Baja California: Among the Great Whales

Arrive in Loreto, a picturesque gulfside town dotted with Spanish colonial architecture. Transfer to the ship and set sail at sunset. Opt to arrive a day early on the One-Night Loreto Pre-Voyage Extension to explore historic Loreto and visit San Javier Mission in the Sierra de la Giganta. Arrival Time: Arrive before 2:30 p.m. local time. Arrival City: Loreto, Mexico

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.

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 your journey. The plan is flexible as you explore some of the uninhabited islands sprinkled across these waters. Your Captain and Expedition Leader collaborate to choose the perfect combination of activities for the day. Conditions permitting, you may hike, kayak or paddleboard. Learn about this ecosystem from naturalists, and capture amazing photos with help from your certified photo instructor.

After breakfast, transfer by motorcoach from Puerto Escondido to one of the renowned gray whale lagoons along Baja's Pacific coast. Working with local experts, the Expedition Leader will determine the optimal location for whale viewing based on current conditions and whale activity. Each winter gray whales travel south from their Arctic feeding grounds to breed and give birth to their calves in these sheltered lagoons. Together with savvy local fishermen, venture out in small 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.

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 you 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, anchor off the rocky island where you'll don flippers, a mask and snorkel (which are provided) 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.

After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to the Loreto airport for flights home. Departure Time: Depart after 12:00 p.m. local time. Departure City: Loreto, Mexico