Bryn Mawr College

Fly to La Paz and transfer to Loreto, including a lunch stop in Ciudad Constitución. Arrive in the afternoon and check into La Mision Hotel. There is time to explore Loreto on your own or join a presentation on local history and culture. (L,D)

Drive through the breathtaking Sierra de la Giganta mountains to the town of San Javier, where we’ll visit the second oldest mission in Baja and enjoy a local lunch. Learn from a local guide who will make the history of the region come alive. Later, return to Loreto and visit the Loreto Mission and museum. You’ll have time on your own to explore Loreto and join a discussion on tomorrow’s visit to Mulegé before dinner. La Mision Hotel (B,L,D)

Drive north along the coast, past the beautiful Bahía Concepción and arrive in Mulegé, where we’ll walk through time to view rock art dating back to the Neolithic period — some 1,500 to 4,500 years B.C. You have the option of viewing beautifully preserved petroglyphs or taking a more active hike into a canyon where paintings adorn the walls. This area was later home to the Cochimies Indians. Enjoy lunch in Mulegé and later, drive to Puerto Escondido, a natural port about 45 minutes south of Loreto, to board National Geographic Sea Bird. (B,L,D)

Today we’ll visit lovely Isla Santa Catalina, famous for its giant barrel cactus and cardon forest. The protected bay of our anchorage is also an excellent site for snorkeling. With a full afternoon here, there is time for swimming, snorkeling, hiking and kayaking. Observe the great diversity of bird life, including verdins, woodpeckers and Costa’s hummingbirds. (B,L,D)

This morning search for whales in the waters around Isla Danzante, an area that has proven to be one of the best for finding several species of whales and often bottlenose and common dolphins. The island is surrounded by the most majestic part of the Sierra de la Giganta mountains and is also the perfect location to kayak, snorkel and walk through a magnificent desert environment. (B,L,D)

Take Zodiac cruises through the island’s lush mangrove channels and discover nearby middens (ancient shell mounds) — evidence of the region’s rich Indian history. This island is perfect for exploration as each turn may provide yet another unusual flower, butterflies, a bird’s nest or endemic reptiles, all nestled in and around a great display of geologic history. (B,L,D)

At Isla Los Islotes, you have an opportunity for one of life’s greatest pleasures — snorkeling among playful sea lions. With deeply indented shorelines and dramatically eroded cliff faces, Isla Espíritu Santo is perhaps the most beautiful island in the Sea of Cortez. We have a leisurely afternoon for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, long walks and perhaps even a beach barbecue in the evening. (B,L,D)

Explore La Paz, visit the serpentarium and enjoy a traditional musical performance during lunch. Transfer to the airport for flights to Los Angeles in the early afternoon. (B,L)