Baja California Mosaic: Magdalena Bay and Gulf of California

Arrive in San José del Cabo and transfer to La Paz to embark the <i>National Geographic Sea Bird</i> or <i>National Geographic Sea Lion.</i> You may opt for a <a href=https://www.expeditions.com/extensions/baja-california-culture-and-cuisine-pre-voyage-extension>pre-voyage extension exploring the region’s culture and cuisine.</a> <b>Arrival Time: </b>Arrive before 2:30 p.m. local time.  <br /><b>Arrival City:</b> San José del Cabo, Mexico  

Dubbed the “world’s aquarium” by Jacques Cousteau, the Gulf of California is home to a tapestry of biological diversity. With some luck, and the help of your naturalists, you’ll encounter whales, bottlenose and common dolphins and other sea life in these wildlife-rich waters. The day's plan is flexible as you explore some of the uninhabited islands sprinkled across the Gulf, spend time on the bow searching for marine life or visit uninhabited islands to hike among huge cacti and diverse bird life. Swim or snorkel with king angelfish, surgeonfish, butterfly fish, damselfish and iridescent parrotfish. 

With deeply indented shorelines and dramatically eroded cliff faces, Los Islotes and Isla Espíritu Santo are two of the most beautiful islands in the Gulf of California. Suit up in provided snorkeling gear to experience the thrill of swimming with the curious sea lions. This afternoon, choose to swim, kayak or hike at Isla Espíritu Santo where brown pelicans, gulls and boobies dot the landscape. 

Start the day cruising past the spectacular Friars Rocks at Land's End, an iconic landmark named after its semblance to the hooded monks. Then, visit the historic town center of San José del Cabo, a culinary and cultural haven that’s home to the beautiful San José missionary and an array of art galleries. Spend the afternoon at the Gordo Banks seamount or La Fortuna, nutrient-rich gathering places for whales, dolphins and other exciting sea life. While on the lookout, naturalists are always available to inform and enlighten you with their deep knowledge of and passion for the peninsula. 

Explore the remarkable geography of Magdalena Bay—an immense system of protected coves and channels bordered by mangrove forests that transition into a vast, windswept plain. Hike across rolling sand dunes, kayak along pristine coastlines and explore this magical area by Zodiac. Watch for magnificent frigatebirds, pelicans, cormorants, terns, great blue herons, ibis and willets and capture their movements with the help of your certified photography instructor. 

After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to the airport for flights home or to Loreto's city center to begin your <a href=https://www.expeditions.com/extensions/two-night-blue-and-fin-whale-loreto-extension>two-night history and whale-watching extension</a>. <b>Departure Time:</b> Depart after 1:00 p.m. local time. <br /><b>Departure City:</b> Loreto, Mexico