This morning, we found ourselves with the bow of National Geographic Venture pointed towards another beautiful Baja, Mexico sunrise. Also in front of us was the tiny island of Los Islotes with its rookery of sea lions and rocks covered in guano from the many birds above it. We toured the island in Zodiacs and then donned masks and fins to swim with the sea lions. After lunch, we docked at La Paz. We arrived to the La Paz Convention Center and were greeted by an array of cultural sensory overloads. Mariachi band, dancers, food, and, of course, margaritas. The evening ended with an intimate concert with an opera singer and pianist. It was quite the full day, and we created the memories of a lifetime here in Baja, Mexico.
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 20 Feb 2023
Los Islotes and La Paz, 2/20/2023, National Geographic Venture
- Aboard the National Geographic Venture
- Baja California
Alex Joseph, Naturalist/Certified Photo Instructor
Born and raised in Alabama, Alex's connection to nature took shape as a child living in a state park and then in his formative years spent in Gulf Shores, AL. Where white sandy beaches meet the pine forest of the Southeast.
Read MoreShare Report
Baja California: Among the Great Whales
VIEW ITINERARYRelated Reports
3/21/2025
Read
National Geographic Venture
Canal de Cerralvo / La Paz
We awoke navigating on the Cerralvo Canal, between Cerralvo Island and the peninsula, searching for wildlife. We were not disappointed, as two different pods of common dolphins came to visit and bow ride with us for a long time. After lunch, we anchored at Pichilingue Port and disembarked the vessel to visit the capital city of Baja California Sur, La Paz, where we had the chance to interact with the locals in some of the most popular places, like La Fuente, a traditional ice cream parlor, and the Jardin Velasco in downtown. Then guests enjoyed a fiesta, dinner, and returned on board National Geographic Venture .
3/20/2025
Read
National Geographic Venture
Magdalena Bay
Today we woke with the shining stars and took Zodiacs ashore to meet our coaches for a trip to Chale, a small town on the shores of Magdalena Bay. The goal was to find some wintering gray whales, magnificent leviathans which frequent this coast to give birth before the long migration back to their Arctic feeding grounds. These whales did not disappoint! Spyhopping, breaching, and even a bit of tail flukes. As a result, there were lots of smiles and laughter all around! We returned to the town for lunch and then headed back out on the local boats for a second round. As we returned to the ship, the sun set over La Paz, with glassy waters of gold in the harbor, and pink clouds above. The constellations of Orion, Taurus, and the Pleiades shone over our Zodiacs on our way back to dinner aboard National Geographic Venture .