Baja California: Observing the Whales of Magdalena Bay

Day 1

Loreto, Mexico / San Carlos / Embark Ship

Arrive in Loreto by early afternoon for the transfer to San Carlos, a small waterside town where the mountains meet the Gulf of California. Embark the ship this evening in time for cocktails and an introduction to the staff and crew. You may opt for a pre-voyage extension exploring the region’s culture and cuisine.

Arrival Time: Arrive before 2:30 p.m. local time.
Arrival City: Loreto, Mexico

Meals Included: Dinner

Days 2-5

Magdalena Bay

Below is a selection of locales you may visit during your expedition.  

Bahía Almejas 

The southernmost of the waters you’ll explore, Bahía Almejas, or Bay of Clams, is known for its many seabird species and its remarkably active gray whale populations. With luck, you’ll have the opportunity to view a large frigatebird colony before heading out on a whale-watching trip. Board small, open boats called pangas, operated by pangueros—expert local guides. The areas around Magdalena Bay are primarily supported by whale-watching and small-scale, artisanal fishing; the pangueros make their livings as fishermen outside the gray whale season and have a deep familiarity with these rich waters.  

Isla Magdalena / Sand Dollar Beach 

Explore ever-shifting sand dunes on a cross-island walk to one of the most pristine beaches in the Pacific. Take in the impressive desert plant life of this exotic terrain, home to five species of cacti. Tally treasures offered up by the ocean on the aptly named Sand Dollar Beach, and capture images of your discoveries with the help of your certified photo instructor.  

Puerto Magdalena 

Wake up anchored at this small fishing village, surrounded by the open Pacific to the west, Magdalena Bay to the east, mangroves to the north and mountains to the south. With a population of 85, Puerto Magdalena is the only inhabited area of Isla Magdalena. Meet a local resident and learn how his family has lived off the area since the 1800s—from lichen harvesting to managing an open-air cantina, where you’ll enjoy local bites and beverages. Time permitting, visit the desalinization plant that supplies fresh water to the community. Get active on a fat-tire bike ride or, conditions and tide permitting, a kayaking excursion through the mangroves in Man of War Cove.  

Hull Canal 

Take in the scenery and watch for pods of bow-riding dolphins as the ship navigates this winding canal. Within its narrow channels, bordered by mangroves and sand dunes and filled with abundant wildlife, join your keen-eyed naturalists on deck to spot species and hear expert commentary. Weather permitting, explore the vast mangrove system by kayak and Zodiac. Bird-watching can be excellent here, with various seabirds and shorebirds patrolling the beaches as they fatten up and prepare for long journeys to their summer breeding grounds. You might see anything from diving pelicans and wheeling cormorants to terns, great blue herons, ibis, whimbrels and willets.  

Boca de Soledad 

Settle in for unforgettable experiences in this tranquil lagoon. Each winter, during their long migration, gray whales travel south from their Arctic feeding grounds to breed and give birth to their calves in these sheltered waters. Venture out in local pangas to view the numerous mother-calf pairs that thrive in the region. With luck, enjoy up-close interactions with these curious creatures.  

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

San Carlos / Disembark Ship / Loreto

After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to the Loreto airport for flights home or to Loreto's city center to begin your two-night history and whale-watching extension.

Departure Time: Depart after 1:00 p.m. local time.
Departure City: Loreto, Mexico

Meals Included: Breakfast