Included
Accommodations; excursions; entrance fees; leadership and crew; all meals; local guides and permits, unless otherwise indicated in the itinerary.
Exclusions
The cost of air flights, unless otherwise indicated in itinerary; airport taxes; passports; visas; immunizations; insurance of any kind; laundry, excess baggage and items of a personal nature; medical costs; costs of hospitalization; additional expenses arising from the delay or extension of a trip due to force majeure: including, without limitation, pandemic, act of God, governmental regulation or order, weather, political disputes, illness, failure of transportation, or other causes beyond our control.
Payment & Cancellation
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 20% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 150 days – 50% of deposit
150 to 91 days – 100% of deposit
90 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
Terms & Conditions
This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.
Vaccination Requirement
To join this trip, all eligible guests must provide proof of being fully vaccinated (at least 14 days after your final COVID-19 vaccine shot). There may also be COVID-19 testing or other requirements to participate; your Adventure Specialist will provide details of current policies upon booking.
Arrival & Departure
The 11-day northbound Sea of Cortez, Baja, Gray Whales & Whale Shark Snorkeling Cruise begins in La Paz and ends in Loreto. Plan to arrive at the Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) no later than 1:30pm on day 1. Plan to depart Loreto (LTO) on day 12 aboard Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air flight to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
For every departure, give yourself plenty of time (2 hours) to clear customs and immigration in the International Terminal at LAX and get to your domestic gate. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.
Activities
Kayaking, swimming and hiking are offered on every Westward cruise. Other activities vary by itinerary and season but may include snorkeling with sea lions, snorkeling with whale sharks, gray whale viewing and hiking to petroglyphs. If a particular activity is of interest, discuss the options with an AdventureSmith Specialist who can help you choose the best Westward departure.
Room Configuration
Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at a 50% supplement of the per-person listed rate in select cabins upon availability. Triple accommodation may be available, but cabin sizing is ideal for two travelers or the third traveler being a child. Please inquire with an AdventureSmith Specialist for discount pricing for the third person traveling. Choice of cabins is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Families & Children
Children over 12 years of age are welcome to participate along with their parents or legal guardian. Children under 12 years of age are welcome on whole boat charters.
Travel Insurance
Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.
Itinerary Notes
Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s and guides’ discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique. On Westward’s itineraries that include gray whale viewing on the Pacific Ocean, the captain may change lagoon visits to account for whale migration timing and ensure the best possible Baja experience for guests.