This is truly a wildlife exsperience!. Explore the wild waters and desert islands of the Gulf of California, a UNESCO World Heritage site dubbed “the world’s aquarium” by Jacques Cousteau. Here, nutrient-rich seas meet cactus-studded shores, creating extraordinary biodiversity—from massive pods of dolphins and leaping mobula rays to curious sea lions, vast seabird colonies and remarkable endemic species.
Day 1
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
Days 2-7
Exploring the Gulf of California
Writer and longtime Lindblad naturalist Stewart Aitchison refers to this sliver of the Pacific Ocean as the Vermillion Sea, and notes it is “a romantic name that conjures up visions of fiery sunsets, leaping dolphins and deserted beaches.” It is all this and so much more. Your route is designed with flexibility in mind to maximize opportunities for wildlife sightings. It most likely includes the islands and activities listed below, although the order may vary.
Isla San Esteban and San Pedro Mártir: Walk up a desert wash to search for desert songbirds such as the handsome black-throated sparrow, listen for the cascading song of the canyon wren and search for the endemic pinto chuckwalla—a plump, harmless desert lizard. Later, visit Isla San Pedro Mártir, a 1,000-foot-high guano-covered island that is home to thousands of seabirds: brown pelicans, magnificent frigatebirds, Brandt’s cormorants and blue-footed boobies.
Isla San Marcos: At Isla San Marcos there is a beautiful shoreline for swimming, snorkeling and kayaking. In the afternoon you'll again be in rich waters near the mouth of Bahía Concepción. Be on the lookout for pods of dolphins—common and bottlenose dolphins are the most frequently encountered species. With luck these beautiful animals may follow the ship, riding the bow wave—sometimes twisting and turning, and sometimes leaping from the water.
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. Search for the endemic Xantus's hummingbird on this desert island.
Bahía Loreto Marine Park: Search for marine life in the waters south of Isla Carmen, an area offering the possibility of encountering fin whales, which researchers have recently concluded may be part of a resident population. Bottlenose and common dolphins are frequently encountered. In the afternoon, visit one of the islands of Bahía Loreto Marine Park, with ample time for kayaking, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding and possibly hiking. In the evening, enjoy a beach barbecue under the desert sky.
Espíritu Santo Archipelago National Park / Los Islotes: At Los Islotes, don flippers, a mask and snorkel (which are provided) and swim with curious sea lions. Look skyward for yellow-footed gulls, brown pelicans and blue-footed boobies. In the afternoon, explore more of this stunning national park by swimming, kayaking or hiking. Keep an eye out for the endemic Black jackrabbit, and learn about the importance of mangrove habitats.
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 1:00 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.
• For your convenience, we recommend using our complimentary group transfer, which includes transport and baggage handling from the airport to our hospitality room. Hospitality room details will be provided in your final itinerary approximately three weeks prior to the voyage. Transfers depart between 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
• If you arrive before or after the group transfer window, you must meet our group in the hospitality room by 4:00 p.m. to join the transfer to the ship.
• Independent arrivals to the ship are not permitted.
Departure
Depart Loreto International Airport (LTO), Loreto, Mexico, on January 9 after 10:30 a.m.
• We will disembark the ship at approximately 8:00 a.m. Following disembarkation, guests will be transferred directly from the ship to the airport for return flights.
• If your flight is after 1:00 p.m., a second transfer from the ship to our hospitality room will be provided upon disembarkation. You may take advantage of our hospitality room, available to you before your departing flight.
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.