Push the boat out

SEND TO A FRIEND

27 OCTOBER 2004
Whale watch on MV Sea Bird
Every winter, thousands of beautiful grey whales make the 10,000-mile journey from their Arctic feeding grounds to the sheltered Pacific lagoons off the coast of Baja California in Mexico.

Expert naturalists on board the 70-passenger MV Sea Bird know how to find them and they’ll introduce you to other creatures as well – dolphins, sea lions, vast bird colonies and blue-footed boobies. Landing craft will zoom you ashore, where you can explore the sand dunes, kayak among the mangroves and swim from the beaches of Bahía Magdalena.

You can also visit uninhabited islands such as San Jose, or snorkel with the sea lions off the gorgeous Isla Espiritu Santo.

The Med uncovered on Le Levant
Sleek, fast and exclusive, Le Levant will show you the delights of the Mediterranean in true style. Its 45 staterooms - not cabins, note - all come with picture windows, hi-fi, TV, marble and teak bathrooms, and fluffy bathrobes. There’s a swimming pool and sports room, boutique and library.

If you fancy a spring voyage, clear your diary from May 20-28 when she’ll drop anchor at ports in three countries: Croatia, for visits to the historic towns of Zadar and walled Dubrovnik; Greece, for visits to Delphi and the magical volcanic island of Santorini; and Turkey, for excursions to Ephesus, the best-preserved ancient city in the Mediterranean, and Cannakale, to see the ruins of Troy.

REPORT: JILL CRAWSHAW