Baja California Discovery: Exploring Mexico’s Gulf of California

Arrive in the charming seaside town of Loreto by early afternoon and explore on your own by visiting the first mission in Baja California or sampling local cuisine. Embark the National Geographic Venture in the evening and begin your journey along the Gulf of California.

Arrival Time: Arrive before 2:30 p.m. local time. 
Arrival City: Loreto, Mexico

Loreto is a tranquil coastal town on the eastern shore of Mexico's Baja California Sur, nestled between the rugged Sierra de la Giganta mountains and the crystal-clear Sea of Cortez. Often called "the way Mexico used to be," this designated Pueblo Mágico (Magic Town) is celebrated for its laid-back atmosphere, authentic culture, and world-class marine life. Unlike busier resort hubs, Loreto maintains a quiet, walkable downtown with no major international chains, focusing instead on its colonial heritage and rich biodiversity.

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.

The islands of the Midriff region in the northern Gulf of California are favorites among naturalists for their remoteness as well as their exceptional wildlife and birdlife. With nature as your guide, you will actively explore these areas by Zodiac, kayak, paddleboard, snorkeling and hiking. Some of the locations you may visit include:

Isla San Pedro Mártir 

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.

Isla San Esteban 

Featuring volcanic slopes and cliffs, Isla San Esteban is home to spiny-tailed iguana and chuckwallas, cohabitant lizards with fascinating evolutionary traits. As you 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.

Isla Rasa 

This legendary uninhabited island is less than 0.21 square miles wide and yet is crucial to the survival of two species of seabirds. Historically 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.

Bahía Loreto Marine Park 

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 blue or sperm whales.

Loreto is a tranquil coastal town on the eastern shore of Mexico's Baja California Sur, nestled between the rugged Sierra de la Giganta mountains and the crystal-clear Sea of Cortez. Often called "the way Mexico used to be," this designated Pueblo Mágico (Magic Town) is celebrated for its laid-back atmosphere, authentic culture, and world-class marine life. Unlike busier resort hubs, Loreto maintains a quiet, walkable downtown with no major international chains, focusing instead on its colonial heritage and rich biodiversity.

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 you may visit or enjoy by Zodiac include:

Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park 

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.

Isla Espíritu Santo 

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.

Los Islotes 

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, anchor off the rocky island where you'll don flippers, a mask and snorkel (which are provided) to swim with these curious inhabitants.

Isla San Jose

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.

Disembark in La Paz after breakfast and transfer to Los Cabos airport for flights home. You may opt for a post-voyage extension exploring the region’s culture and cuisine.

Departure Time: After 2:00 p.m., local time 
Departure City: San José del Cabo, Mexico

The capital of the state of Baja California Sur, this city is situated on the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California). It is celebrated for its biodiversity and relaxed coastal atmosphere compared to the nearby resort hub of Cabo San Lucas.

San José del Cabo is a coastal city located on the Gulf of California coast, near the southern tip of the Mexican state of Baja California Sur. San José del Cabo is situated on the edge of a shallow bay, some 32 kilometres (20 mi) northeast of Cabo San Lucas, a city with which it shares the title of Los Cabos. San José del Cabo is the seat of the Los Cabos Municipality. The city had a population of 136,285 at the 2020 census. The two cities are served by Los Cabos International Airport.