Baja California
26° 0′ N 111° 20′ W
Baja California: A Remarkable Journey
Highlights
Experience pristine desert landscapes and abundant wildlife
Board local pangas to get up-close views of gray whale mothers and their growing calves as they prepare for their journey back to Arctic feeding grounds
Kayak clear blue waters to search for wildlife, including magnificent frigatebirds, and investigate the intricacies of the shoreline
Snorkel amid large schools of vibrantly colored fish and swim among playful sea lions
Visit the island of San Pedro Mártir to witness clouds of nesting seabirds, crowds of lounging sea lions, and expanses of sea where huge pods of dolphins gather
Day by Day
Multiple routes available
Some departures follow a modified itinerary. Please refer to departure dates for exact routing of your departure.
Eastbound
San Carlos, Mexico
Loreto, Mexico
Day 1
Loreto / San Carlos / Embark Ship
Arrive in Loreto by early afternoon for transfer to San Carlos. Embark National Geographic Venture in the evening.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 1
Loreto / San Carlos / Embark ShipArrive in Loreto by early afternoon for transfer to San Carlos. Embark National Geographic Venture in the evening.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 2
Bahía Magdalena
Explore the ever-shifting sand dunes of Isla Magdalena on a cross-island walk to one of the most pristine beaches in the Pacific. Bird-watching can be excellent here, with abundant seabirds in action and shorebirds patrolling the beaches as they fatten up and prepare for long journeys to Arctic breeding grounds.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2
Bahía MagdalenaExplore the ever-shifting sand dunes of Isla Magdalena on a cross-island walk to one of the most pristine beaches in the Pacific. Bird-watching can be excellent here, with abundant seabirds in action and shorebirds patrolling the beaches as they fatten up and prepare for long journeys to Arctic breeding grounds.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 3-4
Laguna San Ignacio
Laguna San Ignacio is a large bay and favored haunt of the gray whales in Baja California. The ship anchors at the mouth of this remote and important area. We explore the lagoon via local pangas with expert local guides.
For some reason, the whales here seem to be friendlier than they are elsewhere. It is not unusual for mothers and calves to approach our boats, the calves often playing hide and seek–sometimes even welcoming a touch or a friendly chin scratch.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 3-4
Laguna San IgnacioLaguna San Ignacio is a large bay and favored haunt of the gray whales in Baja California. The ship anchors at the mouth of this remote and important area. We explore the lagoon via local pangas with expert local guides.
For some reason, the whales here seem to be friendlier than they are elsewhere. It is not unusual for mothers and calves to approach our boats, the calves often playing hide and seek–sometimes even welcoming a touch or a friendly chin scratch.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
At Sea
Enjoy the ship's amenities, attend expert-led talks, and watch for a wide variety of marine life, including the largest animal on Earth, the blue whale, as we travel south along the Pacific coast of the peninsula.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
At SeaEnjoy the ship's amenities, attend expert-led talks, and watch for a wide variety of marine life, including the largest animal on Earth, the blue whale, as we travel south along the Pacific coast of the peninsula.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 6-14
Islands of the Gulf of California
Cruise past the spectacular Friars Rocks at Land's End. For those who wish, we can arrange a visit to the historic town center of San José del Cabo. Isla San Pedro Mártir, Los Islotes, Isla San Francisco—these are some of the melodious names of islands scattered throughout this beautiful sea. After decades of exploration here, we are still discovering new places and experiencing exciting events: Bow-riding bottlenose dolphins, sperm whales near our ship, or a pod of fin whales feeding around a convergence zone. The best areas for whale watching remain consistent—the waters south of Isla del Carmen, Canal de Ballenas up north, and near the mouth of Bahía Concepción. Whether on the bridge of the ship, on Zodiacs, or kayaks, we are in prime position to observe them all.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 6-14
Islands of the Gulf of CaliforniaCruise past the spectacular Friars Rocks at Land's End. For those who wish, we can arrange a visit to the historic town center of San José del Cabo. Isla San Pedro Mártir, Los Islotes, Isla San Francisco—these are some of the melodious names of islands scattered throughout this beautiful sea. After decades of exploration here, we are still discovering new places and experiencing exciting events: Bow-riding bottlenose dolphins, sperm whales near our ship, or a pod of fin whales feeding around a convergence zone. The best areas for whale watching remain consistent—the waters south of Isla del Carmen, Canal de Ballenas up north, and near the mouth of Bahía Concepción. Whether on the bridge of the ship, on Zodiacs, or kayaks, we are in prime position to observe them all.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15
Loreto / Disembark Ship
Disembark in Loreto after breakfast and transfer to the city center. Take the opportunity to visit the first mission in Baja California, as well as the nearby museum to learn more about what makes this town so special. Enjoy free time to explore quaint shops and vibrant side streets. After lunch transfer to Loreto Airport for flights home.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 15
Loreto / Disembark ShipDisembark in Loreto after breakfast and transfer to the city center. Take the opportunity to visit the first mission in Baja California, as well as the nearby museum to learn more about what makes this town so special. Enjoy free time to explore quaint shops and vibrant side streets. After lunch transfer to Loreto Airport for flights home.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Dates & Rates
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Ships
National Geographic Venture
Guests
100
Cabins
50
American-flagged, she and her sister National Geographic Quest are ideal for discovering domestic waters
Following the build of National Geographic Quest at Nichols Brothers shipyard, her sister ship, the 100-guest National Geographic Venture, floated into the bay on Whidbey Island, becoming the fourth ship in the Lindblad fleet built at this storied Pacific Northwest shipyard. Like her sister ship National Geographic Quest, National Geographic Venture has dual boarding platforms, enabling our team to load two Zodiacs at once means guests get off ship quickly, to take advantage of wildlife sightings and maximize exploring time. Modern, cleaned-lined, with large expanses of glass to keep you connected to the extraordinary views, National Geographic Venture enables you to see, do and experience the best of her geographies.
Book now and join us on an unforgettable journey
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Expedition Team
Over 50+ years of exploring, Lindblad Expeditions’ veteran staff and the quality companionship they provide has established the company’s reputation. From expedition leaders to naturalists, most hold advanced degrees and are established authorities in their fields. Some join a few expeditions each year to explore the same sites, some of them spending some time in the field away from rigorous academic work. And others lead expeditions all around the world—with many guests saying, “Where you’re going, we’re going,” and returning time after time to travel with them. Browse our team directory to discover the full cast of expedition staff.
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FREE BAR TAB
Drinks are on us!
BRINGING THE KIDS
Family fun!
TRAVELING AS A GROUP
CELEBRATE LIFE'S MILESTONES
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Board small boats and venture into the gray whale birthing lagoons on the Pacific side of the Baja California Peninsula to get up close with these gentle giants. Then, spend over a week in the Gulf of California exploring waters teeming with whales, pods of dolphins, and leaping rays. The wild islands here offer the chance to hike desert arroyos through forests of cacti to revel in the beauty of untamed nature. Revel in Mexico's coastal waters with daily activities that immerse you in the region including Zodiac cruises, kayaking, and snorkeling.
From
$12,240
/ per person
Does not include flight
View our brochure for more details
Talk to an Expedition Specialist
+1.800.397.3348