Overview
Migrate alongside humpback whales and numerous seabird species on a unique early-winter journey from Los Angeles to La Paz. Explore the Channel Islands’ intact wildness, thriving with endemic species. Sail to Ensenada and discover Mexico’s Wine Country—the Valle de Guadalupe. Spot a variety of species among the 25,000 birds migrating along the Pacific Flyway. Continue down the pristine coastline of Baja California, home to a panoply of sea life, untamed desert wilderness, and otherworldly sunsets.
Trip Highlights
- Discover the incredible biodiversity of Channel Islands National Park, home to over 2,000 species including 145 endemics
- Go behind the scenes and enjoy a private lunch at a boutique vineyard in the world-renowned Valle de Guadalupe
- Explore the waters and experience the wildlife of peninsular Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve
- Seek out breaching humpbacks and acrobatic dolphins from the bow of a small ship
- Snorkel in Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, a hard coral reef with over 220 species of fish
Itinerary
Arrive in Los Angeles by early afternoon. Transfer to the port to embark National Geographic Venture.
Arrival Time: Arrive before 3:00 p.m. local time.
Arrival City: Los Angeles, California
Meals Included: Dinner
Not far from the city lights, these islands are a world away, home to incredibly diverse and endemic flora and fauna. Spend the day kayaking, hiking one of the many trails, or simply relaxing ashore. Learn the fascinating prehistory of these islands from our naturalists.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Vineyards and culinary marvels await in one of the world’s hottest up-and-coming wine regions. See what the hype is all about as we visit a family-run vineyard for a private tour, tasting, and lunch.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore Bahía de San Quintín and surrounding islands—home to 400+ species of plants, animals, and birds, including 23 seabird species. The bay is located along the Pacific Flyway migration route and sees more than 25,000 birds pass through in the winter.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve and its plentiful wildlife, sailing to Islas San Benito, home to thousands of breeding elephant seals, and on to Isla Natividad to learn of the community’s exemplary protection of the fragile ecosystems of the reserve. We are at sea the following day searching for a wide variety of marine life, including the largest animal on Earth, the blue whale, listening to naturalist talks, and learning photography tips and tricks.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve and its plentiful wildlife, sailing to Islas San Benito, home to thousands of breeding elephant seals, and on to Isla Natividad to learn of the community’s exemplary protection of the fragile ecosystems of the reserve. We are at sea the following day searching for a wide variety of marine life, including the largest animal on Earth, the blue whale, listening to naturalist talks, and learning photography tips and tricks.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve and its plentiful wildlife, sailing to Islas San Benito, home to thousands of breeding elephant seals, and on to Isla Natividad to learn of the community’s exemplary protection of the fragile ecosystems of the reserve. We are at sea the following day searching for a wide variety of marine life, including the largest animal on Earth, the blue whale, listening to naturalist talks, and learning photography tips and tricks.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Isla Magdalena and the bay of the same name are irresistible treats for the nature lover. Come to know this island while hiking the ever-shifting, wind-sculpted dunes on our cross-island transit to Sand Dollar Beach. Watch for coyote tracks in the soft dunes and spot migratory shorebirds. Many—including western sandpipers, whimbrels, willets, Wilson’s and black-bellied plovers, and marbled godwits—are concluding their southbound journeys here. Observe astounding flora, like the endemic and sideways-growing creeping devil, a columnar cactus thick with spines packed together to protect against herbivores and the relentless sun. This evening, as we exit the bay, be on the lookout for beaked dolphins and, with luck, a humpback whale.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cruise past Friars Rocks and visit the historic town center of San José del Cabo before cruising Gorda Banks seamount or La Fortuna, renowned gathering places for whales, dolphins, and other marine life.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Snorkel the pristine reefs of Cabo Pulmo National Park and chat with locals about their advocacy to protect this unique place. With luck, swim with sea lions before relaxing ashore.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Snorkel the pristine reefs of Cabo Pulmo National Park and chat with locals about their advocacy to protect this unique place. With luck, swim with sea lions before relaxing ashore.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Disembark in La Paz and transfer to Los Cabos airport for flights home.
Departure Time: Depart after 2:00 p.m. local time.
Departure City: San Jose del Cabo, Mexico
Meals Included: Breakfast
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Cost Includes
- Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary
- Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins), and other state-of-the-art gear
- Guidance and company of our leading expedition staff
- All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible.
- Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
- 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
- Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard all ships, with the exception of Sun Goddess and Oberoi Philae. We are also pleased to offer a selection of super premium wines and liquors available for purchase.
- Beer and wine with meals aboard Oberoi Philae and Sun Goddess. Additional alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.
- Crew gratuities aboard National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Resolution, National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Orion, Sea Cloud, Sea Cloud II, Lord of the Glens, Oberoi Philae, Sun Goddess, and The Jahan.
- Laundry services aboard Oberoi Philae and Sun Goddess.
- Complimentary Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard our Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet, enabling email, messaging, and social media. Enhanced and Premium internet packages are available for purchase, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting).
- Complimentary Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard Sea Cloud, Sea Cloud II, Lord of the Glens, Oberoi Philae, Sun Goddess, and The Jahan (connectivity permitting).
- Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
- Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
- The services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic where available
- Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available
- 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces
- Complimentary Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic parka or jacket on select Arctic and Antarctic voyages
- Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photography Expert (National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Resolution) and Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor (all ships)
- Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (aboard our Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet)
- Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
Cost Excludes
- Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers (except when indicated as included)
- Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees
- Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, and phone services (except when indicated as included)
- Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting)
- Crew gratuities aboard National Geographic Endeavour II, National Geographic Islander II, National Geographic Venture, National Geographic Quest, National Geographic Sea Bird, National Geographic Sea Lion, and Delfin II
- Unused services or items included in our programs are non-refundable.
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