January 12-19, 2008 (8 days) From approx. $4,270 pp/do, including airfare from Los Angeles to La Paz, Mexico

Each winter, gray whales migrate south from their arctic feeding grounds to breed and rear their young in Baja California’s sheltered lagoons — one of North America’s premier whale-watching sites. The astounding number of gray whales makes Baja a prime location for experiencing one of the largest migrations of any mammal, covering 10,000 miles off the Baja Peninsula’s coast. During the days in the breeding lagoons of Bahía Magdalena, you’ll venture among the majestic gray whales in a Zodiac landing craft. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe one of nature’s greatest spectacles from an impressive water-level view. The Baja expedition also provides travelers with a rare gift — a glimpse into the whales’ natural habitat and behaviors. The expedition offers naturalist-guided walks on incomparably beautiful sand dunes enmeshed in the region’s uninhabited desert islands. As part of your nature experience, go bird-watching in the dense mangroves where you may spot magnificent frigate birds, cormorants, great blue herons, and migrating species on the mud flats. Baja California boasts 91 species of cacti — including the tallest in the world — the giant cardon. Swim, snorkel, and kayak in the clear waters of the Sea of Cortez, and explore its many treasures. The itinerary remains flexible to make the most of whale-watching and unexpected wildand marine-life sightings.

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