7-night Baja California: Among the Great Whales Cruise

Arrive in Loreto by early afternoon for transfer to San Carlos. Embark National Geographic Venture in the evening, anchored off the coast of Isla Santa Margarita.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, we sail out through La Entrada as we 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.

The great Bahía Magdalena is the gate entrance to the Pacific. It is a unique place and, as a natural reserve of gray whales that arrive to its waters to fulfill their biological cycle during the months of January to March, a great location for whale watching. The islands of Magdalena and Margarita contribute with the counter coastline that protects it from the strong waves which characterize the Pacific Ocean. The elongated form and low altitude of the islands, shaped almost totally by white sand dunes, permits visitors to simultaneously enjoy the inside and outside ocean view from some of its points. A very beautiful coastline offers plenty of beaches, inlets, marshes and mangrove swamps that are the sanctuary of resident and migratory sea birds and its waters are rich in species for commercial and sports fishing.

Ease into the day with a majestic sunrise over the iconic Friars Rocks at Land's End. We 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, we set out to 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.

A few miles off the coast of San Jose Del Cabo lie the world-famous Gorda banks, a pair of seamounts that are an excellent spot for marlin and wahoo fishing. Aside from its impressive marine life, the area also features a 110 foot rise from the ocean floor and an impressive display of gorgonian corals. Guided scuba excursions are an splendid way to explore the ecology of the coast.

Ease into the day with a majestic sunrise over the iconic Friars Rocks at Land's End. We 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, we set out to 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.

Cabo Pulmo National Park is Baja Mexico’s National Marine Park and is approximately 60 miles north of Cabo San Lucas. On June 5, 1995, Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo introduced Cabo Pulmo National Park to the rest of the world and declared to conserve the national resources and its marine ecosystem. The National Marine Park runs parallel to the Eastern Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez. Surrounded by unspoiled deserts and immaculate mountain ranges, the National Marine Park cradles one of only 3 living coral reefs in North America. During the first decade since it opened, the area has seen over 400% increase in total biomass due to the healthy condition of the reefs. On water, visitors come to Cabo Pulmo to whale watch, surf, snorkel and dive with the diverse marine life that live there.  On land, visitors can mountain bike, hike mountains, or just enjoy the tranquility of Old Mexico.

Conditions permitting, we'll 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.

Los Islotes includes a wetland preserve, as well as an estuary visited by monkeys and other wildlife.  Behind the community lies a range of green and rugged mountains, including Cerro Hoya, the highest peak on the Azuero Peninsula.  Los Islotes is a haven for active outdoor lovers, with trails for hiking through the lush landscape, riding horseback from our stables into the surrounding hills, or mountain biking to nearby Cerro Hoya National Park.

Conditions permitting, we'll 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.

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 we'll visit Bahía de Los Muertos to snorkel among the coral.

Disembark in Loreto after breakfast and transfer to the city center. 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.