Among the Great Whales
Trip Overview
Trip Length: 8 Days
Price Point: $6,590/person
Seasons Available: Winter, Spring
Gray whales, humpback whales, and even blue whales converge off the shores of Baja, and on this voyage you’ll have the chance to commune with them all. Jaques Cousteau called the Sea of Cortez the “world’s aquarium” and you can kayak with the gray whales who migrate here to birth their young. Over the course of eight adventure-packed days, you’ll sail on the 100-passenger National Geographic Venture around Land’s End of the Baja Peninsula to experience the rich marine wildlife in both the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean.
Activities & Sites
- See up close views of California gray whales and their newborn calves
- Snorkel with sea lions and search for marine mammals
- Hike desert islands and sculpted sand dunes, and see a variety of wildlife in the Sea of Cortez
- Get steeped in culture walking in lively La Paz and at the 17th-century mission in enchanting Loreto
- In La Paz, enjoy a special outdoor dinner featuring local cuisine, music, and dance
Day to Day Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrive in Loreto and transfer to San Carlos where you will embark National Geographic Venture. - Day 2
Observe a frigatebird colony and whalewatch in Bahia Almejas. Birdwatch and explore pristine beaches of the Pacific Ocean in Isla Magdalena. - Day 3
Enjoy the day observing, and with luck, interacting with majestic gray whales. Meet up with local Mexican fisherman to view numerous mother-calf pairs that thrive in this region. - Day 4
Explore Magdalena Bay's vast mangrove system via kayak, stand-up paddleboard, and Zodiac. Hear naturalist talks and learn photography basics. - Day 5
Search for sea life in Gorda Banks seamount, a renowned gathering place for whales and dolphins. Snorkel the pristine reefs of Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park. - Day 6
Snorkel and swim with curiuos sea lions off the island of Los Islotes. Discover La Paz and indulge in local cuisine, dancing, and folklore. - Day 7
Observe the great diversity in the Sea of Cortez. Hike with your naturalist to the nearby ridge for unparalleled views over Isla Danzante. - Day 8
Disembark in Loreto after breakfast. Enjoy free time to roam the vibrant side streets. After lunch, transfer to the airport for flights home.
National Geographic Venture
National Geographic Venture, like much of the wildlife she follows, is migratory. Her design innovations were informed by 50+ years of expedition expertise to ensure extraordinary discoveries. She has a shallow draft, enabling her to nimbly navigate the same inner reaches and provide intimate, ‘insider’ experiences of the charismatic regions we explore.
National Geographic Venture has dual boarding platforms, enabling our team to load two Zodiacs at once means guests get off ship quickly, to take advantage of wildlife sightings and maximize exploring time. Modern, cleaned-lined, with large expanses of glass to keep you connected to the extraordinary views, National Geographic Venture enables you to see, do and experience the best of her geographies.
