Lindblad unveils Baja cruises for the holidays

Adventure cruise pioneer Lindblad Expeditions has announced plans for two new Baja Peninsula sailings to take place over the winter holidays.

The seven-night Wild Islands & Treasures of Baja California voyages on the 62-passenger National Geographic Sea Bird will kick off on Dec. 20 and 27 and focus on the region's culture and wildlife.

Highlights will include hiking a desert arroyo to see ancient handprint art that has been hidden in a cave for millennia and searching for humpback whales. Also on the schedule:

-- Snorkeling at Cabo Pulmo, a vibrant reef and model for ocean conservation; and with the sea lions at Los Islotes.

-- Strolling the seaside town of Todos Santos and meeting local contemporary artists.

-- Kayaking, swimming and hiking the pristine desert islands of the Sea of Cortez, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Fares for the sailings start at $5,690 per person, based on double occupancy. Passengers who book by July 31 can get a $550 airfare credit.

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