Accommodations Review
We had a room with a balcony. Saw many birds (pelicans and gulls) following the ship and fishing throughout the night just outside of our balcony. It was a great little room.
COVID Logistics
In general, it was a very friendly and open environment, despite the COVID pressure.
Itinerary Review
While we did not get to snorkel with the young California sea lions due to wind (had to completely skip that), and there weren’t too many whales or dolphins while making the journey to the Pacific side, we had one absolutely enchanting morning with the whales on the last day—one came right up to the boat and hung out with us. The trip was worth it just for that morning.
Another spectacular sighting was to see about a hundred brown boobies swarming the cliffside of Isla Danzante and diving into the ocean in perfect unison on our first full day. It was as if they were herding the fish from just the above the water — all of them moving so fast in complete unison. There were birds — brown pelicans, boobies — diving all over the place as we watched from the top of the cliff. It was simply breathtaking! That, I thought, was the magic of Baja! The Vista Walk to the top of the cliff gave us an incredible sighting of numerous brown boobies dive-bombing down the cliff. I had never seen so many boobies flying and diving in unison, coming back out of the water, gliding over the water's surface with such speed and agility. I was completely mesmerized. Also, we had our first encounters with the jumping cactus and a very impressive Cordone cactus that was several times my height.
We did not get to kayak nearly as often as I thought, and I hoped for more intimate encounters with the birds, but overall, mom and I think that one morning with the gray whale was worth the entire admission.
Isla San Francisco - amazing clear turquoise waters, thousands of fish -- some very colorful and beautiful, Sally Lightfoot crabs, pelicans diving in front of my kayaks, and the ridge walk with the perfect view of the gorgeous Moon bay and desert vegetations. Adrian also showed us a Chugwala.
By far, the most incredible experience was on the last day at Bahia Almejas. Unlike at Magdalena bay where I felt that we were chasing after the mother-calf gray whale pair, the last day felt very different. We were in a very large body of water, and the whales surrounded us. One particular friendly gray whale came to our boats and stayed with us, lifting its beautiful head out of the water and allowing us to touch and kiss him. He or she stayed by my side for a long while, allowing me to take a very close look at all the barnacles and whale lice, and to feel him and talk to him. It was truly an once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
Meals Review
The menu was not variable enough to my liking -- always fish similarly prepared, beef/port of some sort, and vegetarian choices. I did mostly enjoy the fish options. The dining staff was really excellent. I met some of the best companions on this trip, and we have exchanged contact information. We are already in correspondence and hope to make other trips together. One family of 3, in particular, made the week particularly enjoyable. The meals times with this family were so much fun that I nearly cried every time from laughing so hard.
Crew & Guides Review
Of course I treasured learning about the plant species, and the naturalists were (particularly the Mexican biologists) were so knowledgeable that I loved listening to them. The naturalists, particularly Adrian and Carlos - the two Mexican biologists - were true experts of the region's fauna, marine life, and various Sonoran desert ecosystems. Shane Sanders, another naturalist, photographer, and bird expert, took great care to help correct the settings on my camera and took particular effort to be sure that mom and I had the best opportunities for whale and bird watching. While Sarah was very responsive to my requests, I felt as though she did not have the typical energy of an expedition leader. Lindblad was very responsive to my requests to add a bird walk on couple of different days.
AdventureSmith Explorations Review
Andrew Browning is simply the best. He is the most reliable, responsive, detail-oriented, and meticulous travel guide I have ever had. I could not ask for anyone better and feel extremely fortunate to have had the chance to work with Andrew. He made all the difference!!! I really missed him when he was away on paternity leave. Andrew Browning at AdventureSmith has been one of the best parts of the whole process. He is as honest and trustworthy as he is thoughtful and meticulous. He takes such complete care of you that I would always want to work with Andrew in particular to prepare and book a trip whenever possible. One just cannot get better guidance than what Andrew can offer.
Traveler Advice
I have always wanted to go to Baja for marine mammals and bird watching. While we did not get to see any huge pods of dolphins or humpback whales up and close (did see a few in the distance), the close encounter with the gray whales on the last day made up for the previously lackluster whale encounters. It's hard not to expect fantastic encounters with wildlife when you go to a place like Baja, but the encounters are highly unpredictable as is the wind and water. One has to do his or her best to remain flexible and have an open mind and be willing to enjoy whatever happens and appreciate it. There is true magic to Baja, and it is heartwarming to see places that can not only recover from human destruction but also thrive.
