Baja California: Observing the Whales of Magdalena Bay
Enjoy several days in the company of majestic gray whales in Baja California’s Magdalena Bay, one of the best places in the world to encounter gray whale mothers and their calves. On this compact trip, we explore aboard the only expedition ship in the region small and nimble enough to anchor inside the bay’s sheltered waters, giving you unparalleled access to this busy whale nursery. Set out in local pangas for up-close encounters with these curious cetaceans, kayak mangrove forests, hike desert islands, and look for pelicans and ospreys while soaking up the sun on pristine beaches.
Highlights
• Search for gigantic gray whale mothers and their calves in the nursery waters of Magdalena Bay, delighting in up-close encounters
• Kayak and paddleboard in stunning mangrove forests, or beachcomb along endless stretches of sand
• Go hiking and fat-tire biking across diverse landscapes—from windswept dunes to cactus forests—keeping an eye out for rambling coyotes and soaring eagles
• Scan the skies for myriad bird species, like diving pelicans and magnificent frigatebirds
• Extend your expedition with a history and whale-watching experience in Loreto, or explore culture and cuisine in Todos Santos and La Paz
Arrive in Loreto by early afternoon for the transfer to San Carlos, a small waterside town where the mountains meet the Gulf of California. Embark the ship this evening in time for cocktails and an introduction to the staff and crew. 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: Loreto, Mexico
Meals Included: Dinner
Below is a selection of locales you may visit during your expedition.
Bahía Almejas
The southernmost of the waters you’ll explore, Bahía Almejas, or Bay of Clams, is known for its many seabird species and its remarkably active gray whale populations. With luck, you’ll have the opportunity to view a large frigatebird colony before heading out on a whale-watching trip. Board small, open boats called pangas, operated by pangueros—expert local guides. The areas around Magdalena Bay are primarily supported by whale-watching and small-scale, artisanal fishing; the pangueros make their livings as fishermen outside the gray whale season and have a deep familiarity with these rich waters.
Isla Magdalena / Sand Dollar Beach
Explore ever-shifting sand dunes on a cross-island walk to one of the most pristine beaches in the Pacific. Take in the impressive desert plant life of this exotic terrain, home to five species of cacti. Tally treasures offered up by the ocean on the aptly named Sand Dollar Beach, and capture images of your discoveries with the help of your certified photo instructor.
Puerto Magdalena
Wake up anchored at this small fishing village, surrounded by the open Pacific to the west, Magdalena Bay to the east, mangroves to the north and mountains to the south. With a population of 85, Puerto Magdalena is the only inhabited area of Isla Magdalena. Meet a local resident and learn how his family has lived off the area since the 1800s—from lichen harvesting to managing an open-air cantina, where you’ll enjoy local bites and beverages. Time permitting, visit the desalinization plant that supplies fresh water to the community. Get active on a fat-tire bike ride or, conditions and tide permitting, a kayaking excursion through the mangroves in Man of War Cove.
Hull Canal
Take in the scenery and watch for pods of bow-riding dolphins as the ship navigates this winding canal. Within its narrow channels, bordered by mangroves and sand dunes and filled with abundant wildlife, join your keen-eyed naturalists on deck to spot species and hear expert commentary. Weather permitting, explore the vast mangrove system by kayak and Zodiac. Bird-watching can be excellent here, with various seabirds and shorebirds patrolling the beaches as they fatten up and prepare for long journeys to their summer breeding grounds. You might see anything from diving pelicans and wheeling cormorants to terns, great blue herons, ibis, whimbrels and willets.
Boca de Soledad
Settle in for unforgettable experiences in this tranquil lagoon. Each winter, during their long migration, gray whales travel south from their Arctic feeding grounds to breed and give birth to their calves in these sheltered waters. Venture out in local pangas to view the numerous mother-calf pairs that thrive in the region. With luck, enjoy up-close interactions with these curious creatures.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to the Loreto 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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Vessel Type: Comfortable Expedition
Length: 52 metres
Passenger Capacity: 62 (in twin cabins)
Built: 1982 / Refurbished 2015
Twin Expedition ships, National Geographic Sea Bird & Sea Lion, can reach places inaccessible to larger ships due to their small size, yet each can comfortably accommodate 62 guests. The feeling, is often compared to that of a large private yacht, with everyone integral to the adventure. Accessibility means freedom. Our captains have decades of sailing experience in the regions we explore. They know when and where to navigate so that you feel the places we visit are all ours.
Full interior renovations have been completed on these twin 62-guest ships, National Geographic Sea Lion and National Geographic Sea Bird. The extensive renovation to guest cabins, the lounge and bar, dining room, public areas and spa has transformed the ships to provide the ultimate in expedition hospitality and comfort. Nothing has been left untouched, from the sleekly framed wall photos, to the fresh paint, and new carpets throughout the ships.
- The lounge and bar have been completely redesigned and reconfigured to provide an open, enhanced environment with additional seating and better flow. The modern design features new tables and chairs, upholstery of settees, overhead ceiling panels, and LED dimmable lighting. The lounge also hosts a new food & beverage area, library, and Global Market.
- The dining room’s upgrade features all new tables, chairs, ceiling panels, and LED dimmable lighting. The wine bar has been replaced and features a display showcasing selections from the regions explored.
- Every cabin has been completely redone and all furnishings have been replaced. Modern aged cherry bed boxes, faux leather headboards, Lindblad signature bed linens, new windows, lighting, and additional USB outlets provide a dramatic makeover for a relaxing guest experience. Bathrooms now feature new shower doors and all new hardware.
- Exterior renovations include new deck furniture and outdoor awning.
Optional tours and excursions available. Please contact us for more details.
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
