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This 11 day small ship cruise will show you the best of Baja California. Discover endless photo ops, leaping dolphins, breaching whales and sculpturally perched pelicans— on a Mexico cruise in the vibrant Sea of Cortez. Explore its remote islands and hit all the best spots for kayaking, snorkeling and swimming. Take photo hikes among the giant cacti on Isla Santa Catalina.

Spend two days and one night of the Baja cruise in rustic seaside cabins at San Ignacio Lagoon nearby gray whales. And you'll head out both days in pangas to encounter the feeding calves and mothers.

Hike a narrow arroyo to the only known ancient art site where cave paintings of every color used throughout Baja California can be found. A local expert will guide us through these timeless sites, sharing the secrets of this ancient art. And explore missions, including the San Javier Mission, one of the most beautiful and well-preserved in Baja California.

Have the expedition of a lifetime and go home with the photos to prove it. A National Geographic Photographer and Lindblad-National Geographic-certified Photo Instructor are along to inspire and assist you with your camera settings and tips on leveraging Baja California’s peerless light during your Mexico cruise.

Day 1 - Arrive in La Paz

Arrive in La Paz and transfer to the ship in the late afternoon.

Accommodations: Sea Bird
Included Meals: dinner

Day 2 - Isla Espíritu Santo/Los Islotes

With deeply indented shorelines and dramatically eroded cliff faces, Los Islotes and Isla Espíritu Santo are two of the most beautiful islands in the Sea of Cortez. Here you will be able to swim and snorkel in the turquoise waters, perhaps with some curious sea lions. Zodiac rides, rare bird sightings, the possibility of spotting an endemic black rabbit, or simply some relaxing beachcombing are all possibilities today.

Accommodations: Sea Bird
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 - Isla Santa Catalina

This morning we search for marine life in the waters around Isla Danzante, a rich area for dolphins. In the afternoon, visit Isla Santa Catalina to swim and snorkel in the clear waters of our anchorage, explore the rocky shoreline, and hike among giant cardon cacti.

Accommodations: Sea Bird
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - Bahía San Basilio/Isla San Idelfonso

Kayak, swim and snorkel the serene waters of Bahía San Basilio. Take time to explore the bay’s tiny islands. Then visit the nesting seabirds on the small and rugged Isla Idelfonso.

Accommodations: Sea Bird
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 5&6 - Santa Rosalia/Laguna San Ignacio

Drive across the peninsula from Santa Rosalia to Laguna San Ignacio, a large bay and favored haunt of migrating gray whales. Close encounters with these docile and curious whales is one of life’s great pleasures. In order to maximize our time at the lagoon, we’ll overnight in rustic seaside cabins that provide a comfortable and natural feel of the region. The next morning you’ll wake up in your remote campsite and head out for another whale watching adventure. Then head back across the peninsula to spend time in the town of Santa Rosalia. Visit the San Ignacio Mission, built in 1726, sample treats from a French bakery, and stroll this unique town with historians who’ll share its past, present, and possible future.

Accommodations: Cabins at San Ignacio Lagoon
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 - Isla San Marcos

Spend the day at Isla San Marcos, the northernmost island on our voyage. Hike the rugged arroyo, kayak, swim and snorkel. You will have the time and flexibility to enjoy all four activities in a single morning.

Accommodations: Sea Bird
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 - Paintings & Petroglyphs

Zodiac to shore and drive in search of paintings and petroglyphs. An arroyo hike leads to the only known ancient art site where all cave painting colors used throughout the region are found. Explore with photographer and local rock art expert Enrique Hambleton.

Accommodations: Sea Bird
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 9 - Loreto/San Javier Mission

Disembark at Puerto Escondido, a natural port about 45 minutes south of the town of Loreto. Drive through the breathtaking Sierra de la Giganta mountains to the town of San Javier, where we’ll visit the second oldest mission in Baja and enjoy a local lunch. Learn from our local guides who will make the history of the region come alive. Later, visit the Loreto Mission and museum and take time on your own to explore.

Accommodations: Sea Bird
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 10 - Isla San Jose

Isla San Jose has a highly varied mixture of habitats. Take Zodiac cruises and kayaks into mangrove channels in search of shorebirds and waders. Nearby are ancient shell mounds, or middens, that reveal traces of former occupation by the Guaicura Indians.

Accommodations: Sea Bird
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 11 - Disembark La Paz

After breakfast, disembark in La Paz and transfer to the airport for your flights back home.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast

Notes on Itinerary: Read this itinerary as a guide only; our exact route and program varies according to weather conditions - and the wildlife we encounter. Flexibility is the key to the success of this expedition.

Single Travelers: We will make arrangements for roommate shares for solo travelers at the double occupancy rate in Category 2 only. We match you with a cabin mate(s) of the same gender. Even if we are unable to find a cabin mate for you, no single supplement will be charged.

Land Cost Includes: Ship-board accommodations, all meals, shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage; Leadership by experienced expedition staff; Presentations by noted naturalists and other experts; Zodiac cruising and transfers to and from the ship for shore excursions; Kayaks, wet suits and snorkeling equipment; Comprehensive pre-departure information kit.

Not Included: Airfare, Passport and visa expenses; baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (strongly recommended); excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar and alcoholic beverage charges and telecommunication charges; SCUBA diving; and gratuities.

Family Cruises: Travelers aged 17 years old and under save $500. Specially skilled staff who are trained in organizing activities that inspire curiosity in young people of all ages. These staff members have gone through a course designed by travel experts with years of experience in childhood and environmental education. This course has also been created in conjunction with the National Geographic Education department and NG Kids Magazine. And don't worry – even though these are educational travel gems, the primary emphasis is on "fun". After all, you are on a family cruise vacation!

Arrival/Departure: The Baja California Odyssey Cruise begins and ends in La Paz, Mexico. Embarkation time may vary as it is based upon arrival of group flights from Los Angeles, California. Disembarkation is after breakfast on day 8 of the outlined itinerary.

Payment and Cancellation Policy: Please see AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions.

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with Travel Insurance. Please note that you must purchase your Travel Insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions.


Group Discount: For your party of 8 or more, you will each receive 5% off your expedition. A 10% deposit is due at time of reservation, and an additional 25% is required 120 days in advance.

Child Discount: We believe sharing an expedition with your kids or grandkids is a life-enhancing experience. So, take $500 off the Double Occupancy price for each person under 21.

Accommodations Aboard: Our twin expedition ships, M.V. Sea Lion and M.V. Sea Bird comfortably accommodates 70 guests in 37 outside cabins. All cabins face outside with windows or portlights (Lower Deck only). Each has private facilities, climate controls and ample space to hang and store clothing. Public Areas include a Lounge with bar and facilities for films, slide shows and lectures; Library; Sun Deck with chairs; Outside Deck area for viewing. Our open Bridge policy allows you to meet officers and crew. Meals are served in the Dining Room in one unhurried seating with fine views through panoramic windows. Breakfast is a wide selection buffet and lunch is often served family style. American chefs prepare wholesome and varied menus. Special Features: Zodiac landing craft, sea kayaks, snorkeling gear, wet suits, video microscope, hydrophone and Splash-Cam. An Undersea Specialist will be on board in Baja. A Video Chronicler will be on board all voyages.

Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health and leads an active life. Daily excursions from the boat will be made in Zodiacs. Trip members will take excursions to specific areas for wildlife observation. Hiking time for most landings will be a couple of hours roundtrip with lots of time to stop to study, photograph and enjoy the flora and fauna. Some landings are dry but many are "wet", requiring cautious footing on slippery rocks. The boat staff will be on hand to assist.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations 'Terms & Conditions'. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations. If purchased within 14 days of sign-up, the pre-existing condition exclusion is waived.

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.

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