Baja California: Whale Watching Cruise on the Searcher

Arrive San Diego. Board Searcher at Fisherman's Landing by 8 pm for passenger orientation. Depart 11 pm.

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.

Explore Islas San Benito, hiking to an old lighthouse, observing elephant seals crowded in coves, and nesting birds such as ospreys and ravens.

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.

Another day to observe grey whales in Laguna San Ignacio.

Spend the day offshore in Bahia Magdalena observing blue and humpback whales, pods of common dolphins, sea turtles and pelagic seabirds.

Photograph beautiful rock formations at Land's End, then cruise to Gorda Banks where humpback whales gather. Go ashore at Los Frailes to explore the beach and birdwatch.

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.

Hike on Isla Catalina which is famous for its 12-foot barrel cactus and other desert plants that grow along the canyon. Bird life is abundant and includes cardinals, Gila woodpeckers, ravens and verdin. Amongst the other residents are the rare endemic rattleless Santa Catalina rattlesnake, and the abundant emerald-tailed lizard. There will be more snorkelling opportunities and afternoon whale-watching in this productive area on board the Searcher.

Stop in Bahia Agua Verde to birdwatch ashore then snorkel among giant sea fans. Then there's time to whale watch offshore for blue, fin or other whales.

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.

Disembark Searcher in Cabo San Lucas at 8 am and transfer to San Jose del Cabo airport.