At a glance
- Duration:
- 8 Days
- Start/End:
- San Carlos to Loreto (and Reverse)
- From:
- $6,930
- Time of Year:
- January - February
On this 8-day Among the Great Whales cruise aboard the 100-passenger National Geographic Venture, 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.
Among the Great Whales Highlights
- 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
- 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
Among the Great Whales Details
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 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 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 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
| Dates | Direction | Cat. 1 | Cat. 2 | Cat. 3 | Cat. 4 | Cat. 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday, January 6, 2024 | Loreto to San Carlos | $7,272 | $8,404 | $9,101 | $10,040 | $11,141 |
| Saturday, January 13, 2024 | San Carlos to Loreto | $7,000 | $8,101 | $8,767 | $9,676 | $10,737 |
| Saturday, January 20, 2024 | Loreto to San Carlos | $7,000 | $8,101 | $8,767 | $9,676 | $10,737 |
| Saturday, January 27, 2024 | San Carlos to Loreto | $7,000 | $8,101 | $8,767 | $9,676 | $10,737 |
| Saturday, February 3, 2024 | Loreto to San Carlos | $6,930 | $8,020 | $8,680 | $9,580 | $10,630 |
| Saturday, February 10, 2024 | San Carlos to Loreto | $7,144 | $8,268 | $8,948 | $9,876 | $10,958 |
| Saturday, February 17, 2024 | Loreto to San Carlos | $7,532 | $8,717 | $9,434 | $10,413 | $11,554 |
| Saturday, February 24, 2024 | San Carlos to Loreto | $7,144 | $8,268 | $8,948 | $9,876 | $10,958 |
| Sunday, January 5, 2025 | Loreto to San Carlos | $7,490 | $8,659 | $9,380 | $10,346 | $11,480 |
| Sunday, January 12, 2025 | San Carlos to Loreto | $7,210 | $8,344 | $9,030 | $9,968 | $11,060 |
| Sunday, January 19, 2025 | Loreto to San Carlos | $7,210 | $8,344 | $9,030 | $9,968 | $11,060 |
| Sunday, January 26, 2025 | San Carlos to Loreto | $7,364 | $8,519 | $9,219 | $10,178 | $11,291 |
| Sunday, February 2, 2025 | Loreto to San Carlos | $7,000 | $8,092 | $8,764 | $9,667 | $10,731 |
| Sunday, February 9, 2025 | San Carlos to Loreto | $7,511 | $8,701 | $9,415 | $10,388 | $11,529 |
| Sunday, February 16, 2025 | Loreto to San Carlos | $7,924 | $9,170 | $9,919 | $10,955 | $12,152 |
| Sunday, February 23, 2025 | San Carlos to Loreto | $7,511 | $8,701 | $9,415 | $10,388 | $11,529 |
Dates and rates are effective the date the information was updated on this site. Dates and rates may have changed by the cruise line prior to an update here. Contact Sunstone Tours & Cruises for the latest dates & rates.
Prices are per person, double occupancy.
Prices subject to change
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.
