The Houston Museum of Natural Science presents:
Whales, Whales, Whales a Cruise around the tip of the Baja California
with Dr. John Wise

7 nights / 8 days February 2004

Dr. John Wise is a marine biologist and curator at the Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS.) He received his Ph.D. from George Washington University, Washington D.C. and was a Smithsonian Fellow at the National Museum of Natural History. In the seven years, that Dr. Wise has been at HMNS, he has led trips to Belize, the Bahamas, New England, Ecuador (Galapagos Is.), the Turks and Caicos Islands and southern Baja, Mexico.

Our home will be the Don Jose, an 80' motor vessel, launched in 1979 is specifically designed for dive expeditions. It is outfitted with 7 staterooms, all above deck with excellent ventilation, air conditioning and large bunks. Some are equipped with wash basins and curtained changing area, hanging lockers with drawers for storage and privacy curtains. Three heads with showers adjoin the staterooms. The dining area is separate from the kitchen. There is 110V available 24 hours in all rooms and dining salon area. Storage lockers are available for snorkeling and dive gear. A VHS Video Player and Monitor are available for your use.

Snorkeling opportunities abound and the experience absolutely fantastic. A wetsuit is useful as the water temperatures will range around 65 degrees. The boat will have snorkeling gear but you may want to bring your own for that perfect fit. Thermal protection is the main use of the wetsuits but it is also protection from small jellyfish and other stinging organisms found in the water. Nylon tights, long sleeve t-shirts, or full body Lycra/Spandex suits work very well when used in conjunction or in place of wet suits. Wetsuits are available for rent for the trip at our La Paz office.

Welcome along on a spectacular opportunity for whale enthusiasts to see and learn about a wide variety of cetacean species. While whales will be our main focus for this trip, the transition between through the fascinating and rich waters of the Sea of Cortez, the tropical ocean waters of the Cape region, and the mangrove estuaries of Magdalena Bay exposes us to a tremendous variety of other marine life.

Whales, Whales, Whales This trip is a spectacular opportunity for whale enthusiasts to see and learn about a wide variety of cetacean species. We begin our cruise in La Paz where we move out into the Sea of Cortez in search of Fin and Minke whales. At the tip of the Baja Peninsula we pass through waters where Humpback whales are found. Sightings of Bottlenose and Common dolphin, Green sea turtles, Thresher sharks, and Blue Marlin, are possible. Along the west coast of Baja we will be traveling through waters where Blue whales have been sighted. The climax of the trip will be your arrival in Magdalena Bay where the California Gray whales migrate to from their Arctic feeding grounds and will be in the midst of active courting behavior and birthing. While whales will be our main focus, this trip also see exposes us to a tremendous variety of other marine life. Activities on this trip are as diverse as the area itself. Daily discussions, slide shows, whale watching and bird watching, will be led by trip naturalists to enhance your understanding and interest in this exciting area. We will also have opportunities for tide-pooling, beachcombing, photography, snorkeling or simply relaxing in the warm Baja sunshine. Day 1: Depart Houston for Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and then transfer from Cabo to La Paz, about 2 hours. Once in La Paz we board the Don Jose, our home the next six nights. DAY 2-6: The daily itinerary is intentionally flexible to take advantage of unexpected natural history opportunities. We will have many opportunities for snorkeling and bird watching in addition to watching the whales. Our route takes us south to the tip of the Baja and then, departing Cabo San Lucas we head north up the Pacific side of the Baja peninsula seeking whales, birds and other marine life in the Pacific Ocean. We will anchor just inside Magdalena Bay and there will be excellent opportunities for whale encounters with the California Gray Whales and views of the numerous birds and wildlife species. DAY 7: Leave Magdalena Bay after lunch on the boat. Transfer by bus to La Paz. DAY 8: Group transfer to Cabo and your return flight to Houston. Please contact Amy Featherstone 713 639 4744 or Graham Farebrother, 281-217-8111 or 713-203-0000 for additional information. Print this Itinerary You can download a print-friendly version of this itinerary in PDF format by clicking here. Click here for your Reservation Form Dates: February 8th - February 15th 2004 Prices: $2,950 per person, including your flights From Houston and return. All prices are per person, double occupancy and subject to availability, change, holiday/ seasonal supplements, and any restrictions that may apply. Required travel Insurance: $150 per person Single Supplement upon request Not Included: Any items of a personal nature, such as gratuities, meals not specifically included in the detailed itinerary, gifts, telephone calls and similar expenses. Passports and visas