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Cabo Pulmo

Baja California: Among the Great Whales - Eastbound

San Carlos - Loreto, Mexico - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard National Geographic Venture
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Experience Baja in full with visits to lively La Paz and lovely Loreto. La Paz invites you to follow your curiosity into a maze of quaint streets and sun-drenched promenades, promising discoveries of all kinds. Loreto, a charming coastal town spectacularly backed by the Sierra de la Giganta mountain range, is where your expedition now begins and ends. Explore downtown Loreto and find intriguing sites including the region’s first mission built in the late 17th century, and a museum filled with colonial artifacts. And don’t forget to sample the local favorite—Mexican ice cream!
Gray Whale tail splashingEnjoying the View at La Paz BeachDesert Landscape in BajaCabo Pulmo
Highlights
  • Observe the famous California gray whales up close
  • Hike across desert islands and spectacular sculpted sand dunes
  • Experience Baja California & see a variety of wildlife in the Sea of Cortez
  • Snorkel with sea lions and search for marine mammals
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Loreto | San Carlos | Embark

Upon arrival in Loreto, transfer to San Carlos and embark on National Geographic Venture. Tonight, anchor off the coast of Isla Santa Margarita.

Day 2: Bahia Almejas | Rehusa Channel | Isla Magdalena

Awake this morning in Bahía de Almejas, where you will board local pangas and enter the lagoons to encounter gray whale mothers and calves. Whales tend to be very active here, seemingly oblivious to your presence, and sometimes curious and playful. Later, head to shore at Isla Magdalena to explore ever-shifting sand dunes on a cross-island walk to pristine beaches. Bird-watching can be excellent here, with abundant seabirds in action.

Day 3: Boca de Soledad

After breakfast, transfer by motorcoach to Puerto Lopez Mateos to spend the full day observing, and, with luck, interacting with these majestic creatures. With savvy local Mexican fishermen who have known for years, you board boats to view the numerous mother-calf pairs that thrive in this sheltering region. Enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant before returning to the ship in the late afternoon.  

Day 4: Bahia Magdalena | Cruising

Kickstart your day with morning stretches hosted by your onboard wellness specialist on the sun deck. After breakfast, enjoy opportunities to explore and better understand the ecosystems that make up and power this diverse region. Sail through La Entrada this afternoon as you leave Bahía Magdalena behind. Traveling south along the coast of the peninsula, there is a chance to see a wide variety of marine life, including the largest animal on Earth, the blue whale. Hear naturalist talks and learn photography basics. 

Day 5: Gorda Banks and Cabo Pulmo

Ease into the day with a majestic sunrise over the iconic Friars Rocks at Land’s End. You spend the rest of the morning searching the seas of the Gorda Banks seamount, a renowned gathering place for whales, especially humpbacks, dolphins, and other sea life. Following lunch, you set out to snorkel the pristine reefs of Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, one of the world's most successful national marine parks, and chat with locals about their advocacy to protect this unique place.

Day 6: Los Islotes and La Paz

Conditions permitting, you'll wake off the rocky island of Los Islotes, where you'll don flippers, a mask, and snorkel (which is provided) and swim with curious sea lions. Then, you reposition to the colorful city of La Paz to garner insight into the culture of Mexico, soak in the vibrant street art, and stroll the lively Malecón. Dinner is an unforgettable cultural experience with local cuisine, dancing, and folklore.

Day 7: Exploring the Gulf of California

The Gulf of California is home to great biological diversity, and with some luck, sightings of whales, dolphins, and other sea life are among the highlights of your journey. Your plan is flexible as you explore some of the uninhabited islands sprinkled across these waters. Your Captain and Expedition Leader collaborate to choose the perfect combination of activities for the day. You may go ashore at Isla San Francisco, where a sweeping arc of white-sand beach fringes waters perfect for kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. Or perhaps you'll visit Bahía de Los Muertos to snorkel among the coral.

Day 8: Loreto | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
Disembark in Loreto after breakfast and transfer to the city center. Take the opportunity to visit the first mission in Baja California and 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. 

Ship/Hotel

National Geographic Venture

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$6,981 2-3 travelers

Please confirm embark/disembark locations before reserving flights, as this itinerary operates in reverse on alternating departures.
 
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Category 1
Located on the main deck. Approximately 136 sq. ft. Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls. Botanically-inspired toiletries and hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 2
Located on the main deck. Approximately 136 sq. ft. Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls. Botanically-inspired toiletries and hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 3
Located on the upper deck. Approximately 151 sq. ft. Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and a large view window. Each cabin has individual climate controls. Botanically-inspired toiletries and hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 4
Located on the upper deck. Approximately 151 sq. ft. Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, sliding glass door and small, private balcony. Each cabin has individual climate controls. Botanically-inspired toiletries and hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 5
Located on the observation deck. Approximately 185 sq. ft. Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, large view windows, an expanded bathroom, writing desk, ample storage space, and a convertible sofa bed to accommodate a third person. Each cabin has individual climate controls. Botanically-inspired toiletries and hair dryers are also available in each cabin.

Notes

Single supplement varies by itinerary. A solo traveler matching program may be available, but is subject to availability. 
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 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
  • Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet) 
  • Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits are available aboard the ship. Additionally, a selection of super premium wines and liquors is offered 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)
  • Rubber Boots: Please bring your own. 
  • 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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Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
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