GREY WHALES OF THE PACIFIC LAGOONS (GUIDED)
8 nights Departures in February and March
Baja California, Mexico, is a ruggedly beautiful peninsula extending south from California for over 800 miles.  The topography varies from the mountains that rise to 6,000 feet and tumble down to the Sea of Cortez forming isolated coves, to the low-lying west coast with its expansive sandy beaches, pounding Pacific surf and protected lagoons. For six days you will explore the beautiful lagoons that are sheltered from the open sea by a barrier of desert islands, in search of wildlife as you paddle between campsites.  Each winter, hundreds of grey whales travel over 5,000 miles from the Bering Strait to mate and bear their young in these protected waters.  Trip highlights include an afternoon observing these creatures from the comfort of a motorized skiff.  In addition to whales, the lagoons are home to dolphins, sea turtles and many migrating shore birds.  Your expert naturalist guides will introduce you to the desert flora and fauna of Baja’s lagoons.
Itinerary
Day 1 Fly to Los Angeles and stay overnight at the Holiday Inn Los Angeles Airport. Day 2 Fly to Loreto where you will be met by your guide and transfer to your hotel.  In the evening you will receive a pre-trip briefing. Day 3 After breakfast you will go to the launch site and paddle to your first campsite. Days 4 to 7 The days will be filled with kayaking, watching wildlife, exploring rich mangrove inlets, hiking along the sand dunes and beachcombing.  There will generally be 4-5 hours paddling per day (with breaks and lunch) before making a safari-style camp each afternoon. Day 8 A 2-3 hour trip on a motorized skiff to Boca Soledad will include time for whale-watching today.  After lunch, you will return to Loreto and check in to your hotel. Day 9 Transfer to the airport for your flight to Los Angeles and your connecting flight to the UK. Day 10 Arrive in UK.
Departure Dates and Prices
Prices are per person sharing twin room.  Single supplement available on request.
Departure Dates Prices  2 and 16 February 08  1 March 08 £1015
Price Includes: Return flights from LA to Loreto, accommodation, all meals from lunch on Day 3 to lunch on Day 8. Price Excludes: International flights, meals not listed, sleeping bag and pad, gratuities and items of a personal nature.