At a glance
- Duration:
- 6 Days
- Start/End:
- Round Trip San Carlos
- From:
- $4,040
- Time of Year:
- January - March
On this 6-day Whales of Magdalena Bay itinerary, spend several extraordinary days in the company of majestic gray whales in Mexico’s Bahía Magdalena, one of the best places in the world to witness interactions between gray whale mothers and their curious calves.
Explore the bay aboard our nimble expedition ship, and set out in local pangas for up-close encounters. Kayak mangrove forests and hike desert islands, look for pelicans and ospreys, and soak up the sun on pristine beaches.
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
Wild Baja Escape: The Whales of Magdalena Bay Details
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
| Dates | Ship | Cat. 1 | Cat. 2 | Cat. 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, January 16, 2024 | NG Sea Bird | $4,291 | $5,312 | $6,145 |
| Thursday, January 18, 2024 | NG Sea Lion | $4,120 | $5,100 | $5,900 |
| Sunday, January 21, 2024 | NG Sea Bird | $4,247 | $5,257 | $6,082 |
| Tuesday, January 23, 2024 | NG Sea Lion | $4,120 | $5,100 | $5,900 |
| Friday, January 26, 2024 | NG Sea Bird | $4,161 | $5,151 | $5,959 |
| Sunday, January 28, 2024 | NG Sea Lion | $4,120 | $5,100 | $5,900 |
| Wednesday, January 31, 2024 | NG Sea Bird | $4,247 | $5,257 | $6,082 |
| Friday, February 2, 2024 | NG Sea Lion | $4,120 | $5,100 | $5,900 |
| Monday, February 5, 2024 | NG Sea Bird | $4,247 | $5,257 | $6,082 |
| Wednesday, February 7, 2024 | NG Sea Lion | $4,162 | $5,152 | $5,960 |
| Saturday, February 10, 2024 | NG Sea Bird | $4,291 | $5,312 | $6,145 |
| Monday, February 12, 2024 | NG Sea Lion | $4,120 | $5,100 | $5,900 |
| Thursday, February 15, 2024 | NG Sea Bird | $4,336 | $5,368 | $6,210 |
| Saturday, February 17, 2024 | NG Sea Lion | $4,204 | $5,204 | $6,020 |
| Tuesday, February 20, 2024 | NG Sea Bird | $4,247 | $5,257 | $6,082 |
| Thursday, February 22, 2024 | NG Sea Lion | $4,120 | $5,100 | $5,900 |
| Sunday, February 25, 2024 | NG Sea Bird | $4,161 | $5,151 | $5,959 |
| Tuesday, February 27, 2024 | NG Sea Lion | $4,120 | $5,100 | $5,900 |
| Friday, March 1, 2024 | NG Sea Bird | $4,161 | $5,151 | $5,959 |
| Sunday, March 3, 2024 | NG Sea Lion | $4,120 | $5,100 | $5,900 |
| Wednesday, March 6, 2024 | NG Sea Bird | $4,080 | $5,151 | $5,959 |
| Friday, March 8, 2024 | NG Sea Lion | $4,040 | $5,100 | $5,900 |
| Monday, March 11, 2024 | NG Sea Bird | $4,080 | $5,151 | $5,959 |
| Wednesday, March 13, 2024 | NG Sea Lion | $4,040 | $5,100 | $5,900 |
| Saturday, March 16, 2024 | NG Sea Bird | $4,164 | $5,257 | $6,082 |
| Monday, March 18, 2024 | NG Sea Lion | $4,040 | $5,100 | $5,900 |
| Thursday, January 16, 2025 | NG Sea Bird | $3,867 | $4,787 | $5,537 |
| Sunday, January 19, 2025 | NG Sea Lion | $3,867 | $4,787 | $5,537 |
| Tuesday, January 21, 2025 | NG Sea Bird | $3,867 | $4,787 | $5,537 |
| Friday, January 24, 2025 | NG Sea Lion | $3,867 | $4,787 | $5,537 |
| Sunday, January 26, 2025 | NG Sea Bird | $3,867 | $4,787 | $5,537 |
| Wednesday, January 29, 2025 | NG Sea Lion | $3,867 | $4,787 | $5,537 |
| Monday, February 3, 2025 | NG Sea Lion | $4,472 | $5,532 | $6,402 |
| Wednesday, February 5, 2025 | NG Sea Bird | $4,472 | $5,532 | $6,402 |
| Saturday, February 8, 2025 | NG Sea Lion | $4,472 | $5,532 | $6,402 |
| Monday, February 10, 2025 | NG Sea Bird | $4,472 | $5,532 | $6,402 |
| Thursday, February 13, 2025 | NG Sea Lion | $4,472 | $5,532 | $6,402 |
| Saturday, February 15, 2025 | NG Sea Bird | $4,472 | $5,532 | $6,402 |
| Tuesday, February 18, 2025 | NG Sea Lion | $4,472 | $5,532 | $6,402 |
| Thursday, February 20, 2025 | NG Sea Bird | $4,472 | $5,532 | $6,402 |
| Sunday, February 23, 2025 | NG Sea Lion | $4,472 | $5,532 | $6,402 |
| Tuesday, February 25, 2025 | NG Sea Bird | $4,472 | $5,532 | $6,402 |
| Friday, February 28, 2025 | NG Sea Lion | $4,472 | $5,532 | $6,402 |
| Wednesday, March 5, 2025 | NG Sea Lion | $3,677 | $4,642 | $5,367 |
| Friday, March 7, 2025 | NG Sea Bird | $3,677 | $4,642 | $5,367 |
| Monday, March 10, 2025 | NG Sea Lion | $3,677 | $4,642 | $5,367 |
| Wednesday, March 12, 2025 | NG Sea Bird | $3,677 | $4,642 | $5,367 |
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
Inclusive pricing means real value
We include just about everything you have the opportunity to do as part of your expedition aboard ship and ashore. The value of what we include, combined with the quality of our service and the excellence of our expedition staff, adds up to considerable value—especially compared to the impact of cost for excursions and other add-on charges to the so-called savings other travel companies offer.
What we offer is not inexpensive. But our guests find that when you look at the alternatives and add up the costs, our expeditions are really an extremely good value. The cost of your voyage includes basically everything you have the opportunity to do as part of your expedition with us, both on board and on shore. The only things not included are those of a personal nature–alcohol (on certain ships), airfare to and from, an occasional meal ashore where we feel you might like to have the option, tips to crew (on certain ships), spa treatments, and certain specialized events or activities–that may interest only a limited number of people. You could literally go on our voyages with not a dollar in your pocket and have a perfectly excellent experience taking advantage of everything we offer.
Aboard ship
- 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. Please call for details.
- Your bar tab and WiFi** are included in the voyage price on all National Geographic Islander or National Geographic Endeavour II voyages. Please call for details.
- 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
Ashore
- Hotels ashore as indicated in itinerary
- Meals on land, as indicated in itinerary
- Sightseeing & entrance fees
- Special access permits, park fees, port taxes
- Transfers to and from group flights
- The expertise of our expedition staff
Activities
- 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.
Unused services or items included in our programs are non-refundable.
Not Included
Find out what is not included in the cost of your expedition
While aboard ship nearly everything is included in the cost of your expedition, but getting to and from our ships is not included. International airfare and internal airfare are not included in the price of the expedition. Our air department is more than happy to help make your travel arrangements, and often, our guests choose to pay for their flights using miles.
Airfare
- International and internal airfare
Pre- and post-expedition
- Additional hotel nights
- Private transfers
- Travel Protection Plan
- Passport, visa, and immigration fees
- Expedition extensions
- Gratuities
Aboard ship
- 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
- 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 Sea Bird
The 62-passenger National Geographic Sea Bird is a tried and true expedition ship. With a shallow draft and small size, she can easily reach places inaccessible to larger ships.
National Geographic Sea Lion
The 62-passenger National Geographic Sea Lion is a tried and true expedition ship. With a shallow draft and small size, she can easily reach places inaccessible to larger ships.
