The Whales of Magdalena Bay

Arrive in Loreto and transfer to the port town of San Carlos to embark the ship. Tonight, unwind under a star-studded sky as the ship anchors in calm waters off the coast of Isla Magdalena.

Wake up to a rosy sunrise and attend a morning stretch class. After breakfast, take a Zodiac ashore to explore the ever-shifting sand dunes of Isla Magdalena. Walk across the island to one of the most pristine beaches of the Pacific, go for a swim in the turquoise shallows, or study the intricate patterns of countless sand dollars scattered on shore. After lunch on board, find a spot on deck and watch for wildlife with the naturalists as the ship navigates the narrow Hull Canal, bordered by thick mangroves and rolling sand dunes.

As the ship glides into the glassy waters of Boca de Soledad, keep an eye out for frigatebirds and brown pelicans overhead. This sheltered bay provides a haven for California gray whales who travel south each winter from Arctic waters to breed and care for their newborn calves. Spend a full day exploring the bay by Zodiac under the guidance of the naturalists and local fishermen. With luck, witness mother whales teaching their calves to breathe, breach and dive, and watch as the youngsters roll and spy-hop.

This morning, enjoy another opportunity to interact with gray whales. Appreciate the crew’s extensive experience navigating these waters, as well as the ship’s exploration tools, to maximize up-close encounters with mother whales and their calves. This afternoon, transit south along the Hull Canal. Weather permitting, stop along the way to explore the vast mangrove forest system by kayak and Zodiac. Search for pelicans, cormorants, herons and ibis hunting among secluded pools and tangled roots, and watch for whimbrels and willets darting over the sandy shore.

Greet the sun as it rises over Bahía Almejas, the southernmost part of Bahía Magdalena. Head out by Zodiac to visit a large frigatebird colony on Isla Santa Margarita, and watch for playful sea lions following in the ship’s wake. Further offshore seek out more gray whales, which tend to be particularly active in this area. Navigate into Rehusa Channel which leads to the Pacific, to spot whales coming and going between the bay and the ocean.

Disembark in San Carlos this morning and transfer to Loreto to connect with your flight home.

Included

Accommodations aboard vessel; all meals as indicated in itinerary; non-alcoholic beverages aboard ship, including cappuccinos, lattes, filtered water, and 24-hour coffee, tea and soda on demand; shore excursions; sightseeing; entrance fees and special access permits; round-trip transfers for guests using group flights; use of kayaks, bicycles and stand-up paddleboards; services of the ship’s physician, expedition leader, naturalist staff and expert guides; all port charges and service taxes; gratuities to local guides and drivers.

Exclusions

Air transportation; extensions; passport, visa and immigration fees; meals not indicated in itinerary; travel protection plan and insurance of any kind; gift shop items and any other items of a personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages, internet and phone access, voyage DVD, laundry, etc; gratuities to the naturalist staff and ship’s crew.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of $750 is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
120 or more days – $350 in the form of a Lindblad Expeditions Travel Certificate
119 to 90 days – 100% of deposit
89 to 60 days – 25% of total trip cost
59 to 45 days – 50% of total trip cost
44 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The Whales of Magdalena Bay cruise begins and ends in Loreto, Baja California, Mexico (LTO), with ship embarkation and disembarkation is in San Carlos, Baja. Embarkation begins at 5:00pm on day 1. The group flight from Los Angeles, California (LAX) arrives into Loreto at 4:05pm and is followed by a roughly 2.5-hour group transfer (non-group flights must arrive by 3:00pm to participate in the group transfer). Disembarkation is after breakfast on day 6 of the outlined itinerary, with a roughly 2.5-hour return group transfer that offers a stop for lunch en route. The group flight departs Loreto at 5:00pm and lands in Los Angeles. at 6:10pm. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Activities

Opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography exist on and off the ship. Off-vessel activities can be tailored to most activity levels and may include hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding, fat-tire biking and Zodiac excursions.

Room Configuration

In addition to listed Solo cabin rates, select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. If you would like to share accommodations with another guest of the same gender, we will be happy to try to accommodate you in select cabin categories. This program allows you to pay the per person double-occupancy rate whether or not a roommate is found. Contact AdventureSmith for further details and availability.

Families & Children

Travelers under the age of 18 at time of travel save $500, at double occupancy. Skilled staff members are trained in organizing activities that inspire curiosity in young people of all ages. Programming for kids may include activities like photo workshops, journaling, scavenger hunts, Zodiac-driving lessons, hands-on nature and science programming and kid-friendly menu options.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. You must purchase your travel insurance policy within 15 or 21 days of booking (depending on plan) for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.