Baja California

25° 58′ N 111° 15′ W

Gray whale adult female and calf in San Ignacio Lagoon, Baja California Sur, Mexico
ExpeditionsUi Arrow rightBaja California: Among the Great Whales

Baja California: Among the Great Whales 

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Highlights

A California Grey whale calf breaching in San Ignacio Lagoon, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
  • Board local pangas to encounter California gray whales and their newborn calves up close in lagoons, and witness breaching humpbacks from the bow of our ship, or on Zodiac excursions

  • Hike desert islands and sculpted sand dunes, and look for a variety of wildlife

  • Snorkel with sea lions (conditions permitting) and search for superpods of dolphins amid the pristine coral reefs of Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park

  • In La Paz, enjoy a special outdoor dinner featuring local cuisine, music, and dance, as well as an opportunity to view and purchase work by local artisans

Day by Day

Multiple routes available

Some departures follow a modified itinerary. Please refer to departure dates for exact routing of your departure.

Eastbound


Starts at

San Carlos, Mexico

Ends at

Loreto, Mexico

Download Itinerary

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, anchored off the coast of Isla Santa Margarita.

Meals Included: Dinner

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, anchored off the coast of Isla Santa Margarita.

Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2

Bahía de Almejas / Rehusa Channel / Isla Magdalena

This morning take a bus to Bahia de Almejas, where we'll enter the lagoons aboard local pangas. Whales tend to be very active here, seemingly oblivious to our presence, and sometimes curious and playful. Later head to shore at Isla Magdalena to explore ever-shifting sand dunes on a cross-island walk to pristine beaches. Bird-watching can be excellent here with abundant seabirds in action.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2

Bahía de Almejas / Rehusa Channel / Isla Magdalena

This morning take a bus to Bahia de Almejas, where we'll enter the lagoons aboard local pangas. Whales tend to be very active here, seemingly oblivious to our presence, and sometimes curious and playful. Later head to shore at Isla Magdalena to explore ever-shifting sand dunes on a cross-island walk to pristine beaches. Bird-watching can be excellent here with abundant seabirds in action.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Boca de Soledad

After breakfast, transfer by motorcoach to Puerto López Mateos to spend the full day observing, and, with luck, interacting with these majestic creatures. Together with savvy local Mexican fishermen we have known for years, we board boats to view the numerous mother-calf pairs that thrive in this sheltering region. Enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant before returning to the ship in late afternoon.  

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Boca de Soledad

After breakfast, transfer by motorcoach to Puerto López Mateos to spend the full day observing, and, with luck, interacting with these majestic creatures. Together with savvy local Mexican fishermen we have known for years, we board boats to view the numerous mother-calf pairs that thrive in this sheltering region. Enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant before returning to the ship in late afternoon.  

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

Bahía Magdalena / Cruising

Kickstart your day with morning stretches hosted by your onboard wellness specialist on the sun deck.After breakfast, if conditions permit, we explore the bay's vast mangrove system via kayak, stand-up paddleboard, and Zodiac, and learn how these ecosystems support their surroundings. This afternoon, we sail out through La Entrada as we leave Bahía Magdalena behind. Traveling south along the coast of the peninsula, there is a chance of seeing a wide variety of marine life, including the largest animal on Earth, the blue whale. Hear naturalist talks and learn photography basics.   

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

Bahía Magdalena / Cruising

Kickstart your day with morning stretches hosted by your onboard wellness specialist on the sun deck.After breakfast, if conditions permit, we explore the bay's vast mangrove system via kayak, stand-up paddleboard, and Zodiac, and learn how these ecosystems support their surroundings. This afternoon, we sail out through La Entrada as we leave Bahía Magdalena behind. Traveling south along the coast of the peninsula, there is a chance of seeing a wide variety of marine life, including the largest animal on Earth, the blue whale. Hear naturalist talks and learn photography basics.   

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Gorda Banks and Cabo Pulmo

Ease into the day with a majestic sunrise over the iconic Friars Rocks at Land's End. We spend the rest of the morning searching the seas of the Gorda Banks seamount, a renowned gathering place for whales, especially humpbacks, dolphins, and other sea life. Following lunch, we set out to snorkel the pristine reefs of Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, one of the most successful national marine parks in the world, and chat with locals about their advocacy to protect this unique place. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Gorda Banks and Cabo Pulmo

Ease into the day with a majestic sunrise over the iconic Friars Rocks at Land's End. We spend the rest of the morning searching the seas of the Gorda Banks seamount, a renowned gathering place for whales, especially humpbacks, dolphins, and other sea life. Following lunch, we set out to snorkel the pristine reefs of Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, one of the most successful national marine parks in the world, and chat with locals about their advocacy to protect this unique place. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

Los Islotes and La Paz

Conditions permitting, we'll awake this morning off the rocky island of Los Islotes, where we don flippers, a mask, and snorkel (which we provide) and swim with curious sea lions. Then we reposition to the colorful city of La Paz to garner insight into the culture of Mexico, soak in the vibrant street art, and stroll the lively Malecón. Dinner is an unforgettable cultural experience, complete with local cuisine, dancing, and folklore. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

Los Islotes and La Paz

Conditions permitting, we'll awake this morning off the rocky island of Los Islotes, where we don flippers, a mask, and snorkel (which we provide) and swim with curious sea lions. Then we reposition to the colorful city of La Paz to garner insight into the culture of Mexico, soak in the vibrant street art, and stroll the lively Malecón. Dinner is an unforgettable cultural experience, complete with local cuisine, dancing, and folklore. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

Exploring the Gulf of California

The Gulf of California is home to great biological diversity, and with some luck, sightings of whales, dolphins, and other sea life are among the highlights of our journey. Our plan is flexible as we explore some of the uninhabited islands sprinkled across these waters. Our Captain and Expedition Leader collaborate to choose the perfect combination of activities for the day. We may go ashore at Isla San Francisco, where a sweeping arc of white-sand beach fringes waters perfect for kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. Or perhaps we'll visit Bahia de Los Muertos to snorkel among the coral.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

Exploring the Gulf of California

The Gulf of California is home to great biological diversity, and with some luck, sightings of whales, dolphins, and other sea life are among the highlights of our journey. Our plan is flexible as we explore some of the uninhabited islands sprinkled across these waters. Our Captain and Expedition Leader collaborate to choose the perfect combination of activities for the day. We may go ashore at Isla San Francisco, where a sweeping arc of white-sand beach fringes waters perfect for kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. Or perhaps we'll visit Bahia de Los Muertos to snorkel among the coral.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8

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 8

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

Download Itinerary

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Baja California 2023

2023 Voyages


Explore Baja California's Pacific Coast and the Gulf of California in search of dolphins, sea lions, and as many as four different varieties of whales. Board local pangas and enter pristine lagoons for up-close encounters with California gray whale mothers and their newborn calves. Witness an undersea wonderland, serene desert dunes, and the most beautiful sunsets on Earth. Hike through towering cacti and up striking desert canyons or take a slow photo stroll along the shore. Every day is different and rewarding, with opportunities to indulge in active or relaxing pursuits.

From

$6,930

/ per person

Does not include flight

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duration
8 Days

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Baja California 2023

2023 Voyages

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From

$6,930

/ per person

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duration
8 Days

View our brochure for more details

Baja California 2023

2023 Voyages

From

$6,930

/ per person

Book Now
duration
8 Days

View our brochure for more details

Baja California 2023

2023 Voyages