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Where the Desert Meets the Sea
Book online at rei.com/adventures or call 1-800-622-2236
Highlights
Trip Dates:
2008
- Apr 12–19 SL
- Apr 13–20 SB
- May 11–18
- May 18–25
- May 25 – Jun 1
- Jun 1–8
- Jun 8–15
- Jun 15–22
- Jun 22–29
- Jun 29 – Jul 6
- Jul 6–13
SB = Sea Bird; SL = Sea Lion; all other departures aboard the Sea Voyager.
Price:
2008
Cabins: from $3680 (per person based on double occupancy)
Sole occupancy: from $6090
Additional Fees:
Airfare to starting point
Total Days: 8
Group Size: 60-62 passengers depending on ship
Activity Level: 1 2 3 4 5
Levels explained 
- We have active trips for every skill level, novice to expert. These guidelines will help you select the level of adventure that's right for you.
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1 2 3 4 5 Relaxed: Adventure travel at its most relaxed pace.
Activity: 1-3 hours most days
Distances: walk less than 3 miles most days
Surfaces: flat terrain
Elevation change: little to none
Altitude: less than 3,000 ft
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1 2 3 4 5 Easy Active: Great for newcomers to active travel.
Activity: 2-5 hours most days
Distances: Hike up to 6 miles, cycle 10-30 miles most days
Surfaces: flat or rolling terrain with some possible steeps
Elevation change: up to 2,000 ft/day
Altitude: up to 6,000 ft
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1 2 3 4 5 Moderate: For outdoor novices and above.
Activity: 4-6 hours most days
Distances: Hike up to 10 miles most days, cycle 20-40 miles most days
Surfaces: rolling or mountainous terrain with some steep ascents/descents and uneven trails
Elevation change: up to 3,000 ft/day
Altitude: up to 10,000 ft
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1 2 3 4 5 Moderate Plus: Trips rated as Moderate Plus [3-4] are recommended for travelers seeking both moderate [3] and vigorous [4] activity levels. Please refer to daily trip itineraries for specifics.
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1 2 3 4 5 Vigorous: Recommended for fit travelers with basic skills.
Activity: 5-8 hours most days
Distances: Hike up to 12 miles most days, cycle 30-50 miles most days
Surfaces: mountainous, exposed terrain with steep ascents/descents and uneven trails
Elevation change: up to 4,000 ft/day
Altitude: up to 14,000 ft.
Experience and a doctors release may be required
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1 2 3 4 5 Strenuous: A trip for experienced and very fit travelers.
Activity: 10+ hours/day
Distances: Hike 12 or more miles most days, cycle 50 or more miles most days
Surfaces: remote mountainous, exposed terrain with steep ascents/descents, uneven trails with loose features.
Elevation change: up to 4,000 ft/day
Altitude: may well exceed 14,000 ft
Experience and a doctors release are required
Activities:
- Wildlife viewing
- Kayaking
Accommodations:
All cabins face outside with windows, private facilities, and climate controls.
Where the Desert Meets the Sea
The Sea of Cortez harbors over fifty remote islands, many with plants and animals that have evolved into distinct endemic species. Some in the scientific world refer to this region as “Mexico’s Galápagos.” This unique journey includes the seldom-visited Midriff Islands and is designed with no set itinerary, adding a stimulating sense of adventure to each day. Come join our spring season in Baja!
Important Notice: Day 1 is the day you should plan to arrive at the meeting point for the trip. This may require departing your hometown one or more days in advance and traveling on an overnight flight.
Where the Desert Meets the Sea Full Itinerary:
+ At-a-Glance Itinerary
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Day 1 - US / Loreto / Embark Ship
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Depart U.S. and fly to Loreto, Baja California, Mexico. Drive directly to our ship in nearby Puerto Escondido and set sail on the Sea of Cortez (D)
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Days 2-7 Exploring the Sea of Cortez
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This expedition is designed to take advantage of the best wildlife and exploring opportunities in the area. We will keep ourselves open to the possibilities. Our routing will include the islands listed below, although the order may vary (B,L,D):
Islas San Esteban and San Pedro Martir
In the morning land on Isla San Esteban for a walk up a desert wash, to search for desert birds and the endemic pinto chuckwalla — a fat, harmless desert lizard. In the afternoon visit Isla San Pedro Martir, a 1,000-foot-high guano-covered island that is home to thousands of seabirds. At this time of year blue-footed boobies, red-billed tropicbirds, pelicans and frigatebirds are all found here. A Zodiac cruise gives us close views of the birds and throngs of sea lions along the shoreline, and kayaks allow for personal explorations.
Canal de Ballenas and Isla Angel de la Guarda
In Canal de Ballenas it may be possible to see many species of whales and dolphins. Fin, sperm, and orca whales, bottlenose and common dolphin are among the species found in these waters. Later we land on Isla Angel de la Guarda for hikes among elephant trees and cardon cactus, and another opportunity for kayaking along a remote island shoreline.
Isla Rasa
In the spring one of the great wildlife spectacles of the Sea of Cortez is in full swing at Isla Rasa — the nesting of thousands of Heermann’s gulls and elegant and royal terns. This population of seabirds has been closely studied for many years, and we will go ashore to meet the researchers and unobtrusively observe the nesting, feeding and territorial behavior of these three species.
Isla San Marcos
At Isla San Marcos there is a beautiful cove for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving (available only aboard the Sea Voyager), and kayaking, and a broad arroyo leading into the interior, with intriguing desert plants and good opportunities for bird watching. In the afternoon we are again in rich whale waters, near the mouth of Bahia Concepcion where we stand a good chance of sighting several species of whales, particularly fin or sperm.
Isla Santa Catalina
This morning we’ll search for whales in the waters south of Isla Carmen, an area that has proven to be one of the best for finding blue whales, and often bottlenose and common dolphins. In the afternoon we visit Isla Santa Catalina, famous for its giant barrel cactus and rattleless rattlesnake. The protected bay of our anchorage is also an excellent site for snorkeling. With a full afternoon here there is time for swimming, scuba diving (Sea Voyager only), snorkeling, hiking and kayaking.
Islas Los Islotes and Espiritu Santo
At Isla Los Islotes, snorkelers have one of life’s great opportunities — swimming with graceful, curious sea lions. With a deeply indented shoreline and dramatically eroded cliff faces, Isla Espiritu Santo is perhaps the most beautiful island in the Sea of Cortez. We have a leisurely afternoon for swimming, scuba diving (Sea Voyager only), snorkeling, kayaking, and in the evening a beach barbecue under the desert sky.
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Day 8 - Loreto / Disembark Ship / Return U.S.
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This morning after breakfast we disembark and drive to Loreto's historic district for a visit to Baja California's oldest mission church. After lunch at a local restaurant we'll drive to the Loreto airport for our flights back to the U.S. (B,L)
Where the Desert Meets the Sea At-a-Glance Itinerary:
+ Full Itinerary
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Day 1 - US / Loreto / Embark Ship
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Days 2-7 Exploring the Sea of Cortez
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Day 8 - Loreto / Disembark Ship / Return U.S.
Note on Itinerary:
Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.
Cruise Cost Includes:
All accommodations and meals; kayak usage; taxes, service charges, and tips (except to ship's crew). There's never a charge for kayaks, Zodiacs, or the services of Lindblad's expedition staff.
Not Included:
Airfare; alcoholic beverages; extensions; personal items; baggage/ accident/ cancellation insurance; and gratuities to ship's crew.
Activity:
This trip is rated as an Easy Active [2] adventure cruise; excursions include kayaking, snorkeling and beach walks, which average about 2 - 4 hours of activity most days. Beginners are welcome. A kayaking orientation is held aboard ship the first full day of the cruise.
Weather:
During the lush months of April, May, June and early July is an ideal time for an expedition among the islands in the Sea of Cortez. Some in the scientific world refer to this region as "Mexico's Galapagos". Conditions are excellent — consistently calm and warm waters make for ideal swimming, snorkeling. Air temperatures are warm but not oppressively hot and spring rains bring forth colorful cactus blossoms.
Reservations:
An advance payment of approximately 10% of your voyage cost is required at the time of reservation to confirm your place; payable by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover or check.
Final Payment:
For trips eight nights or less, final payment is due 60 days prior to departure. For trips nine nights or more, final payment is due 90 days prior to departure.
| Cancellation Policy: |
| For Expeditions 8 Nights or Less |
| Number of Days Prior to Expedition Start | Per Person Cancellation Fee |
| 90 or more days | $150* |
| 89-60 days | Advance payment cost |
| 59-30 days | 50% of trip cost |
| 29-0 days | No refund |
| For Expeditions 9 Nights or More |
| Number of Days Prior to Expedition Start | Per Person Cancellation Fee |
| 120 or more days | $150* |
| 119-90 days | Advance payment cost |
| 89-60 days | 25% of trip cost |
| 59-30 days | 50% of trip cost |
| 29-0 days | No refund |
*Note: You will be issued a $150 Lindblad Expeditions Travel Certificate.
This policy is in accordance with the cruise company and REI Adventures’ standard payment and cancellation policies do not apply.
General Information:
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial trip deposit, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.
Where the Desert Meets the Sea
The key to staying comfortable during this trip is layering. To obtain maximum
comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to
create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather
protection. This gear list has been created to help you choose your clothing
and gear for this trip. Bring only what is necessary, as this will help you
and the field staff.
Weather
In Baja, mid-winter daytime temperatures average in the 70s and drop almost
twenty degrees at night. March, April and October departures will often
experience daytime temperatures in the 80s. Throughout the season, water
temperatures range from 65º-75ºF. Late November / December and February
typically have more windy conditions. In February, a short wet suit is
recommended for those desiring to go swimming or snorkeling.
Gear Checklist
Luggage
- Duffel bag, sturdy and large enough to hold all your gear
- Small daypack for camera, water bottle, light jacket, sunscreen, etc.
- Passport pouch or money belt
- Luggage tags and luggage locks
Clothing
- Lightweight, easily washable items for city and boat wear— casual and comfortable clothes are recommended
- Long-sleeve shirts (for cool evenings and sun protection)
Clothing Accessories
- Sun hat—this is essential!
- Swimsuit(s) and on-deck cover-up
Outerwear
- Lightweight fleece or pile sweater
- Lightweight rain / wind shell
Footwear
- Comfortable running or hiking shoes
- Watersport sandals or booties
Travel Accessories
- Mask and snorkel (if you prefer your own)
- Water bottle—this is essential!
- Small, personal first-aid kit
- Sunglasses and retainer strap
- Waterproof, high-SPF Sunscreen
- Plastic bags to keep your gear dry inside your daypack, and to separate wet/dirty items from dry/clean items
- A good pair of binoculars
Optional
- Guide books for Baja California
- Stuff sacks, various sizes for organizing clothing and gear inside duffel
- Camera, film and spare batteries
- Disposable underwater camera
- Small dry bag for camera gear while on ship-to-shore rides
- Reading and writing materials
- Watch with alarm or travel alarm
Things to Consider
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Always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, medications
and one set of spare clothes in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is
delayed.
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A sweater and wind shell are often needed, as it can be breezy and evenings
are usually cool. Note: You’ll need the sweater if you want to spend the night
up on deck, under a very bright, star-studded sky.
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Cotton is wonderful in warm weather. Quick-dry items are advisable, since
laundry facilities are not available. Clothes should be casual and loose
fitting. Long and short sleeve shirts are recommended.
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All bedding and towels are provided on the boats.
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Feel free to give us a call at (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions
regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores or REI’s Direct Sales
(800-426-4840) is also happy to help you with gear questions. Or visit REI’s
website at www.rei.com. The “Expert Advice” section
has great information to help you prepare for your trip.
Where the Desert Meets the Sea
Sea Bird/Sea Lion
Sea Voyager
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