Baja California Discovery: Exploring Mexico’s Gulf of California
Journey deep into the Gulf of California to discover its hidden treasures. This encompassing expedition is the result of years of careful exploration by our veteran naturalists and features the best destinations this rich sea has to offer. It truly captures the exploratory spirit of our earliest days on the peninsula, more than 40 years ago, when Sven Lindblad first introduced intrepid travelers to its wild waters and desert shores.
- Expedition Cruises
Arrive in San José del Cabo, where the Gulf of California meets the Pacific Ocean, by early afternoon. Transfer to La Paz and embark the National Geographic Venture in the evening in time for cocktails and staff introductions. You may opt for a pre-voyage extension exploring culture and cuisine in La Paz, Todos Santos and San José del Cabo.
Arrival Time: Arrive before 1:30 p.m. local time.
Arrival City: San José del Cabo, Mexico
Day 2-4 Exploring Southern Gulf Islands
Begin your journey among the natural beauty of the southern Gulf of California. These islands and surrounding waters are celebrated for their conservation stories, marine life and the many thrilling experiences on offer. Plans will be flexible in order to maximize your chances for amazing encounters. Some of the locations you may visit or enjoy by Zodiac include:
Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park
Set out to snorkel the pristine reefs of Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, one of the most successful national marine parks in the world. Chat with locals about their advocacy to protect this unique place, including a cessation of fishing to protect the reef.
Isla Espíritu Santo
A national park as well as UNESCO World Heritage Site with volcanic rock formations, scenic beaches and coral reefs. This magical island offers excellent hiking opportunities and crystal-clear waters for snorkeling. It’s a popular destination for researchers monitoring sea turtles.
Los Islotes
Located at the northern tip of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Los Islotes is largely inaccessible to people and home to a large colony of sea lions. Conditions permitting, anchor off the rocky island where you'll don flippers, a mask and snorkel (which are provided) and swim with these curious inhabitants.
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. Discover rare wildlife among desert islands.
Day 5-7 Exploring the Midriff Islands / Bahía Loreto Marine Park
The islands of the Midriff region in the northern Gulf of California are favorites among the naturalists for their remoteness as well as their exceptional wildlife and birdlife. With nature as your guide, you will actively explore these areas by Zodiac, kayak, paddleboard, snorkeling and hiking. Some of the locations you may visit or enjoy by Zodiac include:
Isla San Pedro Mártir
This 1,000-foot-high guano-covered island is home to the world’s largest nesting colonies of blue-footed and brown boobies. The surrounding waters boast 14 species of marine mammals, including fin whales, bryde’s whales and a resident group of sperm whales.
Isla San Esteban
Featuring volcanic slopes and cliffs, Isla San Esteban is home to spiny-tailed iguana and chuckwallas, cohabitant lizards with fascinating evolutionary traits. As you hike the broad arroyo, keep an eye out for the spiny-tailed iguana feeding on flowers atop cardon cacti, while the chuckwalla dines on the leaves and fruits of low-lying plants.
Isla Rasa
This legendary, uninhabited island is less than 0.21 square miles wide and yet is crucial to the survival of two species of seabirds. 95% of the world’s Heermann's gulls and elegant terns use the island as their nesting grounds, creating a cacophonous, avian spectacle seen nowhere else on earth.
Bahía Loreto Marine Park
One of Mexico’s natural treasures, this protected area offers a variety of pristine landscapes and a plethora of marine life. Search for bottlenose and common dolphins, with the possibility of encountering fin whales, which researchers have recently concluded may be part of a resident population.
Day 8 Bahía de los Ángeles
Get active this morning with options to hike, kayak, swim, snorkel or beachcomb within the Bahía de los Ángeles Biosphere Reserve. Board Zodiacs to seek out this protected reserve’s diverse marine population, including endangered species such as fin whales, California sea lions, and five species of sea turtles. Whale sharks have also historically been known to populate these waters. Later, enjoy a rare opportunity to see one of the strangest plants on earth, the boojum tree. Sacred to indigenous people, and believed to have supernatural powers, this evolutionary oddity takes its name from a Lewis Carroll poem. Capture the experience with help from your Certified Photography Instructor.
Day 9 Santa Rosalía / Cruising
After breakfast, disembark in Santa Rosalía, established as a French copper mining town in 1884. The French influence remains in the architecture—including a steel church designed by Gustave Eiffel—and the mining facilities have been left intact, with old locomotives and machinery visible throughout. Engage with the city’s culture and cuisine as you walk the streets, stopping in at a world-famous French bakery for a sweet or savory treat. Back on board, take in the desert landscapes and search for a variety of whales as you cruise to your next destination.
Day 10 Bahía Concepción
Awake in Bahía Concepción, one of the largest bays of the Baja California peninsula, with over 50 miles of beaches. Take your coffee to the deck to witness the colorful landscapes revealed by another gorgeous Baja California sunrise. This biodiversity hotspot is ripe for exploration. Board Zodiacs in search of whale sharks and other marine life, kayak through lush mangrove systems and snorkel in turquoise waters. On land, join an invigorating hike among towering cacti or stroll the pristine beaches and learn about the ecology from our naturalists.
Day 11 Loreto / Disembark Ship
Disembark in Loreto after breakfast and transfer to Loreto airport for flights home.
Departure Time: After 11:00 a.m., local time
Departure City: Loreto, Mexico
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About National Geographic Venture
Following the build of National Geographic Quest at Nichols Brothers shipyard, her sister ship, the 100-guest National Geographic Venture, floated into the bay on Whidbey Island, becoming the fourth ship in the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet built at this storied Pacific Northwest shipyard. In the 1970s, Nichols Brothers built the twin ships National Geographic Sea Bird and National Geographic Sea Lion, which continue to sail the waters of the west coast of North America and Central America.
Highlights
American-flagged, she and her sister, National Geographic Quest, are ideal for discovering domestic waters.
- National Geographic Venture follows the seasons from Alaska, along the coast of British Columbia, through California’s Channel Islands National Park, and along the Baja California coast and into Mexico’s Gulf of California. Her design innovations were informed by 50+ years of expedition expertise to ensure extraordinary discoveries.
- Larger than her sibling twin ships, National Geographic Sea Bird and National Geographic Sea Lion, National Geographic Venture has the same shallow draft, enabling her to nimbly navigate the same inner reaches and provide the same intimate, ‘insider’ experiences of the charismatic regions we explore.
| 05 | Category 5 | $12,250.00 USD | |
| 04 | Category 4 | $11,140.00 USD | |
| 03 | Category 3 | $9,280.00 USD | |
| 02 | Category 2 | $8,670.00 USD | |
| 01 | Category 1 | $8,100.00 USD |
|
Connecting rooms |
Costs Include: All accommodations aboard ships or in hotels per itinerary or similar, all meals and nonalcoholic beverages aboard ship, meals on land as indicated, air transportation where indicated as included, shore excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees, special access permits, transfers to and from group flights, use of snorkeling equipment and wet suits, use of kayaks (where available), tips (except to Egyptologists and ship’s crew), taxes and service charges, services of a ship physician on most voyages, and services of our expedition staff.
Not Included: Air transportation (except where shown as included), extensions, passport, visa, immigration fees, scuba diving (where available), meals not indicated, baggage/accident/travel protection plan, items of a personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages, e-mail, laundry. Gratuities to Egyptologists and ship’s crew at your discretion.
Airfare: For all programs, airfare is an additional cost unless otherwise indicated. Sample airfares are based on 2007 fares and are subject to change. We will gladly assist in making your air arrangements.
Note: Complete pre-journey information, including suggestions on what to bring and recommended reading, will be sent after your reservation is confirmed 4-6 months prior to departure.
Each ship in the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet is a destination in its own right, featuring thoughtfully curated amenities and cultural experiences that connect you with the region you explore through culinary delights, performances by local musicians, soothing spa treatments, and more.
Strong relationships with local experts, farmers and artisans help infuse an authentic sense of place into your onboard experiences while creating a more well-rounded story. No matter which ship carries you to your destination, your time on board will be as rewarding as your time on shore.
Savor the Flavors of Your Destination
Sampling local cuisine is a highlight of the onboard experience, and National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions takes great care to bring the culinary riches of each destination to the meals you enjoy on board. Executive chefs design unique and innovative menus that feature modern takes on classic cuisine as well as essential dishes from the regions you visit, like paella in Spain or fresh udon in Japan.
Relationships with local farmers, vintners, and other purveyors enable you to enjoy immersive culinary experiences, both on board and onshore. In the Azores, pick fresh ingredients at a market guided by a local chef, or sample renowned wines in Bordeaux. Expeditions to the Galápagos Islands and the Pacific Northwest feature a sustainable farm-to-table dining program to incorporate the freshest ingredients into daily meals while supporting local agriculture and seafood industries.
Rejuvenate With Our Wellness Program
Dedicated wellness spaces—including treatment rooms, saunas, fitness centers, and more—invite you to tap into the soothing rhythms of the ocean. You can greet the day with a sunrise yoga session led by your ship’s wellness specialist, get in a workout with stunning views of Antarctic icebergs, or unwind in the spa with a restorative deep tissue massage from our fully accredited massage therapists. Treatments are tailored to each guest and incorporate natural ingredients from the surrounding lands and waters.
Immersive Music Experiences
Ethnomusicologist Jacob Edgar curates onboard musical experiences so that your time at sea is accompanied by melodies that are reminiscent of our ports of call. For select voyages, he arranges performances featuring local musicians whose songs bring the rich traditions of the surrounding regions to life. Enjoy a warm greeting by local singers and dancers as you sail into the South Pacific island of Wallis, dance to the beats of Guyana’s popular calypso music, or experience an impassioned choral ensemble in the echoing grand ruins of Visby, Sweden. Each experience taps you into the rhythms of the regions you'll explore, offering a unique window into the identity of the destination.
The Art of Expedition Travel
Ship interiors tell the stories of your destinations through local artwork and decor, infusing each vessel with an authentic sense of place. On voyages aboard National Geographic Endurance and National Geographic Resolution, you can walk through the corridors and shared spaces as you take in the first-ever ship-based exhibitions of visual and auditory works, created to express the fragile beauty of the polar regions.
Science at Sea
Taking knowledge further
Get an inside look at innovative science and conservation projects
The ships in the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet are not only equipped for adventure—they also host important research and conservation work as part of the Visiting Scientist Program. This innovative initiative allows scientists to use the fleet as a platform to build and foster their research endeavors in places like Antarctica, the Arctic and the Galápagos.
The Visiting Scientist Program has been active for years, and in response to the program’s popularity with guests, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is expanding it for the upcoming travel seasons. Now, more travelers than ever before can voyage alongside fascinating researchers, enjoy talks on their findings, and in some instances participate in the scientific process through activities such as data collection.
New and Ongoing Research Projects
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions has supported over 40 projects on 60 voyages since 2021. These projects take place all over the world—from pole to pole and everywhere in-between. From manta rays to microbes and microplastics, we are excited to support and collaborate on research projects throughout our worldwide fleet.
Undersea Realms
Marine scientists are using the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet as a platform to dive into ocean habitats and make discoveries from the intertidal to the deep sea.
Environment
Using state-of-the-art ships as their roving base camps, researchers are studying environmental science and human impacts in remote parts of the world.
Wildlife and Ecology
Scientists are joining expeditions to search for some of the planet’s most incredible creatures—from tiny microbes to giant whales—and using what they find to advance the knowledge of species and ecosystems.
Citizen Science
Guests can get involved in the advancement of science by participating in a variety of research projects hosted on their expedition.
Making a Difference
Using the power of travel to make a positive impact
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions cares deeply about the planet and is proud to serve as a catalyst for meaningful change.
Pioneering Responsible Exploration
From our consistent quest to improve our practices to offsetting 100% of our carbon emissions, supporting conservation, science, and education initiatives around the planet, and investing in the communities in the places we explore, we are guided by our commitment to explore responsibly.
FOCUS AREAS
Single-use plastic free
The National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet is 100% free of single-use plastic bottles, cups, straws, and stirrers. Together with National Geographic's "Planet or Plastic?" campaign, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is raising awareness about the need to reduce the amount of plastic in the world's oceans.
Responsibly-sourced Food
At the heart of the culinary program is a sustainable seafood and locally-sourced food policy. Only the most sustainable options are served to help keep oceans healthy and fish stocks regenerating.
Global conservation
Thanks to generous travelers, the LEX-NG Fund supports impactful projects around the world that are preserving the oceans, restoring critical marine and coastal habitats, and fostering environmental stewardship in regions visited by the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet and beyond.
Education
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions believes in the ability of teachers and young minds to change the world. With like-minded partners such as the National Geographic Society, Lindblad bridges the gap between people and nature. Because when people learn about the planet, they’re inspired to protect it.
Science
Scientific understanding can help protect critical habitats and species while inspiring travelers to see the world in a new way. By harnessing the power of citizen science and championing efforts to study the furthest depths of the ocean, the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet becomes a platform for exploration and knowledge.
Artisans & local communities
Forming community relationships in the regions National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions explores is a core company value. As you explore, you have many opportunities to make meaningful, mutually beneficial connections with artisans and other local people.
Following the build of National Geographic Quest at Nichols Brothers shipyard, her sister ship, the 100-guest National Geographic Venture, floated into the bay on Whidbey Island, becoming the fourth ship in the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet built at this storied Pacific Northwest shipyard. In the 1970s, Nichols Brothers built the twin ships National Geographic Sea Bird and National Geographic Sea Lion, which continue to sail the waters of the west coast of North America and Central America.
Highlights
American-flagged, she and her sister, National Geographic Quest, are ideal for discovering domestic waters.
- National Geographic Venture follows the seasons from Alaska, along the coast of British Columbia, through California’s Channel Islands National Park, and along the Baja California coast and into Mexico’s Gulf of California. Her design innovations were informed by 50+ years of expedition expertise to ensure extraordinary discoveries.
- Larger than her sibling twin ships, National Geographic Sea Bird and National Geographic Sea Lion, National Geographic Venture has the same shallow draft, enabling her to nimbly navigate the same inner reaches and provide the same intimate, ‘insider’ experiences of the charismatic regions we explore.
| 05 | Category 5 | $12,250.00 USD | |
| 04 | Category 4 | $11,140.00 USD | |
| 03 | Category 3 | $9,280.00 USD | |
| 02 | Category 2 | $8,670.00 USD | |
| 01 | Category 1 | $8,100.00 USD |
|
|
Connecting rooms |
Costs Include: All accommodations aboard ships or in hotels per itinerary or similar, all meals and nonalcoholic beverages aboard ship, meals on land as indicated, air transportation where indicated as included, shore excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees, special access permits, transfers to and from group flights, use of snorkeling equipment and wet suits, use of kayaks (where available), tips (except to Egyptologists and ship’s crew), taxes and service charges, services of a ship physician on most voyages, and services of our expedition staff.
Not Included: Air transportation (except where shown as included), extensions, passport, visa, immigration fees, scuba diving (where available), meals not indicated, baggage/accident/travel protection plan, items of a personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages, e-mail, laundry. Gratuities to Egyptologists and ship’s crew at your discretion.
Airfare: For all programs, airfare is an additional cost unless otherwise indicated. Sample airfares are based on 2007 fares and are subject to change. We will gladly assist in making your air arrangements.
Note: Complete pre-journey information, including suggestions on what to bring and recommended reading, will be sent after your reservation is confirmed 4-6 months prior to departure.
Each ship in the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet is a destination in its own right, featuring thoughtfully curated amenities and cultural experiences that connect you with the region you explore through culinary delights, performances by local musicians, soothing spa treatments, and more.
Strong relationships with local experts, farmers and artisans help infuse an authentic sense of place into your onboard experiences while creating a more well-rounded story. No matter which ship carries you to your destination, your time on board will be as rewarding as your time on shore.
Savor the Flavors of Your Destination
Sampling local cuisine is a highlight of the onboard experience, and National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions takes great care to bring the culinary riches of each destination to the meals you enjoy on board. Executive chefs design unique and innovative menus that feature modern takes on classic cuisine as well as essential dishes from the regions you visit, like paella in Spain or fresh udon in Japan.
Relationships with local farmers, vintners, and other purveyors enable you to enjoy immersive culinary experiences, both on board and onshore. In the Azores, pick fresh ingredients at a market guided by a local chef, or sample renowned wines in Bordeaux. Expeditions to the Galápagos Islands and the Pacific Northwest feature a sustainable farm-to-table dining program to incorporate the freshest ingredients into daily meals while supporting local agriculture and seafood industries.
Rejuvenate With Our Wellness Program
Dedicated wellness spaces—including treatment rooms, saunas, fitness centers, and more—invite you to tap into the soothing rhythms of the ocean. You can greet the day with a sunrise yoga session led by your ship’s wellness specialist, get in a workout with stunning views of Antarctic icebergs, or unwind in the spa with a restorative deep tissue massage from our fully accredited massage therapists. Treatments are tailored to each guest and incorporate natural ingredients from the surrounding lands and waters.
Immersive Music Experiences
Ethnomusicologist Jacob Edgar curates onboard musical experiences so that your time at sea is accompanied by melodies that are reminiscent of our ports of call. For select voyages, he arranges performances featuring local musicians whose songs bring the rich traditions of the surrounding regions to life. Enjoy a warm greeting by local singers and dancers as you sail into the South Pacific island of Wallis, dance to the beats of Guyana’s popular calypso music, or experience an impassioned choral ensemble in the echoing grand ruins of Visby, Sweden. Each experience taps you into the rhythms of the regions you'll explore, offering a unique window into the identity of the destination.
The Art of Expedition Travel
Ship interiors tell the stories of your destinations through local artwork and decor, infusing each vessel with an authentic sense of place. On voyages aboard National Geographic Endurance and National Geographic Resolution, you can walk through the corridors and shared spaces as you take in the first-ever ship-based exhibitions of visual and auditory works, created to express the fragile beauty of the polar regions.
Science at Sea
Taking knowledge further
Get an inside look at innovative science and conservation projects
The ships in the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet are not only equipped for adventure—they also host important research and conservation work as part of the Visiting Scientist Program. This innovative initiative allows scientists to use the fleet as a platform to build and foster their research endeavors in places like Antarctica, the Arctic and the Galápagos.
The Visiting Scientist Program has been active for years, and in response to the program’s popularity with guests, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is expanding it for the upcoming travel seasons. Now, more travelers than ever before can voyage alongside fascinating researchers, enjoy talks on their findings, and in some instances participate in the scientific process through activities such as data collection.
New and Ongoing Research Projects
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions has supported over 40 projects on 60 voyages since 2021. These projects take place all over the world—from pole to pole and everywhere in-between. From manta rays to microbes and microplastics, we are excited to support and collaborate on research projects throughout our worldwide fleet.
Undersea Realms
Marine scientists are using the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet as a platform to dive into ocean habitats and make discoveries from the intertidal to the deep sea.
Environment
Using state-of-the-art ships as their roving base camps, researchers are studying environmental science and human impacts in remote parts of the world.
Wildlife and Ecology
Scientists are joining expeditions to search for some of the planet’s most incredible creatures—from tiny microbes to giant whales—and using what they find to advance the knowledge of species and ecosystems.
Citizen Science
Guests can get involved in the advancement of science by participating in a variety of research projects hosted on their expedition.
Making a Difference
Using the power of travel to make a positive impact
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions cares deeply about the planet and is proud to serve as a catalyst for meaningful change.
Pioneering Responsible Exploration
From our consistent quest to improve our practices to offsetting 100% of our carbon emissions, supporting conservation, science, and education initiatives around the planet, and investing in the communities in the places we explore, we are guided by our commitment to explore responsibly.
FOCUS AREAS
Single-use plastic free
The National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet is 100% free of single-use plastic bottles, cups, straws, and stirrers. Together with National Geographic's "Planet or Plastic?" campaign, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is raising awareness about the need to reduce the amount of plastic in the world's oceans.
Responsibly-sourced Food
At the heart of the culinary program is a sustainable seafood and locally-sourced food policy. Only the most sustainable options are served to help keep oceans healthy and fish stocks regenerating.
Global conservation
Thanks to generous travelers, the LEX-NG Fund supports impactful projects around the world that are preserving the oceans, restoring critical marine and coastal habitats, and fostering environmental stewardship in regions visited by the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet and beyond.
Education
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions believes in the ability of teachers and young minds to change the world. With like-minded partners such as the National Geographic Society, Lindblad bridges the gap between people and nature. Because when people learn about the planet, they’re inspired to protect it.
Science
Scientific understanding can help protect critical habitats and species while inspiring travelers to see the world in a new way. By harnessing the power of citizen science and championing efforts to study the furthest depths of the ocean, the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet becomes a platform for exploration and knowledge.
Artisans & local communities
Forming community relationships in the regions National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions explores is a core company value. As you explore, you have many opportunities to make meaningful, mutually beneficial connections with artisans and other local people.
About Lindblad Expeditions
For more than 50 years, Lindblad Expeditions has been sailing to captivating places near and far in pursuit of discovery, bringing along adventurous travelers to share in the thrill of uncovering the world’s wild secrets. Every voyage reinforces the core belief that the planet holds infinite potential—for new experiences, enhanced knowledge and increased understanding of humanity's role in protecting its trove of natural and cultural treasures.
This enduring quest for discovery inspires National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions to find new ways to help you explore. It’s why they build ships that facilitate exploration with their cutting-edge technologies, design itineraries and assemble expedition teams that inspire and chart courses that take you deeper into remote places to give you a richer picture of our world. Because when it comes to exploration, it’s not just what you see, but how you see it that matters.
About Lindblad Expeditions
For more than 50 years, Lindblad Expeditions has been sailing to captivating places near and far in pursuit of discovery, bringing along adventurous travelers to share in the thrill of uncovering the world’s wild secrets. Every voyage reinforces the core belief that the planet holds infinite potential—for new experiences, enhanced knowledge and increased understanding of humanity's role in protecting its trove of natural and cultural treasures.
This enduring quest for discovery inspires National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions to find new ways to help you explore. It’s why they build ships that facilitate exploration with their cutting-edge technologies, design itineraries and assemble expedition teams that inspire and chart courses that take you deeper into remote places to give you a richer picture of our world. Because when it comes to exploration, it’s not just what you see, but how you see it that matters.
