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Whales of Magdalena Bay: Baja Adventure Cruise
January 27, 2026 - February 01, 2026
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)
ITINERARY
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Loreto, Mexico / San Carlos / Embark Ship
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Bahía Almejas / Rehusa Channel / Isla Magdalena
Thursday, January 29, 2026
Transit the Hull Canal / Boca de Soledad
Friday, January 30, 2026
Boca de Soledad
Saturday, January 31, 2026
Boca de Soledad
Sunday, February 1, 2026
San Carlos / Disembark ship / Loreto
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SEA BIRD
Welcome to the National Geographic Sea Bird! Accommodating just 62 guests in 31 outside cabins, the National Geographic Sea Bird is large enough to operate in remote environments in comfort, yet small enough to enter ports and narrow inlets inaccessible to bigger ships. It carries sea kayaks and a fleet of expedition landing crafts, providing easy access to coastlines and other places of interest. Each cabin faces outside and all cabins have windows and are attractively and comfortably furnished with lower berths, private bathrooms, reading lights and individual climate control.
Total Occupancy: 62
DINING
Meals are served in the dining room at a single seating with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Breakfast and lunch are usually buffet with a variety of choices, and dinner is sit-down service with 3-4 sustainable choices. The menu features locally inspired fare, and locally sourced where possible.
SHIP AMENITIES
Public Areas
National Geographic Sea Bird features a library; global market; lounge with full-service bar and facilities for films, slide shows and presentations; observation deck; partially covered sun deck with chairs and tables, and LEXspa. Our “open Bridge” provides guests an opportunity to meet our officers and captain and learn about navigation.
Special Features
Guest internet access, Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor, and undersea specialist.
Expedition Equipment
A fleet of 6 Zodiacs and 16 kayaks, paddleboards, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), hydrophone, splash-cam, underwater video camera, video microscope, and OM System Photo Gear Locker.
Wellness
The vessel is staffed by a wellness specialist and features exercise equipment, LEXspa and an outdoor stretching area. Enjoy the LEXSpa complete with massage and a few other spa treatments are available for an additional fee. Starting at $55.
ROOM AMENITIES
Cabins
All face outside with windows, private facilities, and climate controls. Categories 2 and 3 have outside access. All feature hair dryers, plus Ethernet, wifi connections, and USB ports for mobile devices. All cabins have 2 fixed single beds, except for Category 3, rooms 214, 216, 217, and 219 on the Upper Deck which have convertible twins into a double bed.
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