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Gray Whale tail splashing

Baja California and the Sea of Cortez: Among the Great Whales

Example 9 Day Cruise aboard National Geographic Sea Bird
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Escape to a world teeming with wildlife, where the cactuses are the tallest on earth, the island beaches show no footprints except your own, and the setting sun seems to glow orange for hours. Led by an Expedition Team including Naturalists and an Undersea Specialist, this voyage in the Sea of Cortez offers opportunities for kayaking, searching for whales and dolphins, hiking, Zodiac cruises, snorkeling with reef fish and sea lions, and a special beach barbecue under the desert skies.
Walking the beach in BajaBaja SunsetGray Whale up closeJumping down a sand dune in MexicoGray Whale tail splashing
Highlights
  • See California gray whales up close and snorkel with sea lions
  • Spend three days at Bahia Magdalena, a whale breeding ground
  • Hike desert islands, sculpted sand dunes, and see Sea of Cortez wildlife
  • Experience Baja California undersea
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: San Jose del Cabo | La Paz

To provide you with more flexibility, more comfortable transfer arrangements and a better overall experience, we’re offering a full day and night on us, at the lovely CostaBaja Resort & Spa. Located on the shore of the Sea of Cortez, just south of Espiritu Island, CostaBaja.
Upon arrival in San Jose del Cabo, transfer to La Paz and check in to the CostaBaja Resort & Spa. 

Note that flights are not included.

Day 2: La Paz | San Carlos | Embark

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning is on your own to relax and take advantage of the resort and spa amenities. Check-out in the late morning and depart for lunch at a local restaurant in La Paz. After lunch, transfer to San Carlos and embark the National Geographic Sea Bird

Day 3-5: Bahia Magdalena

  • Ship
  • 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
Navigate through an immense system of protected coves and channels, surrounded by a fringe of mangrove channels at one edge of a vast, windswept plain. Each winter, during their long migration, gray whales travel south from their Arctic feeding grounds to breed and raise their calves in these sheltered waters.
Observe migrating whales from the ship and up close from our expedition landing craft. Watch for magnificent frigatebirds, pelicans, cormorants, terns, great blue herons, ibis and willets. 

Day 6: Los Cabos and Gorda Banks

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning cruise past Friars Rocks at Land’ End. For those who wish, visit the historic town center of San José del Cabo. The afternoon is spent at the Gorda Banks seamount or La Fortuna, gathering places for whales, especially humpbacks, dolphins and other sea life. 

Day 7: Los Islotes and Isla Espiritu Santo

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
At Los Islotes, don flippers, a mask and snorkel (which we’ll gladly provide) and swim with curious sea lions. Have a leisurely afternoon to swim, kayak or hike at Isla Espíritu Santo. Brown pelicans, gulls and boobies are all part of the landscape. Finish the day with a relaxing beach barbecue complete with a bonfire and a star-filled sky. 

Day 8: Exploring the Sea of Cortez

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Search for whales among the islands of the southern Sea of Cortez, an area that has proven to be one of the best for finding blue whales, and often common and bottlenose dolphins. Explore the many uninhabited islands such as Isla San José or Isla Santa Catalina to walk among huge cacti and observe the diverse bird life. Swim or snorkel with king angelfish, butterfly fish, damselfish and the beautiful parrotfish. 

Day 9: La Paz | Disembark | San José Del Cabo

  • 1 Breakfast
Disembark in La Paz after breakfast and transfer to Los Cabos airport for flights home.

Ship/Hotel

National Geographic Sea Bird

Enjoy the company

La Paz - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
Sea Bird & Sea Lion's Category 1 and Category 1 Single Cabin.
Select a Date
Cat 1
Main Deck Cabins #300-305. Conveniently positioned between the dining room and lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a large window.
Sea Bird & Sea Lion's Category 1 and Category 1 Single Cabin.
Select a Date
Cat 1 Single
Main Deck Cabins #300-305. Conveniently positioned between the dining room and lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a large window.
Sea Bird & Sea Lion's Category 2 and Category 2 Single Cabins.
Select a Date
Cat 2
Bridge Deck cabins #100-104 and Upper Deck cabins #200-212, 215. These well-located cabins include two lower single beds, outside access and a window.
Sea Bird & Sea Lion's Category 2 and Category 2 Single Cabin.
Select a Date
Cat 2 Single
Bridge Deck cabins #100-104 and Upper Deck cabins #200-212, 215. These well-located cabins include two lower single beds, outside access and a window.
Sea Bird & Sea Lion's Category 3 Cabins.
Select a Date
Cat 3
Bridge Deck cabins #105, 106 - These cabins include two lower single beds. Upper Deck cabins #214, 216, 217, 219 - These cabins include two lower single beds that can convert to a double bed and a pullout single bed for a third person. All cabins include a small table, two chairs, and two windows. Cabin doors open to the outside.

Notes

Single supplement varies by itinerary. A solo traveler matching program may be available but is subject to availability.
Kids under age 18 save $500 per person

Rubber boots are not included on your cruise; please supply your own. Rubber, waterproof boots that are mid-calf or higher, with a strong, ridged non-skid sole (essential for wet landings) are highly recommended.  Click  here for information about rubber boots rental.
Included
  • 8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 8 Dinners
  • 8 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photography Expert
  • Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard the ship. We are also pleased to offer a selection of super premium wines and liquors that are available for purchase.
  • Complimentary Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet, enabling email, messaging, and social media.
  • Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
  • Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary 
  • Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins), and other state-of-the-art gear
  • Guidance and company of leading expedition staff
  • All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
  • Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
  • 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
  • Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
  • Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
  • The services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic  where available
  • Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available
  • 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces 
  • Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Crew gratuities
  • Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, Wi-Fi and phone services (except when indicated as included)
  • We strongly recommend our guests to take Travel Protection Plan. A Plan with comprehensive coverage to protect you from cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruption, damaged or lost baggage, medical assistance, and evacuation during your travels
  • Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers (except when indicated as included)
  • Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees 
  • Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting)

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Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen

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