At a glance
- Duration:
- 8 Days
- Start/End:
- La Paz to San Carlos, Mexico
- From:
- $4,417
- Time of Year:
- January, December
Set sail on this 8-day Baja California Mosaic: Magdalena Bay and Gulf of California cruise itinerary aboard a purpose, built expedition ship—small enough to slip into wildlife, rich islands of the Gulf of California and sheltered lagoons of Magdalena Bay.
Along both coasts of this extraordinary peninsula, unforgettable encounters await: snorkel with playful sea lions at Los Islotes, wander the historic streets of San José del Cabo, kayak through tranquil mangroves, hike cactus-studded desert trails, or comb endless stretches of sunlit sand. Every day brings new ways to explore and witness the astounding biodiversity that makes this a true naturalist’s paradise.
For over 50 years, Lindblad Expeditions has built its reputation on the expertise and warmth of its expedition team. From leaders to naturalists, many hold advanced degrees and are respected authorities in their fields, whether they’re returning to Baja’s familiar shores year after year or guiding adventures across the globe. Guests often say, “Where you’re going, we’re going,” returning time and again for the camaraderie and knowledge that make every voyage unforgettable.
Baja California Mosaic: Magdalena Bay and Gulf of California Highlights
- Immerse yourself in Magdalena Bay’s expansive ecosystem of protected waterways, mangrove channels and sheltered coves inaccessible to larger ships
- Snorkel among curious sea lions at Los Islotes and swim among colorful tropical fish in the pristine waters of the Gulf of California
- Visit the historic town center of San José del Cabo, where the beautiful San José mission stands alongside art galleries and cultural landmarks
- Scan the waters of Gordo Banks, a renowned gathering place for marine mammals, where dolphins, sea lions and seasonal whales congregate in the nutrient-rich sea
- Explore the diverse ecosystems of Espíritu Santo National Park, home to a remarkable array of marine life and bird species from frigatebirds to blue-footed boobies
- Balance wildness and culture with an optional pre-voyage extension exploring the art galleries, historic missions and farm-to-table restaurants of San José del Cabo, Todos Santos and La Paz
Baja California Mosaic: Magdalena Bay and Gulf of California Details
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1: San José del Cabo / La Paz / Embark Ship
Arrive in San José del Cabo and transfer to La Paz to embark the National Geographic Sea Bird or National Geographic Sea Lion. You may opt for a pre-voyage extension exploring the region’s culture and cuisine.
Arrival Time: Arrive before 2:30 p.m. local time.
Arrival City: San José del Cabo, Mexico
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2: Exploring the Gulf of California
Dubbed the “world’s aquarium” by Jacques Cousteau, the Gulf of California is home to a tapestry of biological diversity. With some luck, and the help of your naturalists, you’ll encounter whales, bottlenose and common dolphins and other sea life in these wildlife-rich waters. The day’s plan is flexible as you explore some of the uninhabited islands sprinkled across the Gulf, spend time on the bow searching for marine life or visit uninhabited islands to hike among huge cacti and diverse bird life. Swim or snorkel with king angelfish, surgeonfish, butterfly fish, damselfish and iridescent parrotfish.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Los Islotes and Espíritu Santo National Park
With deeply indented shorelines and dramatically eroded cliff faces, Los Islotes and Isla Espíritu Santo are two of the most beautiful islands in the Gulf of California. Suit up in provided snorkeling gear to experience the thrill of swimming with the curious sea lions. This afternoon, choose to swim, kayak or hike at Isla Espíritu Santo where brown pelicans, gulls and boobies dot the landscape.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: San José del Cabo and Gordo Banks
Start the day cruising past the spectacular Friars Rocks at Land’s End, an iconic landmark named after its semblance to the hooded monks. Then, visit the historic town center of San José del Cabo, a culinary and cultural haven that’s home to the beautiful San José missionary and an array of art galleries. Spend the afternoon at the Gordo Banks seamount or La Fortuna, nutrient-rich gathering places for whales, dolphins and other exciting sea life. While on the lookout, naturalists are always available to inform and enlighten you with their deep knowledge of and passion for the peninsula.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 5-7: Magdalena Bay
Explore the remarkable geography of Magdalena Bay—an immense system of protected coves and channels bordered by mangrove forests that transition into a vast, windswept plain. Hike across rolling sand dunes, kayak along pristine coastlines and explore this magical area by Zodiac. Watch for magnificent frigatebirds, pelicans, cormorants, terns, great blue herons, ibis and willets and capture their movements with the help of your certified photography instructor.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: San Carlos / Disembark Ship / Loreto
After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to the airport for flights home or to Loreto’s city center to begin your two-night history and whale-watching extension.
Departure Time: Depart after 1:00 p.m. local time.
Departure City: Loreto, Mexico
Meals Included: Breakfast
