Baja California and the Sea of Cortez: Among the Great Whales

8 DAYS FROM $6,590

Maximum Group Size: 100

Trip Type: Expedition Cruise

Activity Level: Light or Moderate

• Voyage to Bahía Magdalena to observe gray whales and their calves.

• Explore with our naturalists, discovering sand dunes, a cactus forest, and deserted islands.

• Go snorkeling amid sea lions, king angelfish, and brilliant blue damselfish.

On your trip, be on the lookout for...

Gray whales, dolphins, sea lions, king angelfish, frigatebirds, blue damselfish, and more.

Days 1–2: Loreto, Mexico/San Carlos/Bahía Almejas/Isla Magdalena

Arrive in Loreto and transfer to San Carlos to board our ship. Awake anchored in Bahía Almejas, where gray whales gather to breed and nurse their young. Glide past a crowded frigatebird colony, and explore Isla Magdalena’s ever-shifting dunes during a walk to one of the Pacific coast’s most pristine beaches.

Accommodations: National Geographic Venture for the entire voyage

Meals: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 2 dinners

Grey Whale (Eschrichtius robustus); California Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis californicus); Mobula Ray (Mobula)

Days 3–4: Boca de Soledad/Bahía Magdalena/Hull Canal

Transfer by motorcoach to Boca de Soledad in Bahía Magdalena, one of the main breeding and calving areas for gray whales. Spend a full day observing these gentle giants at water level from local pangas. The next morning, enjoy an optional stretching session on deck with our wellness specialist; then set out by kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or Zodiac to explore the vast coastal mangroves of Bahía Magdalena. This afternoon, watch for marine life on deck, listen to talks by our experts, or pick up photography tips from our National Geographic–Lindblad photo instructor as we travel south along the peninsula’s Pacific coast.

Meals: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

Days 5–6: Gorda Banks/Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park/Los Islotes/La Paz

Cruise past the iconic Friars rocks at Land’s End and arrive at the Gorda Banks seamount, a gathering place for whales, dolphins, and other sea life. Snorkel pristine coral reefs in Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, and learn about local initiatives to protect this rich underwater sanctuary. In the waters off Los Islotes, snorkel and swim among curious sea lions. Later, dock in the port of La Paz to gain insight into the history and culture of this colorful coastal city.

Meals: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

Days 7–8: Sea of Cortez/Loreto

Spend time on the lookout for whales, as well as bottlenose and common dolphins; or venture to some of the many uninhabited islands in the Sea of Cortez, such as Isla San Francisco or Isla San José. Birdlife may be plentiful, and the nutrient-rich sea is home to an incredible variety of fish, including angelfish, butterfly fish, damselfish, and the beautiful parrotfish. Disembark in Loreto the next morning and explore this charming seaside town. Visit the Loreto Mission, the first Jesuit mission in Baja California, and learn about local history at a nearby museum. After lunch, transfer to the airport to connect with your flight home.

Meals: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner

Your National Geographic Expert

Greg Marshall, Marine Biologist and Filmmaker

Greg Marshall invented the Crittercam, a device that can be attached to an animal to study its behavior. He has documented life in the oceans and on land from the perspective of more than 80 species, from humpback whales to emperor penguins.

Find the departure(s) Greg will join on our website.

Information

This trip is operated in collaboration with Lindblad Expeditions.

This expedition is offered from January through March.

Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and vary by cabin category. Single supplement applies; please see our website. Airfare is not included in the price. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. This itinerary is for informational purposes only and is subject to change at any time without notice.

Wild Baja Escape: The Whales of Magdalena Bay

6 Days From $3,890

Maximum Group Size: 62

Spend several extraordinary days in the company of majestic gray whales. Navigate the length of Bahía Magdalena, setting out by Zodiac for thrilling, close-up encounters with gray whale mothers and their calves. Kayak through mangrove forests; hike desert islands; and explore pristine, sun-soaked beaches. Visit our website for details.

Call 1-888-966-8687 or your professional travel advisor

Find details and dates for all our expeditions at natgeoexpeditions.com/wildlife