Expedition Details
Discover the natural wonders of the Sea of Cortez on an expedition aboard the National Geographic Sea Bird. Witness the awe-inspiring migration of gray whales through the inlets of Bahía Magdalena, one of nature's greatest spectacles. Follow naturalists on hikes amid giant barrel cactuses, and kayak among playful sea lions.
Itinerary - 8 Days
Day 1 — Los Angeles/La Paz, Mexico
Arrive in La Paz and drive along the beautiful Malecón to meet our ship.
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Day 2 — Exploring the Sea of Cortez
Search for whales among the islands of the southern Sea of Cortez, one of the best areas for spotting blue whales and bottlenose dolphins. Explore one of the many pristine islands such as Isla San Jose or Isla Santa Catalina. Walk among huge cactuses; swim or snorkel; and observe the great diversity of bird life, including verdins, ladder-backed woodpeckers, and Costa's hummingbirds.
(B,L,D)
Day 3 — Islas Los Islotes and Espíritu Santo
At Los Islotes, snorkel and swim among curious sea lions. With its deeply indented bays, Espíritu Santo is one of the most beautiful islands in the Sea of Cortez. This afternoon, swim, kayak, or hike, keeping your eye out for brown pelicans, gulls, wandering tattlers, great blue herons, and boobies. Later, enjoy a barbecue on the beach.
(B,L,D)
Day 4 — Gorda Banks and Los Cabos
The morning is spent at the Gorda Banks seamount, a gathering place for whales, especially humpbacks, as well as dolphins and other sea life. Then cruise past Friars Rocks at Land's End and dock at Los Cabos. If you choose, take an excursion to the historic town of San Jose del Cabo.
(B,L,D)
Days 5, 6, & 7 — Bahía Magdalena
Bahía Magdalena—a vast wilderness of sand dunes, mangrove channels, and protected waters—is one of the main breeding and calving areas for California gray whales. Every year, gray whales migrate here from the Arctic waters of Alaska; it is believed to be the longest migration known for any mammal and one of nature's greatest spectacles. In this vast water nursery, observe these enormous yet gentle animals from the ship and at water level from our Zodiacs. Walk along sand dunes of incomparable beauty, and discover dense mangroves by kayak. On the mudflats, spot migrating birds at rest.
(B,L,D)
Day 8 — San Carlos/La Paz/Los Angeles
After breakfast, disembark in San Carlos and drive across the peninsula to La Paz for the flight to Los Angeles.
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Related Trip
View LargerExpedition Team
Accompanying each expedition is a diverse team of experts — from naturalists to regional specialists — who will share their knowledge and insights on the wildlife, landscapes, and local culture. See one of the members of our extraordinary team below.
Flip Nicklin
National Geographic photographer and marine biologist Flip Nicklin is widely regarded as one of the world's leading photographers of whales and was named the NANPA Outstanding Nature Photographer of the Year in 2012. His majestic photos and amazing audio tracks of humpback and killer whales have been featured in numerous National Geographic magazines and television specials. Between his frequent visits to the Sea of Cortes, Flip migrates with the humpbacks, spending summers in the Pacific Northwest and the Gulf of Alaska, and winters off Maui in Hawaii.
Flip will join the following departures:
Mar 12 - 19, 2011 • Mar 19 - 26, 2011
This trip is offered in association with Lindblad Expeditions.
Expedition Dates 
2011
- Jan 22 - 29, 2011
- Feb 05 - 12, 2011
- Feb 12 - 19, 2011
- Feb 19 - 26, 2011 (waitlist only)
- Feb 26 - Mar 05, 2011
- Mar 05 - 12, 2011
- Mar 12 - 19, 2011
- Mar 19 - 26, 2011
Indicates trip operates in reverse. Click here to see the reverse itinerary
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Expedition Costs
What To Expect
Please note: A State Department travel warning for Mexico is in effect (click here to view the State Department's information page on Mexico). The area of concern noted in the warning is not near the region we visit on this itinerary. We expect to operate this trip as planned, but will continue to closely monitor events in this country.
