Expedition Details
Discover the natural wonders of the Sea of Cortez on an expedition aboard the National Geographic Sea Bird. In the company of marine biologists, experience the awe-inspiring gray whale migration, one of nature’s greatest spectacles, through the inlets of Bahía Magdalena. Hop into a Zodiac to encounter wildlife up close, from humpback whales to bottlenose dolphins. Follow naturalists on hikes amid barrel cactuses, and snorkel among playful sea lions.
Trip Highlights
- Witness the unforgettable migration of gray whales through the inlets of Bahía Magdalena.
- Go snorkeling amid sea lions, brilliant blue damselfish, and schools of king angelfish.
- Kayak through thick mangroves on the lookout for a variety of bird species including magnificent frigate birds.
- Visit the historic town of San Jose del Cabo, established in the 1730s.
Itinerary - 8 Days
Day 1 — Los Angeles/La Paz, Mexico
Arrive in La Paz and drive along the beautiful Malecón to meet our ship.
National Geographic Sea Bird (D)
Day 2 — Exploring the Sea of Cortez
We’ll follow the currents and the wildlife today, exploring pristine, uninhabited islands such as Isla
San Jose or Isla Santa Catalina; and snorkeling
among colorful parrotfish and flashing schools of
surgeonfish. Search for whales among the islands
of the southern Sea of Cortez, one of the best
areas for spotting blue whales and bottlenose
dolphins. Walk among huge cactuses and observe
the great diversity of birdlife, including verdins,
ladder-backed woodpeckers, and Costa’s hummingbirds.
(B,L,D)
Day 3 — Islas Los Islotes and Espíritu Santo
At Los Islotes, snorkel and swim among curious
sea lions. With its rugged cliffs and coves carved
deeply into the coastline, Espíritu Santo is one of
the most beautiful islands in the Sea of Cortez.
This afternoon, examine the island’s volcanic
landscapes on a kayak excursion. Go beachcombing or take a hike along the rocky coast, keeping your eye out for brown pelicans, gulls, wandering tattlers, great blue herons, and boobies. Tonight, gather for a barbecue around a campfire on the beach and take in a splendid display of stars.
(B,L,D)
Day 4 — Gorda Banks and Los Cabos
The morning is spent at the Gorda Banks seamount,
a gathering place for whales—especially humpbacks—as well as dolphins and other sea life.
Learn about whale behavior with our on-board
marine biologist as you watch these giant creatures
breach and tail-lob. Then cruise past Friars
Rocks at Land’s End and dock at Los Cabos. If you
choose, take an excursion to the historic town of
San Jose del Cabo.
(B,L,D)
Days 5, 6, & 7 — Bahía Magdalena
Bahía Magdalena—a vast wilderness of sand
dunes, mangrove channels, and protected
waters—is one of the main breeding and calving
areas for California gray whales. Every year, gray
whales migrate here from the Arctic waters of
Alaska to breed and raise their calves. It is believed
to be the longest migration known for any
mammal and one of nature’s greatest spectacles.
In this vast aquatic nursery, observe these enormous yet gentle animals from the ship and at
water level from our Zodiacs. Venture into dense
mangroves by kayak and watch for magnificent
frigate birds, pelicans, and great blue herons on
the mudflats.
(B,L,D daily)
Day 8 — San Carlos/La Paz/Los Angeles
After breakfast, disembark in San Carlos and drive across the peninsula to La Paz for your return flights home.
(B)
View LargerExpedition Team
Accompanying each expedition is a diverse team of experts — from naturalists to regional specialists — who will share their knowledge and insights on the wildlife, landscapes, and local culture. See one of the members of our extraordinary team below.
Flip Nicklin
National Geographic photographer and marine biologist Flip Nicklin is one of the world's leading photographers of whales. His majestic photos and amazing audio tracks of humpbacks and killer whales have been featured in numerous National Geographic publications and television specials. The North American Nature Photography Association has named him Outstanding Nature Photographer of the Year. Between his frequent visits to the Sea of Cortez, Flip migrates with the humpbacks, spending summers in the Pacific Northwest and the Gulf of Alaska and winters off Maui, Hawaii.
Flip will join the following departures:
Mar 02 - 09, 2013 • Mar 09 - 16, 2013Mar 16 - 23, 2013
This trip is offered in association with Lindblad Expeditions.
Expedition Dates 
2013
- Jan 19 - 26, 2013
- Jan 26 - Feb 02, 2013
- Feb 02 - 09, 2013
- Feb 09 - 16, 2013
- Feb 16 - 23, 2013
- Feb 23 - Mar 02, 2013
- Mar 02 - 09, 2013
- Mar 09 - 16, 2013
- Mar 16 - 23, 2013 (waitlist only)
Indicates trip operates in reverse. Click here to see the reverse itinerary
.
