Channel Islands National Park to Baja California

Arrive in Los Angeles by early afternoon. Transfer to the port to embark the<i> National Geographic Venture. </i><b>Arrival Time:</b> Arrive before 3:00 p.m. local time.<br /><b>Arrival City:</b> Los Angeles, California

Not far from the city lights, these islands are a world away, home to incredibly diverse and endemic flora and fauna. Spend the day kayaking, hiking one of the many trails or simply relaxing ashore. Learn the fascinating prehistory of these islands from your naturalists.

Vineyards and culinary marvels await in one of the world’s hottest up-and-coming wine regions. Arise to a gorgeous sunrise and enjoy breakfast before pulling into Ensenada. Discover what the hype is all about on a visit to a sustainable, family-run vineyard with stunning views. Meet the winemaker and owner on a behind-the-scenes tour and tasting. Enjoy a multi-course paired meal and a very special music performance. 

Wake up to a view of the double-coned peak of Isla San Martín, a mile-wide volcanic island flanked by a giant kelp forest. Explore the lush kelp forest by kayaks, paddleboards or Zodiac and observe the antics of abundant harbor seals. Adventurous hikers can explore the volcanic rock to reach the summits of both volcanos 470 feet above the surf. Or opt to walk along the seashore, strewn with bulbous tubes of the rare Pelagophycus elk kelp. As a nightcap this evening, enjoy video of the kelp forests captured by your undersea specialist.

Continue on your southern journey with a stop at the secluded Isla San Benito Oeste, home to thousands of breeding elephant seals. Zodiac to shore at the base of a small fishing village. Opt for a long hike to the peak of the island or explore the village and observe the elephant seal haul out, including many moms and pups. All four of Mexico’s pinniped species can be found in this area, and we’ll seek them out on Zodiacs. Scan the skies for a variety of bird species including blue herons, black turnstones and two species of cormorants. Enjoy a well-timed day to relax on board with stretch classes, talks and whale-watching as you make your way south to Magdalena Bay.  

Isla Magdalena and the bay of the same name are irresistible treats for the nature lover. Come to know this island while hiking the ever-shifting, wind-sculpted dunes on a cross-island transit to Sand Dollar Beach. Watch for coyote tracks in the soft dunes and spot migratory shorebirds. Many—including western sandpipers, whimbrels, willets, Wilson’s and black-bellied plovers, and marbled godwits—are concluding their southbound journeys here. Observe astounding flora, like the endemic and sideways-growing creeping devil, a columnar cactus thick with spines packed together to protect against herbivores and the relentless sun. This evening, as you exit the bay, be on the lookout for beaked dolphins and bald eagles.

Cruise past Friars Rocks and visit the historic town center of San José del Cabo before cruising Gordo Banks seamount or La Fortuna, renowned gathering places for whales, dolphins, and other marine life.

Venture south to discover the gems of the southern Gulf. These islands and surrounding waters are celebrated for their conservation stories, marine life, and the many thrilling experiences on offer. Some of the locations we may visit or enjoy by Zodiac include:  <b>Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park </b><br />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><br />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><br />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>  <br />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.  

After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to the Loreto International Airport for flights home.   <b>Departure Time:</b> Depart after 1:00 p.m. local time.  <br /><b>Departure City:</b> Loreto, Mexico