A Southern Migration: From the Channel Islands to Baja California

Arrive in Los Angeles by early afternoon. Transfer to the port to embark National Geographic Venture. (D)

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. Join our naturalists for a more strenuous hike out to the base of the Torrey Pines, considered one of the world’s rarest pines, and one of only two naturally occurring groves in the world. (B,L,D)

Vineyards and culinary marvels await in one of the world’s hottest up-and-coming wine regions. See what the hype is all about as we visit a family-run vineyard for a private tour, tasting, and lunch. (B,L,D)

Explore Bahía de San Quintín and surrounding islands—home to 400+ species of plants, animals, and birds, including 23 seabird species. The bay is located along the Pacific Flyway migration route and sees more than 25,000 birds pass through in the winter. (B,L,D)

Tour the world’s largest salt works in Guerrero Negro and learn about the communities’ efforts to balance booming industry with fragile environments. Explore El Vizcaino Biosphere reserve and its plentiful wildlife, sailing to Islas San Benito, home to thousands of breeding elephant seals, and on to Isla Natividad to learn of the community's exemplary protection of the fragile ecosystems of the Reserve. We’ll be at sea the following day searching for a wide variety of marine life, including the largest animal on Earth, the blue whale, listening to naturalist talks, and learning photography tips and tricks. (B,L,D)

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 our 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 fauna, 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 we exit the bay, be on the lookout for beaked dolphins and, with luck, a humpback whale. (B,L,D)

Cruise past Friars Rocks and visit the historic town center of San Jóse del Cabo before cruising Gorda Banks seamount or La Fortuna, renowned gathering places for whales, dolphins and other marine life. (B,L,D)

Snorkel the pristine reefs of Cabo Pulmo National Park and chat with locals about their advocacy to protect this unique place. With luck, swim with sea lions before relaxing ashore. (B,L,D)

Disembark in La Paz and transfer to Los Cabos airport for flights home. (B)