Journey to the Sea of Cortez - Gray Whales and Whale Sharks

La Paz, BCS, Mexico

PE
Feb 27 - Mar 6, 2025
Group size: 8 - 12
Journey to the Sea of Cortez - Gray Whales and Whale Sharks
La Paz, BCS, Mexico


Feb 27 - Mar 6, 2025
Group size: 8 - 12

About this trip

Trip Overview

Departing from La Paz, the gateway to the Sea of Cortez, we will head north to the islands of Espiritu Santo, Isla San Francisco and Isla San Jose.  Off the ship, Snorkel in the crystal-clear blue waters chocked full of undersea life, kayak to observe the coastal marine life, hike the desert islands and learn about the geology, flora and fauna, and visit areas for up-close encounters with an array of marine animals. While on the ship,  enjoy the tri-deck levels with spacious and comfortable outdoor lounging areas, dining, sunbathing and wildlife viewing. Allow the crew to spoil you with the highest comfort, service, and safety standards, including beautifully chef-prepared meals, drinks, and snacks. During your hotel stay, two x day trips are planned, one on the Pacific side and the other on the Sea of Cortez.


What to Expect – The expedition is rated as suitable for beginners to moderately experienced individuals. You should be comfortable with walking or standing for short periods, and able to participate in several activities on any given day. You are also required to have basic swimming skills and some experience snorkelling. Hikes range from 1 – 2 hours on different terrain in warm and humid conditions. You are welcome to opt out of any activity you choose. Experience a blend of adventure travel, education and cultural interaction while exploring the natural history of the marine environment. An unforgettable journey of discovery!


Planned Activities – With white sandy beaches and clear blue turquoise waters, enjoy daily swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, and/or simply relaxing on the beach. Cocktails and snacks are available under the shade of our beach canopy. Wildlife encounters typically include whales, dolphins, sea lions, mobula rays and a stunning array of coastal birds. Enjoy a nature hike to explore the flora and fauna of the desert islands. Evening stargazing is the perfect time to enjoy world-class stargazing (clear skies required). Don't forget to update your friends and family on your adventures with the onboard WiFi. Share your social media photos while enjoying a margarita on the upper deck with the setting sun in the backdrop.

Before and after the cruise, we will check into the Hotel Catedral for a total of 5-night stay. During this time 2 day trip activities have been planned. The first-day trip is by van to Magdalena Bay for 3 hours of gray whale watching. The second-day trip is to snorkel with the whale sharks then off to snorkel with the sea lions. The third day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.


Hotel Accommodations - Hotel Catedral, La Paz (4-star rating) is a new concept of lodging that adapts to the needs of today's traveller. The hotel is situated in the historic center of the city, surrounded by several points of interest, and located next to the oldest church in La Paz. With its sophisticated architecture in a contemporary modernist style, the hotel offers its guests a service of excellence and quality, both in the rooms and in its haute cuisine restaurant. 


Ground Transportation - We have arranged all transportation needs during your expedition. All transporters are certified and registered with the Department of Transport and the Mexican Board of Tourism. If you choose to arrive early or stay later, we will gladly arrange or recommend convenient transportation options.


About the Ship and Crew

The Yacht and Crew – The 120' yacht is a 120’ Anacona Italia. It is an extremely spacious vessel that is so smooth sailing, you hardly notice it’s moving. It provides plenty of shade and plenty of sun. This trideck yacht has everything you need for ultimate enjoyment out on the water. Panterra and the crew  are a highly experienced, professional, skilled team that ensures a high standard of comfort, service, and safety. Your naturalist is there to oversee your comfort, organize activities, guide and educate guests as you embark on an unforgettable journey. Ship Layout


Accommodations - The yacht offers four extremely spacious staterooms, including one Master Suite, one large full-beam guest suite, and two additional well-detailed staterooms. All guest staterooms include TV, air conditioning, a private ensuite bathroom and shower, full bedding and towels and a sofa bed or sette to accommodate a third or fourth person in the suite comfortably. The sleeping capacity of the yacht is 8-12 guests. Families, max. 15 guests.


Meals - Our chef expertly prepares beautifully presented 3/4-course meals, delicious snacks, and

appetizers. We offer a variety of beverages including fresh juices, sodas, beers, and select mixed drinks. We can accommodate most dietary needs with advanced notice.


Expert in the Field (naturalist) - Our naturalist will take you to places away from the seldom-visited tourist areas where you will have the chance to experience rare marine life encounters, explore the desert islands and visit world-class snorkelling spots.

Our Playground

The Sea of Cortez is recognized by UNESCO as a marine world heritage site. It is the youngest sea on Earth and is celebrated for its rich natural history, unspoiled beauty, and unrivalled marine life.

Jacques Cousteau famously referred to it as "the world’s aquarium." The waters and islands of the Sea of Cortez offer legendary biodiversity and some of the rarest adventures one can experience on a single journey.

What’s included

  • Transportation
    Airport and ground tran.sfers.
  • Hotel Accommodations
    5 nights at the Hotel Catedral - the first 3 and last 2 of the trip.
  • Ship Accommodations
    Dbl occupancy (dbl/queen bed) or trpl (sgl setee) by choice per stateroom. One smaller stateroom is designed with an upper/lower bunk and a single setee for a third guest.
  • Expert Naturalist/Guide
    Your naturalist is there to ensure your comfort, organize activities, guide and educate guests as you embark on an unforgettable journey to the Sea of Cortez.
  • Meals
    As indicated in the itinerary. All meals included onboard the ship.
  • Beverages
    Fresh juices, sodas, tea, coffee, and cocoa. We offer limited alcohol beverages of beer, mixed and specialty drinks. Guests are welcome to bring their own alcohol of preference.
  • Daily Activities
    As indicated in the itinerary.
  • Sports Equipment
    Kayaks, snorkel gear and wetsuit.
  • Ship to Shore Transport
    10 man Zodiac and 30' Robalo sportsfisher.
  • Marine Park Fees

What’s not included

  • Some Meals
    4 evening dinners and 2 lunches (during your hotel stay).
  • Air and Travel Insurance
    It is highly recommended guests purchase travel insurance to safeguard their vacation investment in the event of any unforeseen circumstances.
  • Gratuity
    Tipping is a meaningful gesture that reflects your appreciation for the outstanding service provided by all the staff involved.
  • Personal items
    Items of a personal nature.

Available Packages

Double Occupancy
Deposit:$1,200
Only 2 left

 Based on double occ. sharing a single double or queen bed or a comfortable single settee for those desiring their own beds. We also have 1 cabin with upper/lower bunks and a settee. 

$3,995
Deposit:$1,200
Single Occupancy
Deposit:$2,000
4 left
$6,392
Deposit:$2,000
3rd Guest in Stateroom
4 left

In each stateroom, there is a settee to comfortably accommodate a third person. In order to book this, the 3rd guest must be part of the double cabin booking. 

There is also 1 stateroom that offers upper/lower bunks and a settee for up to 3 singles (tight quarters for 3 adults, ideal for family/kids age 14 and older unattended).

$1,500
Group Booking
Deposit:$7,670

*1 - 10 guests 

*first and second 3rd guest surcharge is waived  

3rd guest surcharge is applicable for 11 - 12 guests  

$25,568
Deposit:$7,670

Available options

Extended Stay at the Hotel Catedral
$150
5 left
Deposit: $50

Hotel Catedral - Extend your stay before or after the trip. 

Price is per night, dbl/sgl occ and based on availability at the time of booking.   

Transportation
$350
Only 1 left
Deposit: $50

 One-way transportation to and from the Cabo airport ,and hotels between the east and west cape corridors, are available for a minimum of 4 guests to a maximum of 10 guests.  



Itinerary

Day 1
(Feb. 27) - Arriving to La Paz

Upon your arrival at the Cabo (SJD) or La Paz International Airport (LAP), our drivers will transfer you to the 4.5-star hotel in La Paz, Hotel Catedral for a 3-night stay. Once settled in join us for a "Welcome to the Baja Dinner" courtesy of Panterra.

Drive Time: Cabo to La Paz - 2.5 hours / La Paz to Hotel - 20 mins.

Meals included: Dinner


DISCLAIMER:

We kindly ask guests to know that weather conditions are beyond our control. The itinerary has been designed for flexibility to allow for changes. However, while it is rare, we may have to replace a water activity with a land activity. 

Your Organizer


PE
Panterra Educational and Cultural Training Society
Panterra Eco Expeditions/Panterra Geo Expediciones are part of the Panterra Educational and Cultural Training Society (PECTS). The expeditions are an initiative designed to generate financial funding for our research, wildlife conservation and community programs. A portion of the proceeds from each expedition is allocated to support these programs. Thank you for your kind support. For more information on PECTS, please visit our website at pects.org. For more information on our expeditions please visit our website at www.panterra.com.