Discover Baja California: What a Day is Like on Expedition
Called “the world’s aquarium” by the legendary oceanographer Jacques Cousteau, Baja California is known the world over for its profusion of sea life. More than 40 years ago, Lindblad Expeditions pioneered expedition travel here—a place where the desert meets the sea in captivating contrast. Here’s a look at the unique shape a given day might take in this incredible wilderness that is blissfully remote, yet close to home.
Early Risers: The Green Flash
With clear desert skies and vast ocean views, Baja California is the ideal place to witness the green flash, a rare optical phenomenon where the sun takes on a greenish tinge just before appearing—or disappearing—over the horizon. Nearly every morning, a naturalist is posted up on the bow, helping travelers catch the exact moment the flash might fill the sky.
Photo: Sean Neilson
Breakfast With Blue Whales
Marine mammals are most active in the morning, and ship spotters work through breakfast so you don’t miss a sighting. If they spot a blue whale or other charismatic megafauna, the dining staff happily pauses service for travelers who want to take a look.
Photo: Ralph Lee Hopkins
Morning Excursion: The World Beneath the Waves
Dive into Baja California’s sapphire seas to view its creatures up close, snorkeling with sea lions and schools of jackfish in marine conservation areas. In the sheltered lagoons of the Pacific Coast, more than 20,000 gray whales gather in the winter to give birth and raise their young. Here, you’ll board local pangas to observe these curious creatures at water level—one of nature’s most spectacular wildlife encounters.
Downtime: Whales, Whales, Everywhere
Every winter, the waters surrounding the Baja California peninsula teem with cetaceans—from fin whales to humpbacks and California grays. Whale watching is always an option during the daylight hours, often turning quiet stretches at sea into some of the most exciting moments of your expedition.
Photo: Ralph Lee Hopkins
Lunch is Served
Ship chefs use fresh, local ingredients whenever possible, including sustainably caught fish and desert produce from the Baja California peninsula. Be sure not to miss the ceviche or fish tacos.
Photo: David Vargas
Afternoon Excursion: Exploring Desert Islands
Baja California’s desert islands shelter endemic species like the spiny-tailed iguana and the black jackrabbit, plus a surprising array of blooms and succulents. Choose from a variety of naturalist-led activities: go birding or beachcombing along the sand, hike through an arroyo lined with massive cardón cacti or climb into a kayak or onto a paddleboard for a closer look at coastal cliffs.
Photo: Ralph Lee Hopkins
Ready for Recap
This evening’s edition of the daily recap features an engaging presentation from National Geographic Photographer Ralph Lee Hopkins about the arid desert landscape that guests explored on their afternoon hike.
Photo: Michael S. Nolan
Evening Entertainment: Local Music and Margaritas
Head up to the sun deck for happy hour margaritas, accompanied by lively tunes from local musicians who help set the beat for tonight’s beach barbecue.
Photo: David Vargas
Beach Barbecue
The hotel team has arranged a special treat: a beach barbecue at sunset. The meal is capped off with a bonfire, complete with marshmallows for roasting and stacking s’mores.
Photo: Douglas Scaletta
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