8 DAYS\7 NIGHTS

DAY 1 ARRIVE IN CABO SAN LUCAS Transfer from Los Cabo's Airport to Cruise West's Hospitality Room at Cabo's inner harbor. Board your ship to begin your Sea of Cortes cruise. D

DAY 2 ISLA ESPIRITU SANTO This 23,383-acre island near La Pazis centered in one of the most biologically diverse marine areas in the world - and is a major environmental success story. Several plants and animals are found nowhere else in the world, including the blacktail jack rabbit and antelope squirrel. Drop anchor at Espiritu Santo's Bahia Bonanza for a day ashore. Takea guided walk among the tangle of exotic cacti, or swim, snorkel, and kayak the crystal clear sea here that supports 900 species of fish. No need to bring snorkel gear or wetsuits as this gear will be provided for you. BLD

DAY 3 WHALE WATCHING This whole day is spent pursuing up-close viewing of marine life. The Sea of Cortes is home to huge schools of common and bottle-nosed dolphins, as well as humpback, minke, fin, and blue whales. From mid-January to mid-March, hundreds of gray whales congregate in the shallow lagoons of Baja's Pacific shore. When our local contacts tell us the whales are present, we'll cross the peninsula by motor-coach to Puerto Adolfo Lopez Mateos. There board an outboard-equipped panga to observe the grays, who have migrated some 6,000 miles from Alaska's Bering Sea to mate, give birth, and rear their young. When whales are not present there due to varied migration patterns, we will look for whales in the Sea of Cortes. BLD

DAY 5 LORETO Founded in 1697, Loreto's Nuestra Senora de Loreto Mission was the original "mother" church from which all the other California missions were founded, eventually leading as far north as Sonoma, California. A museum adjacent to the mission displays artifacts and paintings from Baja's colonial era. Stroll the streets and plazas of this picturesque seaside village, capped by a reception with musical entertainment at the mission. BLD

DAY 6 Los ISLOTES& ISLA PARTIDA Los Islotes is a steep seamount punctured by sea caves. Blue-footed boobies reside on the cliffs, and a large colony of California sea lions hauls out on the rocks below. Weather permitting, swim and snorkel as the female sea lions and their curious young pups float about you in the sea. Continue to Isla Partida nearby, to hike the island's rugged canyons, kayak up-close to rock-walled headlands, or just relax on the beach. In the sheltered cove of Ensenada Grande, the silky, sandy bottom shelves out very gradually for hundreds of feet, as gentle waves lap onto the mangrove-backed beach. BLD

DAY 7 LA PAZ Today, your ship ties up at the central waterfront of Baja California Sur's capital and largest city, which was founded in the 1530s. Explore the shops, gelaterfas, and the miles-long waterfront malecon or promenade. A host of options will be available and you will have the opportunity to enjoy an exclusive fiesta, complete with Mexican music, dancers, and pinatas. Later, depart La Paz to sail over night to Cabo San Lucas. BLD

DAY 8 DISEMBARK IN CABO SAN LUCAS Cruise past the spectacular rock formation, Los Arcos, at the very tip of the Baja Peninsula. After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the Los Cabos Airport. B

Request: Sea of Cortes Whales and Wildlife Cruise 34a.