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.
Join me aboard the National Geographic Venture which has has dual boarding platforms, enabling our team to load two Zodiacs at once means guests get off ship quickly, to take advantage of wildlife sightings and maximize exploring time. Modern, cleaned-lined, with large expanses of glass to keep you connected to the extraordinary views, National Geographic Venture enables you to see, do and experience the best of her geographies.
Why Ralph Recommends this trip
- Snorkel at sunrise where you will see the sun stream through the water and spot a pufferfish!
- 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 in Los Islotes (conditions permitting) and amid the pristine coral reefs of Cabo Pulmo National 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 worldͶfrom migrating gray whales to desert plant species.
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Day-by-Day Itinerary
DAY 1 Arrive Loreto / Transfer to San Carlos / Embark Ship
Arrive in Loreto by early afternoon to transfer to National Geographic Venture. Embark early evening and savor the sunset as we set sail. Arrival Time: Arrive before 2:30 p.m. local time. Arrival City: Loreto,
Mexico Meals included: dinner
DAY 2 Bahia Almejas / Rehusa Channel / Isla Magdalena
Awake this morning in Bahía de Almejas, where we will 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 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. (B/ L/ D)
DAY 3 Boca de Soledad
Each winter gray whales travel south from their Arctic feeding grounds to breed and raise their calves in these sheltered waters. 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. (B/ L/ D)
DAY 4 Bahía Magdalena / Cruising
Ease into the day with morning stretches hosted by our 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. (B/ L/ D)
DAY 5 Gorda Banks and Cabo Pulmo
Kickstart your day snorkeling 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. We spend the afternoon searching the seas of the Gorda Banks seamount, a renowned gathering place for whales, especially humpbacks, dolphins, and other sea life. Capping off our day is a majestic sunset over the iconic Friars Rocks at Land͛s End. (B/ L/ D)
DAY 6 Los Islotes and La Paz
Conditions permitting, we͛ll 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. (B/ L/ D)
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 we͛ll visit Bahía de Los Muertos to snorkel among the coral. (B/ L/ D)
DAY 8 Loreto / Disembark Ship
Disembark in San Carlos after breakfast and transfer to Loreto. Schedules permitting, 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. After lunch, transfer to Loreto Airport for flights home. (B/ L)
Departure Time: Depart after 1:00 p.m. local time. Departure City: Loreto, Mexico
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Pricing
Click here to view cabins and the vessel's deck plan.
Group savings of 10% applied once 5 cabins are booked.
Deposit: Advance payment 15%
Final Payment: Due 120 days prior to departure (16 October 2024)
- Pricing does not reflect 10% groups savings
- Prices are per person / based on double occupancy x $500 discount extended to all guests under the age of 18
- Rates quoted are available until March 13th 2024 and will then change to prevailing rates
Ready to Go? Simply click here to pay your deposit & choose your stateroom.
What's included in this trip:
- Accommodations aboard ship and in hotels per itinerary
- All meals aboard ship; all non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages aboard ship (except certain premium brands)
- All shore excursions and sightseeing entrance fees, special access permits; use of kayaks
- Transfers to and from group flights
- Taxes, service charges and port charges
- Lindblad Expeditions' Leader and Naturalist staff; local guides
What's not included in this trip:
- Airfare (except flights when indicated as included)
- Pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers,
- Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees
- Laundry, spa treatments, Wi-Fi, and phone services (except when indicated as included)
- Crew gratuities
Important information
We want to speak with you prior to booking to be sure you have made the right choice, explored all options before during and after this trip including flights, transfers, travel insurance, passports and visas.
We recommend the purchase of Travel Insurance. Click here to view full details.
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Advance and Final Payments
effective May 1, 2023
To reserve your place, an advance payment for the program is required at the time of reservation. Payment is accepted by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, or check. Receipt of your initial payment indicates your acceptance of our complete Terms and Conditions.
Once your reservation is confirmed, we urge you to use your personalized online account for important information to help you prepare for your voyage. Managing your documents online will facilitate fast and accurate communication and allow you to provide us with pertinent details required to complete your reservation. Your online account gives you access to your
Expedition Guide, which includes valuable information specific to your voyage. You can also use your online account to make easy payments, view recommended flights and reading material, packing list, and so much more.
Advance payment amount will be 15% of the cabin fare. Final payment will be due 120 days prior to departure. For groups of 8 or more a 50% advance payment is due 180 days prior to departure.
Cancellation policy:
*Advance payments will be credited in the form of a Lindblad Expeditions Travel Certificate, valid for 12 months from the date of cancellation, and which may only be applied towards final payment on any future booking.
**Trip cost is total price paid including extensions, charter airfare, and other additional services.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.