Baja California Discovery: Exploring Mexico’s Gulf of California

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 your naturalists.  

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 you cruise to your next destination.  

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.