National Geographic Expeditions

Expedition Details

Discover the natural wonders of the Sea of Cortez on an expedition aboard the National Geographic Sea Lion or National Geographic Sea Bird. Witness the awe-inspiring migration of gray whales through the inlets of Bahía Magdalena, one of nature's greatest spectacles. Follow naturalists on hikes amid giant barrel cactuses, and kayak among playful sea lions.

Itinerary - 8 Days

Day 1 — Los Angeles/La Paz, Mexico

Arrive in La Paz and drive along the beautiful Malecón to meet our ship.
(D)

Day 2 — Exploring the Sea of Cortez

Search for whales among the islands of the southern Sea of Cortez, one of the best areas for spotting blue whales and bottlenose dolphins. Explore one of the many pristine islands such as Isla San Jose or Isla Santa Catalina. Walk among huge cactuses; swim or snorkel; and observe the great diversity of bird life, 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 deeply indented bays, Espíritu Santo is one of the most beautiful islands in the Sea of Cortez. This afternoon, swim, kayak, or hike, keeping your eye out for brown pelicans, gulls, wandering tattlers, great blue herons, and boobies. Later, enjoy a barbecue on the beach.
(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. Then cruise past Friars Rocks at Land's End and dock at San Jose del Cabo. Here, you can choose to explore the Historic town or visit a nearby estuary for a unique birding opportunity.
(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; it is believed to be the longest migration known for any mammal and one of nature's greatest spectacles. In this vast water nursery, observe these enormous yet gentle animals from the ship and at water level from our Zodiacs. Walk along sand dunes of incomparable beauty, and discover dense mangroves by kayak. On the mud flats, spot migrating birds at rest.
(B,L,D)

Day 8 — San Carlos/La Paz/Los Angeles

After breakfast, disembark in San Carlos and drive across the peninsula to La Paz for the flight to Los Angeles.
(B)

Related Trip

Sea of Cortez Family Voyage

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Expedition 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 widely regarded as one of the world's leading photographers of whales. His majestic photos and amazing audio tracks of humpback and killer whales have been featured in numerous National Geographic magazines and television specials. Between his frequent visits to the Sea of Cortes, Flip migrates with the humpbacks, spending summers in the Pacific Northwest and the Gulf of Alaska, and winters off Maui in Hawaii. Flip will be accompanying the January 16 and January 23, 2010 departures aboard the National Geographic Sea Lion.

Flip will join the following departures:

Jan 16 - 23, 2010 • Jan 23 - 30, 2010

Expedition Photo Gallery

This trip is offered in association with Lindblad Expeditions.

Expedition Dates

2010

Jan 09 - 16, 2010
Jan 09 - 16, 2010
Jan 16 - 23, 2010
Jan 16 - 23, 2010
Jan 23 - 30, 2010
Jan 23 - 30, 2010
Jan 30 - Feb 06, 2010
Jan 30 - Feb 06, 2010
Feb 06 - 13, 2010
Feb 06 - 13, 2010
Feb 13 - 20, 2010
Feb 13 - 20, 2010
Feb 20 - 27, 2010
Feb 20 - 27, 2010
Feb 27 - Mar 06, 2010
Feb 27 - Mar 06, 2010
Mar 06 - 13, 2010
Mar 06 - 13, 2010
Mar 13 - 20, 2010
Mar 13 - 20, 2010
Mar 20 - 27, 2010
Mar 20 - 27, 2010

Indicates trip operates in reverse. Click here to see the reverse itinerary .

National Geographic Sea Bird
[SL]

National Geographic Sea Lion

Expedition Costs

Prices for the season.
Category 1	$4,850
Category 2	$5,420
Category 3	$6,110

View Ship/Deck Plan Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single cabin add $2,420 in Category 1 and $2,570 in Category 2 in 2010

Round-trip economy group airfare between Los Angeles and La Paz is included in the expedition cost. Round-trip airfare between your home city and Los Angeles is not included.

Third person rates are available in a limited number of Category 3 cabins at one half the double occupancy rate.

Special Offer

Book by October 30, 2009 and receive $500 off per person. This offer is available on the January 23, February 20, and February 27, 2010 departures.

Request a ReservationClick to see dates

Baja California and the Sea of Cortez