Baja California Discovery: Exploring Mexico’s Gulf of California

Arrive in San José del Cabo, where the Gulf of California meets the Pacific Ocean, by early afternoon. Transfer to La Paz and embark the <i>National Geographic Venture</i> in the evening in time for cocktails and staff introductions. You may opt for a <a href=https://www.expeditions.com/extensions/baja-california-culture-and-cuisine-pre-voyage-extension2>pre-voyage extension exploring culture and cuisine</a> in La Paz, Todos Santos and San José del Cabo.<b>Arrival Time: </b>Arrive before 1:30 p.m. local time. <br /><b>Arrival City: </b>San José del Cabo, Mexico 

We begin our journey among the natural beauty of the southern Gulf of California. These islands and surrounding waters are celebrated for their conservation stories, marine life and the many thrilling experiences on offer. Our plan is flexible in order to maximize our chances for amazing encounters. Some of the locations we may visit or enjoy by Zodiac include:  <b>Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park </b>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.  <b>Isla Espíritu Santo </b>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.  <b>Los Islotes </b>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, we'll anchor off the rocky island where we don flippers, a mask and snorkel (which we provide) and swim with these curious inhabitants.  <b>Isla San José </b>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.  

The islands of the Midriff region in the northern Gulf of California are favorites among our naturalists for their remoteness as well as their exceptional wildlife and birdlife. With nature as our guide, we will actively explore these areas by Zodiac, kayak, paddleboard, snorkeling and hiking. Some of the locations we may visit or enjoy by Zodiac include:  <b>Isla San Pedro Mártir </b>This 1,000-foot-high guano-covered island is home to the world’s largest nesting colonies of blue-footed and brown boobies. The surrounding waters boast 14 species of marine mammals, including fin whales, bryde’s whales and a resident group of sperm whales.  <b>Isla San Esteban </b>Featuring volcanic slopes and cliffs, Isla San Esteban is home to spiny-tailed iguana and chuckwallas, cohabitant lizards with fascinating evolutionary traits. As we hike the broad arroyo, keep an eye out for the spiny-tailed iguana feeding on flowers atop cardon cacti, while the chuckwalla dines on the leaves and fruits of low-lying plants.  <b>Isla Rasa </b>This legendary, uninhabited island is less than 0.21 square miles wide and yet is crucial to the survival of two species of seabirds. 95% of the world’s Heermann's gulls and elegant terns use the island as their nesting grounds, creating a cacophonous, avian spectacle seen nowhere else on earth.  <b>Bahía Loreto Marine Park </b>One of Mexico’s natural treasures, this protected area offers a variety of pristine landscapes and a plethora of marine life. Search for bottlenose and common dolphins, with the possibility of encountering fin whales, which researchers have recently concluded may be part of a resident population.  

Get active this morning with options to hike, kayak, swim, snorkel or beachcomb within the Bahía de los Ángeles Biosphere Reserve. Board Zodiacs to seek out this protected reserve’s diverse marine population, including endangered species such as fin whales, California sea lions, and five species of sea turtles. Whale sharks have also historically been known to populate these waters. Later, enjoy a rare opportunity to see one of the strangest plants on earth, the boojum tree. Sacred to indigenous people, and believed to have supernatural powers, this evolutionary oddity takes its name from a Lewis Carroll poem. Capture the experience with help from your Certified Photography Instructor.  

After breakfast, disembark in Santa Rosalía, established as a French copper mining town in 1884. The French influence remains in the architecture—including a steel church designed by Gustave Eiffel—and the mining facilities have been left intact, with old locomotives and machinery visible throughout. Engage with the city’s culture and cuisine as you walk the streets, stopping in at a world-famous French bakery for a sweet or savory treat. Back on board, take in the desert landscapes and search for a variety of whales as we cruise to our next destination.  

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 another gorgeous Baja California sunrise. This biodiversity hotspot is ripe for exploration. Board Zodiacs in search of whale sharks 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.  

Disembark in Loreto after breakfast and transfer to Loreto airport for flights home.  <b>Departure Time:</b> After 11:00 a.m., local time <br /><b>Departure City:</b> Loreto, Mexico