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Gray whale adult female and calf in San Ignacio Lagoon, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Gray whale adult female and calf in San Ignacio Lagoon, Baja California Sur, Mexico
ExpeditionsBaja California: Among the Great Whales

Baja California: Among the Great Whales 

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Explore Baja California’s pristine coastlines and living sea in search of dolphins, sea lions, and as many as five different varieties of whales. Board local pangas and enter sheltered lagoons for up-close encounters with California gray whale mothers and their newborn calves. Witness an undersea wonderland, serene desert isles, 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. 

Highlights

A California Grey whale calf breaching in San Ignacio Lagoon, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
  • 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

From

$6,854

/ per person

Was $7,120Save $266

Does not include any flights

duration
8 Days
See all offers

View our brochure for more details

2023-2025 Voyages

Baja California 2023-25

Talk to an Expedition Specialist1.800.397.3348

From

$6,854

/ per person

Was $7,120Save $266

duration
8 Days

View our brochure for more details

2023-2025 Voyages

Baja California 2023-25

From

$6,854

/ per person

Was $7,120Save $266

duration
8 Days
See all offers

View our brochure for more details

2023-2025 Voyages

Baja California 2023-25

Itinerary

Multiple routes available

Some departures follow a modified itinerary. Please refer to departure dates for exact routing of your departure.

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Starts atSan Carlos, Mexico
Ends atLoreto, Mexico

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.

Arrival Time: Arrive before 2:30 p.m. local time.
Arrival City: Loreto, Mexico

Meals Included: Dinner

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.

Arrival Time: Arrive before 2:30 p.m. local time.
Arrival City: Loreto, Mexico

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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

Departure Time: Depart after 1:00 p.m. local time.
Departure City: Loreto, Mexico

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Departure Time: Depart after 1:00 p.m. local time.
Departure City: Loreto, Mexico

Meals Included: Breakfast

Video

Expedition Spotlight - The Gray Whales of Baja California

  • Oct 2023

Gray whales have the longest migration of any mammal, traveling 6,000 miles to and from Baja California where we encounter them in their birthing lagoons on the outer coast. In these protected waters, mother whales fortify their young and prepare them for the lengthy journey back to the Arctic. In this episode of Expedition Spotlight, naturalist Marylou Blakeslee shares more about these special cetaceans and the unique privilege of spending time in their realm.

Dates & Rates

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    Ships

    Ship National Geographic Venture

    National Geographic Venture

    GUESTS 100

    CABINS 50

    DECKS 4

    American-flagged, she is ideal for discovering domestic waters. Her design innovations were informed by 50+ years of expedition expertise to ensure extraordinary discoveries.

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    Expedition Extensions

    A Humpback whale dives showing its fluke in Loreto Bay National Marine Park, Gulf of California, Baja California Sur, Mexico
    Extension
    Post-Voyage

    Loreto History and Whale-Watching Extension

    Duration3 Days

    Starting from

    $1,344

    / per person

    Explore

    Expedition Team

    Over 50+ years of exploring, Lindblad Expeditions’ veteran staff and the quality companionship they provide has established the company’s reputation. From expedition leaders to naturalists, most hold advanced degrees and are established authorities in their fields. Some join a few expeditions each year to explore the same sites, some of them spending some time in the field away from rigorous academic work. And others lead expeditions all around the world—with many guests saying, “Where you’re going, we’re going,” and returning time after time to travel with them. Browse our team directory to discover the full cast of expedition staff.

    Captain Andrew Cook with guests and Staff on the Bridge of National Geographic Venture, Baja California, Mexico

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    2023-2025 Voyages

    Baja California 2023-25