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7 Night Baja California Among the Great Whales Cruise from Loreto

Ship: National Geographic Venture

Cruise Line: Lindblad Expeditions

Sailed: Saturday, Jan 13, 2024 from Loreto, Mexico

Ended: Saturday, Jan 20, 2024

The itinerary information below reflects the original day-by-day port of call schedule for the Saturday, Jan 13, 2024 departure of the National Geographic Venture. If Lindblad Expeditions modified this itinerary for weather or operational reasons after departing , the modified schedule would not be reflected here.

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Itinerary

Day by Day Summary and Map

Day 1 - Saturday - Jan 13, 2024

Loreto, Mexico

Bus Travel

Cruise Begins

San Carlos, Mexico

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

Day 2 - Sunday - Jan 14, 2024

Bahia Almejas, Mexico

Rehusa Channel, Baja California Sur, Mexico, Mexico

Isla Magdalena, Mexico

This morning, take a trip to Bahia Almejas, where we'll enter the lagoons aboard local pangas. Whales tend to be very active here, seemingly oblivious to our presence, and sometimes curious and playful. Later head to shore at Isla Magdalena to explore ever-shifting sand dunes on a cross-island walk to pristine beaches. Bird-watching can be excellent here with abundant seabirds in action.

Day 3 - Monday - Jan 15, 2024

Boca de Soledad, Mexico

After breakfast, transfer to Puerto Lopez Mateos to spend the full day observing, and, with luck, interacting with these majestic creatures. Together with savvy local Mexican fishermen, we board boats to view the numerous mother-calf pairs that thrive in this sheltering region. Enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant before returning to the ship in late afternoon.

Day 4 - Tuesday - Jan 16, 2024

Cruising Magdalena Bay, Mexico

At Sea

Kickstart your day with morning stretches hosted by your onboard wellness specialist on the sun deck. After breakfast, if conditions permit, we explore the bay's vast mangrove system via kayak, stand-up paddleboard, and Zodiac, and learn how these ecosystems support their surroundings. This afternoon, we sail out through La Entrada as we leave Bahia Magdalena behind. Traveling south along the coast of the peninsula, there is a chance of seeing a wide variety of marine life, including the largest animal on Earth, the blue whale. Hear naturalist talks and learn photography basics.

Day 5 - Wednesday - Jan 17, 2024

Land's End, Mexico

Gorda Banks, Mexico

Cabo Pulmo, Mexico

Ease into the day with a majestic sunrise over the iconic Friars Rocks at Land's End. We spend the rest of the morning searching the seas of the Gorda Banks seamount, a renowned gathering place for whales, especially humpbacks, dolphins, and other sea life. Following lunch, we set out to snorkel the pristine reefs of Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, one of the most successful national marine parks in the world, and chat with locals about their advocacy to protect this unique place.

Day 6 - Thursday - Jan 18, 2024

Los Islotes, Mexico

La Paz, Mexico

Conditions permitting, we'll awake this morning off the rocky island of Los Islotes, where we don a mask, snorkel, and flippers (which are provided) and swim with curious sea lions. Then, we reposition to the colorful city of La Paz to garner insight into the culture of Mexico, soak in the vibrant street art, and stroll the lively Malecon. Dinner is an unforgettable cultural experience, complete with local cuisine, dancing, and folklore.

Day 7 - Friday - Jan 19, 2024

Cruising the Sea of Cortez

The Gulf of California is home to great biological diversity, and with some luck, sightings of whales, dolphins, and other sea life are among the highlights of our journey. Our plan is flexible as we explore some of the uninhabited islands sprinkled across these waters. Our captain and expedition leader collaborate to choose the perfect combination of activities for the day. We may go ashore at Isla San Francisco, where a sweeping arc of white-sand beach fringes waters perfect for kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. Or perhaps we'll visit Bahia de los Muertos to snorkel among the coral.

Day 8 - Saturday - Jan 20, 2024

Loreto, Mexico

Disembark in Loreto after breakfast and transfer to the city center. Take the opportunity to visit the first mission in Baja California, as well as the nearby museum, to learn more about what makes this town so special. Enjoy free time to explore quaint shops and vibrant side streets. After lunch, transfer to Loreto Airport for flights home.