The Baja Peninsula Lagoons and the Sea of Cortez
January 29 to February 5, 2011
The Club has reserved the 32-cabin Sea Bird exclusively for MYC members, family and friends to explore the lagoons of Baja and the inland Sea of Cortez. Follow in the footsteps of Steinbeck in exploring this beautiful land, home to a vast diversity of plant and animal life. We'll start on the Pacific side of the Baja to watch the immense gray whales in their breeding waters of the lagoons of Bahia Magdalena. From there we sail around Los Cabos into the Sea of Cortez where we'll snokel in crystal clear waters, explore hidden beaches and enjoy the myriad unspoiled islands and wildlife of the sea and land.
Again we have chosen Lindblad and National Geographic as our tour operator. They are holding the 32-cabin Sea Bird for us, but only until April 15, so we must act quickly if we are to have the entire ship. Prices, with our group discount for early booking range from $4,503 to $5,605 per person with an additional $125 per person credit for onboard charges. Plus, of course, air fare to La Paz, Mexico. All meals aboard are included. (Note that prices listed on Lindblad's web site refer to 2010 rates and schedules.)
Our Route:
While the route of our voyage will vary depending on wind and weather, if we do fill the ship, the captain will then do his best to shape the passge to our desires. We will fly into La Paz and then travel over the peninsula to meet the ship in the Pacific, traveling south along with the gray whales headed for the lagoons which are the breeding grounds for these magnificent, great whales. Although we have all seen the humpbacks and fin whales of Mass Bay, the experience of seeing whales on their densely populated breeding grounds provides a far more intimate experience. Most of the whales will have arrived by the time we get there; the birthing season coming into swing. The placid lagoon waters and lazy behaviors provide a far more intimate experience than Stellwagen bank. And, of course, nobody has seen a gray whale on the east coast since whaling brought the Atlantic Gray Whale to extinction in the 1700's. We may well also see schools of dolphins or migrating humpacks.
After the lagoons of the west Baja, we will round Los Cabos and head into the Sea of Cortez. The wildlife does not end, from the possibility of sperm whales and sea lions to the stunning cactus, mountains, lizards, flowers and birds of this remote area.
All this natural splendor is reason enough to go. However, when you top it off by sailing with a group of friends, family and like minded folk from the MYC, it is an opportunity not to be missed.
For more information on the voyage and what we may see with our expedition leaders from Lindblad and National Geographic, check out the links to video, photos and expedition reports in the right column. You will quickly feel enticed!
Returning participants from the 2007 MYC Winter Cruise to the Galapagos should receive a $250 per person discount from Lindblad if they made a donation to the Galapagos Fund in that year.
To book passage, for specifics on rates, and to take advantage of the full ship booking, contact Manchester Travel no later than April 15, 2010 at 978-526-4343.
For general questions, contact one of the MYC members listed below.