Baja California Holiday Voyage: A Living Sea and Desert Isles

Day 1: Home / Loreto, Mexico / Embark Ship

Arrive into Loreto by early afternoon and transfer to National Geographic Venture to set sail at sunset.

Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2-7: Exploring the Gulf of California

Writer and longtime Lindblad naturalist Stewart Aitchison refers to this sliver of the Pacific Ocean as the Vermillion Sea, and notes it is “a romantic name that conjures up visions of fiery sunsets, leaping dolphins, and deserted beaches.” It is all this and so much more. Our routing is designed with flexibility in mind to maximize opportunities for wildlife sightings. It most likely includes the islands and activities listed below, although the order may vary.

Isla San Esteban and San Pedro Mártir

Walk up a desert wash to search for desert songbirds such as the handsome black-throated sparrow, listen for the cascading song of the canyon wren, and search for the endemic pinto chuckwalla—a plump, harmless desert lizard. Later, visit Isla San Pedro Mártir, a 1,000-foot-high guano-covered island that is home to thousands of seabirds: brown pelicans, magnificent frigatebirds, Brandt’s cormorants, and California sea lions.

Isla San Marcos

At Isla San Marcos there is a beautiful shoreline for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. In the afternoon we are again in rich waters, near the mouth of Bahía Concepción. Here we are on the lookout for pods of dolphins—common and bottlenose dolphins are the most frequently encountered species. With luck these beautiful animals may join us as we go, riding the bow wave, sometimes twisting and turning, and sometimes leaping from the water.

Isla San José

One of the larger islands in the Gulf of California, San José offers several landing possibilities depending on conditions and the whim of the moment. Photograph the ochre cliffs of the island’s eastern shore, hike an enchanted, cactus-laden arroyo, or visit the abandoned salt works to the west. Snorkel with sea lions and discover rare wildlife among desert islands.

Bahía Loreto Marine Park

This morning we search for marine life in the waters south of Isla Carmen, an area offering the possibility of encountering fin whales, which researchers have recently concluded may be part of a resident population. Bottlenose and common dolphins are frequently encountered. In the afternoon we visit one of the islands of Bahía Loreto Marine Park, with ample time for kayaking, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, and possibly hiking. In the evening, enjoy a beach barbecue under the desert sky.

Los Islotes and Isla San Francisco

At Los Islotes, don flippers, a mask, and snorkel (which we gladly provide) and swim with curious sea lions. We have a leisurely afternoon to swim, kayak, or hike at Isla San Francisco. Look skyward for yellow-footed gulls, brown pelicans, and blue-footed boobies.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Loreto / Disembark Ship / Home

Disembark and explore Loreto, where we will have 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

Included

• All meals and non-alcoholic beverages*
• Your bar tab and all crew gratuities are included in the voyage price on all National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Endurance, and National Geographic Orion voyages.
• Your bar tab and WiFi** are included in the voyage price on all National Geographic Islander or National Geographic Endeavour II voyages.
• Cappuccinos, lattes & filtered water
• 24-hour coffee, tea & soda on demand (soda not included on Lord of the Glens)
• Hors d’oeuvres & snacks during Recap
• Fitness center or exercise equipment, depending on the ship
• Fully stocked library, and other gracious public spaces
• The guidance and company of our expedition staff
• The services of a physician on certain ships/destinations
• Sightseeing & entrance fees
• Special access permits, park fees, port taxes
• Transfers to and from group flights
• The expertise of the expedition staff
• All excursions
• Zodiac & kayak explorations
• Snorkeling, including wetsuits, masks, fins & snorkel where relevant
• Presentations and guest speakers in the lounge

*Alcoholic beverages are included on the National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Endurance, Sea Cloud, and Lord of the Glens; certain super-premium brands are not included.

** Travel aboard any National Geographic Islander or National Geographic Endeavour II voyage and we will cover your bar tab; certain premium brands not included. Free WiFi, up to one hour a day per person aboard any National Geographic Islander and National Geographic Endeavour II departure.

Not Included

• International and internal airfare
• Additional hotel nights
• Private transfers
• Travel Protection Plan
• Passport, visa, and immigration fees
• Expedition extensions
• Pre- and post-expedition Gratuities
• Alcoholic beverages (except aboard Sea Cloud, Lord of the Glens, National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Islander and National Geographic Endeavour II); certain super-premium brands not included
• Spa treatments
• Aboard ship Gratuities (except aboard Sea Cloud, National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Endurance & National Geographic Explorer)
• Scuba diving
• Laundry
• Internet and phone
• Gift shop items and any other items of personal nature
• Cappuccinos and lattes are not available on the Delfin II

National Geographic Venture

The 100-passenger National Geographic Venture is the perfect ship to explore the same remote locations Lindblad Expeditions has sought out for decades while setting a new standard in comfort and style.

National Geographic Venture Details …