A group of hikers make their way to the top of a hillside overlooking the deep blue peninsula coastline of Baja's sea of Cortex below.
In Baja, a group of travelers stand aboard a panga boat taking photos of a grey whale that is breaching the ocean surface in front of them.
Sitting in a yellow kayak, a woman photographs a pelican flying across the ocean surface in front of her, a Baja mountain range fills the distance.
An underwater photo of a spotted eagle ray gliding through the clear teal ocean water, searching the ocean floor for food.
In Baja, a small ship floats inside a bay of teal blue water, partially surrounded by land, a sandy beach shoreline and desert mountain range.
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North America Baja California Cruise

Baja California’s Whales & Sealife

Explore Baja California on this small ship cruise with a special focus on marine wildlife. Just south of California lies an inland sea known as the Gulf of California or Sea of Cortés. A birders’ paradise, this rich archipelago serves as an important bird refuge and migration corridor. It is a place author John Steinbeck found “ferocious with life” and once described by Jacques Cousteau as “the world’s aquarium.” As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and biosphere reserve, it is one of the most biologically diverse marine environments on earth. 

The 66-guest Safari Voyager is home base for discovering a world of breathtaking beauty. Active explorations for various activity levels can be made by kayak, paddleboard, snorkel and skiff in impossibly brilliant turquoise blue waters. The itinerary features snorkeling with playful sea lions, hiking along red-rock cliffs and relaxing by a bonfire on the beach. The wildlife-rich waters invite up-close study and the islands welcome on-shore discovery of plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. Gray whale watching at Bahía Magdalena or snorkeling among gentle whale sharks in Bahía de La Paz is sure to be a wildlife highlight. Baja’s Bounty is a fantastic cruise through Baja watching for whales, mobula rays, dolphins and birds.

Coastal mangroves and dunes along with desert scrub and red-rock cliffs provide the backdrop on this 7-night island hopping journey. Shores rimmed with white-sand beaches and cactus-clad ridges offer outstanding hiking and opportunities for relaxation. A visit with a local ranchero and family, alongside a mule ride, provides insights into local culture. To explore this extraordinary place is to know firsthand how small the human presence here truly is. This is a small ship Baja California cruise like no other!

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Baja cruises and Baja vacations.



Itinerary

Baja California's Whales & Sealife Itinerary

This 8-day Baja cruise sails round-trip from La Paz, Baja California Sur, with seasonal route variations to focus on different species. If the gray whales have arrived on Baja’s west coast (from mid-January to early March), you’ll drive across the peninsula for a panga ride to observe them. Mid-March through April are your best chance to see whale sharks. Later in the season, watch for resident whales and dolphins.

A map shows a red line of the Baja California whales and wildlife cruise with stops to La Paz, Loreto, Isla Coronados and more.
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Day 1
Arrive San José del Cabo, Transfer to La Paz & Embark

Bienvenidos! You will be met at the Los Cabos International Airport in San José del Cabo and transferred to the hospitality area. Joined by your expedition team, an overland orientation transfer to La Paz acquaints you with the dramatic Baja landscape and the week that lies ahead. The captain and crew welcome you aboard just in time for a cocktail and dinner with your new mates.

Accommodations

Safari Voyager

Meals

dinner

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Day 2
Isla San Francisco

Adventure in a playground of steep red bluffs and sweeping desert beach. Don some flippers for a snorkel among colorful sea life, put on walking shoes for an exploratory romp along the ridge, grab a paddle and kayak, hop on a paddleboard or relax on the beach with the sand between your toes. The rugged beauty of the island makes it an ideal spot for escapades.

Accommodations

Safari Voyager

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 3
Bahía Agua Verde

At Bahía Agua Verde, clear waters are bordered by sparse craggy mountains hemmed in green. Explore the coast by small skiff looking for birds, seals, dolphins and whales of all kinds; visit with a local ranchero and his family; and take to the canyons and mountains on a mule ride and experience the “real Baja.” Scenic vistas, outstanding exploration, excellent birding and unmatched camaraderie—the day is done.

Accommodations

Safari Voyager

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 4
Isla Coronado

Enjoy the beautiful beaches of Isla Coronado this morning—snorkel, kayak, or take a skiff tour. Watch for frigate birds and blue footed boobies in the air and dolphins and sea lions on the water—the waters here are so crystal clear you won’t want to come back to the boat! It’s worth it though—depending on the season, after lunch we port in Puerto Escondido, a hidden gem on the Pacific Coast of Baja, Mexico. The town of Puerto Escondido is also a great place to explore, with a charming local market, calm surrounding waters and beautiful desert landscapes. Depending on timing, you may also have the option to visit Loreto Town on certain days—the first colonial city on the Baja peninsula with a historic with peaceful charm and dazzling landscapes.

Accommodations

Safari Voyager

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 5
Marine Life Search

Mother Nature is your guide today. Take your adventurous side and your binoculars in search of the largest baleen whales in the world. The Sea of Cortes is home to fin, blue and sperm whales, and the dolphin pods number in the hundreds.

If the gray whales have arrived on Baja’s west coast (from mid-January to early March)—migrating more than 12,000 miles to calve in Bahía Magdalena—you’ll drive across the peninsula for a panga ride to observe these mammals and their babies in the lagoon. Mid-March through April are your best chance to see whale sharks near La Paz and in other parts of the Sea of Cortes. Later in the season, watch for resident whales and dolphins.

Whichever the day brings, there’s also a chance to head into the Sierra La Giganta Mountains for a tour of the crown jewel of Baja’s historic missions, San Javier; time for a brief exploration in magical Loreto; or more water play and hikes. Bring it on!

Accommodations

Safari Voyager

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 6
Los Islotes & Isla Partida

At Los Islotesa steep craggy seamount leaping straight from the sea—slip into a wetsuit for a snorkel with curious, agile young sea lion pups. At Isla Partida, get set for water play (kayaking, snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding are all on the menu) and island hikes along desert beaches or into rocky arroyos. Or, kick back with a beach party—complete with a cool drink and sun-soaked lounge in the sand.

Accommodations

Safari Voyager

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 7
Isla San Jose, Evaristo or Nopolo

Tuck into a secluded cove surrounded by long fingers of red rock and a golden beach. Spend the last full day enjoying the feel of warm sand under your feet on a beach walk, investigate nooks and crannies in the rocks by kayak, or explore a little farther afield on a guided hike. Celebrate the week at tonight’s special farewell dinner with an entertaining slideshow by the expedition team.

Accommodations

Safari Voyager

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 8
Disembark La Paz to San José del Cabo & Depart

After breakfast, it’s “adios” La Paz, as you transfer back to San José del Cabo for your flight or hotel stay.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Accommodations aboard vessel; onboard meals; premium wine, beer and liquor (excludes super-premium wines); non-alcoholic beverages; group transfers and baggage handling between airport/vessel on embarkation/disembarkation day; entry fees to national parks/preserves; all from-the-vessel activities and equipment; exclusive activities and shore visits; wellness amenities; presentations by onboard expedition/heritage guides and guest experts.

Exclusions

Airfare to and from your home city; discretionary gratuities to vessel’s crew; travel insurance and insurance of any kind; optional excursions and land tours; excess baggage charges; items of a personal nature; taxes and port fees of $495 (2024-2026) per person.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a nonrefundable deposit of $500 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 penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
91 days or more – 100% of deposit (transferable to another traveler)
90 to 61 days – 66.67% of total trip cost
60 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 Baja California’s Whales & Sealife cruise begins and ends in Los Cabos, Mexico (SJD). Plan flights to arrive to Los Cabos by 1:30pm on Day 1 of the itinerary. Plan flights to depart Los Cabos no earlier than 1:00pm on Day 8. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Activities

Whether you are looking for moderate activity or vigorous, extended and challenging outdoor pursuits, the crew can tailor most any expedition to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include whale watching, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, inflatable boat/skiff excursions, morning yoga and stretching, land treks and wildlife observation. Snorkeling gear and wetsuits are available, along with a limited quantity of hiking poles. To ensure availability and fit, we encourage you to bring your own gear.

Room Configuration

Select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy at 150-175% of the per-person listed rate; special triple-occupancy rates may also be available in select cabins. Call AdventureSmith for more details, as availability and rates vary by ship and cabin category.

Families & Children

Kids 8 years and older are welcomed aboard all departure dates; exceptions for children 7 years and under may be allowed with special pre-approval. Save $500 per child, ages 8 to 17, with the exception of holiday departures. Children under 18 years old traveling with a third party of legal age (grandparent, aunt/uncle, etc) require a special consent document by Mexican Migration Law.

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. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; 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.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

Dec 28 - Jan 04, 2025
Safari Voyager • 8 days
From $6500USD
Per Person
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Jan 25 - Feb 01, 2025
Safari Voyager • 8 days
From $6500USD
Per Person
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Feb 01 - Feb 08, 2025
Safari Voyager • 8 days
From $6500USD
Per Person
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Feb 08 - Feb 15, 2025
Safari Voyager • 8 days
From $6500USD
Per Person
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Feb 15 - Feb 22, 2025
Safari Voyager • 8 days
From $6500USD
Per Person
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Feb 22 - Mar 01, 2025
Safari Voyager • 8 days
From $6500USD
Per Person
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Mar 01 - Mar 08, 2025
Safari Voyager • 8 days
From $6500USD
Per Person
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Mar 08 - Mar 15, 2025
Safari Voyager • 8 days
From $6500USD
Per Person
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Mar 15 - Mar 22, 2025
Safari Voyager • 8 days
From $6500USD
Per Person
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Mar 22 - Mar 29, 2025
Safari Voyager • 8 days
From $6500USD
Per Person
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Mar 29 - Apr 05, 2025
Safari Voyager • 8 days
From $6500USD
Per Person
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Dec 27 - Jan 03, 2026
Safari Voyager • 8 days
From $6500USD
Per Person
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Jan 03 - Jan 10, 2026
Safari Voyager • 8 days
From $6500USD
Per Person
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Jan 10 - Jan 17, 2026
Safari Voyager • 8 days
From $6500USD
Per Person
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Jan 17 - Jan 24, 2026
Safari Voyager • 8 days
From $6500USD
Per Person
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Jan 24 - Jan 31, 2026
Safari Voyager • 8 days
From $6500USD
Per Person
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Jan 31 - Feb 07, 2026
Safari Voyager • 8 days
From $6500USD
Per Person
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Feb 07 - Feb 14, 2026
Safari Voyager • 8 days
From $6500USD
Per Person
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Feb 14 - Feb 21, 2026
Safari Voyager • 8 days
From $6500USD
Per Person
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Feb 21 - Feb 28, 2026
Safari Voyager • 8 days
From $6500USD
Per Person
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Feb 28 - Mar 07, 2026
Safari Voyager • 8 days
From $6500USD
Per Person
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Mar 07 - Mar 14, 2026
Safari Voyager • 8 days
From $6500USD
Per Person
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Mar 14 - Mar 21, 2026
Safari Voyager • 8 days
From $6500USD
Per Person
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Mar 21 - Mar 28, 2026
Safari Voyager • 8 days
From $6500USD
Per Person
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Mar 28 - Apr 04, 2026
Safari Voyager • 8 days
From $6500USD
Per Person
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Accommodation

Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary

Expedition Ship
Safari Voyager

The Safari Voyager small ship carries 66 guests in comfort and style. All cabins are above the waterline with large picture windows. An elegant dining room, library and ample deck space make this ship ideal for comfortable and adventurous small ship cruising.

Deals

Current Deals on This Trip

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Offer expires November 29th, 2024
Kids Save $1,000 On New Year's 2024 Baja California Cruise

Ring in the New Year with double savings! Book your family on the December 28, 2024 departure and each kid between 8-17 years of age saves $1,000.

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Offer expires December 31st, 2024
Save 10% On Select 2024 Baja California Cruises

Wrap up 2024 in Baja! Book an 8 or 11-day active Baja cruise this November and December and save 10% off.

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Offer expires December 31st, 2024
Save 15% On Select 2025 Baja California & Hawaii Warm Water Cruises

Save 15% per person when you book your select 2025 adventure cruise sailing the warm waters of Baja, California or Hawaii.

Expert Review

Reviews from Our Experts So You Know What to Expect

Lis Larson • March 25th, 2016
Expert Review: Baja California's Whales & Sealife Cruise

It’s only fitting that when you visit the Sea of Cortez—the body of water that Jacques Cousteau dubbed the aquarium of the world—that you travel by water. Lis reviews her 8 days aboard the Safari Endeavour.

Testimonials

Hear It from Travelers Who Have Explored with Us

"Great Snorkeling, Great Food, Great Crew"

Great snorkeling, great food, wonderful beverages, great whale watching, great crew. Getting small groups into snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, or scenic boating was amazing!

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"Enjoyed the Cabins Very Much"

I have always wanted to be on the lowest deck and have enjoyed the cabins very much. Having a pastry chef aboard was awesome. The crew was awesome. They were knowledgeable and if they didn’t know something they would be sure to follow up later.

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"One of the Best Vacations Ever Taken"

This trip was one of the best vacations I have ever taken. The scenery, the accommodations, the activities, the staff on the ship all combined for a winner of a week. Our cozy cabin on the ship was all that we needed. The meals blew me away. This particular trip was a good value for all that we received.

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5 /5 Star Created with Sketch.
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Book with the confidence that comes from experience.

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

Extend Your Trip

Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Cruise

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8 Day Land Tour
Seas & Sierra: Glamping Baja California Sur

Experience the best of glamping Baja California Sur, from a secluded seaside camp on a quiet island, to bright casitas in an artistic town and a tented mountainside retreat. Meet excellent naturalist guides, hospitable rancheros, local chefs and more along the way.

From $3125USD
Jan Feb Mar Apr Nov Dec
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6 Day Land Tour
Baja Intimate Insider

Travel like a local on this customizable Baja Insider active adventure. Mingle with owners, artists, rancheros and chefs amidst a small group of likeminded travelers. With our hand-picked local guides and connections, you will quickly become an "insider" in Baja California!

From $3000USD
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Oct Nov Dec
Add to Wishlist
5 - 5 Day Cruise
Wild California Escape: Channel Islands National Park

Enjoy unique access into this national marine sanctuary, complete with National Geographic guides, naturalists, photographers and wellness experts by your side in exploring this remote area from 100-guest Nat Geo Quest or Venture.

From $3310USD
Apr May Oct Nov
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Baja California’s Whales & Sealife

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