Baja California: Whale Watching Cruise on the Searcher
Tour Introduction
The small size of the Searcher enables access to parts of Baja California and the Sea of Cortez that the larger cruise ships are unable to reach, including permits to enter and anchor in the grey whale calving grounds of Laguna San Ignacio. With just 25 passengers the Searcher offers an intimate small ship experience with which to enjoy the grey whales and bountiful marine life of Baja California.
Full Itinerary
Arrive San Diego. Board Searcher at Fisherman's Landing by 8 pm for passenger orientation. Depart 11 pm.
Staying at Searcher. Includes Breakfast.
Stop at Esenada Harbour to clear Mexican customs and immigration. Cruise along Todos Santos islands to view nesting seabirds, rocky reef and cliff life, and harbour seal adults and pups.
Staying at Searcher. Includes All Meals.
Explore Islas San Benito, hiking to an old lighthouse, observing elephant seals crowded in coves, and nesting birds such as ospreys and ravens.
Staying at Searcher. Includes All Meals.
Spend two days observing grey whales in Laguna San Ignacio. Whale watch from skiffs as grey whale mothers care for their young, and explore pristine beaches.
Staying at Searcher. Includes All Meals.
Another day to observe grey whales in Laguna San Ignacio.
Staying at Searcher. Includes All Meals.
Spend the day offshore in Bahia Magdalena observing blue and humpback whales, pods of common dolphins, sea turtles and pelagic seabirds.
Staying at Searcher. Includes All Meals.
Cruise to Gorda Banks where humpback whales gather. Go ashore at Los Frailes to explore the beach and birdwatch.
Staying at Searcher. Includes All Meals.
Explore the caves and cliffs of Isla San Jose for up close views of nesting brown and blue-footed boobies, pelicans, yellow-footed gulls, osprey and white-throated swifts, then go ashore for a plant and bird hike. After the hike there will be the opportunity for some snorkelling in the reefs and sandy coves. In the afternoon there will be plenty of time to whale watch for blue, fin and sperm whales, as well as large pods of bottlenose dolphins that frequent the area.
Staying at Searcher. Includes All Meals.
his island is famous for the 12-foot “wavy” barrel cactus and other desert plants that grow along the canyon, where an early morning walk is an enjoyable option. Bird life is abundant and we should see and hear cardinals, Gila woodpeckers, ravens, and verdin. Also famous residents are the rare endemic Santa Catalina rattleless rattlesnake and the more abundant emerald-tailed lizards.
There will be snorkeling opportunities at this island, where the shallow reefs are home to many species of fish, sea stars, sea fans, and more marine life. Again we’ll spend time aboard Searcher for the afternoon whalewatching in this productive area.
Staying at Searcher. Includes All Meals.
Stop at this small island with a beautiful sandy beach to explore sand dune community and snorkel in an area where Cortez garden eels are found. Then there’s time to whalewatch offshore for blue, fin, or other whales.
Staying at Searcher. Includes All Meals.
Start the day bird watching in Nopolo, then travel to Los Islotes, two islets and underwater rock reefs used by sea lions as haul out sites. Skiff ride around the islets for great views of sea lions, fishes and invertebrates along the reefs, nesting boobies and other birds. There will also be an opportunity for some snorkelling.
Staying at Searcher. Includes All Meals.
Disembark Searcher in Cabo San Lucas at 8 am and transfer to San Jose del Cabo airport.
Includes Breakfast.
Tour Accommodation
Searcher
Overview
The 95-foot long Searcher, built in 1970, is a US Coast Guard SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and FCC (Federal Communications Commission) inspected and certified vessel. It carries two 475-horsepower Caterpillar diesel engines, two 60-kilowatt generators, and state-of-the-art electronics including GPS navigation and a satellite telephone.
Searcher has 14 air-conditioned cabins–12 are double-occupancy and three are triple-occupancy–each with fresh-water sink, AC US-style electrical outlets, reading lights and a mirror. Each cabin has sleeping bunks and gear storage.
There are four bathrooms (“heads”) on the main deck, two with showers and two located near the observation deck in the stern. There are wildlife observation decks on the stern and bow with chairs and on the upper deck in front of the wheelhouse.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Capacity
Length
Cabins
12 twin upper/lower and 3 triple upper/lower cabins with shared heads
Facilities
Lounge/dining room with small library; wildlife observation decks on stern, upper deck and bow area; 3 aluminium skiffs.
Route Map
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Departure Dates
Tour Dates
Adult Price
Single Supp
Travel Information
Are International Flights Included?
No. Please contact us for a quote if required.
Best Visited:
January to January
Are you ATOL Registered?
Yes. This means we are legally able to book your international flights in conjunction with your ground arrangements so you can book with us with complete confidence. Read more about our ATOL license here.
If you have any questions regarding this Tour, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
Absolutely loved it. I would recommend it to anyone. John Melton was always extremely helpful and answered all of my questions quickly and efficiently. Thank you John, it was very much appreciated.
