Search for
whales among the islands of the southern
Sea of Cortez, one of the best areas for
spotting blue whales and bottlenose dolphins.
Walk among huge cacti and observe the
great diversity of birdlife, including verdins,
ladder-backed woodpeckers, and Costa’s
hummingbirds. (B, L, D)DAY 3: LOS ISLOTES AND ISLA ESPÍRITU SANTO
At Los Islotes, snorkel and swim among curious
sea lions. With its rugged cliff s and coves
carved deeply into the coastline, Espíritu Santo
is one of the most beautiful islands in the Sea
of Cortez. This afternoon, examine the island’s
volcanic landscapes on a kayak excursion.
Go beachcombing or take a hike along the
rocky coast, keeping your eye out for brown
pelicans, gulls, wandering tattlers, great blue
herons, and boobies. Tonight, gather for a
barbecue around a campfi re on the beach and
take in a splendid display of stars. (B, L, D)TRIP DETAILS
DATES: 2015: Jan. 17–24, Jan. 24–31*,
Jan. 31–Feb. 7, Feb. 7–14*, Feb. 14–21,
Feb. 21–28*, Feb. 28–Mar. 7, Mar. 7–14*,
Mar. 14–
* These departures follow the itinerary shown but in the
reverse order, beginning in San Carlos and ending in La Paz.
EXPEDITION COST:
Category 1 $5,
Located on Main Deck
Category 2 $6,
Located on Upper and Bridge Decks
Category 3 $7,
Located on Upper and Bridge Decks
See photo and deck plans for the National
Geographic Sea Bird on page 62. Prices are
per person, double occupancy. For a single
cabin, add $3,000 in Category 1 and $3,
in Category 2. Airfare is not included in the
expedition cost. Round-trip economy airfare
between Los Angeles and La Paz is $
(subject to change).DAY 4: GORDA BANKS AND LOS CABOS
The morning is spent at the Gorda Banks
seamount, a gathering place for whales—
especially humpbacks—as well as dolphins
and other sea life. Learn about whale
behavior with our on-board marine biologist
as you watch these giant creatures breach
and tail-lob. Then cruise past Friars Rocks
at Land’s End and dock at Los Cabos. If you
choose, take an excursion to the historic
town of San Jose del Cabo. (B, L, D)DAYS 5-7: BAHÍA MAGDALENA
Bahía Magdalena—a vast wilderness of sand
dunes, mangrove channels, and protected
waters—is one of the main breeding and
calving areas for California gray whales.
Every year, gray whales migrate here from
the Arctic waters of Alaska to breed and
raise their calves. It is believed to be the
longest migration by any mammal and is one
of nature’s greatest spectacles. In this vast
aquatic nursery, observe these enormous
yet gentle animals from the ship and at
water level from our expedition landing craft.
Venture into dense mangroves by kayak and
watch for magnifi cent frigatebirds, pelicans,
and great blue herons on the mudfl ats.
(B, L, D Daily)DAY 8: SAN CARLOS/LA PAZ/U.S.
After breakfast, disembark in San Carlos
and drive across the peninsula to La Paz for
your return fl ight home. (B)RESERVE ONLINE AT NATIONALGEOGRAPHICEXPEDITIONS.COM 19
NORTH AMERICA
Bristling cacti soak up the sun on Isla Santa Catalina.Kayakers paddle in crystal-clear waters.