This cruise has already sailed

5 Night Wild Baja California Escape The Whales of Magdalena Bay Cruise from San Carlos

Ship: National Geographic Sea Lion

Cruise Line: Lindblad Expeditions

Sailed: Friday, Mar 8, 2024 from San Carlos, Mexico

Ended: Wednesday, Mar 13, 2024

The itinerary information below reflects the original day-by-day port of call schedule for the Friday, Mar 8, 2024 departure of the National Geographic Sea Lion. If Lindblad Expeditions modified this itinerary for weather or operational reasons after departing , the modified schedule would not be reflected here.

Want to book National Geographic Sea Lion
97 Departures. Starting from $4003

Itinerary

Day by Day Summary and Map

Day 1 - Friday - Mar 8, 2024

San Carlos, Mexico

Arrive in Loreto by early afternoon for transfer to San Carlos. Embark ship in the evening, anchored off the coast of Isla Santa Margarita.

Day 2 - Saturday - Mar 9, 2024

Bahia Almejas, Mexico

Rehusa Channel, Baja California Sur, Mexico, Mexico

Isla Magdalena, Mexico

Our day starts in the southernmost waters of Bahia de Almejas. We make a special stop to view, with luck, a large frigatebird colony on Isla Santa Margarita before heading out on our first whale-watching trip. The whales here in the bay tend to be very active, seemingly oblivious to our presence, so settle in for some great experiences. We explore the area and the Rehusa Channel via local pangas. During lunch, the ship repositions to Isla Magdalena, and later we head to shore to explore the ever-shifting sand dunes on a cross-island walk to one of the most pristine beaches in the Pacific. Take a stroll and tally the treasure found on what we affectionately call "sand dollar beach".

Day 3 - Sunday - Mar 10, 2024

Hull Canal, Mexico

Boca de Soledad, Mexico

Spend the morning transiting the scenic, winding Hull Canal. Within its narrow channels, bordered by mangroves and sand dunes and filled with abundant wildlife, we join our keen-eyed naturalists on deck to spot species and hear expert commentary. Weather permitting, we explore the vast mangrove system via kayak and Zodiac. Bird-watching can be excellent here with abundant seabirds in action and shorebirds patrolling the beaches as they fatten up and prepare for long journeys to Arctic breeding grounds. Among the species we might see are diving pelicans, wheeling cormorants, terns, great blue herons, ibis, whimbrels, and willets. This afternoon, we set out to explore the whale-rich waters of Boca de Soledad.

Day 4 - Monday - Mar 11, 2024

Boca de Soledad, Mexico

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, often called "Grand Central" for California gray whales. We spend two full days observing and, with luck, interacting with these majestic creatures. Together with savvy local fishermen, we venture out in local pangas to view the numerous mother-calf pairs that thrive in this sheltering region. We also have an opportunity to explore the beaches, and if the guests feel up to it, pedal across the sands riding fat-tire bikes.

Day 5 - Tuesday - Mar 12, 2024

Boca de Soledad, Mexico

Day 6 - Wednesday - Mar 13, 2024

San Carlos, Mexico

After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to Loreto's city center. Schedules permitting, choose to visit the first mission in Baja California, as well as the nearby museum, to learn more about what makes this town so special. After lunch, transfer to the Loreto International Airport for flights home.