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Sea of Cortés & Baja Whale
Watching Exploration
March 7-14, 2009 |
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Join us and a maximum of 138 other
explorers to discover a land and sea
brimming with unique life ~ the
remarkable Baja peninsula and Sea of
Cortés. Our Cruise West small ship
voyage is highlighted by visits to
unspoiled and uninhabited islands
teeming with some plants and animals
found nowhere else in the world.
Enjoy breathtaking private beaches,
kayaking, snorkeling in turquoise
coves or with curious sea lions,
easy hikes among the
special species of birds and giant
cardón cactus, on-board lectures
with marine and biology experts,
exploring the noted colonial towns
of La Paz and Loretta, and possibly
a trip across the peninsula to visit
the Gray whale nursery in Magdalena
Bay. Everyday, you will delight in
watching gentle giants breaching,
playful dolphins racing the ship, or
flying fish pointing the way.
If more adventure is in your future,
opt for a post-cruise journey by
train to the amazing Copper Canyon,
where you climb to nearly 8,000 feet
and pass through more than 68
tunnels on one of the most scenic
rail trips in the world.
Many
2008 itineraries of these
explorations sold out months in
advance, so book YOUR 2009 cruise
NOW to avoid disappointment! |
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DAY 1
CABO SAN LUCAS
Transfer to Cruise West’s hospitality
area at Cabo’s inner harbor. After
pre-boarding documentation, you will be
taken to board your ship and sail into
the
Sea
of Cortés. |
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DAY 2
ISLA ESPIRITÚ SANTO
This 23,383-acre island near
La Paz
is centered in one of the most
biologically diverse marine areas in the
world and is a major environmental
success story. Several plants and
animals are found nowhere else in the
world, including the blacktailed jack
rabbit and antelope squirrel. |
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DAY 3
WHALE WATCHING
This whole day is spent pursuing
up-close viewing of marine life. The Sea
of Cortés is home to huge schools of
common and bottle-nosed dolphins, as
well as humpback, minke, fin, and blue
whales.
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DAY 4
ISLAND EXPLORATION
Guided by the weather and tides, visit
one of the beautiful and distinctive
islands of the
Sea
of Cortés. Exploration may include
nature hikes with on-board experts,
kayaking, and snorkeling. |
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DAY 5
LORETO
Founded in 1697, Loreto’s Nuesta Señora
de Loreto Mission was the original
“mother” church from which all the other
California missions as far north as
Sonoma,
California were founded. There is time
to leisurely stroll the town, enjoy
refreshments and special entertainment
at the Mission. |
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DAY 6
LOS ISLOTES & ISLA PARTIDA
Los Islotes is a steep seamount
punctuated by sea caves. Blue-footed
boobies reside on the cliffs, and a
large colony of
California sea lions haul out on the
rocks below. This is the place to play
with furry friends, or just take a
scenic ride around the area in one of
the zodiacs. |
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DAY 7
LA PAZ
Today, your ship ties up at the central
waterfront of Baja California Sur’s
capital and largest city, which was
founded in the 1530s. Explore the shops,
gelaterías, and the miles-long
waterfront malecón or promenade. |
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DAY 8
DISEMBARK IN CABO SAN LUCAS
Cruise past the spectacular rock
formation, Los Arcos, at the very tip of
the
Baja Peninsula. After breakfast,
disembark and transfer to the Los Cabos
Airport. |
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Contact Lee Nelson
elnelsontx@aol.com
915-585-8352/915-525-1533 or
your favorite Sun Travel Agent at
915-532-8900/800-369-2649
for this upclose, casual & personal
adventure.
$700 Deposit holds your space ~
Final payment due by
December 5, 2008.
This popular program sells out
quickly ~ call today to reserve!
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Spirit of
Yorktown
Sailing
March 7-14, 2009
Roundtrip Cabo San Lucas |
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Category A |
Category AA |
Category AAA |
Fuel Surcharge |
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Brochure Price |
$ 2199 |
$ 2449 |
$ 2949 |
$ 105 |
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Group Discount Price |
$ 2112.90 |
$ 2336.90 |
$ 2786.90 |
$ 105 |
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Past Passenger Disc. |
$ 2026.40 |
$ 2239.90 |
$ 2666.70 |
$ 105 |
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All cabins face outside for a miraculous view.
Prices per person based on double occupancy
include taxes/port charges and on board services
for the 8-day cruise only; airfare and optional
post-cruise Copper Canyon trip are additional.
The current fuel surcharge of $105 is subject to
change until final payment or departure. Prices
are accurate at the time of writing; the right
to correct any errors is reserved. Call for
additional air and optional Copper Canyon
post-cruise pricing.
Category
A Category
AA Category AAA
Inside
Corridor Outside
Passageway Inside Corridor
Main Deck Forward
Promenade Deck & Lounge Deck Aft Lounge &
Main Decks
  
Two
twin beds, writing Two twin
beds, writing Two twin beds,
hair
desk, hairdryer and
desk, hairdryer and dryer
and portholes
picture window featured.
picture window featured. Featured.
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Cabins are located on the
Main,
Lounge and Promenade decks. First above water
level is Main Deck with the aft dining room.
Above
Main
is Lounge Deck where informational and
educational lectures are held in the forward
observation lounge. Above is Promenade Deck (all
cabins), topped by Sun Deck for magnificent
viewing.
Check out next page: WHAT YOU MIGHT
EXPERIENCE!!! |
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Wonders of Baja: Whales, Wildlife and Waters of
The
Sea
of
Cortes
What You Might Experience
Have you ever wanted to…reach out
and caress a baby whale? remember the twitter
and arias of amazing birds exclusive to a unique
place? feel the mist on your face from breaching
whales and leaping dolphins? snorkel with frisky
sea lions? try ocean kayaking? hike among
deliciously beautiful blooming desert cactus and
other matchless plants with your own naturalist?
Would you like to enjoy the ambience of another
culture through its distinctively different
music, food and art…in the company of
like-minded companions? or just relax and
breathe in incredible views everyday?
All of this and more can be found if
you journey into The Sea of Cortés on a Cruise
West small ship adventure. Balmy weather and
gentle winds will greet you and the no more than
137 other passengers if you go mid February to
early March. Not too cool, not too hot…and the
water temperature is warm enough for most who
like to swim, snorkel, and kayak without wearing
a wet suit.
On a seven night cruise round trip
from Cabo San Lucas you can: stroll the streets
of historic colonial Loretto and La Paz; explore
four islands and discover what kind of flora and
fauna dwell happily in one of the most
inhospitable spots on the globe; delight in a
full day of up-close viewing of marine life; and
treasure secluded beaches for snorkeling and
kayaking.
A drive overland to Magdalena Bay to
look for baby whales before the newborns and
moms begin their migration to Alaska is short
and well worth it. After wintering in the
nutrition laden warm waters off the Pacific
coast of Baja, many gentle California Gray
giants give birth where they were born.
After boarding a small panga with a
well trained guide and captain, you are
carefully eased out into the nursery. The
intelligent creatures seem to know they are safe
from harm and allow the boats to come close
enough to touch the babies…it’s as if they are
showing off their offspring to those in the
right place at the right time!
Nature lovers and whale watchers
will revel in this trip of a lifetime…as will
those who never tire of admiring the wonders of
the water world which of course is larger than
our world on land! |
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