Baja California's Bay of Giants: Magdalena Bay

Spend several unforgettable days in the company of gray whales in Baja California’s Magdalena Bay, one of the best places on Earth to observe mothers and calves in a sheltered nursery. Aboard the only expedition ship in the region small and nimble enough to anchor inside the bay, enjoy unparalleled proximity to these remarkable animals. Head out in local pangas for close, respectful encounters, then return to kayak through mangrove forests, hike on desert islands, and watch pelicans, ospreys, and other seabirds wheeling over pristine Pacific beaches.

Tour Highlights

Venture into the nursery waters of Magdalena Bay to look for gigantic gray whale mothers and their calves, with opportunities for remarkably close encounters from local pangas.
Kayak and paddleboard through serene mangrove forests or wander long, empty stretches of sand while beachcombing along the outer coast.
Hike and fat-tire bike across varied landscapes, from windswept dunes to cactus forests, keeping an eye out for coyotes, shorebirds, and birds of prey.
Scan the skies for a rich variety of birdlife, including diving pelicans, magnificent frigatebirds, ospreys, and other coastal and marine species.
Enjoy the advantages of a small expedition vessel able to anchor within Magdalena Bay’s protected waters, maximizing time in this busy whale nursery.
Extend your journey with additional whale watching and history in Loreto, or opt for more cultural and culinary exploration in Todos Santos and La Paz.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1: Loreto • San Carlos, Mexico • Embark ship
Days 2–5: Magdalena Bay (Bahía Almejas • Isla Magdalena / Sand Dollar Beach • Puerto Magdalena • Hull Canal • Boca de Soledad), Mexico
Day 6: San Carlos • Loreto, Mexico • Disembark ship • Depart for home

Operator
National Geographic - Lindblad Expeditions