Baja California - Among the Great Whales
Flights from London→Mexico City → La Paz → Loreto → Bahia Concepcion → Boca de Soledad → Cabo Pulmo → Los Islotes → Gulf of California→Return to London
Organised by Noble Caledonia.
From
from £10995
per person
Overview
Experience a cruise along the coast of Baja California Sur aboard the National Geographic Venture, including a four-night stay in Mexico.
Just south of California lies an inland sea known as the Gulf of California, Sea of Cortez, or Sea of Cortés. A birder's paradise, this rich archipelago serves as an important bird refuge and migration corridor. It is a place author John Steinbeck found “ferocious with life” and described by Jacques Cousteau as “the aquarium of the world,” a sentiment Noble Caledonia fully agrees with. UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve, noting it as one of the most biologically diverse marine environments on Earth.
Each winter, thousands of gray whales migrate south from their Arctic feeding grounds to Baja California Sur's sheltered Pacific coastal lagoons. Their migration is the longest of any animal, covering more than 10,000 miles. Join Noble Caledonia aboard the National Geographic Venture and discover a world of breathtaking beauty on a journey through these wildlife-rich waters and to islands that are home to both plants and animals found nowhere else. Baja is an inexhaustibly rich place to explore, and during this expedition, guests hope to observe grays during their breeding, calving, and nurturing cycle and see fins, blues, orcas, and humpbacks.
Baja is one of those rare geographies where the desert meets the sea. Its topography is stunning; there is literally something to see everywhere. Noble Caledonia’s ethos of using small ships to deliver big experiences comes into its own in this region, especially when working with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions and their 100-passenger vessel, the National Geographic Venture, for which Noble Caledonia has an allocation of cabins for this adventure. Board local panga boats to enter pristine lagoons for up-close wildlife encounters, witness an undersea wonderland, and experience the most beautiful sunsets on Earth. Swim with curious sea lions, watch whales, and discover a centuries-old mission town. Hike nearby shores, rimmed with white-sand beaches and cactus-clad ridges, then cool off in impossibly brilliant turquoise waters. Coastal mangroves and dunes, along with desert scrub and red rock cliffs, provide the backdrop. To explore this extraordinary place is to know firsthand how small the human presence here truly is.
In addition, Noble Caledonia includes three days before the cruise to explore Mexico City, which is more than just a large, busy metropolis and well worth a few days of exploration. With a magnificent backdrop of the Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes, this fascinating city is an eclectic mix of ancient ruins, colonial buildings, and modern high-rises. Highlights will include Noble Caledonia’s visits to the world-renowned Anthropological Museum, the ancient city ruins of Teotihuacán, and the vibrant Coyoacán neighborhood, which was home to Frida Kahlo.
Highlights
- Experience the lively culture of Mexico City and the historic ruins of Teotihuacan.
- Enjoy an intimate journey shared with no more than 100 travelers alongside a professional expedition crew.
- Board small panga vessels for intimate encounters with gray whales and their young, while viewing breaching humpbacks from our ship or via Zodiac boat trips.
- Explore rugged desert islands and wind-formed sand dunes while scouting for diverse local fauna.
- Swim alongside sea lions when weather allows and seek out large schools of dolphins near the untouched coral formations of Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park.
Explore further
More expedition cruises
The ship
Itinerary
- 1
Day 1 London to Mexico City.
Fly by scheduled flight to Mexico City. Arrive in the evening and transfer to the Marriott Reforma Hotel where we will stay for the next four nights. Enjoy a light dinner at the hotel this evening. (D)
- 2
Day 2 Mexico City.
This morning, we will start our exploration with the immense temple complex of Teotihuacan, once the largest and most populated city in the New World. Built between 250 BC and 700 AD its population at its peak was over 250,000 people. During our visit we will see the Pyramid of the Sun and walk along the Avenue of the Dead. After lunch return to central Mexico City to visit the Basilica of Guadalupe. A cult developed around the site after a Christian convert claimed in 1531 that the Virgin Mary appeared to him. After numerous sightings the lady's image was miraculously emblazoned on his cloak causing a bishop to believe the story and build a shrine in her honour. To this day the basilica remains a place of pilgrimage and worship. The original basilica built in around 1700 was unable to cope with the number of pilgrims and visitors so in the 1970s a new basilica was built next to it and has capacity for 40,000 people. Dinner this evening will be at a local restaurant. (B, L, D)
- 3
Day 3 Mexico City.
Mexico City was built by the Spanish in the 16th century on the ruins of Tenochtitlan, the old Aztec capital and is now one of the largest cities in the world. It is a city of many contrasts from lively streets to tranquil squares, from ancient ruins to modern shiny high rises and is filled with a vibrant culture and delicious food. This morning before we start our exploration of the city there is an optional tour to visit the Chapultepec Forest with a birding guide. The forest is home to over 200 bird species including hummingbirds, herons, warblers and flycatchers. This morning we will start with a visit to the impressive National Museum of Anthropology. It is the most visited museum in Mexico and holds a wealth of treasures from the country's long history. Learn about the Aztecs, Mexico City and Mexico as a whole. After lunch we will begin to peel away the layers of this historic city with a walking tour through the historic centre. We will pass by the presidential palace, and through the main square, Zocalo, which prior to the colonial period was the main ceremonial centre of the Aztec city. We will also visit the Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico City, the oldest and largest cathedral in the Americas. Return to the hotel for an evening at leisure. (B, L)
- 4
Day 4 Mexico City.
Today we will explore the more contemporary history of Mexico City with a visit to the colourful neighbourhood of Coyoacan. Coyoacan is known for its cobbled streets, art galleries, colourful buildings and markets. It is filled with leafy parks that gives it a village feel and was the home of Frida Kahlo. During our exploration we will visit the Church of Coyoacan, the Fonoteca National with its lovely garden and the Jardin Centenario. After lunch we will return to the hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure to relax or continue exploring the city. (B, L)
- 5
Day 5 Mexico City to La Paz.
This morning we will transfer to Mexico City airport for the direct flight to La Paz in Baja California Sur State. Arrive this afternoon and check into the Catedral Hotel for our overnight stay. We will meet in the evening for dinner. (B, D)
- 6
Day 6 La Paz to Loreto.
After breakfast we will check out of the hotel and transfer to Loreto. We will drive up the peninsula, taking in the mountainous desert scenery and stopping along the way for lunch before reaching Loreto where we will embark the National Geographic Venture. Dinner will be on board this evening along with welcome drinks. (B, L, D)
- 7
Day 7 Bahia Concepcion.
Awake in Bahia Concepcion, one of the largest bays of the Baja California peninsula, with over 50 miles of beaches. Step out on deck to witness the colourful landscapes revealed by the first of many gorgeous sunrises. This biodiversity hotspot is a wonder to explore. Take a Zodiac cruise 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. (B, L, D)
- 8
Day 8 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 through these waters. The Captain and Expedition Leader will collaborate to choose the perfect combination of activities for the day. Conditions permitting, we may hike, kayak or paddleboard. Learn about this ecosystem from the naturalists and capture amazing photos with help from your certified photo instructor. (B, L, D)
- 9
Day 9 Boca de Soledad.
After breakfast we will drive from Puerto Escondido to Puerto Lopez Mateos and settle in for a morning of 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 will 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. (B, L, D) 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, Espirito Santo Island - a national park as well as UNESCO World Heritage Site, Los Islotes – home to a large colony of sea lions, and Isla San Jose. (B, L, D)
- 13
Day 13 Loreto to London.
After breakfast, we will disembark the National Geographic Venture and transfer to Loreto airport for our indirect scheduled flight to London. (B)
- 14
Day 14 London.
Arrive London.
The Ship
National Geographic Venture
Purpose-built to explore the North American coast, the National Geographic Venture accommodates just 100 guests in 50 outside cabins. The design and engineering of the National Geographic Venture were informed by nearly 40 years of experience of expedition cruising. Her twin boarding platforms, for example, enable the expedition team to load two Zodiacs at once, meaning guests can disembark the ship quickly to take advantage of wildlife sightings and maximise time spent exploring ashore. The vessel features a shallow draft, allowing the Captain to navigate the inner reaches and the onboard Zodiacs offer opportunities to get even closer to the action and land in remote locations. There are also kayaks, paddleboards and snorkelling equipment on board.
Deck plan
Life aboard National Geographic Venture
National Geographic Venture is an expedition vessel designed for intimate exploration, accommodating just 100 guests. With a focus on wildlife and remote access, she is ideal for travellers seeking an informal, activity-led adventure with expert guidance.
Quick facts
Passengers
100
Cabins
50
Year Built
2018
Gross Tonnage
2920
Speed
10 knots
Suites
All 50 cabins are outside-facing, ranging from 12.6 to 17.3 square metres, and feature en-suite bathrooms and climate control. Accommodation includes twin or queen bed configurations, with Category 4 cabins offering private balconies.
- •Category 1 and 2 cabins are on the Main Deck with two portholes.
- •Category 3 cabins are on the Upper Deck with two windows.
- •Category 4 cabins on the Upper Deck feature a private balcony.
- •Category 5 suites feature two large windows, a convertible sofa bed, and extra wardrobe space.
- •Cabins include hairdryer, writing desk, and organic botanical bathroom products.
Life on board
The atmosphere is casual and focused on expedition experiences, with public spaces designed for wildlife viewing and group presentations. Guests have access to an open-air sundeck, a fitness centre, and the LEXspa for wellness treatments.
- •The lounge features wrap-around windows and is the central hub for daily talks and recaps.
- •An open bow provides a dedicated space for all guests to view wildlife simultaneously.
- •Expedition gear includes eight Zodiacs, kayaks, paddleboards, and an underwater video camera.
- •A mudroom with lockers is provided for easy storage of expedition equipment.
- •A reference library, board games, and an onboard shop are available.
Dining
Meals are served in a single, unassigned seating, encouraging a social dining experience alongside the expedition team. The cuisine focuses on fresh, local ingredients, with breakfast and lunch buffets and three dinner entrée choices.
- •Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits are included, with premium options available for purchase.
- •A 24-hour self-service station offers tea, coffee, and soft drinks.
- •Lighter dining options may be available on the Observation Deck weather permitting.
- •Dietary requirements should be notified to the reservations department prior to sailing.
- •An early riser snack is available in the lounge every morning.
Practical information
Operations are informal with no formal dress code and a no-key policy for cabin doors. The ship is equipped with a lift serving all decks and a medical professional is available on board.
- •Electrical outlets are 110-volt (American-style); surge protectors are recommended.
- •Satellite internet access is available via purchase of a data plan.
- •Smoking is permitted only in designated outdoor areas.
- •Laundry and ironing services are available for an additional charge.
- •Gratuities are included in the holiday price.
Ship information may be subject to operational change. Please contact us for the latest details before booking.
Departures & pricing
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 25 January to 7 February 2027 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| 1 Main Deck with two portholes | £11295 | £10995 |
| 2 Main Deck with two portholes | £11995 | £11695 |
| 3 Upper Deck with large window | £12795 | £12495 |
| 4 Upper Deck with sliding door & small balcony | £13495 | £13195 |
| 5 Observation Deck Suite with large windows | £14495 | £14195 |
| 1 Main Deck with two portholes for sole use | — | — |
| 2 Main Deck with two portholes for sole use | — | — |
Tour Reference Code: SCNGV250127
PRICE INCLUDES:
• Economy class scheduled air travel • Four nights accommodation at the Marriott Reforma Hotel, Mexico City • Overnight accommodation at the Catedral Hotel, La Paz • Meals as indicated inclusive of drinks with lunch & dinner ( B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner) • Seven nights aboard the National Geographic Venture on a full board basis • Alcoholic and soft drinks on board (except certain super premium brands) • Shore excursions • English speaking local guides • Noble Caledonia Tour Manager • Gratuities • Transfers • Airport taxes • Port taxes
Not Included:
Here is the information organized for your reference:
Travel Requirements
- Travel Insurance: Required.
- US ESTA: Required for all passengers transiting through the USA.
Flight Information
- Status: Schedules and routings are not yet released; details will be confirmed approximately 10 months prior to departure.
- Routing: Flights from Loreto to London currently transit via the USA.
Optional Bird Watching Tour (Day 2)
- Schedule: 7:00 am – 10:00 am (timed to return before daily sightseeing begins).
- Location: Chapultepec Park.
- Inclusions: Birding guide, transport, and use of binoculars.
- Requirement: A minimum of eight people is required for the tour to proceed.
Please note that availability and prices shown on our website are not updated in real time and may change. For the latest availability and pricing, please call 0800 678 3787