Transport your holiday traditions to Baja California for a spectacular celebration of wildness. Designated by UNESCO as a marine world heritage site and dubbed “the world’s aquarium” by Jacques Cousteau, the waters and islands of the Gulf of California are places of legendary biodiversity. This isolated region is, arguably, the best place in the world to keep watch for a vast variety of whale species plus massive pods of dolphins, leaping mobula rays, and seabirds.
Highlights
• Spend your holiday season in search of large pods of dolphins, blue and humpback whales, and other marine mammals
• Explore the sculpted desert shoreline by kayak, hike uninhabited beaches, and snorkel among fish and acrobatic sea lions
• Take in the stunning hues of a Baja California sunset at a festive, holiday-themed celebration
• Visit the island of San Pedro Mártir to witness crowds of lounging sea lions and expanses of sea where huge pods of dolphins gather
• Visit the old mining town of Santa Rosalía (conditions permitting), with its wooden homes and historic steel church, designed by Gustave Eiffel
• With National Geographic Explorers-in-Training, our exclusive family program, kids and teens will learn about this vibrant part of the world—from migrating gray whales to desert plant species
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
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.
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
Itineraries are subject to change.
04 December, 2026 to 11 December, 2026
National Geographic Venture
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Book now
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#301-306 — Cabins are 136 sq. ft. and feature two single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, two portholes, full length mirror, and reading lights.
#307-315 — Cabins are 161 sq. ft. and feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, two portholes, full-length mirror, and reading lights.
#201-206 — Cabins feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, a large view window, full-length mirror, and reading lights.
#207-229 — Cabins feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, a writing desk, closet, two nightstands, full-length mirror, reading lights, sliding glass door, and a small, private balcony.
#101-108 — These suites feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, plus a convertible sofa bed that can accommodate a third person, large view windows, closet, two nightstands, full-length mirror, reading lights, writing desk, ample storage space, espresso maker and an oversized bathroom. Guests receive complimentary laundry and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.
12 December, 2026 to 19 December, 2026
National Geographic Venture
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Book now
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#301-306 — Cabins are 136 sq. ft. and feature two single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, two portholes, full length mirror, and reading lights.
#307-315 — Cabins are 161 sq. ft. and feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, two portholes, full-length mirror, and reading lights.
#201-206 — Cabins feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, a large view window, full-length mirror, and reading lights.
#207-229 — Cabins feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, a writing desk, closet, two nightstands, full-length mirror, reading lights, sliding glass door, and a small, private balcony.
#101-108 — These suites feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, plus a convertible sofa bed that can accommodate a third person, large view windows, closet, two nightstands, full-length mirror, reading lights, writing desk, ample storage space, espresso maker and an oversized bathroom. Guests receive complimentary laundry and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.
19 December, 2026 to 26 December, 2026
National Geographic Venture
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Book now
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#301-306 — Cabins are 136 sq. ft. and feature two single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, two portholes, full length mirror, and reading lights.
#307-315 — Cabins are 161 sq. ft. and feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, two portholes, full-length mirror, and reading lights.
#201-206 — Cabins feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, a large view window, full-length mirror, and reading lights.
#207-229 — Cabins feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, a writing desk, closet, two nightstands, full-length mirror, reading lights, sliding glass door, and a small, private balcony.
#101-108 — These suites feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, plus a convertible sofa bed that can accommodate a third person, large view windows, closet, two nightstands, full-length mirror, reading lights, writing desk, ample storage space, espresso maker and an oversized bathroom. Guests receive complimentary laundry and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.
26 December, 2026 to 02 January, 2027
National Geographic Venture
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Book now
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#301-306 — Cabins are 136 sq. ft. and feature two single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, two portholes, full length mirror, and reading lights.
#307-315 — Cabins are 161 sq. ft. and feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, two portholes, full-length mirror, and reading lights.
#201-206 — Cabins feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, a large view window, full-length mirror, and reading lights.
#207-229 — Cabins feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, a writing desk, closet, two nightstands, full-length mirror, reading lights, sliding glass door, and a small, private balcony.
#101-108 — These suites feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, plus a convertible sofa bed that can accommodate a third person, large view windows, closet, two nightstands, full-length mirror, reading lights, writing desk, ample storage space, espresso maker and an oversized bathroom. Guests receive complimentary laundry and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.
02 January, 2027 to 09 January, 2027
National Geographic Venture
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Book now
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#301-306 — Cabins are 136 sq. ft. and feature two single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, two portholes, full length mirror, and reading lights.
#307-315 — Cabins are 161 sq. ft. and feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, two portholes, full-length mirror, and reading lights.
#201-206 — Cabins feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, a large view window, full-length mirror, and reading lights.
#207-229 — Cabins feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, a writing desk, closet, two nightstands, full-length mirror, reading lights, sliding glass door, and a small, private balcony.
#101-108 — These suites feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, plus a convertible sofa bed that can accommodate a third person, large view windows, closet, two nightstands, full-length mirror, reading lights, writing desk, ample storage space, espresso maker and an oversized bathroom. Guests receive complimentary laundry and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.
25 November, 2027 to 02 December, 2027
National Geographic Venture
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Book now
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#301-306 — Cabins are 136 sq. ft. and feature two single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, two portholes, full length mirror, and reading lights.
#307-315 — Cabins are 161 sq. ft. and feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, two portholes, full-length mirror, and reading lights.
#201-206 — Cabins feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, a large view window, full-length mirror, and reading lights.
#207-229 — Cabins feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, a writing desk, closet, two nightstands, full-length mirror, reading lights, sliding glass door, and a small, private balcony.
#101-108 — These suites feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, plus a convertible sofa bed that can accommodate a third person, large view windows, closet, two nightstands, full-length mirror, reading lights, writing desk, ample storage space, espresso maker and an oversized bathroom. Guests receive complimentary laundry and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.
02 December, 2027 to 09 December, 2027
National Geographic Venture
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Book now
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#301-306 — Cabins are 136 sq. ft. and feature two single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, two portholes, full length mirror, and reading lights.
#307-315 — Cabins are 161 sq. ft. and feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, two portholes, full-length mirror, and reading lights.
#201-206 — Cabins feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, a large view window, full-length mirror, and reading lights.
#207-229 — Cabins feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, a writing desk, closet, two nightstands, full-length mirror, reading lights, sliding glass door, and a small, private balcony.
#101-108 — These suites feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, plus a convertible sofa bed that can accommodate a third person, large view windows, closet, two nightstands, full-length mirror, reading lights, writing desk, ample storage space, espresso maker and an oversized bathroom. Guests receive complimentary laundry and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.
09 December, 2027 to 16 December, 2027
National Geographic Venture
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Book now
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#301-306 — Cabins are 136 sq. ft. and feature two single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, two portholes, full length mirror, and reading lights.
#307-315 — Cabins are 161 sq. ft. and feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, two portholes, full-length mirror, and reading lights.
#201-206 — Cabins feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, a large view window, full-length mirror, and reading lights.
#207-229 — Cabins feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, a writing desk, closet, two nightstands, full-length mirror, reading lights, sliding glass door, and a small, private balcony.
#101-108 — These suites feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, plus a convertible sofa bed that can accommodate a third person, large view windows, closet, two nightstands, full-length mirror, reading lights, writing desk, ample storage space, espresso maker and an oversized bathroom. Guests receive complimentary laundry and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.
16 December, 2027 to 23 December, 2027
National Geographic Venture
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Book now
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#301-306 — Cabins are 136 sq. ft. and feature two single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, two portholes, full length mirror, and reading lights.
#307-315 — Cabins are 161 sq. ft. and feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, two portholes, full-length mirror, and reading lights.
#201-206 — Cabins feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, a large view window, full-length mirror, and reading lights.
#207-229 — Cabins feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, a writing desk, closet, two nightstands, full-length mirror, reading lights, sliding glass door, and a small, private balcony.
#101-108 — These suites feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, plus a convertible sofa bed that can accommodate a third person, large view windows, closet, two nightstands, full-length mirror, reading lights, writing desk, ample storage space, espresso maker and an oversized bathroom. Guests receive complimentary laundry and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.
23 December, 2027 to 30 December, 2027
National Geographic Venture
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Book now
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#301-306 — Cabins are 136 sq. ft. and feature two single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, two portholes, full length mirror, and reading lights.
#307-315 — Cabins are 161 sq. ft. and feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, two portholes, full-length mirror, and reading lights.
#201-206 — Cabins feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, a large view window, full-length mirror, and reading lights.
#207-229 — Cabins feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, a writing desk, closet, two nightstands, full-length mirror, reading lights, sliding glass door, and a small, private balcony.
#101-108 — These suites feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, plus a convertible sofa bed that can accommodate a third person, large view windows, closet, two nightstands, full-length mirror, reading lights, writing desk, ample storage space, espresso maker and an oversized bathroom. Guests receive complimentary laundry and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.
30 December, 2027 to 06 January, 2028
National Geographic Venture
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Book now
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#301-306 — Cabins are 136 sq. ft. and feature two single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, two portholes, full length mirror, and reading lights.
#307-315 — Cabins are 161 sq. ft. and feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, two portholes, full-length mirror, and reading lights.
#201-206 — Cabins feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, a large view window, full-length mirror, and reading lights.
#207-229 — Cabins feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, a writing desk, closet, two nightstands, full-length mirror, reading lights, sliding glass door, and a small, private balcony.
#101-108 — These suites feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, plus a convertible sofa bed that can accommodate a third person, large view windows, closet, two nightstands, full-length mirror, reading lights, writing desk, ample storage space, espresso maker and an oversized bathroom. Guests receive complimentary laundry and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.
08 January, 2028 to 15 January, 2028
National Geographic Venture
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Book now
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#301-306 — Cabins are 136 sq. ft. and feature two single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, two portholes, full length mirror, and reading lights.
#307-315 — Cabins are 161 sq. ft. and feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, two portholes, full-length mirror, and reading lights.
#201-206 — Cabins feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, a large view window, full-length mirror, and reading lights.
#207-229 — Cabins feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, a writing desk, closet, two nightstands, full-length mirror, reading lights, sliding glass door, and a small, private balcony.
#101-108 — These suites feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, plus a convertible sofa bed that can accommodate a third person, large view windows, closet, two nightstands, full-length mirror, reading lights, writing desk, ample storage space, espresso maker and an oversized bathroom. Guests receive complimentary laundry and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.
Inclusions
• All accommodations, meals, and non-alcoholic beverages aboard ships
• Use of snorkeling equipment, wet suits, and kayaks (where available)
• Services of our expert expedition team and guest speakers
• Services of a ship physician on most voyages
• Certain hotels and meals ashore as indicated in the itinerary
• Round-trip transfers based on group flights
• Shore excursions, sightseeing, entrance fees, and special access permits
• Taxes, service charges, and tips (except for ship’s crew, at our guests’ discretion)
_____________
Exclusions
• Air transportation (except when we indicated in the itinerary, as included) Extensions
• Passport, visa, and immigration fees
• Travel Protection Plan
• Special and unique excursions such as scuba diving, flightseeing, etc. (where offered)
• Alcoholic beverages (alcohol is included on select ships)
• Items of personal nature
• Phone and Internet Service
• Laundry
• Gratuity for ship’s crew, at our guests’ discretion (crew tips are included on select ships)