DETAILS
Each year California gray whales pause during their migrations to birth and nurse their calves in the lagoons of Baja California. Join us as we head out in local pangas with naturalists and local guides for rare opportunities to observe these gentle giants at water level. Travel aboard the 100-guest, National Geographic Venture, and get up close with whales, snorkel among sea lions, stand-up paddleboard, and hike the pristine desert islands dotting the Sea of Cortez. And all the while, learn from the top expedition team in the region: expert naturalists, an undersea specialist, and a certified photo instructor will help you take some of your best photos ever!
- Pricing from
- $6,173
Special Savings! Call 888.484.8785 for details.
- Trip Type
- Closer to Home, Group Travel Tour
- Departure Dates
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Jan 16, 2027 - Jan 23, 2027
National Geographic Venture CAPACITY: 50 cabins accommodating 100 guests. REGISTRY: United States. OVERALL LENGTH: 238 feet. PUBLIC AREAS: Global gallery; fitness center; LEXspa; lounge with full service bar and facilities for films and presentations; observation deck; mudroom with lockers for expedition gear, and a partially covered sundeck with chairs and tables. The open Bridge provides guests an opportunity to meet the officers and captain and learn about navigation. MEALS: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere. Cuisine is fresh, sustainable, accented with regional flair and served plated. CABINS: All cabins face outside with windows or portholes, private facilities and climate controls. Category 4 cabins have step-out balconies. EXPEDITION EQUIPMENT: A fleet of 8 Zodiacs and 24 kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, ROV (remotely operated vehicle); hydrophone, splash-cam, underwater video camera and video microscope. SPECIAL FEATURES: Guest Wi-Fi access, elevator, National Geographic certified photo instructor, undersea specialist and a medical professional. WELLNESS: The vessel is staffed by a wellness specialist and features a gym with an elliptical machine, treadmill, exercycles, hand weights and resistance bands. Massages in the LEXspa are available by appointment. LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS–PIONEERING RESPONSIBLE EXPLORATION: From our consistent quest to improve our practices to offsetting 100% of our carbon emissions, supporting conservation, science and education initiatives around the planet and investing in the communities conservation, science and education initiatives in the places we explore, we are guided by our commitment to explore responsibly.
LORETO PRE-VOYAGE EXTENSION Arrive early for a relaxing and educational pre-voyage stay in the charming, seaside town of Loreto, Mexico, the first colonial settlement in Baja California. Visit the Jesuitfounded Misión San Francisco Javier de Viggé-Biaundó and learn about the rich history of the mission and the surrounding area. Enjoy time to explore Loreto on your own and experience the culture and cuisine of this tranquil town.
Final payment is due 120 days prior to departure date.
Date Prior to Expedition Start Per Person Cancellation Fee
120 or more days – No penalty: Advance Payment will be credited toward your next expedition**
119-90 days – 50% of trip cost***
89-0 days – 100% of trip cost***
**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.
TOUR MAP
ITINERARY
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day 1
LORETO/EMBARK
Upon arrival in Loreto and embark National Geographic Venture. Savor the sunset as we set sail.
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day 2
BAHÍA CONCEPCIÓN
Awake in Bahía Concepción, and take your coffee to the deck to witness the colorful landscapes revealed by the first of many gorgeous sunrises. This biodiversity hotspot is ripe for exploration. Board Zodiacs in search of whales and other marine life, kayak through lush mangrove systems and snorkel in turquoise waters. On land, join an invigorating hike among towering cacti, or stroll the pristine beaches and learn about the ecology from the naturalists.
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day 3
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. The plan is flexible as guests explore some of the uninhabited islands sprinkled across these waters. Conditions permitting, you may hike, kayak or paddleboard. Learn about this ecosystem from a naturalist and capture amazing photos with help from your certified photo instructor.
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day 4
BOCA DE SOLEDAD
After breakfast, transfer by motorcoach from Puerto Escondido to Puerto López Mateos. Settle in for unforgettable experiences in this tranquil lagoon. Together with savvy local fisherman, you’ll venture out in pangas to view the numerous mother-calf pairs. With luck, enjoy up-close interactions with these curious creatures. Enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant before returning to the ship in late afternoon.
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days 5-7
CABO PULMO/LOS ISLOTES/GULF OF CALIFORNIA
Venture south to discover the gems of the southern Gulf. These islands and surrounding waters are celebrated for their conservation stories, marine life and the many thrilling experiences on offer. Some of the locations you may visit or enjoy by Zodiac include:
CABO PULMO NATIONAL MARINE PARK Set out to snorkel the pristine reefs of Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, one of the most successful national marine parks in the world. Chat with locals about their advocacy to protect this unique place, including a cessation of fishing to protect the reef. ISLA ESPÍRITU SANTO A national park as well as UNESCO World Heritage site with volcanic rock formations, scenic beaches and coral reefs. This magical island offers excellent hiking opportunities and crystal-clear waters for snorkeling. It’s a popular destination for researchers monitoring sea turtles. LOS ISLOTES Located at the northern tip of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Los Islotes is largely inaccessible to people and home to a large colony of sea lions. Conditions permitting, the ship will anchor off the rocky island where you don flippers, a mask, and snorkel (provided) and swim with these curious inhabitants. ISLA SAN JOSÉ One of the larger islands in the Gulf of California, San José offers several landing possibilities depending on conditions and the whim of the moment. Photograph the ochre cliffs of the island’s eastern shore, hike an enchanted, cactusladen arroyo or visit the abandoned salt works to the west. Discover rare wildlife among desert islands.
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day 8
LORETO/DISEMBARK
After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to the Loreto airport for flights home.
Everything you need to know about the tour
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