At a glance
- Duration:
- 6 Days
- Start/End:
- Round Trip San Carlos
- From:
- $3,291
- Time of Year:
- January - March
On this 6-day Baja California: Observing the Whales of Magdalena Bay itinerary, 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 calves.
On this compact trip, we explore aboard the only expedition ship in the region small and nimble enough to anchor inside the bay’s sheltered waters, giving you unparalleled access to this busy whale nursery. Set out in local pangas for up-close encounters with these curious cetaceans, kayak mangrove forests, hike desert islands, and look for pelicans and ospreys while soaking up the sun on pristine beaches.
Baja California: Observing the Whales of Magdalena Bay Highlights
- 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
- With National Geographic Global Explorers, our exclusive family program, kids and teens will learn about this vibrant part of the world—from migrating gray whales to desert plant species
Baja California: Observing the Whales of Magdalena Bay Details
Day-to-Day 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 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 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 local pangas 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: San Carlos / Disembark Ship / Loreto
After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to Loreto’s city center. Schedules permitting, 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. After lunch, transfer to the Loreto International Airport for flights home.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
