At a glance
- Duration:
- 8 Days
- Start/End:
- San Carlos to Loreto, Mexico
- From:
- $6,450
- Time of Year:
- January - March
On this 8-day Baja California: Among the Great Whales cruise aboard the 100-passenger National Geographic Venture, sail on an unforgettable journey along Baja California’s untamed coastlines and into the rich, life-filled waters of the Sea of Cortez—home to playful dolphins, charismatic sea lions, and as many as five distinct species of whales.
Glide into sheltered lagoons aboard local pangas for intimate encounters with gentle California gray whale mothers and their curious newborn calves, often so close you can hear their breath. Snorkel among spirited sea lions at Los Islotes, watch pods of dolphins race your Zodiac, and marvel at kaleidoscopic marine life beneath the surface. Ashore, hike through sculpted desert canyons, wander past towering cardón cacti, or take a slow, contemplative photo walk along a quiet shoreline as the sun dips into the horizon in a blaze of color.
Every day brings new discoveries—some thrilling and adrenaline-fueled, others serene and soul-stirring. The Gulf of California, a UNESCO World Heritage site, holds more than a third of the planet’s marine species, and this voyage immerses you in its wonders. Led by our team of local experts, naturalists, and acclaimed photographers, you’ll gain not just remarkable sightings, but a deeper understanding of this rare ecosystem.
With over 50 years of pioneering expedition travel, Lindblad Expeditions has built a reputation on world-class expertise and warm camaraderie. Our veteran staff, many with advanced degrees and decades of fieldwork, share their knowledge with infectious enthusiasm. Guests often return again and again, following their favorite expedition leaders to every corner of the globe. As many travelers say, “Where you’re going, we’re going.”
Baja is closer than you think, yet worlds away from the everyday, an untouched wilderness where desert meets sea, and adventure meets awe.
Baja California: Among the Great Whales Highlights
- Enter gray whale birthing lagoons for up-close encounters with gray whale mother-calf pairs
- Embark on regular marine safaris in search of dolphins, sea lions, and up to six species of whales
- Snorkel amidst the vibrant sea life, including playful sea lions at Los Islotes
- Hike desert isles, including Espíritu Santo Archipelago National Park, and witness the variety of flora and fauna thriving in this region
- Spot myriad bird species including diving pelicans, magnificent frigatebirds, and brown and blue-footed boobies
- 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: Among the Great Whales Details
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Loreto / San Carlos / Embark Ship
Arrive in Loreto, a picturesque gulfside town dotted with Spanish colonial architecture. Transfer to the National Geographic Venture to set sail at sunset.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2: Bahía de Almejas / Rehusa Channel / Isla Magdalena
Awake this morning in Bahía de Almejas, where you’ll board local pangas and enter the lagoons for encounters with gray whale mothers and calves. Whales tend to be very active here, seemingly oblivious to humans’ 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, 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, enjoy opportunities to explore and better understand the ecosystems that make up and power this diverse region. This afternoon, sail out through La Entrada as you 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. 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, 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, wake this morning off the rocky island of Los Islotes and don flippers, a mask and snorkel (which are provided) to swim with curious sea lions. Then the ship repositions 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 your journey. Plans are flexible as you explore some of the uninhabited islands sprinkled across these waters. Your Captain and Expedition Leader collaborate to choose the perfect combination of activities for the day. You might 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 you’ll visit Bahía de Los Muertos to snorkel among the coral.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Loreto / Disembark Ship
After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to the Loreto airport for flights home or to Loreto’s city center to begin a two-night history and whale-watching extension.
Meals Included: Breakfast
