This trip is gray whale immersion at its best!
Have you ever dreamed about a magical encounter with a gray whale? Or perhaps you have been to Magdalena Bay in Baja for only a few hours on a tour boat; had a short interaction with a gray whale, enjoyed the beautiful sand dunes, abundant wildlife with sea birds and yearned to explore that entire region? Enjoy several days in the company of majestic gray whales in Baja California’s Magdalena Bay, one of the best times and places in the world to encounter gray whale mothers and their curious calves. On this compact trip, we explore the bay aboard our nimble National Geographic Sea Bird expedition ship and set out in local pangas for up-close encounters. These whales are very curious about humans and will sometimes come to the pangas, many times with their babies, and allow themselves to be touched.
But there’s more! Onboard naturalists will educate us about wildlife as we watch for whales and dolphins, kayak or paddleboard through mangrove forests abundant with many species of birds, hike desert islands, capture beautiful lighting on sand dunes, look for pelicans, great blue herons and ospreys, and enjoy long walks (or try out our fat-tire bikes) and soak up the sun on pristine beaches.
Loreto, Mexico / San Carlos • Bahía Almejas / Rehusa Channel / Isla Magdalena • Hull Canal • Boca de Soledad • San Carlos / Loreto
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Five shipboard nights aboard the National Geographic Sea Bird
- Roundtrip transfers from the Loreto airport to the host hotel and/or ship on January 27 and from the ship to the Loreto airport on February 1, 2026
- On the vessel, basic internet, all shore excursions, sightseeing, entrance fees, meals, beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits. Super premium wines and liquors are available for purchase. 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water, hors d’oeuvres, and snacks during Recap
- Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
- Beach BBQ Dinner (weather permitting) with complimentary beer/wine
- Use of kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and expedition landing equipment
- Services of Lindblad’s Expedition Team: Expedition Leader, Naturalist staff and expert guides, Wellness Coordinator, Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor and medical professional
- Access to our Tools for Exploration: Remotely operated Vehicle (ROV), Hydrophone, Video microscope, Splash-Cam, Underwater video camera, OM System Photo Gear Locker, Zodiac & kayak explorations
- All port charges, special access permits (if applicable), service fees and taxes during the voyage
- All gratuities to ship’s staff and crew, and local guides
- Personalized Team Olivia assistance throughout
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
- Airfare / Airport departure taxes (if applicable)
- Airport transfers to/from airport prior to program dates of Jan 27 and Feb 1, 2026
- Passport and visa expenses (if necessary)
- LEX Wellness Spa and treatment services
- Travel insurance & personal incidentals (including shopping on board)
