Baja California

24° 34′ N 112° 0′ W

Gray whale and guests on a Zodiac. Baja California, Magdalena Bay.
ExpeditionsUi Arrow rightWild Baja California Escape: The Whales of Magdalena Bay

Wild Baja California Escape: The Whales of Magdalena Bay

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Highlights

Guests exploring by zodiac have a upclose encounter with a California Gray Whale, in Magdalena Bay, Magdalena Island, Baja California, Mexico
  • Search for gray whale mothers and their calves aboard Zodiacs and local pangas, delighting in up-close encounters

  • Kayak and paddleboard stunning mangroves, or beachcomb along endless beaches

  • Explore diverse landscapes, and ride a fat-tire bike along desert island terrain

  • Scan the skies for bird species, from diving pelicans to magnificent frigatebirds

  • Learn about desert ecosystems, seabird migrations, and whale behavior from our experienced naturalists

Day by Day

Starts at

San Carlos, Mexico

Ends at

San Carlos, Mexico

Download Itinerary

Day 1

Loreto, Mexico / San Carlos / Embark Ship

Arrive in Loreto by early afternoon for transfer to San Carlos. Embark ship in the evening, anchored off the coast of Isla Santa Margarita.

Meals Included: Dinner

Day 1

Loreto, Mexico / San Carlos / Embark Ship

Arrive in Loreto by early afternoon for transfer to San Carlos. Embark ship in the evening, anchored off the coast of Isla Santa Margarita.

Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2

Bahía Almejas / Rehusa Channel / Isla Magdalena

Our day starts in the southernmost waters of Bahía de Almejas. We make a special stop to view, with luck, a large frigatebird colony on Isla Santa Margarita before heading out on our first whale-watching trip. The whales here in the bay tend to be very active, seemingly oblivious to our presence, so settle in for some great experiences. We explore the area and the Rehusa Channel via local pangas. During lunch, the ship repositions to Isla Magdalena, and later we head to shore to explore the ever-shifting sand dunes on a cross-island walk to one of the most pristine beaches in the Pacific. Take a stroll and tally the treasure found on what we affectionately call “sand dollar beach.”

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2

Bahía Almejas / Rehusa Channel / Isla Magdalena

Our day starts in the southernmost waters of Bahía de Almejas. We make a special stop to view, with luck, a large frigatebird colony on Isla Santa Margarita before heading out on our first whale-watching trip. The whales here in the bay tend to be very active, seemingly oblivious to our presence, so settle in for some great experiences. We explore the area and the Rehusa Channel via local pangas. During lunch, the ship repositions to Isla Magdalena, and later we head to shore to explore the ever-shifting sand dunes on a cross-island walk to one of the most pristine beaches in the Pacific. Take a stroll and tally the treasure found on what we affectionately call “sand dollar beach.”

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Transit the Hull Canal / Boca de Soledad

Spend the morning transiting the scenic, winding Hull Canal. Within its narrow channels, bordered by mangroves and sand dunes and filled with abundant wildlife, we join our keen-eyed naturalists on deck to spot species and hear expert commentary. Weather permitting, we explore the vast mangrove system via kayak and Zodiac. 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. Among the species we might see are diving pelicans, wheeling cormorants, terns, great blue herons, ibis, whimbrels, and willets. This afternoon, we set out to explore the whale-rich waters of Boca de Soledad.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Transit the Hull Canal / Boca de Soledad

Spend the morning transiting the scenic, winding Hull Canal. Within its narrow channels, bordered by mangroves and sand dunes and filled with abundant wildlife, we join our keen-eyed naturalists on deck to spot species and hear expert commentary. Weather permitting, we explore the vast mangrove system via kayak and Zodiac. 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. Among the species we might see are diving pelicans, wheeling cormorants, terns, great blue herons, ibis, whimbrels, and willets. This afternoon, we set out to explore the whale-rich waters of Boca de Soledad.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 4-5

Boca de Soledad

Each winter, during their long migration, gray whales travel south from their Arctic feeding grounds to breed and give birth to their calves in these sheltered waters, often called “Grand Central” for California gray whales. We spend two full days observing and, with luck, interacting with these majestic creatures. Together with savvy local fishermen we have known for years, we venture out in Zodiacs to view the numerous mother-calf pairs that thrive in this sheltering region. We also have an opportunity to explore the beaches, and if our guests feel up to it, pedal across the sands riding fat-tire bikes.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 4-5

Boca de Soledad

Each winter, during their long migration, gray whales travel south from their Arctic feeding grounds to breed and give birth to their calves in these sheltered waters, often called “Grand Central” for California gray whales. We spend two full days observing and, with luck, interacting with these majestic creatures. Together with savvy local fishermen we have known for years, we venture out in Zodiacs to view the numerous mother-calf pairs that thrive in this sheltering region. We also have an opportunity to explore the beaches, and if our guests feel up to it, pedal across the sands riding fat-tire bikes.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

Puerto Lopez Mateos / Disembark Ship / Loreto

After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to Loreto’s city center. Choose 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 the quaint shops and vibrant side streets. After lunch, transfer to the Loreto International Airport for flights home.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6

Puerto Lopez Mateos / Disembark Ship / Loreto

After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to Loreto’s city center. Choose 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 the quaint shops and vibrant side streets. After lunch, transfer to the Loreto International Airport for flights home.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Download Itinerary

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Baja California 2023

2023 Voyages


Enjoy several days in the company of majestic gray whales in Baja California’s Magdalena Bay, one of the best places in the world to encounter gray whale mothers and their curious calves. On this compact trip, we explore the bay aboard our nimble expedition ship, and set out in local pangas for up-close encounters. Kayak mangrove forests and hike desert islands, look for pelicans and ospreys, and soak up the sun on pristine beaches.

From

$3,960

/ per person

Does not include flight

Book Now
duration
6 Days
starts at
San Carlos, Mexico
ends at
San Carlos, Mexico
Book before Jun 30

$500 AIR CREDIT

See all offers

View our brochure for more details

Baja California 2023

2023 Voyages

Talk to an Expedition Specialist

+1.800.397.3348

From

$3,960

/ per person

Book Now
duration
6 Days
starts at
San Carlos, Mexico
ends at
San Carlos, Mexico

View our brochure for more details

Baja California 2023

2023 Voyages

From

$3,960

/ per person

Book Now
duration
6 Days
starts at
San Carlos, Mexico
ends at
San Carlos, Mexico
Book before Jun 30

$500 AIR CREDIT

See all offers

View our brochure for more details

Baja California 2023

2023 Voyages