fbpx

Baja California Cruise: Among the Great Whales

Baja California Cruise: Among the Great Whales

From AUD $9,671

Description

Explore Baja California’s pristine coastlines and living sea in search of dolphins, sea lions, and as many as five different varieties of whales. Board local pangas and enter sheltered lagoons for up-close encounters with California gray whale mothers and their newborn calves. Witness an undersea wonderland, serene desert isles, and the most beautiful sunsets on Earth. Hike through towering cacti and up striking desert canyons or take a slow photo stroll along the shore. Every day is different and rewarding, with opportunities to indulge in active or relaxing pursuits. 

Trip Name
Baja California Cruise: Among the Great Whales
Days
8
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship Length: 72 metres Passenger Capacity: 100 guests (in 50 cabins) Built: 2017 Built in 2017, National Geographic Quest is a modern expedition vessel purpose-designed for the narrow channels and shallow coves of Pan-American waters. With insights drawn from nearly four decades of exploration in Alaska, Baja California, Costa Rica and beyond, she is perfectly equipped for immersive coastal voyages. Clean-lined and contemporary in design, her expansive glass windows ensure guests are constantly connected to the surrounding landscapes, whether spotting whales in a lagoon or cruising past rainforest-covered shores. Accommodating 100 guests in 50 comfortable cabins across four decks, Quest features twin Zodiac boarding platforms for swift disembarkation, a shallow draught for close-to-shore navigation, and wide-ranging public areas. Guests can enjoy a relaxed dining experience with sustainable, locally inspired cuisine, unwind on the sundeck, or visit the lounge, gym, or Global Gallery. Open access to the Bridge invites a deeper engagement with navigation and wildlife spotting alongside the Captain and crew. Every detail is crafted to maximise discovery, comfort, and a shared sense of adventure.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Loreto, Mexico / Embark Ship
Arrive in Loreto, a picturesque gulfside town dotted with Spanish colonial architecture. Transfer to the National Geographic Venture to set sail at sunset.Arrival Time: Arrive before 2:30 p.m. local time.  Arrival City: Loreto, Mexico 
Day 2 - Day 2 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 the first of many gorgeous sunrises. This biodiversity hotspot is ripe for exploration. Board Zodiacs in search of whales 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.   Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 - Day 3 Exploring the Gulf of California
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. Conditions permitting, we may hike, kayak or paddleboard. Learn about this ecosystem from naturalist and capture amazing photos with help from your certified photo instructor. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - Day 4 Boca de Soledad
After breakfast, transfer by motorcoach from Puerto Escondido to Puerto López Mateos. 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. Together with savvy local fisherman, we’ll venture out in local pangas to view the numerous mother-calf pairs. With luck, enjoy up-close interactions with these curious creatures. Enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant before returning to the ship in late afternoon. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - Days 5-7 Cabo Pulmo / Los Islotes / Gulf of California
Venture south to discover the gems of the southern Gulf. These islands and surrounding waters are celebrated for their conservation stories, marine life, and the many thrilling experiences on offer. Some of the locations we 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, we'll anchor off the rocky island where we don flippers, a mask, and snorkel (which we provide) 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.  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - Day 8 Loreto / Disembark Ship
After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to the Loreto airport for flights home or to Loreto’s city center to begin a two-night history and whale-watching extension.  Departure Time: Depart after 12:00 p.m. local time.  Departure City: Loreto, Mexico  Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 7 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.
Day 8 - DAY 8: Loreto / Disembark
Disembark in Loreto after breakfast and transfer to the city center. Here you can 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. Enjoy free time to explore the quaint shops and vibrant side streets. After lunch, transfer to Loreto Airport for flights home. (B,L)
Day 9 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
09-01-202716-01-2027AUD $13,571Category 01
09-01-202716-01-2027AUD $14,529Category 02
09-01-202716-01-2027AUD $15,543Category 03
09-01-202716-01-2027AUD $18,657Category 04
09-01-202716-01-2027AUD $20,529Category 05
16-01-202723-01-2027AUD $13,571Category 01
16-01-202723-01-2027AUD $14,529Category 02
16-01-202723-01-2027AUD $15,543Category 03
16-01-202723-01-2027AUD $18,657Category 04
16-01-202723-01-2027AUD $20,529Category 05
23-01-202730-01-2027AUD $17,143Category 01
23-01-202730-01-2027AUD $18,343Category 02
23-01-202730-01-2027AUD $19,629Category 03
23-01-202730-01-2027AUD $23,557Category 04
23-01-202730-01-2027AUD $25,914Category 05
30-01-202706-02-2027AUD $17,500Category 01
30-01-202706-02-2027AUD $18,729Category 02
30-01-202706-02-2027AUD $20,043Category 03
30-01-202706-02-2027AUD $24,057Category 04
30-01-202706-02-2027AUD $26,457Category 05
06-02-202713-02-2027AUD $17,500Category 01
06-02-202713-02-2027AUD $18,729Category 02
06-02-202713-02-2027AUD $20,043Category 03
06-02-202713-02-2027AUD $24,057Category 04
06-02-202713-02-2027AUD $26,457Category 05
13-02-202720-02-2027AUD $17,500Category 01
13-02-202720-02-2027AUD $18,729Category 02
13-02-202720-02-2027AUD $20,043Category 03
13-02-202720-02-2027AUD $24,057Category 04
13-02-202720-02-2027AUD $26,457Category 05
20-02-202727-02-2027AUD $17,500Category 01
20-02-202727-02-2027AUD $18,729Category 02
20-02-202727-02-2027AUD $20,043Category 03
20-02-202727-02-2027AUD $24,057Category 04
20-02-202727-02-2027AUD $26,457Category 05
27-02-202706-03-2027AUD $17,500Category 01
27-02-202706-03-2027AUD $18,729Category 02
27-02-202706-03-2027AUD $20,043Category 03
27-02-202706-03-2027AUD $24,057Category 04
27-02-202706-03-2027AUD $26,457Category 05
06-03-202713-03-2027AUD $17,500Category 01
06-03-202713-03-2027AUD $18,729Category 02
06-03-202713-03-2027AUD $20,043Category 03
06-03-202713-03-2027AUD $24,057Category 04
06-03-202713-03-2027AUD $26,457Category 05
13-03-202720-03-2027AUD $17,500Category 01
13-03-202720-03-2027AUD $18,729Category 02
13-03-202720-03-2027AUD $20,043Category 03
13-03-202720-03-2027AUD $24,057Category 04
13-03-202720-03-2027AUD $26,457Category 05
20-03-202727-03-2027AUD $13,571Category 01
20-03-202727-03-2027AUD $14,529Category 02
20-03-202727-03-2027AUD $15,543Category 03
20-03-202727-03-2027AUD $18,657Category 04
20-03-202727-03-2027AUD $20,529Category 05
15-01-202822-01-2028AUD $11,429Category 01
15-01-202822-01-2028AUD $12,229Category 02
15-01-202822-01-2028AUD $13,086Category 03
15-01-202822-01-2028AUD $15,700Category 04
15-01-202822-01-2028AUD $17,271Category 05
22-01-202829-01-2028AUD $11,429Category 01
22-01-202829-01-2028AUD $12,229Category 02
22-01-202829-01-2028AUD $13,086Category 03
22-01-202829-01-2028AUD $15,700Category 04
22-01-202829-01-2028AUD $17,271Category 05
29-01-202805-02-2028AUD $11,429Category 01
29-01-202805-02-2028AUD $12,229Category 02
29-01-202805-02-2028AUD $13,086Category 03
29-01-202805-02-2028AUD $15,700Category 04
29-01-202805-02-2028AUD $17,271Category 05
12-02-202819-02-2028AUD $14,286Category 01
12-02-202819-02-2028AUD $15,286Category 02
12-02-202819-02-2028AUD $16,357Category 03
12-02-202819-02-2028AUD $19,629Category 04
12-02-202819-02-2028AUD $21,586Category 05
19-02-202826-02-2028AUD $14,286Category 01
19-02-202826-02-2028AUD $15,286Category 02
19-02-202826-02-2028AUD $16,357Category 03
19-02-202826-02-2028AUD $19,629Category 04
19-02-202826-02-2028AUD $21,586Category 05
26-02-202804-03-2028AUD $14,286Category 01
26-02-202804-03-2028AUD $15,286Category 02
26-02-202804-03-2028AUD $16,357Category 03
26-02-202804-03-2028AUD $19,629Category 04
26-02-202804-03-2028AUD $21,586Category 05
04-03-202811-03-2028AUD $14,286Category 01
04-03-202811-03-2028AUD $15,286Category 02
04-03-202811-03-2028AUD $16,357Category 03
04-03-202811-03-2028AUD $19,629Category 04
04-03-202811-03-2028AUD $21,586Category 05
11-03-202818-03-2028AUD $13,929Category 01
11-03-202818-03-2028AUD $14,900Category 02
11-03-202818-03-2028AUD $15,943Category 03
11-03-202818-03-2028AUD $19,129Category 04
11-03-202818-03-2028AUD $21,043Category 05
12-01-202919-01-2029AUD $9,671Category 01
12-01-202919-01-2029AUD $10,343Category 02
12-01-202919-01-2029AUD $11,071Category 03
12-01-202919-01-2029AUD $13,286Category 04
12-01-202919-01-2029AUD $14,614Category 05
19-01-202926-01-2029AUD $9,671Category 01
19-01-202926-01-2029AUD $10,343Category 02
19-01-202926-01-2029AUD $11,071Category 03
19-01-202926-01-2029AUD $13,286Category 04
19-01-202926-01-2029AUD $14,614Category 05
26-01-202902-02-2029AUD $9,671Category 01
26-01-202902-02-2029AUD $10,343Category 02
26-01-202902-02-2029AUD $11,071Category 03
26-01-202902-02-2029AUD $13,286Category 04
26-01-202902-02-2029AUD $14,614Category 05
02-02-202909-02-2029AUD $9,671Category 01
02-02-202909-02-2029AUD $10,343Category 02
02-02-202909-02-2029AUD $11,071Category 03
02-02-202909-02-2029AUD $13,286Category 04
02-02-202909-02-2029AUD $14,614Category 05
09-02-202916-02-2029AUD $9,671Category 01
09-02-202916-02-2029AUD $10,343Category 02
09-02-202916-02-2029AUD $11,071Category 03
09-02-202916-02-2029AUD $13,286Category 04
09-02-202916-02-2029AUD $14,614Category 05
16-02-202923-02-2029AUD $9,671Category 01
16-02-202923-02-2029AUD $10,343Category 02
16-02-202923-02-2029AUD $11,071Category 03
16-02-202923-02-2029AUD $13,286Category 04
16-02-202923-02-2029AUD $14,614Category 05
23-02-202902-03-2029AUD $9,671Category 01
23-02-202902-03-2029AUD $10,343Category 02
23-02-202902-03-2029AUD $11,071Category 03
23-02-202902-03-2029AUD $13,286Category 04
23-02-202902-03-2029AUD $14,614Category 05
02-03-202909-03-2029AUD $9,671Category 01
02-03-202909-03-2029AUD $10,343Category 02
02-03-202909-03-2029AUD $11,071Category 03
02-03-202909-03-2029AUD $13,286Category 04
02-03-202909-03-2029AUD $14,614Category 05
09-03-202916-03-2029AUD $9,671Category 01
09-03-202916-03-2029AUD $10,343Category 02
09-03-202916-03-2029AUD $11,071Category 03
09-03-202916-03-2029AUD $13,286Category 04
09-03-202916-03-2029AUD $14,614Category 05
16-03-202923-03-2029AUD $9,671Category 01
16-03-202923-03-2029AUD $10,343Category 02
16-03-202923-03-2029AUD $11,071Category 03
16-03-202923-03-2029AUD $13,286Category 04
16-03-202923-03-2029AUD $14,614Category 05

Inclusions

    • Enter gray whale birthing lagoons for up-close encounters with gray whale mother-calf pairs
    • Embark on regular marine safaris in search of dolphins, sea lions, and up to six species of whales
    • Snorkel amidst the vibrant sea life, including playful sea lions at Los Islotes
    • Hike desert isles, including Espíritu Santo Archipelago National Park, and witness the variety of flora and fauna thriving in this region
    • Spot myriad bird species including diving pelicans, magnificent frigatebirds, and brown and blue-footed boobies
    • With National Geographic Explorers-in-Training, our exclusive family program, kids and teens will learn about this vibrant part of the world—from migrating gray whales to desert plant species

Map