Baja California: A Remarkable Journey

Arrive in Loreto by early afternoon for transfer to San Carlos. Embark the National Geographic Venture in the evening. (D)

Explore the ever-shifting sand dunes of Isla Magdalena on a cross-island walk to one of the most pristine beaches in the Pacific. Bird-watching can be excellent here, with abundant seabirds in action and shorebirds patrolling the beaches as they fatten up and prepare for long journeys to Arctic breeding grounds. (B,L,D)

Laguna San Ignacio is a large bay and favored haunt of the gray whales in Baja California. The ship will anchor at the mouth of this remote and important locale. We'll explore the lagoon via local pangas with expert local guides.

For some reason, the whales here seem to be friendlier than they are elsewhere. It’s not unusual for mothers and calves to approach our boats, the calves often playing hide and seek—sometimes even welcoming a touch or a friendly chin scratch. (B,L,D)

As we travel south along the Pacific 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. (B,L,D)

Cruise past the spectacular Friars Rocks at Land’s End. For those who wish, we will arrange a visit to the historic town center of San José del Cabo. Isla San Pedro Mártir, Los Islotes, Isla San Francisco—these are some of the melodious names of islands scattered throughout this beautiful sea. After over 20 years of exploration here, we are still discovering new places and experiencing exciting events: bow-riding bottlenose dolphins, or sperm whales near our ship; a pod of fin whales feeding around a convergence zone. The best areas for whale watching remain consistent—the waters south of Isla Carmen, Canal de Ballenas up north, and near the mouth of Bahía Concepción. Whether on the bridge of the ship, on Zodiacs, or kayaks, we will be in prime position to observe them all. (B,L,D)

Disembark in Loreto after breakfast and transfer to the city center. You’ll have 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. Enjoy free time to explore quaint shops and vibrant side streets. After lunch, transfer to Loreto Airport for flights home. (B,L)

Arrive in Loreto in early afternoon. Transfer to the port and embark the National Geographic Venture. (D)

Cruise past the spectacular Friars Rocks at Land’s End. For those who wish, we will arrange a visit to the historic town center of San José del Cabo. Isla San Pedro Mártir, Los Islotes, Isla San Francisco —these are some of the melodious names of islands scattered throughout this beautiful sea. After over 20 years of exploration here, we are still discovering new places and experiencing exciting events: bow-riding bottlenose dolphins, or sperm whales near our ship; a pod of fin whales feeding around a convergence zone. The best areas for whale watching remain consistent—the waters south of Isla Carmen, Canal de Ballenas up north, and near the mouth of Bahía Concepción. Whether on the bridge of the ship, on Zodiacs, or kayaks, we will be in prime position to observe them all. (B,L,D)

As we travel north along the Pacific 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. (B,L,D)

Laguna San Ignacio is a large bay and favored haunt of the gray whales in Baja California. The ship will anchor at the mouth of this remote and important locale. We'll explore the lagoon via local pangas with expert local guides.

For some reason, the whales here seem to be friendlier than they are elsewhere. It’s not unusual for mothers and calves to approach our boats, the calves often playing hide and seek—sometimes even welcoming a touch or a friendly chin scratch. (B,L,D)

Explore the ever-shifting sand dunes of Isla Magdalena, on a cross-island walk to one of the most pristine beaches in the Pacific. Bird watching can be excellent here, with abundant seabirds in action and shorebirds patrolling the beaches as they fatten up and prepare for long journeys to Arctic breeding grounds. (B,L,D)

Disembark in San Carlos after breakfast and transfer to Loreto. Here you’ll have 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. Enjoy free time to explore quaint shops and vibrant side streets. After lunch, transfer to Loreto Airport for flights home. (B,L)