Explore Baja California’s pristine coastlines and living sea in search of dolphins, sea lions, and as many as five different varieties of whales. Board local pangas and enter sheltered lagoons for up-close encounters with California gray whale mothers and their newborn calves. Witness an undersea wonderland, serene desert isles, and the most beautiful sunsets on Earth. Hike through towering cacti and up striking desert canyons or take a slow photo stroll along the shore. Every day is different and rewarding, with opportunities to indulge in active or relaxing pursuits.
Day 1 - March 4th, 2028
Home / Loreto, Mexico / Embark Ship
Arrive in Loreto, a picturesque gulfside town dotted with spanish colonial architecture. Transfer to the National Geographic Venture to set sail at sunset.
Arrival Time: Arrive before 2:30 p.m. local time.
Arrival City: Loreto, Mexico
Meals Included: Dinner
Bahía Concepción
Awake in Bahía Concepción, one of the largest bays of the Baja California peninsula, with over 50 miles of beaches. Take your coffee to the deck to witness the colorful landscapes revealed by the first of many gorgeous sunrises. This biodiversity hotspot is ripe for exploration. Board Zodiacs in search of whales and other marine life, kayak through lush mangrove systems, and snorkel in turquoise waters. On land, join an invigorating hike among towering cacti, or stroll the pristine beaches and learn about the ecology from our naturalists.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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. The 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. Conditions permitting, you may hike, kayak or paddleboard. Learn about this ecosystem from naturalists, and capture amazing photos with help from your certified photo instructor.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, transfer by motorcoach from Puerto Escondido to one of the renowned gray whale lagoons along Baja's Pacific coast. Working with local experts, the Expedition Leader will determine the optimal location for whale viewing based on current conditions and whale activity. Each winter gray whales travel south from their Arctic feeding grounds to breed and give birth to their calves in these sheltered lagoons. Together with savvy local fishermen, venture out in small pangas to view the numerous mother-calf pairs. With luck, enjoy up-close interactions with these curious creatures. Enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant before returning to the ship in late afternoon.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 5-7
Cabo Pulmo / Los Islotes / Gulf of California
Venture south to discover the gems of the southern Gulf. These islands and surrounding waters are celebrated for their conservation stories, marine life, and the many thrilling experiences on offer. Some of the locations you may visit or enjoy by Zodiac include:
Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park
Set out to snorkel the pristine reefs of Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, one of the most successful national marine parks in the world. Chat with locals about their advocacy to protect this unique place, including a cessation of fishing to protect the reef.
Isla Espíritu Santo
A national park as well as UNESCO World Heritage site with volcanic rock formations, scenic beaches, and coral reefs. This magical island offers excellent hiking opportunities and crystal-clear waters for snorkeling. It’s a popular destination for researchers monitoring sea turtles.
Los Islotes
Located at the northern tip of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Los Islotes is largely inaccessible to people and home to a large colony of sea lions. Conditions permitting, anchor off the rocky island where you'll don flippers, a mask and snorkel (which are provided) and swim with these curious inhabitants.
Isla San José
One of the larger islands in the Gulf of California, San José offers several landing possibilities depending on conditions and the whim of the moment. Photograph the ochre cliffs of the island’s eastern shore, hike an enchanted, cactus-laden arroyo, or visit the abandoned salt works to the west. Discover rare wildlife among desert islands.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
Loreto / Disembark Ship / Home
After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to the Loreto airport for flights home.
Departure Time: Depart after 12:00 p.m. local time.
Departure City: Loreto, Mexico
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your ship: The National Geographic Venture
100 guests * 50 Cabins * 4 decks
Public spaces include a main dining area; global gallery; fitness center; lounge with full-service bar and state-of-the-art presentation facilities; observation deck; mudroom with lockers for expedition gear; partially-covered furnished sundeck; plus open access to the Bridge, the Captain, officers and on-duty wildlife spotters. Meals are served in the dining room at a single seating with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menus feature sustainable choices, local where possible.
Excursions as indicated in the itinerary, with premium excursions available for purchase on select voyages.
Airport transfers for flights arriving and departing within recommended window, as indicated in arrival and departure guidelines.
Use of exploration tools, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins) and other gear.
All meals as indicated in the itinerary, plus hors d’oeuvres and 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, nonalcoholic beverages and filtered water. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and use locally sourced ingredients where possible.
Beer, wine, cocktails, liquors and spirits. We are also pleased to offer a selection of premium brands for purchase.
Gratuities on land programs, unless otherwise indicated.
As part of our Suite Amenities program, complimentary laundry is available for guests booked in National Geographic Venture Category 5.
Complimentary Wi-Fi: Wireless internet is offered across the expedition fleet through Speedcast and Starlink. Enjoy a complimentary basic Wi-Fi plan that accommodates email, messaging and social media apps. Upgrades are also available:
Enhanced Wi-Fi plan: accommodates web browsing, video conferencing and other functions that require increased bandwidth. Available for purchase on board.
Premium Wi-Fi plan: accommodates most internet needs, including video streaming and uploading and sending large files. Available for purchase on board.
Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations.
The services of a medical professional where applicable.
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.
Guidance and company of our leading expedition staff.
Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers.
Assistance by the onboard National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions certified photo instructor (all ships).
Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan.
Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes.
Airfare
Travel protection plans.
Passport, visa and immigration fees.
Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving* and phone services (except when indicated as included).
Premium wine/spirits across the fleet
Additional costs associated with medical services outside onboard physician consultation (where available).
Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans, which may enable video chat, web browsing and streaming (connectivity permitting).
Crew gratuities
Unused services or items included in our programs are non-refundable.
• Arrive in Loreto, a picturesque gulfside town dotted with Spanish colonial architecture. Transfer to the National Geographic Venture to set sail at sunset.
• Independent arrivals to the ship are not permitted.
Departure
Depart Loreto International Airport (LTO), Loreto, Mexico, on March 11th, 2028 after 12:00pm local time.
• After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to the Loreto airport for flights home or to Loreto’s city center to begin a two-night history and whale-watching extension .
Departure Time: Depart after 12:00 p.m. local time. Departure City: Loreto, Mexico
BOOKING YOUR FLIGHTS For your convenience and to ensure seamless travel, we recommend using our Air Department to book your flights. This service is available for a fee of $50 per person.
We strongly recommend:
• Purchasing refundable airfare and trip insurance to cover your expedition and flights (including delays, cancellations and interruptions).
• Allowing ample time between connections.
• Arriving a day early, if possible, to avoid missed connections, delays or lost luggage.
Once the Air Department has made your arrangements, you’ll receive email confirmation from them. If you choose to book flights independently, please submit your flight details via the Flight Form in your Communications Portal required at least one month prior to your voyage.
We look forward to welcoming you aboard and we hope you have a wonderful voyage.