Spend six days with majestic gray whales and their curious calves in Mexico's Bahia Magdalena, one of the best locations in the world to observe gray whale mother-calf interactions. From the luxury of National Geographic Sea Bird, take in the sights and sounds of the bay before embarking on an expedition landing craft to get up close and personal with wildlife. Enjoy some of the world's most stunning beaches while kayaking through mangrove forests, hiking to desert islands, and watching pelicans and osprey fly overhead.
Highlights
Discover California gray whales in Magdalena Bay.
Hike through diverse island landscapes.
Kayak and paddleboard on the glassy waters of the bay.
Arrive in Loreto and transfer to the port town of San Carlos, where we embark the National Geographic Sea Bird. Tonight, unwind under a star-studded sky as we anchor in calm waters off the coast of Isla Magdalena.
Day 2: Las Almejas | Canal de Rehusa | Isla Magdalena
Greet the sun as it rises over Las Almejas, the southernmost part of Magdalena Bay. Head out by expedition landing craft to visit a large frigate bird colony on Isla Santa Margarita, and watch for playful sea lions following in our wake. Further offshore we’ll seek out more gray whales, which tend to be particularly active in this area. Navigate into Canal de Rehusa, which leads to the Pacific, to spot whales coming and going between the bay and the ocean. Enjoy lunch onboard as we sail toward Isla Magdalena. Upon arrival, venture ashore to explore the island’s ever-shifting sand dunes. Walk across Isla Magdalena to one of the most pristine beaches of the Pacific, go for a swim in the turquoise shallows, or study the intricate patterns of countless sand dollars scattered on the shore.
After breakfast, find a spot on deck and watch for wildlife with our naturalists as we navigate the narrow Canal de Soledad (Hull Canal), bordered by thick mangroves and rolling sand dunes. Weather permitting, stop along the way to explore the vast mangrove forest system by kayak and expedition landing craft. Search for pelicans, cormorants, herons, and ibis hunting among secluded pools and tangled roots, and watch for whimbrels and willets darting over the sandy shore. As our ship glides into the glassy waters of Boca de Soledad, keep an eye out for frigate birds and brown pelicans overhead. This sheltered bay provides a haven for California gray whales who travel south each winter from Arctic waters to breed and care for their newborn calves.
Spend two full days exploring the bay by expedition landing craft under the guidance of our naturalists and local fishermen. With luck, we’ll witness mother whales teaching their calves to breathe, breach, and dive; and watch as youngsters roll and spy-hop. We’ll utilize our extensive experience navigating these waters, as well as our ship’s exploration tools, to maximize up-close encounters with mother whales and their calves.
Day 6: Lopez Mateos | Loreto | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Disembark in Lopez Mateos this morning and transfer to Loreto to connect with your flight home.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$3,920
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
