SPECIAL BOOKING OFFERS - Betchart Expeditionsbetchartexpeditions.com/pdf_files/baja09_greatwhalesv3_01.pdf · easily maneuver to follow whales or a school of playful dolphins. And

BA

JA C

ALIFO

RN

IAA

mong the G

reat Whales

March 7-14, 2009

Aboard National Geographic Sea Bird

prsrt stdU.s. postage

paidLindbLad

expeditions

Ship’s R

egistry: United S

tates

Dear A

AA

S and S

igma X

i Mem

bers and Friends,

Each w

inter, one of the world’s m

ost exciting wildlife phenom

ena takes place in the bays and lagoons of B

aja California’s Pacific coast —

gray w

hales arrive by the thousands to breed, give birth and nurture their young. W

hy not follow the w

hales on your own m

igration to the warm

and sunny clim

ate of Baja?

This March 7

-14, 2

009, you can be part of this aw

esome event. Join

us on an eight-day voyage around the coast of the Baja Peninsula. C

ruising aboard our 6

2-guest expedition ship, N

ational Geographic S

ea Bird,

experience firsthand the age-old m

igration patterns of the California grays.

Sail around the tip of B

aja, searching for fin, blue, sperm and hum

pback w

hales in the crystal waters of the S

ea of Cortez. The N

ational Geographic

Sea B

ird is the ideal vessel for exploring this remarkable region. S

he can easily m

aneuver to follow w

hales or a school of playful dolphins. And w

here our ship can’t go, our Zodiac landing craft and kayaks can, allow

ing for an up

-close and personal view of these gentle and m

ajestic giants.Although the w

hales are a highlight of the journey, your voyage includes m

uch more. A

wake to a desert-hue sunrise; look for the green

flash on the horizon at sunset; savor a beach barbecue as stars move

across the desert sky; snorkel among playful sea lions in the clear w

aters of an isolated cove; kayak through the crystalline w

aters. M

ost importantly, a dedicated staff of N

aturalists, experts in their fields w

ho know this region w

ell and take pleasure in sharing their vast know

ledge, will accom

pany you throughout your voyage. The Captain and

his crew also keep a constant w

atch, surveying the seas for the next whale

blow or giant fluke slapping the w

ater’s surface.I hope you w

ill join us for an adventure that is both enriching and fun. You w

ill come aw

ay refreshed — w

ith new perspectives, a new

under-standing of the natural w

orld and some new

friends, too. To make your

reservation, please call toll-free at 80

0-2

52

-4910 or return the attached

reservation form. I hope you w

ill join us!.

Sincerely,

Margaret M

. Betchart

President B

etchart Expeditions, Inc.

For AA

AS

Travels and Sigm

a Xi Expeditions

P.S. A

s we strive to m

ake getting to and from our ships easier, w

e have arranged for an exclusive charter flight betw

een Los Angeles and

La Paz. To further entice you, we’ve decided to provide this round

-trip flight to you w

ith our complim

ents!

▶Discover Baja’s abundant riches: whales, dolphins, sea lions, blue-footed boobies, giant cardon cacti and more.

▶Experience close encounters with gray whales aboard Zodiac landing craft.

▶Kayak in turquoise waters, hike up desert canyons and snorkel among sea lions.

▶Travel aboard our 62-guest ship with an expert staff of Naturalists and an Undersea Specialist.

▶Fly on complimentary charter flights between Los Angeles and La Paz.

Category 1: Main deck (#300-305)

$4,620

sole occupancy

$6,920

Conveniently positioned between the dining room and lounge, these cabins feature two

single lower beds, a writing desk and a large view window.

Category 2: Upper deck (#200-212, 215)

bridge deck (#100-104)

$5,160

sole occupancy: all of the above

$7,560

these well-located cabins include two lower single beds and a view window.

Category 3: Upper deck (#214, 216, 217, 219)

bridge deck (#105, 106)

$5,820

these cabins feature a seating unit with table and two large view windows. Upper deck cabins include two lower single beds which can convert to a double bed and a pull-out single bed for a third person. bridge deck cabins include two lower single beds only.

Note: sole occupancy cabins are available in Categories 1 and 2 only. third person rates are available in certain categories at one half the double occupancy rate.

Shares: if you wish to share accomm

odations, we will be glad to make arrangem

ents at the double occupancy rate in Categories 1 and 2 only.

the National Geographic Sea Lion, built in 1982, and National Geographic Sea Bird, built in 1981, and refurbished in 2005, are of U.s. registry and com

ply fully with U.s. Coast guard regulations. gross tonnage: 99; o

verall Length: 152 feet; draft: 8 feet; Cruising speed: 12 knots.

Costs are Per Person Double Occupancy unless otherwise noted.

Cover: Gray whale encounter; Sunset in the Sea of Cortez. Back cover: dolphins skim

ming the surface; Giant barrel cactus; M

anta ray.

Experience B

aja With a

Passionate and E

xpert TeamYour expedition sets out w

ith a

generous complem

ent of experts

aboard, under the direction of an

experienced Expedition Leader.

Our B

aja team m

ay include marine

biologists, ornithologists, botanists,

geologists, cetacean specialists,

as well as professional w

ildlife

photographers. Whether you’re

whale-w

atching on deck, snorkeling a

reef, kayaking to a remote coastline

or hiking up a desert wash, you’ll

find their knowledge and experience

invaluable. Not only do they know

where best to look for w

ildlife, their

passion and respect for the area are infectious.

Discover the W

orld Beneath the S

urface The undersea environm

ent of the Sea of C

ortez is as fascinating as life on

the surface. Our ship is equipped w

ith video microscopes, hydrophones

and a bow cam

era, which allow

you to see and hear the rich tapestry of

life beneath the surface. Our U

ndersea Specialist is devoted to bringing

this remarkable w

orld to life by sharing in-depth knowledge and capturing

underwater footage to view

in the comfort of the ship’s lounge.

Undersea S

pecialist filming a graceful sea lion.

Exploring by Zodiac.

COMPLIMENTA

RY

AIRFARE

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SEA LION/SEA BIRD DECK PLAN Capacity: 62 guests in 31 outside cabins.

GRP-BET-BAJA

17050 Montebello RoadCupertino, CA 95014

BAJA CALIFORNIAAmong the Great WhalesMarch 7-14, 2009Aboard National Geographic Sea Bird

prsr

t st

dU.

s. p

osta

gepa

idLi

ndbL

adex

pedi

tion

s

Ship’s Registry: United States

Dear AAAS and Sigma Xi Members and Friends,

Each winter, one of the world’s most exciting wildlife phenomena takes place in the bays and lagoons of Baja California’s Pacific coast — gray

whales arrive by the thousands to breed, give birth and nurture their young. Why not follow the whales on your own migration to the warm and sunny climate of Baja?

This March 7-14, 2009, you can be part of this awesome event. Join us on an eight-day voyage around the coast of the Baja Peninsula. Cruising aboard our 62-guest expedition ship, National Geographic Sea Bird, experience firsthand the age-old migration patterns of the California grays. Sail around the tip of Baja, searching for fin, blue, sperm and humpback whales in the crystal waters of the Sea of Cortez. The National Geographic Sea Bird is the ideal vessel for exploring this remarkable region. She can easily maneuver to follow whales or a school of playful dolphins. And where our ship can’t go, our Zodiac landing craft and kayaks can, allowing for an up-close and personal view of these gentle and majestic giants.

Although the whales are a highlight of the journey, your voyage includes much more. Awake to a desert-hue sunrise; look for the green flash on the horizon at sunset; savor a beach barbecue as stars move across the desert sky; snorkel among playful sea lions in the clear waters of an isolated cove; kayak through the crystalline waters.

Most importantly, a dedicated staff of Naturalists, experts in their fields who know this region well and take pleasure in sharing their vast knowledge, will accompany you throughout your voyage. The Captain and his crew also keep a constant watch, surveying the seas for the next whale blow or giant fluke slapping the water’s surface.

I hope you will join us for an adventure that is both enriching and fun. You will come away refreshed — with new perspectives, a new under-standing of the natural world and some new friends, too. To make your reservation, please call toll-free at 800-252-4910 or return the attached reservation form. I hope you will join us!.

Sincerely,

Margaret M. Betchart

President Betchart Expeditions, Inc.

For AAAS Travels and Sigma Xi Expeditions

P.S. As we strive to make getting to and from our ships easier, we have arranged for an exclusive charter flight between Los Angeles and La Paz. To further entice you, we’ve decided to provide this round-trip flight to you with our compliments!

▶D

isco

ver

Baj

a’s

abun

dant

ric

hes:

w

hale

s, d

olph

ins,

sea

lio

ns,

blue

-foot

ed

boob

ies,

gia

nt c

ardo

n ca

cti an

d m

ore.

▶Exp

erie

nce

clos

e en

coun

ters

wit

h gra

y w

hale

s ab

oard

Zod

iac

land

ing c

raft

.

▶K

ayak

in

turq

uois

e w

ater

s, h

ike

up

dese

rt c

anyo

ns a

nd s

nork

el a

mon

g

sea

lions

.

▶Tr

avel

abo

ard

our

62

-gue

st s

hip

w

ith

an e

xper

t st

aff

of N

atur

alis

ts

and

an U

nder

sea

Spe

cial

ist.

▶Fl

y on

com

plim

enta

ry c

hart

er fl

ight

s be

twee

n Lo

s A

ngel

es a

nd L

a P

az.

Category 1: Main deck (#300-305) $4,620 sole occupancy $6,920Conveniently positioned between the dining room and lounge, these cabins feature two single lower beds, a writing desk and a large view window.

Category 2: Upper deck (#200-212, 215) bridge deck (#100-104) $5,160 sole occupancy: all of the above $7,560


Category 3: Upper deck (#214, 216, 217, 219) bridge deck (#105, 106) $5,820



Shares: if you wish to share accommodations, we will be glad to make arrangements at the double occupancy rate in Categories 1 and 2 only.

the National Geographic Sea Lion, built in 1982, and National Geographic Sea Bird, built in 1981, and refurbished in 2005, are of U.s. registry and comply fully with U.s. Coast guard regulations. gross tonnage: 99; overall Length: 152 feet; draft: 8 feet; Cruising speed: 12 knots.


Cover: Gray whale encounter; Sunset in the Sea of Cortez. Back cover: dolphins skimming the surface; Giant barrel cactus; Manta ray.

Experience Baja With a Passionate and Expert TeamYour expedition sets out with a

generous complement of experts



Our Baja team may include marine



as well as professional wildlife


whale-watching on deck, snorkeling a





where best to look for wildlife, their


Discover the World Beneath the Surface The undersea environment of the Sea of Cortez is as fascinating as life on

the surface. Our ship is equipped with video microscopes, hydrophones

and a bow camera, which allow you to see and hear the rich tapestry of

life beneath the surface. Our Undersea Specialist is devoted to bringing

this remarkable world to life by sharing in-depth knowledge and capturing

underwater footage to view in the comfort of the ship’s lounge.

Undersea Specialist filming a graceful sea lion.


COM

PLIM

ENTA

RY

AIRF

ARE


GR

P-B

ET-

BA

JA

1705

0 M

onte

bello

Roa

dCu

pert

ino,

CA

9501

4

SPECIAL BOOKING OFFERSBaja California: Among the Great Whales> ITINERARY: 8 DAYS/7 NIGhTS

ABOARD NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SEA BIRd/SEA LION

DAY 1: LOS ANGELES/LA PAZ PAZ P /

EMBARK ShIP

Arrive in La Paz on our charter flight from Los Angeles and drive along the Malecon to meet our ship for embarkation (D)

DAY 2: EXPLORING ThE SEA

OF COF COF ORTEZ

Today is a day with the luxury of no specific plan. We may spend the morning whale-watching in the waters around Isla Danzante, an area that has proven to be one of the best for finding blue whales, and common and bottlenose dolphins.

Explore one of the many uninhabited islands, such as Isla San Jose or Isla Santa Catalina to walk among huge cacti and observe the great diversity of bird life — verdins, ladder-backed woodpeckers and Costa’s hummingbirds. Swim and snorkel in the clear bay of our anchorage. Below the surface, view king angelfish, butterfly fish, damselfish and beautifully colored parrotfish. (B,L,D)

DAY 3: ISLAS LOS ISLOTES AND ESPIRITU SANTO

At tiny Isla Los Islotes, you can experience one of life’s great pleasures — snorkeling with curious sea lions. Don flippers, a mask and snorkel (which we’ll gladly provide with as much guidance as you need) and swim among these graceful creatures.

With deeply indented shorelines and dramatically eroded cliff faces, Isla Espiritu Santo is one of the most beautiful islands in the Sea of Cortez. We have a leisurely afternoon to swim, kayak or hike. Enjoy a long walk or lazy beachcombing. Brown pelicans, gulls, wandering tat-tlers, great blue herons and boobies are all part of the landscape. This is also home to the endemic black jack rabbit -- with any luck, we may spot one. End the day with a beach barbecue complete with campfire and a star-filled sky. (B,L,D)

DAY 4: GORDA BANKS AND LAND’S END

The morning is spent at the Gorda Banks sea mount, a gathering place for whales and dolphins. Humpback whales are often sighted here at this time of year, and you may see tail lobbing, flipper slapping and breaching.

In the afternoon, we cruise past the spec-tacular Friars Rocks at Land’s End. Land’s End marks the end of our exploration of the Sea of Cortez and the beginning of our journey on the Pacific Ocean. (B,L,D)

DAYS 5 – 7: BAhIA MAGDALENA

Bahia Magdalena is one of the main breeding and calving areas for California gray whales. Each winter, the whales make the longest migration of any mammal — south from their Arctic feeding grounds to breed and raise their calves in these sheltered waters.

During our days in this otherworldly place, we’ll have the opportunity to observe these enormous yet gentle animals from the ship, but also at water level from our Zodiacs. Because of our experience and knowledge of Baja’s waters, we have enjoyed consistent success in achieving “friendly encounters” with gray mother and calf pairs. While we would never presume to predict Nature’s behavior, it is highly likely that you will

EEssppiirriittuu SSaannttoo..

Giant barrel cactus.

Kayaker among sea lions.

Sperm whale fluke-up dive at sunset.

lllllos Cabosos Cabosos Cabosos Cabosos Cabosos Cabosos Cabosos Cabosos Cabosos Cabosos Cabosos Cabosos Cabosos Cabosos Cabos

TERMS AND CONDITIONSCosts Include: Accommodations aboard ship; meals as indicated; non-alco-holic beverages aboard ship; charter flights between Los Angeles and La Paz; shore excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees; transfers to/from airport when using group flights; and tips (except to ship’s crew), taxes and service charges. There’s never an activities charge for Zodiacs, kayaks, undersea exploring equipment, or the services of the ship physician and Lindblad’s expedition staff.

Not Included: Airfare between hometown and Los Angeles; passport and visa fees; baggage/accident/travel protection plan; voyage DVD; personal items such as alcoholic beverages, e-mail, laundry, etc.; and discretionary gratuities to ship’s crew.

Note: A complete packet of pre-departure information, including recom-mended reading list and suggestions on what to bring, will be sent to you approximately four months prior to your departure.

Reservations: To confirm your place, an advance payment of US$1,000 per

person is payable by check.

Final Payment: Due 90 days prior to departure.

Travel Protection Plan: A travel protection plan is available at extra cost. Upon receiving your reservation, we will send you information on this policy. This comprehensive guest protection plan covers trip cancellation for medical reasons, trip delay, medical expenses, accidental death, lost baggage, and medical evacuation.

Smoking Policy: Allowed only in designated outdoor areas.

Responsibility: Certain other provisions concerning, among other things, limitations of the Companies’ liability for loss of property, injury, illness or death during the voyage will be provided to all guests prior to final payment, and to prospective guests upon request.

Prices listed in this brochure are as of publication date, and are subject to change. The Company reserves the right to impose surcharges based on increases in the Company’s actual cost of fuel.

SPECIAL BOOKING OFFERS

COMPLIMENTARY AIRFARE: Round-trip charter flight from Los Angeles to La Paz — approximate value of $500.

BRING ThE KIDS: We believe sharing an expedition with your kids or grandkids is a life-enhancing experience. So, take $500 off the double occupancy price for each person under 18.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Number of Days Prior to Expedition Start Number of Days Prior to Expedition Start Number of Days Prior to Expedition Start Per Person Cancellation Fee

90 or more days $250

89–60 days advance payment cost

59–30 days 50% of trip cost

29–0 days no refund

This policy applies to expeditions and extensions. We strongly recommend that you purchase a travel protection plan.

Baja California: Among the Great Whales> ITINERARY: 8 DAYS/7 NIGhTS



have the privilege of an up-close and personal sighting. In kayaks and Zodiacs, we’ll experience the canals of the mangrove

swamps. Bird watching here can be excellent — magnificent frigate birds, pelicans, cormorants, terns and great blue herons are among the species we might see. (B,L,D)

DAY 8: SAN CARLOS/DISEMBARK/LISEMBARK/LISEMBARK A PAZ PAZ P /LOS ANGELES

Disembark after breakfast in San Carlos and drive across the peninsula to La Paz for our charter flight to Los Angeles. (B)

Short-beaked Common Dolphins, Sea of Cortez.

Daily ExpEDition REpoRt • FEbRuaRy 25, 2008From the National Geographic Sea Bird in Bahia MagdalenaNational Geographic Sea Bird in Bahia MagdalenaNational Geographic Sea Bird

today all eyes were on gray whales here in Magdalena today all eyes were on gray whales here in Magdalena t bay. We watched as adult gray whales breached into the air, pectoral fins splayed and body pirouetting in the sun. We peered into the eyes of young gray whale calves as they spy-hopped beside our Zodiacs. We looked on as mothers lifted their babies across their backs while surfacing. We focused our camera “eyes” on curious animals in this calm water lagoon near and far. Many of us have migrated to this lagoon from all over north america for the chance to simply look into the eyes of a gray whale. but nothing so magical can be labeled so simply. Looking into a whale’s eyes is no doubt a spiritual experience like very few others to be found on this planet. — Michael Nolan, Naturalist

BAJA CALIFORNIAAmong the Great WhalesMarch 7-14, 2009Aboard National Geographic Sea Bird

prsr

t st

dU.

s. p

osta

gepa

idLi

ndbL

adex

pedi

tion

s

Ship’s Registry: United States

Dear AAAS and Sigma Xi Members and Friends,

Each winter, one of the world’s most exciting wildlife phenomena takes place in the bays and lagoons of Baja California’s Pacific coast — gray

whales arrive by the thousands to breed, give birth and nurture their young. Why not follow the whales on your own migration to the warm and sunny climate of Baja?

This March 7-14, 2009, you can be part of this awesome event. Join us on an eight-day voyage around the coast of the Baja Peninsula. Cruising aboard our 62-guest expedition ship, National Geographic Sea Bird, experience firsthand the age-old migration patterns of the California grays. Sail around the tip of Baja, searching for fin, blue, sperm and humpback whales in the crystal waters of the Sea of Cortez. The National Geographic Sea Bird is the ideal vessel for exploring this remarkable region. She can easily maneuver to follow whales or a school of playful dolphins. And where our ship can’t go, our Zodiac landing craft and kayaks can, allowing for an up-close and personal view of these gentle and majestic giants.

Although the whales are a highlight of the journey, your voyage includes much more. Awake to a desert-hue sunrise; look for the green flash on the horizon at sunset; savor a beach barbecue as stars move across the desert sky; snorkel among playful sea lions in the clear waters of an isolated cove; kayak through the crystalline waters.

Most importantly, a dedicated staff of Naturalists, experts in their fields who know this region well and take pleasure in sharing their vast knowledge, will accompany you throughout your voyage. The Captain and his crew also keep a constant watch, surveying the seas for the next whale blow or giant fluke slapping the water’s surface.

I hope you will join us for an adventure that is both enriching and fun. You will come away refreshed — with new perspectives, a new under-standing of the natural world and some new friends, too. To make your reservation, please call toll-free at 800-252-4910 or return the attached reservation form. I hope you will join us!.

Sincerely,

Margaret M. Betchart

President Betchart Expeditions, Inc.

For AAAS Travels and Sigma Xi Expeditions

P.S. As we strive to make getting to and from our ships easier, we have arranged for an exclusive charter flight between Los Angeles and La Paz. To further entice you, we’ve decided to provide this round-trip flight to you with our compliments!

▶D

isco

ver

Baj

a’s

abun

dant

ric

hes:

w

hale

s, d

olph

ins,

sea

lio

ns,

blue

-foot

ed

boob

ies,

gia

nt c

ardo

n ca

cti an

d m

ore.

▶Exp

erie

nce

clos

e en

coun

ters

wit

h gra

y w

hale

s ab

oard

Zod

iac

land

ing c

raft

.

▶K

ayak

in

turq

uois

e w

ater

s, h

ike

up

dese

rt c

anyo

ns a

nd s

nork

el a

mon

g

sea

lions

.

▶Tr

avel

abo

ard

our

62

-gue

st s

hip

w

ith

an e

xper

t st

aff

of N

atur

alis

ts

and

an U

nder

sea

Spe

cial

ist.

▶Fl

y on

com

plim

enta

ry c

hart

er fl

ight

s be

twee

n Lo

s A

ngel

es a

nd L

a P

az.

Category 1: Main deck (#300-305) $4,620 sole occupancy $6,920Conveniently positioned between the dining room and lounge, these cabins feature two single lower beds, a writing desk and a large view window.

Category 2: Upper deck (#200-212, 215) bridge deck (#100-104) $5,160 sole occupancy: all of the above $7,560


Category 3: Upper deck (#214, 216, 217, 219) bridge deck (#105, 106) $5,820



Shares: if you wish to share accommodations, we will be glad to make arrangements at the double occupancy rate in Categories 1 and 2 only.

the National Geographic Sea Lion, built in 1982, and National Geographic Sea Bird, built in 1981, and refurbished in 2005, are of U.s. registry and comply fully with U.s. Coast guard regulations. gross tonnage: 99; overall Length: 152 feet; draft: 8 feet; Cruising speed: 12 knots.


Cover: Gray whale encounter; Sunset in the Sea of Cortez. Back cover: dolphins skimming the surface; Giant barrel cactus; Manta ray.

Experience Baja With a Passionate and Expert TeamYour expedition sets out with a

generous complement of experts



Our Baja team may include marine



as well as professional wildlife


whale-watching on deck, snorkeling a





where best to look for wildlife, their


Discover the World Beneath the Surface The undersea environment of the Sea of Cortez is as fascinating as life on

the surface. Our ship is equipped with video microscopes, hydrophones

and a bow camera, which allow you to see and hear the rich tapestry of

life beneath the surface. Our Undersea Specialist is devoted to bringing

this remarkable world to life by sharing in-depth knowledge and capturing

underwater footage to view in the comfort of the ship’s lounge.

Undersea Specialist filming a graceful sea lion.


COM

PLIM

ENTA

RY

AIRF

ARE


GR

P-B

ET-

BA

JA

1705

0 M

onte

bello

Roa

dCu

pert

ino,

CA

9501

4

Reservation Form — Baja California: Among the Great WhalesAboard National Geographic Sea Bird — March 7-14, 2009National Geographic Sea Bird — March 7-14, 2009National Geographic Sea Bird

please reserve_______________________place(s).

name 1 (As it appears on passport):____________________________________________

name 1 (Preferred name for name badge):___________________ date of birth: __________

name 2 (As it appears on passport):____________________________________________

name 2 (Preferred name for name badge):___________________ date of birth: __________

street address: _______________________________________________________

City: ________________________________ state:_______________ Zip: ________

Home phone:__________________________________________________________

business phone: _______________________________________________________

Fax: ________________________________________________________________

email: _______________________________________________________________

accommodations: double single twin share w/friend twin share w/friend ttwin share (twin share (t roommate assigned by tour operator.)

please indicate choice of cabin category in order of preference: 1st choice: ________________ 2nd choice: _________________________________

enclosed is my advance payment of $ __________________ (Us $1,000 per person). Check made payable to Betchart Expeditions, Inc. Trust Account.

i/We have read the terms and Conditions for the program and agree to them:terms and Conditions for the program and agree to them:t

signature(s):_______________________________ date:______________________

signature(s):_______________________________ date:______________________

Membership: aaas sigma xi aCs

SPECIAL BOOKING OFFERSBaja California: Among the Great Whales> ITINERARY: 8 DAYS/7 NIGhTS



Please return to:Betchart Expeditions, Inc. 17050 Montebello RoadCupertino, CA 95014Phone: (800) 252-4910 or (408) 252-4910E-mail: [email protected]

#1063

Documents

SPECIAL BOOKING OFFERS - Betchart Expeditionsbetchartexpeditions.com/pdf_files/baja09_greatwhalesv3_01.pdf · easily maneuver to follow whales or a school of playful dolphins. And