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Peregrine Travel Centre

Baja California Cruise: Among the Great Whales

Baja California Cruise: Among the Great Whales

From AUD $9,214

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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 Passenger Capacity: 100 Built: 2017 National Geographic Venture is a purpose-built expedition vessel designed to follow the seasons and uncover the wild beauty of North America’s west coast and Baja California. A sister ship to National Geographic Quest, she was constructed at the renowned Nichols Brothers shipyard in the Pacific Northwest, continuing a legacy of shipbuilding excellence that began with Sea Bird and Sea Lion in the 1970s. Carrying 100 guests in 50 comfortable cabins, Venture offers the perfect balance of modern amenities and expedition-ready design, with a shallow draught that allows for access to hidden coves, narrow inlets, and wildlife-rich waters. On board, guests enjoy spacious public areas including a lounge with bar and presentation space, a dining room with open seating, a Global Gallery, fitness centre, and a furnished sundeck. A mudroom with lockers keeps expedition gear handy, while the open Bridge invites guests to learn from the Captain and crew. With twin Zodiac platforms for efficient embarkation, Venture is ideally suited for spontaneous wildlife encounters and exploration by paddleboard or kayak. Her design, informed by over 50 years of expedition expertise, ensures an immersive, flexible, and unforgettable experience at sea.

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 $10,159Category 01
09-01-202716-01-2027AUD $10,869Category 02
09-01-202716-01-2027AUD $11,624Category 03
09-01-202716-01-2027AUD $13,956Category 04
09-01-202716-01-2027AUD $15,356Category 05
16-01-202723-01-2027AUD $10,159Category 01
16-01-202723-01-2027AUD $10,869Category 02
16-01-202723-01-2027AUD $11,624Category 03
16-01-202723-01-2027AUD $13,956Category 04
16-01-202723-01-2027AUD $15,356Category 05
23-01-202730-01-2027AUD $9,674Category 01
23-01-202730-01-2027AUD $10,350Category 02
23-01-202730-01-2027AUD $11,070Category 03
23-01-202730-01-2027AUD $13,290Category 04
23-01-202730-01-2027AUD $14,624Category 05
30-01-202706-02-2027AUD $10,666Category 01
30-01-202706-02-2027AUD $11,411Category 02
30-01-202706-02-2027AUD $12,204Category 03
30-01-202706-02-2027AUD $14,653Category 04
30-01-202706-02-2027AUD $16,123Category 05
06-02-202713-02-2027AUD $12,906Category 01
06-02-202713-02-2027AUD $13,807Category 02
06-02-202713-02-2027AUD $14,766Category 03
06-02-202713-02-2027AUD $17,729Category 04
06-02-202713-02-2027AUD $19,509Category 05
13-02-202720-02-2027AUD $16,151Category 01
13-02-202720-02-2027AUD $17,280Category 02
13-02-202720-02-2027AUD $18,483Category 03
13-02-202720-02-2027AUD $22,189Category 04
13-02-202720-02-2027AUD $24,419Category 05
20-02-202727-02-2027AUD $13,461Category 01
20-02-202727-02-2027AUD $14,401Category 02
20-02-202727-02-2027AUD $15,403Category 03
20-02-202727-02-2027AUD $18,491Category 04
20-02-202727-02-2027AUD $20,349Category 05
27-02-202706-03-2027AUD $13,461Category 01
27-02-202706-03-2027AUD $14,401Category 02
27-02-202706-03-2027AUD $15,403Category 03
27-02-202706-03-2027AUD $18,491Category 04
27-02-202706-03-2027AUD $20,349Category 05
06-03-202713-03-2027AUD $13,461Category 01
06-03-202713-03-2027AUD $14,401Category 02
06-03-202713-03-2027AUD $15,404Category 03
06-03-202713-03-2027AUD $18,493Category 04
06-03-202713-03-2027AUD $20,349Category 05
13-03-202720-03-2027AUD $10,960Category 01
13-03-202720-03-2027AUD $11,724Category 02
13-03-202720-03-2027AUD $12,541Category 03
13-03-202720-03-2027AUD $15,054Category 04
13-03-202720-03-2027AUD $16,569Category 05
20-03-202727-03-2027AUD $9,674Category 01
20-03-202727-03-2027AUD $10,350Category 02
20-03-202727-03-2027AUD $11,070Category 03
20-03-202727-03-2027AUD $13,290Category 04
20-03-202727-03-2027AUD $14,624Category 05
15-01-202822-01-2028AUD $9,214Category 01
15-01-202822-01-2028AUD $9,857Category 02
15-01-202822-01-2028AUD $10,543Category 03
15-01-202822-01-2028AUD $12,657Category 04
15-01-202822-01-2028AUD $13,929Category 05
22-01-202829-01-2028AUD $9,214Category 01
22-01-202829-01-2028AUD $9,857Category 02
22-01-202829-01-2028AUD $10,543Category 03
22-01-202829-01-2028AUD $12,657Category 04
22-01-202829-01-2028AUD $13,929Category 05
29-01-202805-02-2028AUD $9,457Category 01
29-01-202805-02-2028AUD $10,114Category 02
29-01-202805-02-2028AUD $10,829Category 03
29-01-202805-02-2028AUD $13,000Category 04
29-01-202805-02-2028AUD $14,300Category 05
05-02-202812-02-2028AUD $9,457Category 01
05-02-202812-02-2028AUD $10,114Category 02
05-02-202812-02-2028AUD $10,829Category 03
05-02-202812-02-2028AUD $13,000Category 04
05-02-202812-02-2028AUD $14,300Category 05
12-02-202819-02-2028AUD $9,457Category 01
12-02-202819-02-2028AUD $10,114Category 02
12-02-202819-02-2028AUD $10,829Category 03
12-02-202819-02-2028AUD $13,000Category 04
12-02-202819-02-2028AUD $14,300Category 05
19-02-202826-02-2028AUD $9,714Category 01
19-02-202826-02-2028AUD $10,400Category 02
19-02-202826-02-2028AUD $11,129Category 03
19-02-202826-02-2028AUD $13,357Category 04
19-02-202826-02-2028AUD $14,700Category 05
26-02-202804-03-2028AUD $9,714Category 01
26-02-202804-03-2028AUD $10,400Category 02
26-02-202804-03-2028AUD $11,129Category 03
26-02-202804-03-2028AUD $13,357Category 04
26-02-202804-03-2028AUD $14,700Category 05
04-03-202811-03-2028AUD $9,214Category 01
04-03-202811-03-2028AUD $9,857Category 02
04-03-202811-03-2028AUD $10,543Category 03
04-03-202811-03-2028AUD $12,657Category 04
04-03-202811-03-2028AUD $13,929Category 05
11-03-202818-03-2028AUD $9,214Category 01
11-03-202818-03-2028AUD $9,857Category 02
11-03-202818-03-2028AUD $10,543Category 03
11-03-202818-03-2028AUD $12,657Category 04
11-03-202818-03-2028AUD $13,929Category 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

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