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6 DAY SEA OF CORTEZ SNORKEL/KAYAK
A Warm Water Adventure in Search of Whale Sharks
November 3rd-8th, 2010
Welcome to Our Adventure in Baja!
I am pleased to welcome you to a fantastic adventure exploring the underwater wonders of the Sea of Cortez.
In February of 2010, I had an opportunity to swim side by side with a whale shark in Bahia de la Paz. Such an experience has been a life long dream of mine, high on the bucket list. In November, whale sharks are commonly sighted in the shallow water off of La Paz and we hope is to swim with these enormous animals. As fish, whale sharks obtain oxygen through their gills and are not required to breathe at the surface as whales do.
In November, Bahia de la Paz is typically calm increasing our chances of spotting the shark's massive shape below the water's surface. As with most wildlife, whale shark encounters are not guaranteed but chances to observe these animals are excellent this time of year.
In addition to whale sharks, we will swim with sea lions and other marine life. November is a delightful month to enjoy the exquisite desert beauty and underwater wonders of The Sea of Cortez. Typically the weather has cooled down a bit, but the water remains warm with visibilities often exceeding 60'. Schools of mantas, dolphins and sea lions are often encountered. I am very excited to share Baja's rich and varied wildlife together.
The itinerary will provide a detailed account of our travels starting and ending in La Paz. Two nights will be spent at our La Paz hotel where we will depart each day to search for whale sharks. Three nights will be spent base camping at Espiritu Santos Island in the Sea of Cortez. All hotel accommodations, camping, transportation and meals are provided throughout the itinerary.
In the ruggedly beautiful Espiritu Santos Island we will kayak, snorkel, fish, hike and relax from our dramatically scenic beach camp. During our travels, we have the comfort and ease of a boat supported base camp. All activities are optional. We typically cover 4-6 miles when kayaking from Espiritu Santos Island.
Our group is limited to 14 women so please reserve your spot by sending a $100 non refundable deposit to: Blue Water Ventures, 108 Mason Street, Santa Cruz, CA. 95060. You may also pay via a credit card on Pay Pal (please note that there is a 3% service charge on multiple day trips so your online deposit is $103). For instructions, please visit our Payment Center . Payment schedules and travel insurance may be reviewed at Deposits.
Before sending a deposit, please email your interest and check trip status.
TRIP COST $995: includes all lodging, camping, meals, airport transfers from La Paz, all planned activities, whale shark excursions, guided snorkeling and kayaking trips, entrance fees, permits and kayak instruction. The price does not include airfare, phone calls, unscheduled boat excursions, activities not described in the itinerary, personal liquor, personal equipment (sleeping bag, pads, snorkel gear or wetsuit), tips for our Mexican Crew or airport departure taxes. We would like to suggest a tip ranging from $50-75.
FLIGHTS TO LA PAZ, BAJA: The airlines that fly into La Paz (LAP) are Alaska (800-252-7522) and AeroMexico (800-237-6639). I have found great rates at Kayak.Com.
It may be possible to find better airfares into San Jose Cabo (SJD airport code) although we have chosen these dates to correspond with the airline schedule of Alaska Airlines into La Paz. Our group will gather for dinner at 7:30pm on November 3rd with a more formal orientation in the morning (double occupancy rooms and dinner included). After clearing customs at the La Paz Airport, you will take a van to our hotel (we will send you a voucher to cover this fee ) and check in anytime after 3:00pm.
When departing La Paz, please do not book a return flight before 2:00pm on November 8th since we don't arrive to the mainland from the island until 11:00am on the 8th. Showers will be available before we fly!
FLIGHT OPTIONS TO LA PAZ VIA SAN JOSE CABO: If traveling through San Jose Cabo, there is now direct bus service departing from the Cabo airport to La Paz daily at 2:30 PM and 5:00 PM. On your return, you may travel from La Paz to the Cabo airport with direct daily departures at 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM. This first-class bus is comfortable and reasonably priced (approximately $30 per person, one way) and is about a 3 hour drive.
PLEASE NOTE: If you choose to travel through San Jose Cabo, you will need to overnight on November 8th in La Paz since we don't come off the island until 11:00am on the 8th. You may arrange your hotel directly with the same hotel we use in La Paz, PosadaLuna Sol or research another hotel stay on your own.
A complete package of information, most of which can be found on the web site, will be sent to you before our trip departure.
Please give me a call or send me an email if I can be of any other assistance.
