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BAJA CALIFORNIA : AMONG THE GREAT WHALES
Unique, immersive expedition travel Each year California gray whales pause during their migrations to birth and nurse their calves in the birthing lagoons on the Pacific side of Baja California. Our ship becomes your mobile basecamp and you’re immersed in the life-cycle of these gentle giants, making daily excursions in local boats for up-close observations, before heading out on an itinerary that features these opportunities:
8 Days on
National Geographic Venture - Only 100 Guests From $6,400 to $10,610* 2022 Expedition Dates: Jan, Feb, Mar 
Special access to Baja’s gray whale lagoons
As late summer fades into autumn, pregnant gray whales depart the Chukchi and Bering seas, hugging the nearshore Pacific coast for some 6,000 miles to Baja, to Bahia Magdalena, the end of this long and arduous journey. It is here, in the warm, sheltered and nutrient-rich waters of Boca de Soledad, the northern extension of Bahia Magdalena, that female grays birth and instruct their young, before departing again, back north. From the fishing village of Lopez Mateos, we set out in local pangas, with our naturalists aboard, for opportunities to observe the whales at water level. Occasionally, we are rewarded with a close encounter of calves and watchful mothers. These rare moments are incredibly special, particularly as we consider that these gentle giants were so recently hunted by humans almost to extinction. There is so much magic here, so much life in skeins of pelicans skimming the surface, then rising on a thermal followed by a whale blow or a whale surface nearby. And, this is just the start of our marine mammal adventure, only one element of our comprehensive Baja journey as we dip into the southern extension of the bay system, at Bahia Almejas where we are fortunate to be observers of another life cycle of grays as males and females amorously eye each other. Here, we may see fascinating courtship behavior such as the occasional breach, spy-hop or tail slap. As we round the southern cape, humpbacks start to appear, sometimes in large numbers. And, still, the Sea of Cortez awaits with its sea lions, dolphins and other whale species. Cost Includes:
Accommodations; meals indicated; excursions; services of Lindblad expedition leader, naturalist staff and expert guides; use of kayaks; snorkel gear; all port charges and service taxes. Cost Not Included: Air transportation; voyage DVD; personal items such as alcoholic beverages, emails, etc.; discretionary tips to ship’s crew. |
Equipped for comfort and active exploration
Comfortably accommodating 100 guests, Venture is larger than the 62-guest Sea Bird and Sea Lion, but has the same shallow draft depth, allowing us to navigate the same inner reaches and provide the same intimate experiences of the charismatic regions we explore. Her twin expedition craft landing platforms allow us to rapidly get on and off the ship to take advantage of wildlife sightings and to ensure we maximize our time off the ship exploring. Designed with decades of expedition experience in the region, the purpose-built vessel also features open decks, generous windows, and specialty tools for exploration—the ideal platform for sailing into the fast-moving channels and shallow coves of Alaska and the Pacific Northwest and for exploring the tropical waterways of Central America. 
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ITINERARY
DAY 1: Loreto/San Carlos/Embark
Upon arrival in Loreto, transfer to San Carlos and embark National Geographic Venture. Tonight, we’ll anchor off the coast of Isla Santa Margarita. (D 
DAY 2: Bahia Almejas/Rehusa Channel/Isla Magdalena
Awake anchored in Bahia Almejas, the southernmost part of the Bay. We’ll observe a large frigatebird colony enroute to the spectacular whale grounds of Bahía Almejas. Whales in this part of the bay tend to be very active, seemingly oblivious to our presence so settle in for some great experiences. During lunch, the ship will reposition to Isla Magdalena where we’ll head to shore to explore the ever-shifting sand dunes, on a cross-island walk to one of the most pristine beaches in the Pacific. Bird watching can be excellent here with abundant seabirds in action and shorebirds patrolling the beaches as they fatten up and prepare for long journeys to Arctic breeding grounds. (B,L,D) 
DAY 3: Boca de Soledad
Each winter, during their long migration, gray whales travel south from their Arctic feeding grounds to breed and give birth and raise their calves in these sheltered waters. We’ll transfer by motorcoach to López Mateos and spend the full day observing, and with luck, interacting with these majestic creatures. Together with savvy local Mexican fishermen we’ve known for years, we’ll board local boats to view the numerous mother-calf pairs that thrive in this sheltering region. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading back to the ship in late afternoon. (B,L,D) 
DAY 4: Magdalena Bay/Cruising
Kickstart your morning with morning stretch hosted by our onboard wellness specialist on the sun deck. After breakfast, if conditions permit, we’ll explore the bay's vast mangrove system via kayak, standup paddleboard, and Zodiac, and learn how these ecosystems support their surroundings. This afternoon, we’ll sail out through “La Entrada” as we leave Magdalena Bay behind. Traveling south along the coast of the peninsula, there is a chance of seeing a wide variety of marine life, including the largest animal on Earth, the blue whale. Hear naturalist talks and learn photography basics. (B,L,D) |
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SPECIAL OFFER
$350 AIR CREDIT ON SELECT DEPARTURES
Book now to receive a $350 air credit per person on select departures. Valid for new bookings only, subject to availability, not applicable on extensions, and may not be combined with other offers. Credit will be deducted from cabin fare, prior to any additional applicable savings.
Book now to receive a $350 air credit per person on select departures. Valid for new bookings only, subject to availability, not applicable on extensions, and may not be combined with other offers. Credit will be deducted from cabin fare, prior to any additional applicable savings.
TRAVELING AS A GROUP
Save 5% when traveling as a group of 8 or more people. Take advantage of these great savings, while enjoying traveling with your friends and family. This savings is applicable to voyage fares only, and is not valid on extensions or airfare. Deposit, final payments, and cancellation policies for group travel vary from our regular policies.
Save 5% when traveling as a group of 8 or more people. Take advantage of these great savings, while enjoying traveling with your friends and family. This savings is applicable to voyage fares only, and is not valid on extensions or airfare. Deposit, final payments, and cancellation policies for group travel vary from our regular policies.
CONTACT FUGAZI TRAVEL TO RESERVE YOUR SAILING TODAY
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(800) 544-8728 • (415) 397-7111
345 California St., Suite 160 • San Francisco, CA 94104 info@fugazitravel.com • www.fugazitravel.com CST: 1007734-10 • DK1016 • 092421 |
