Traverse the Southern Sea of Cortez on an intimate cruise aboard the Don Jose Expedition Boat photographing and exploring the sea, islands and coast in this land of sun-drenched beaches, dramatic desert landscapes and warm waters with over 800 species of marine wildlife! Pro photographer and former Baja resident, Tom Bol, will guide you in capturing the stunning array of marine wildlife in the Sea of Cortez and breathtaking coastline of Baja, Mexico from La Paz to Loreto. You are destined to improve your photography skills and return home with amazing images of the Baja landscape and migratory and indigenous marine wildlife including whales, dolphins, mantas, Leatherback Sea Turtles and whale sharks.
Tom will also teach you invaluable Photo Shop techniques, on location light painting, and tips on how to get the best wildlife images. You’ll also have the chance to use Photo Quest Adventures' underwater housing with your digital camera and practice underwater photography as the Don Jose anchors frequently along its course for snorkeling among a variety of tropical fish. And, for those who are a bit more adventurous, there will be ample time for sea kayaking and hiking.
Trip Highlights:
Marine wildlife viewing aboard the Don Jose is at its best with the second and third decks of the boat located high above the water, enabling this small group (12 people total) to photograph looking down upon the wildlife including: whales, dolphins, mantas, Leatherback Sea Turtles and whale sharks.
On location, one-on-one photo tips from pro photographer, Tom Bol. Plus Photo Shop classes, light painting lessons, and portfolio reviews.
Intimate photo ops of a variety of wildlife including: whales, dolphins, seals, blue-footed boobies raising their young, and tens of thousands of royal and elegant terns in their nests.
Explore and photograph the colorful desert islands of Isla Catalan, Isla San Francisco, Isla Santa Cruz, Agua Verde, Isla San Jose, and the uninhabited Isla Espiritu Santo and Partida, an UNESCO protected biosphere area.
On your last night in the city of La Paz, meander along this lived-in city’s romantic seaside walkway (the Malecon) whose vantage point offers stunning sunsets. Shoot the harbor activity of local fishing boats and sailboats from around the world.
Program Details
Duration
8 Days
Location
Baja, Mexico
Season
Late March thru Early April
Program Type
Photography Tour
Nearest City
La Paz
Physical Condition Required
Fair
Destination(s)
Baja California, Mexico
Guest Capacity
12
Led by
Tom Bol
Guide Profile
Tom Bol is an editorial and commercial photographer who specializes in adventure sports, portraits and travel photography. He shoots assignments for clients including Columbia Sportswear, Men’s Journal, National Geographic Adventure, Nikon, Sunset Magazine and the Wall Street Journal. He is represented by six stock agencies, and his images are used for advertising, books, billboards, brochures and posters. He loves to teach, and has taught workshops for 12 years. Tom was on the list of National Geographic Adventure’s “50 of Americas Top Visionaries” for his photography.
Accommodations
One night at Hotel Los Arcos in La Paz, Mexico; Six nights aboard Don Jose.
Dining
All meals, beverages and Happy Hour are included while you are on the boat.
Rates
$3,499.00per personCurrency Converter (Rates shown are in US Dollars. Rates and terms are subject to change.)
Additional Rate Info
Price is based on double occupancy from La Paz, Mexico. Single supplement is not available.
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Program Itinerary
Day 1: Fly into Loreto, Mexico Arrive on your own in Loreto, Mexico by 1:00 p.m. and a taxi transfer (included) will take you to the Don Jose Expedition Boat, which is docked overnight in Loreto.
Day 2-6: Sea of Cortez Wildlife Cruise As the Don Jose sails between Loreto and La Paz, photograph a variety of whales, dolphins, birds and other marine wildlife! Hike, explore and photograph the colorful desert islands along the way including: Isla Catalan, Isla San Francisco, Isla Santa Cruz, Agua Verde, Isla San Jose, and the uninhabited islands of Isla Espiritu Santo and Isla Partida Isla Partida, a UNESCO protected biosphere and eco-tourism destination. Enjoy on board Photo Shop classes and portfolio reviews as well as on location photo tips and light painting lessons. Shoot underwater as the Don Jose anchors frequently along its course for snorkeling, kayaking and swimming.
Day 7: Arrive in La Paz Afternoon arrival in La Paz with transfer to local Hotel Los Arcos (included).
Day 8: Departure from La Paz Fly back from La Paz to your hometown.
This Package Includes
Quest Workshop Fee
Airport Transfers
One Night at Hotel Los Arcos in La Paz, Mexico
Six Nights Aboard Don Jose Including ALL Meals, Beverages and Happy Hour
Kayaking and Snorkeling Gear
Conservation Passport
Notes
Not Included:
Roundtrip International Airfare from Your Home to Loreto, Mexico and back from La Paz, Mexico to USA
Gratuities
Travel Insurance:
For your protection, travel insurance is strongly recommended. It is suggested that you consider this valuable coverage in addition to your own health insurance policy or other existing insurance policies, should certain other unexpected contingencies arise either before or while traveling. Photo Quest Adventures has made arrangements with Travel Guard Insurance to offer a comprehensive Travel Protection Plan at a special discount rate. You may purchase the insurance from Photo Quest Adventures' website.
Itinerary is subject to change.
About the Don Jose:
The Don Jose (80ft) was designed and built in 1978 especially for Baja Expeditions. Marine wildlife viewing onboard is at its best as the second and third decks of the boat are high above the water, enabling passengers to look down upon the whales, dolphins, mantas and whale sharks. A crew of six is ready to assist your needs.
Amenities Include:
12 participant capacity in seven above-deck, air-conditioned cabins. Each cabin has it’s own sink, changing area, and storage closet.
One toilet and shower shared per every two cabins.
Swim step and storage lockers for gear.
Skiffs to take you ashore or to nearby dive sites.
Kayaks and snorkeling gear included.
VHS video system and natural history library onboard.
All meals and beverages while onboard.
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