Baja California Mosaic: Magdalena Bay and Gulf of California
Experience Baja California aboard a purpose-built ship small enough to navigate both the wildlife-rich islands of the Gulf of California and the sheltered lagoons of Magdalena Bay. As you sail along both sides of this incredible peninsula, you'll enjoy unforgettable moments of discovery, from snorkeling with curious sea lions off Los Islotes to visiting the historic mission town of San José del Cabo. Each day offers multiple ways to explore—kayak in protected mangroves, hike desert landscapes dotted with cacti or beachcomb endless stretches of sand—all while witnessing the remarkable biodiversity that make this region a naturalist’s paradise.
Highlights
• Immerse yourself in Magdalena Bay's expansive ecosystem of protected waterways, mangrove channels and sheltered coves inaccessible to larger ships
• Snorkel among curious sea lions at Los Islotes and swim among colorful tropical fish in the pristine waters of the Gulf of California
• Visit the historic town center of San José del Cabo, where the beautiful San José mission stands alongside art galleries and cultural landmarks
• Scan the waters of Gordo Banks, a renowned gathering place for marine mammals, where dolphins, sea lions and seasonal whales congregate in the nutrient-rich sea
• Explore the diverse ecosystems of Espíritu Santo National Park, home to a remarkable array of marine life and bird species from frigatebirds to blue-footed boobies
• Balance wildness and culture with an optional pre-voyage extension exploring the art galleries, historic missions and farm-to-table restaurants of San José del Cabo, Todos Santos and La Paz
Arrive in San José del Cabo and transfer to La Paz to embark the National Geographic Sea Bird or National Geographic Sea Lion. You may opt for a pre-voyage extension exploring the region’s culture and cuisine.
Arrival Time: Arrive before 2:30 p.m. local time.
Arrival City: San José del Cabo, Mexico
Meals Included: Dinner
Dubbed the “world’s aquarium” by Jacques Cousteau, the Gulf of California is home to a tapestry of biological diversity. With some luck, and the help of your naturalists, you’ll encounter whales, bottlenose and common dolphins and other sea life in these wildlife-rich waters. The day's plan is flexible as you explore some of the uninhabited islands sprinkled across the Gulf, spend time on the bow searching for marine life or visit uninhabited islands to hike among huge cacti and diverse bird life. Swim or snorkel with king angelfish, surgeonfish, butterfly fish, damselfish and iridescent parrotfish.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
With deeply indented shorelines and dramatically eroded cliff faces, Los Islotes and Isla Espíritu Santo are two of the most beautiful islands in the Gulf of California. Suit up in provided snorkeling gear to experience the thrill of swimming with the curious sea lions. This afternoon, choose to swim, kayak or hike at Isla Espíritu Santo where brown pelicans, gulls and boobies dot the landscape.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start the day cruising past the spectacular Friars Rocks at Land's End, an iconic landmark named after its semblance to the hooded monks. Then, visit the historic town center of San José del Cabo, a culinary and cultural haven that’s home to the beautiful San José missionary and an array of art galleries. Spend the afternoon at the Gordo Banks seamount or La Fortuna, nutrient-rich gathering places for whales, dolphins and other exciting sea life. While on the lookout, naturalists are always available to inform and enlighten you with their deep knowledge of and passion for the peninsula.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore the remarkable geography of Magdalena Bay—an immense system of protected coves and channels bordered by mangrove forests that transition into a vast, windswept plain. Hike across rolling sand dunes, kayak along pristine coastlines and explore this magical area by Zodiac. Watch for magnificent frigatebirds, pelicans, cormorants, terns, great blue herons, ibis and willets and capture their movements with the help of your certified photography instructor.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to the airport for flights home or to Loreto's city center to begin your two-night history and whale-watching extension.
Departure Time: Depart after 1:00 p.m. local time.
Departure City: Loreto, Mexico
Meals Included: Breakfast
Itineraries are subject to change.
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Category 1. From
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Category 1. From
Vessel Type: Comfortable Expedition
Length: 52 metres
Passenger Capacity: 62 (in twin cabins)
Built: 1982 / Refurbished 2015
Nimble, reliable, and built for discovery, National Geographic Sea Lion and National Geographic Sea Bird are twin expedition ships expertly crafted to explore the wild and remote coastlines of North and Central America. Designed with shallow draughts and a compact size, these U.S.-flagged vessels can access places that larger ships simply cannot—slipping into narrow channels teeming with whales, anchoring in secluded bays ideal for snorkelling and kayaking, and edging close to waterfalls and rugged landscapes. With only 62 guests on board each ship and a warm, welcoming crew of 30, the atmosphere remains informal and intimate, fostering a close-knit sense of shared adventure.
Both ships offer 31 outside cabins across three decks, along with inviting public spaces such as a lounge with a full-service bar, a library, and a partially covered sundeck with ample seating. Dining is enjoyed in a relaxed, single-seating arrangement with no assigned tables, and menus highlight sustainable and locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. Guests can make use of a fleet of Zodiacs, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards for immersive exploration, while an “open bridge” policy allows them to interact with the Captain and crew, learning about navigation first-hand. Often described as reminiscent of Cousteau’s Calypso, these ships embody the spirit of true expedition cruising with modern comfort and deep engagement with the natural world.
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)
Expedition
Our Associates Include
