Call +1.800.397.3348 or contact your travel advisor

Traveler, Isabella Lindblad, walking the Magnificent Magdalena Bay Sand Dunes in Baja California
Traveler, Isabella Lindblad, walking the Magnificent Magdalena Bay Sand Dunes in Baja California
ExpeditionsWild Baja California Escape: The Whales of Magdalena Bay

Wild Baja California Escape: The Whales of Magdalena Bay

Skip to


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 curious calves. On this compact trip, we explore the bay aboard our nimble expedition ship, and set out in local pangas for up-close encounters. Kayak mangrove forests and hike desert islands, look for pelicans and ospreys, and soak up the sun on pristine beaches.

Highlights

Guests exploring by zodiac get a close encounter with a breaching Gray Whale in Baja California Mexico
  • Search for gray whale mothers and their calves aboard local pangas, delighting in up-close encounters

  • Kayak and paddleboard stunning mangroves, or beachcomb along endless beaches

  • Explore diverse landscapes, and ride a fat-tire bike along desert island terrain

  • Scan the skies for bird species, from diving pelicans to magnificent frigatebirds

  • Learn about desert ecosystems, seabird migrations, and whale behavior from our experienced naturalists

  • With National Geographic Global Explorers, our exclusive family program, kids and teens will learn about this vibrant part of the world—from migrating gray whales to desert plant species

From

$3,677

/ per person

Does not include any flights

Book Now
duration
6 Days
starts at
San Carlos, Mexico
ends at
San Carlos, Mexico

View our brochure for more details

2023-2025 Voyages

Baja California 2023-25

Talk to an Expedition Specialist1.800.397.3348

From

$3,677

/ per person

Book Now
duration
6 Days
starts at
San Carlos, Mexico
ends at
San Carlos, Mexico

View our brochure for more details

2023-2025 Voyages

Baja California 2023-25

From

$3,677

/ per person

Book Now
duration
6 Days
starts at
San Carlos, Mexico
ends at
San Carlos, Mexico

View our brochure for more details

2023-2025 Voyages

Baja California 2023-25

Video

Expedition Spotlight - The Gray Whales of Baja California

  • Oct 2023

Gray whales have the longest migration of any mammal, traveling 6,000 miles to and from Baja California where we encounter them in their birthing lagoons on the outer coast. In these protected waters, mother whales fortify their young and prepare them for the lengthy journey back to the Arctic. In this episode of Expedition Spotlight, naturalist Marylou Blakeslee shares more about these special cetaceans and the unique privilege of spending time in their realm.

Dates & Rates

Newsletter

Be the first to get intriguing travel stories, new destination alerts, tips and special offers

Ships

Ship National Geographic Sea Lion

National Geographic Sea Lion

Guests

62

Cabins

31

A U.S.-flagged vessel, she and her sister National Geographic Sea Bird discover domestic waters

Before they built the National Geographic Venture and National Geographic Quest, U.S. shipbuilder Nichols Brothers built the twin ships National Geographic Sea Lion and National Geographic Sea Bird. Nimble, reliable, and intimately scaled, they both continue to sail the waters of the west coast of North America and Central America.

National Geographic Sea Lion accommodates just 62 guests in 31 outside cabins. Her inviting public spaces foster a sense of shipboard life where everyone is integral to the adventure, engendering a rewarding sense of community and esprit de corps. National Geographic writer Andrew Evans called National Geographic Sea Lion the “closest thing to Cousteau’s Calypso” he’s ever had the pleasure to be on.

The ship National Geographic Sea Bird operating in Misty Fjords National Monument, Alaska, USA

National Geographic Sea Bird

Guests

62

Cabins

31

American-flagged, she and her sister, National Geographic Sea Lion, are ideal for discovering domestic waters

Before they built the National Geographic Venture and National Geographic Quest, U.S. shipbuilder Nichols Brothers built the twin ships National Geographic Sea Bird and National Geographic Sea Lion. Nimble, reliable and intimately scaled, they both continue to sail the waters of the west coast of North America and Central America.

With a shallow draft and small size, she can easily reach places inaccessible to larger ships. She can venture into fast-moving channels where whales come to feed, transit a series of locks in the Pacific Northwest, nose up to waterfalls in secluded coves, and sail into protected anchorages in small bays perfect for snorkeling and kayaking.

Book now and join us on an unforgettable journey

Make a reservation

Book now

Talk to an Expedition Specialist

Expedition Extensions

A Humpback whale dives showing its fluke in Loreto Bay National Marine Park, Gulf of California, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Two-Night Blue and Fin Whale Loreto Extension

3 Days

From

$1,280

/ per person

Explore

Expedition Team

Over 50+ years of exploring, Lindblad Expeditions’ veteran staff and the quality companionship they provide has established the company’s reputation. From expedition leaders to naturalists, most hold advanced degrees and are established authorities in their fields. Some join a few expeditions each year to explore the same sites, some of them spending some time in the field away from rigorous academic work. And others lead expeditions all around the world—with many guests saying, “Where you’re going, we’re going,” and returning time after time to travel with them. Browse our team directory to discover the full cast of expedition staff.

Captain Andrew Cook with guests and Staff on the Bridge of National Geographic Venture, Baja California, Mexico

Special Offers

View our brochure for more details

2023-2025 Voyages

Baja California 2023-25