With its pristine coastlines and vivid sea life, Baja California offers spectacular untamed wilderness. Sail aboard the nimble National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet into the biodiverse waters of the Gulf of California, home to more than a third of the world’s marine life. Led by local experts, naturalists and photographers, you’ll have thrilling opportunities for up-close encounters with gray whales and their curious calves on panga excursions in Magdalena Bay. Spend days discovering vibrant marine life as you snorkel among playful sea lions off the island of Los Islotes or watch a pod of dolphins zip by your Zodiac. Then head ashore to hike amid shifting sand dunes and fascinating flora, from lush mesquite trees to monumental cardón cacti. Discover this awe-inspiring region—blissfully remote yet close to home.
Baja California Holiday: A Living Sea and Desert Isles
National Geographic Venture
Baja California Holiday: A Living Sea and Desert Isles
Duration 8 Days Dates Jan, Nov, Dec
Starting from £4,232 per person (Was £4,702)
Transport your holiday traditions to Baja California for a spectacular celebration of wildness. Designated by UNESCO as a marine world heritage site and dubbed “the world’s aquarium” by Jacques Cousteau, the waters and islands of the Gulf of California are places of legendary biodiversity. This isolated region is, arguably, the best place in the world to keep watch for a vast variety of whale species plus massive pods of dolphins, leaping mobula rays, and seabirds.
Highlights
Devil ray jumping out of the water in Mexico
Guests exploring by zodiac in Punta Colorada, Isla San Jose, Sea of Cortz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
A pod of Long-beaked common dolphins, Sea of Cortez, Gulf of California, Baja California, Mexico
Guests bird watch during sunrise from a zodiac at Isla Rasa in the Gulf of California, Baja California, Mexico
Beautiful evening sky reflected in the water at the harbor, Santa Rosalia, Mexico
Spend your holiday season in search of large pods of dolphins, blue and humpback whales, and other marine mammals
Explore the sculpted desert shoreline by kayak, hike uninhabited beaches, and snorkel among fish and acrobatic sea lions
Take in the stunning hues of a Baja California sunset at a festive, holiday-themed celebration
Visit the island of San Pedro Mártir to witness crowds of lounging sea lions and expanses of sea where huge pods of dolphins gather
Visit the old mining town of Santa Rosalía (conditions permitting), with its wooden homes and historic steel church, designed by Gustave Eiffel
With National Geographic Explorers-in-Training, our exclusive family program, kids and teens will learn about this vibrant part of the world—from migrating gray whales to desert plant species
Day 1
Home / Loreto, Mexico / 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
Days 2-7
Exploring the Gulf of California
Writer and longtime Lindblad naturalist Stewart Aitchison refers to this sliver of the Pacific Ocean as the Vermillion Sea, and notes it is “a romantic name that conjures up visions of fiery sunsets, leaping dolphins and deserted beaches.” It is all this and so much more. Your route is designed with flexibility in mind to maximize opportunities for wildlife sightings. It most likely includes the islands and activities listed below, although the order may vary.
Isla San Esteban and San Pedro Mártir: Walk up a desert wash to search for desert songbirds such as the handsome black-throated sparrow, listen for the cascading song of the canyon wren and search for the endemic pinto chuckwalla—a plump, harmless desert lizard. Later, visit Isla San Pedro Mártir, a 1,000-foot-high guano-covered island that is home to thousands of seabirds: brown pelicans, magnificent frigatebirds, Brandt’s cormorants and blue-footed boobies.
Isla San Marcos: At Isla San Marcos there is a beautiful shoreline for swimming, snorkeling and kayaking. In the afternoon you’ll again be in rich waters near the mouth of Bahía Concepción. Be on the lookout for pods of dolphins—common and bottlenose dolphins are the most frequently encountered species. With luck these beautiful animals may follow the ship, riding the bow wave—sometimes twisting and turning, and sometimes leaping from the water.
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, cactus-laden arroyo or visit the abandoned salt works to the west. Search for the endemic Xantus’s hummingbird on this desert island.
Bahía Loreto Marine Park: Search for marine life in the waters south of Isla Carmen, an area offering the possibility of encountering fin whales, which researchers have recently concluded may be part of a resident population. Bottlenose and common dolphins are frequently encountered. In the afternoon, visit one of the islands of Bahía Loreto Marine Park, with ample time for kayaking, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding and possibly hiking. In the evening, enjoy a beach barbecue under the desert sky.
Espíritu Santo Archipelago National Park / Los Islotes: At Los Islotes, don flippers, a mask and snorkel (which are provided) and swim with curious sea lions. Look skyward for yellow-footed gulls, brown pelicans and blue-footed boobies. In the afternoon, explore more of this stunning national park by swimming, kayaking or hiking. Keep an eye out for the endemic Black jackrabbit, and learn about the importance of mangrove habitats.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
Loreto / Disembark Ship / Home
After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to the Loreto airport for flights home.
Departure Time: Depart after 1:00 p.m. local time.
Departure City: Loreto, Mexico
Meals Included: Breakfast
Channel Islands National Park to Baja California
National Geographic Venture
Channel Islands National Park to Baja California
Duration 13 Days Dates Nov
Starting from £6,616 (Was £7,351)
Starts at Los Angeles, California Ends at Loreto, Mexico
Migrate alongside humpback whales and numerous seabird species on a unique early-winter journey from Los Angeles to Loreto. Explore the Channel Islands’ intact wildness, thriving with endemic species. Sail to Ensenada and discover Mexico’s Wine Country—the Valle de Guadalupe. Spot a variety of species among the 25,000 birds migrating along the Pacific Flyway. Continue down the pristine coastline of Baja California, home to a panoply of sea life, untamed desert wilderness, and otherworldly sunsets.
Highlights
Humpback whales and sea birds, feeding frenzy in the Gulf of Mexico, Baja California, Mexico.
Santa Cruz Island, Channel Island National Park, in Santa Barbara County, California, USA
Two glasses of red wine in Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico – a prominent winemaking region of the Baja California Peninsula
California sea lions, zalophus californianus, swim underwater at Los Islotes, Baja California Sur, Mexico
SUP in Punta Lengua, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Guests snorkel with a curious young California sea lion, Zalophus californianus, at Los Islotes, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Follow the migration of birds and humpback whales on an epic journey from Los Angeles to the Gulf of California
Discover one of the nation’s best-kept secrets, Channel Islands National Park
Go behind the scenes and enjoy a private lunch at a boutique vineyard in the world-renowned Valle de Guadalupe
Explore Islas de San Benito, home to thousands of breeding elephant seals
Roam the ever-shifting sand dunes of Isla Magdalena, home to a variety of wintering and resident bird species
Snorkel in Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, a hard coral reef with more than 220 species of fish
Day 1
Los Angeles, California, U.S. / Embark Ship
Arrive in Los Angeles by early afternoon. Transfer to the port to embark the National Geographic Venture.
Arrival Time: Arrive before 3:00 p.m. local time.
Arrival City: Los Angeles, California
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2
Channel Islands National Park
Not far from the city lights, these islands are a world away, home to incredibly diverse and endemic flora and fauna. Spend the day kayaking, hiking one of the many trails or simply relaxing ashore. Learn the fascinating prehistory of these islands from your naturalists.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Ensenada, Mexico / Valle de Guadalupe
Vineyards and culinary marvels await in one of the world’s hottest up-and-coming wine regions. Arise to a gorgeous sunrise and enjoy breakfast before pulling into Ensenada. Discover what the hype is all about on a visit to a sustainable, family-run vineyard with stunning views. Meet the winemaker and owner on a behind-the-scenes tour and tasting. Enjoy a multi-course paired meal and a very special music performance.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Isla San Martín
Wake up to a view of the double-coned peak of Isla San Martín, a mile-wide volcanic island flanked by a giant kelp forest. Explore the lush kelp forest by kayaks, paddleboards or Zodiac and observe the antics of abundant harbor seals. Adventurous hikers can explore the volcanic rock to reach the summits of both volcanos 470 feet above the surf. Or opt to walk along the seashore, strewn with bulbous tubes of the rare Pelagophycus elk kelp. As a nightcap this evening, enjoy video of the kelp forests captured by your undersea specialist.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 5-6
Isla San Benito Oeste / At Sea
Continue on your southern journey with a stop at the secluded Isla San Benito Oeste, home to thousands of breeding elephant seals. Zodiac to shore at the base of a small fishing village. Opt for a long hike to the peak of the island or explore the village and observe the elephant seal haul out, including many moms and pups. All four of Mexico’s pinniped species can be found in this area, and we’ll seek them out on Zodiacs. Scan the skies for a variety of bird species including blue herons, black turnstones and two species of cormorants. Enjoy a well-timed day to relax on board with stretch classes, talks and whale-watching as you make your way south to Magdalena Bay.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Bahía Magdalena
Isla Magdalena and the bay of the same name are irresistible treats for the nature lover. Come to know this island while hiking the ever-shifting, wind-sculpted dunes on a cross-island transit to Sand Dollar Beach. Watch for coyote tracks in the soft dunes and spot migratory shorebirds. Many—including western sandpipers, whimbrels, willets, Wilson’s and black-bellied plovers, and marbled godwits—are concluding their southbound journeys here. Observe astounding flora, like the endemic and sideways-growing creeping devil, a columnar cactus thick with spines packed together to protect against herbivores and the relentless sun. This evening, as you exit the bay, be on the lookout for beaked dolphins and bald eagles.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDay 8
San José del Cabo / Gordo Banks
Cruise past Friars Rocks and visit the historic town center of San José del Cabo before cruising Gordo Banks seamount or La Fortuna, renowned gathering places for whales, dolphins, and other marine life.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 9-12
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 we 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, we’ll anchor off the rocky island where we don flippers, a mask, and snorkel (which we provide) 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, cactus-laden arroyo, or visit the abandoned salt works to the west. Discover rare wildlife among desert islands.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13
Loreto / Disembark Ship
After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to the Loreto International Airport for flights home.
Departure Time: Depart after 1:00 p.m. local time.
Departure City: Loreto, Mexico
Meals Included: Breakfast
