750 nautical miles covered, 32 species of fish, 60 species of plants, dozens of whales… If you’re contemplating a Lindblad Baja cruise, let my time aboard be your guide.
Key Takeaways
- The marine life variety, great guides & sunsets topped my highlight reel
- Lindblad stands out in Baja for unique routes on both sides of the Peninsula
- Naturalist presentations are very in depth
- Consider timing your trip later in the season for higher concentrations of whales than I saw
- My porthole cabin left me wanting better views; I now recommend Category 4
Overall Highlight – Marine Life & Lindblad Guides
The marine life of Baja California is plentiful and diverse and is considered one of the most vibrant underwater ecosystems in the world. Jacques-Yves Cousteau famously stated the Sea of Cortez is the “Aquarium of the World,” which is not at all an exaggeration. Over the week I was aboard, we were lucky enough to see 32 species of fish, humpback and gray whales, dolphins, sea lions and Munk’s pygmy devil rays throughout our time in these rich waters.
Another big highlight were the guides on this cruise. I thought the guides were wonderful: incredibly knowledgeable and they made it engaging and fun, especially on the hikes that we did every day on this itinerary. You could really tell they were passionate about this part of world. We had an expedition team of 8, with some doubling as the Certified Photo Instructor, Certified Field Educator, Undersea Specialist and Expedition Diver. Having the guides join us during lunch and dinner times was a real treat: getting to learn more about them personally and of course peppering them with additional questions that they were more than happy to answer.
What Sets Lindblad Baja Cruises Apart
The 8-day Among the Great Whales cruise I was on offers up exploration of both coasts of the Baja peninsula and allows for visits to many of the least visited islands on the gulf side. We traveled a total distance of 750 miles, all the while witnessing stunning beauty and plenty in the way of flora and fauna. Quite a few of the islands and regions in the Gulf of California that we visited are protected areas as well, so you and your fellow travelers will typically be the only ones around, which allows for that “expedition” feeling.
Not every Baja cruise offers such a comprehensive route in 8 days, many not crossing the Peninsula to the Pacific. Our team can help you determine which Lindblad Baja or route from other operators might be best suited for your travel goals as each one has different benefits. Overall, cruising with Lindblad in Baja puts you aboard with more experts in their fields and with a longevity operator here. They offer the most in-depth routes of the region currently, with none of our other small ships positioning for any time on the Pacific coast.
ROUTE COMPARISONS
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My Top Wildlife Moment & Timing Your Trip for Whales
Your best chances of seeing gray whales, humpback and sperm whales in larger concentrations are the early to middle part of February into the first part of March. Of course each year has its nuances and variations, but I went in early January and we were able to spot all of those whales species. But they were less numerous than they would be a few weeks later.
My Magdalena Bay visit on Among the Great Whales offered a handful of adult gray whale sightings. Our guides told us that some of the whales we saw were expectant mothers, or if there were calves they were just not coming to the surface yet. It was still a nice time to be there, with January offering a quieter and more intimate experience for spotting whales. But if seeing gray whale mother and calves are your focus, time your trip later in the season. Learn more about Baja’s seasonality if you have a particular goal: Best Time to Visit Baja.
Surprisingly, my favorite wildlife moment ending up being snorkeling with sea lions on the island of Los Islotes. It was so much fun and everyone who participated really had this experience as one of their top highlights from the trip.
Other Favorites – Baja Sunsets & Flora
The sunrises and sunsets of Baja are truly incredible and offer stunning views that almost seem unreal. The vibrant colors radiate all over, at times encompassing the ship as you stood on deck to soak them in. I was able to accomplish my goal of seeing each sunrise and sunset during my time in Baja.
The incredible amount of flora also topped my trip highlights. When you think Baja, you tend to think desert and heat, certainly not flowers. Our first hike of the itinerary offered up something incredible, up-close interactions with the desert plant life that truly are masters of survival. At final count, we spotted 60 species of plants. The cacti of the region is unmatched and beautiful, but what really took me by surprise were the green shrubs and wildflowers in abundance.
On-Ship Highlights from the Nat Geo Venture
The food on the National Geographic Venture was a highlight, with fresh ingredients and seafood being a showcase, especially during our dinners. Lunches and dinners were mostly menu options, with many authentic Mexican dishes offered each day. One of my favorites were the shrimp tacos, a must in Baja California. I also really enjoyed the egg omelet station during our breakfast, where you can customize your breakfast to suit your needs. Read more about the dining and other onboard highlights in our National Geographic Venture ship review, co-authored by a few of my other colleagues who’ve been aboard this ship and her identical sister ship over the years in multiple destinations.
Another highlight was the evening naturalist presentations, usually taking place after dinner in the Lounge area. Each night’s topic was different and touched on birds, wildlife, geology and cultural history of the region. The presentations were informational and engaging, with some bits of fun and laughter always thrown in.
TRAVELER FEEDBACK
Read more Lindblad Baja reviews from our travelers who’ve also been aboard.
If I Booked Again I’d Choose a Category 4 Cabin
My cabin was on the National Geographic Venture was very comfortable and quiet, but with two porthole windows it left me wanting a more expansive view. Next time, I’d book a larger cabin with large windows for scenic viewing and for more personal space. The Category 4 cabins on the Upper Deck, anywhere midship, are ideal.
Our National Geographic Venture detailed ship page and Nat Geo Venture ship review blog get into more detail if you want to dive deeper.
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