Compare Whales & Wildness: Spring in the Sea of Cortez by National Geographic Expeditions vs Central Mexico: Puerto Escondido, Mexico City & Epic Mountain Views by G Adventures

Day 1: Los Angeles/La Paz, Mexico

Meals: Dinner

Fly into La Paz, then embark the ship and set sail on the Sea of Cortez.

Days 2- 7: Exploring the Sea of Cortez

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Daily)

Our routing is designed with flexibility in mind to maximize opportunities for wildlife sightings. It will most likely include the islands and activities listed below, although the order may vary

ISLAS SAN ESTEBAN AND SAN PEDRO MÁRTIR: Walk up a desert wash to search for desert birds and the endemic pinto chuckwalla—a harmless desert lizard. Later visit Isla San Pedro Mártir, a 1,000-foot-high guano-covered island that is home to thousands of seabirds. Blue-footed boobies, red-billed tropicbirds, pelicans and frigate birds are all found here.

ISLA RASA: In the spring one of the great wildlife spectacles of the Sea of Cortez is in full swing at Isla Rasa —the nesting of thousands of Heermann’s gulls and elegant and royal terns. We will go ashore to meet researchers and observe the behavior of these three species.

ISLA SAN MARCOS: At Isla San Marcos there is a beautiful cove for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. In the afternoon we are again in rich whale waters near the mouth of Bahía Concepcion where we stand a good chance of sighting several species of whales, particularly fin or sperm.

ISLA SANTA CATALINA: This morning we’ll search for whales in the waters south of Isla Carmen, an area that has proven to be one of the best for finding blue whales, and often bottlenose and common dolphins. In the afternoon we visit Isla Santa Catalina, famous for its giant barrel cactus and lovely cardon cactus 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.

LOS ISLOTES AND ISLA ESPÍRITU SANTO: At Isla Los Islotes, snorkelers have one of life’s great opportunities—swimming with graceful and curious sea lions. With a deeply indented shoreline 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, and in the evening, a beach barbecue under the desert stars.

Day 8: La Paz, Mexico/Los Angeles

This morning after breakfast we disembark in La Paz and transfer to the airport for flights home.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 1 Mexico City

Arrive at any time, and kick back at the hostel or head out to explore the city before meeting up with fellow Roamies in the evening. Grab a drink on the hostel rooftop terrace or check out the nearby main plaza, which is always buzzing at night.

Day 2 Mexico City

Mexico City is so huge that it's hard to know where or how to start exploring, but stick with us, we've got your back! Set off in a private ride with a local expert and head to the Monument to the Revolution to get great views from the top and learn a thing or two about Mexico's history. Continue to the iconic "El Angel" statue for the obligatory photos and then head to the trendy area of Colonia Roma Norte to visit a local market and find some mouth-watering tacos al pastor to devour for lunch. The rest of the afternoon is yours to continue exploring the city or maybe take a trip out to visit the ruins of Teotihuacán. Lucha libre in the evening, anyone?

Day 3 Mexico City/Puebla

You’re not done with Mexico City quite yet! Head out to the colourful neighborhood of Xochimilco where you'll float along in a typical "trajinera" boat along the canals of this ancient water system built by the Aztecs. Browse the floating markets for souvenirs and snacks and maybe hear some mariachis along the way before hopping back on the bus. Arrive in the colonial city of Puebla in the early afternoon and brush up on your Spanish with the CEO before having some time to explore a bit or to relax at the hostel.

Day 4 Puebla/Oaxaca

Head south today on a bus to Oaxaca, (pronounced "Wah-ha-cah" in case you were wondering), a city packed full of culture and incredible food. You'll dive straight into the regional cuisine in the evening with a big spread of delicious local dishes like tamales, tlayudas or some of the ridiculously delicious mole. Throw in some local tequila and you’ve got yourself a party in your mouth.

Day 5 Oaxaca

Freedom! Enjoy a full day in Oaxaca where you can choose from a heap of fun things to do. Want to see some ancient ruins? Visit the nearby site of Monte Albán. Want to stay local? Take a city tour or channel your inner chef with a cooking class. Ultimately the day is yours so if that means having a few more sips of mezcal at a local tavern or chilling at the hostel then that is a-ok by us too.

Day 6 Oaxaca/Puerto Escondido

Road trip to the beach! Head out on a windy road up through the mountains, bound for the Pacific coast and the relaxed beach town of Puerto Escondido. Enjoy a CEO-led orientation walk upon arrival. The remainder of the afternoon is all yours; find somewhere for lunch on your own and settle in for some serious R&R or beach time, you deserve it.

Day 7 Puerto Escondido

Take a day to do as much or as little as you want, there's no judgement here. Maybe it's the beach or a surf class that's calling your name or possibly it's a 'hang-around'-the-hostel' kind of day with the crew. Your CEO is always on hand to make recommendations or to pull up a seat at the bar with, the choice is yours. Did someone say fish tacos?

Day 8 Puerto Escondido

Say goodbye to your Roamies and depart at any time, or keep the adventure going by heading to the Yucatán Peninsula on the next leg of this epic adventure.