National Geographic small ship sits offshore of rocky Baja coastline with green & gold shrubs, at sunset.
Zodiac with Baja travelers zooms through emerald waters on a sunny day during the Remarkable Journey cruise.
Guests photograph the sand dunes at sunrise, Magdalena Island, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Guests exploring in San Esteban Island, Gulf of California, Mexico
Guests Kayaking and Standup Paddleboarding in San Evaristo from the ship National Geographic Venture, Baja California Sur, Mexico
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North America Baja California Cruise

Baja California: A Remarkable Journey

Enjoy 15 days on this exciting and comprehensive small ship cruise. Baja California: A Remarkable Journey offers an excellent opportunity to explore the gray whale lagoons along Baja California’s Pacific Coast, the most pristine beaches in the Pacific and the richness of the vast Sea of Cortez. Travel is aboard the 100-guest National Geographic Venture, with National Geographic photographers and photo instructors on board to share tips and years of expertise. 

Watch for gray whales up close from expedition landing craft, including possible observations of mothers and playful calves. The flexible itinerary enables island hopping across the Sea of Cortez, maximizing opportunities to view and photograph wildlife. Wildlife can be viewed from the ship, guided expedition landing craft, or kayaks, with options for various levels of activity. An optional visit to the historic town center of San Jose del Cabo provides a cultural component to this expeditionary voyage, as well. 

This Baja, California, small ship cruise is a photographer’s paradise: the region’s wild shores and desert islands where awesome wildlife and scenic landscapes meet. Photo leaders from National Geographic take an almost personal pride in introducing guests to Baja’s uninhabited islands, cactus forests, whales and dolphins, astonishing seabird colonies, expansive sand dunes and some of the world’s most memorable sunsets. Benefit from coaching in the field, and back on board, an array of presentations on Baja’s natural history and the creative and technical aspects of capturing its beauty by camera.

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



Itinerary

Main Baja California: A Remarkable Journey Itinerary

The main Baja California: A Remarkable Journey cruise begins in Loreto with an overland transfer to San Carlos for embarkation. Explore the Pacific coastline before sailing southbound around the tip of the Baja Peninsula, then northbound in the Sea of Cortez and returning to Loreto.

Route map of Eastbound Baja California: Remarkable Journey cruise, operating between San Carlos and Loreto, Mexico, with visits to Laguna San Ignacio, Bahia Magdalena, Los Cabos & more.
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Day 1
Arrive Loreto, Baja, Transfer to San Carlos & Embark

Upon arrival in Loreto, transfer to San Carlos and embark the ship.

Accommodations

National Geographic Venture

Meals

dinner

Read More
Day 2
Bahia Magdalena

Explore the ever-shifting sand dunes of Isla Magdalena, on a cross-island walk to one of the most pristine beaches in the Pacific. Bird watching can be excellent here, with abundant seabirds in action and shorebirds patrolling the beaches as they fatten up and prepare for long journeys to Arctic breeding grounds.

Accommodations

National Geographic Venture

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Days 3 - 4
Laguna San Ignacio

Laguna San Ignacio is a large bay and favored haunt of the gray whales in Baja. The ship will anchor at the mouth of this remote and important locale. Explore the lagoon via local pangas with expert local guides. For some reason, the whales here seem to be friendlier than they are elsewhere. It’s not unusual for mothers and calves to approach the boats, the calves often playing hide and seek.

Accommodations

National Geographic Venture

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 5
At Sea

Enjoy the ship’s amenities, attend expert-led talks, and watch for a wide variety of marine life, including the largest animal on Earth, the blue whale, as you travel south along the Pacific coast of the peninsula.

Accommodations

National Geographic Venture

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Days 6 - 14
Islands of The Gulf of California

Cruise past the spectacular Friars Rocks at Land’s End. Perhaps visit the historic town center of San Jose del Cabo. For those who wish, a visit to the historic town center of San José del Cabo can be arranged. After decades of exploration here, there are still discoveries of new places and exciting events to experience: bow-riding bottlenose dolphins, sperm whales near the ship and a pod of fin whales feeding around a convergence zone. The best areas for whale watching remain consistent: the waters south of Isla Carmen, Canal de Ballenas up north and near the mouth of Bahia Concepción. Whether on the bridge of the ship, or expedition landing crafts or kayaks, enjoy being in prime position to observe it all.

Accommodations

National Geographic Venture

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 15
Disembark Loreto, Baja

Disembark in Loreto after breakfast and transfer to the city center. Schedules permitting, take the opportunity to visit the first mission in Baja California, as well as the nearby museum, to learn more about what makes this town so special. Enjoy free time to explore quaint shops and vibrant side streets. After lunch, transfer to the Loreto Airport for flights home.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast, lunch

Read More
Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Accommodations; meals as indicated; beer, wine & full bar; excursions; services of expedition leader, naturalist staff and expert guides; use of kayaks; all port charges and service taxes; basic WiFi (enhanced and premium packages available for purchase). Gratuities for all departures of National Geographic Explorer, Orion, Endurance, Resolution, Sea Cloud, Jahan and Lord of the Glens.

Exclusions

Immigration fees; air transportation; extensions; meals not indicated; reserve wines & premium spirits; gratuities for all departures of Delfin II, Endeavour II, Islander II, Venture, Quest, Sea Bird and Sea Lion; personal items such as emails, laundry, voyage DVD, etc.; and insurance of any kind.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 15% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Special payment terms apply for groups of 8 or more; inquire for details. 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 – 100% of deposit**
119 to 90 days – 50% of total trip cost
89 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
**Advance payments will be credited in the form of a Lindblad Expeditions Travel Certificate, valid for 12 months from the date of cancellation, and which may only be applied towards final payment on any future booking. 

(For expeditions booked prior to May 1, 2023: Please refer to your invoice for your payment and cancellation terms.) 

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 main Baja: A Remarkable Journey cruise begins and ends in Loreto, Baja, Mexico (LTO) with a group transfer to San Carlos on Day 1 (a roughly 2.5-hour transfer). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan flights to arrive to Loreto by 2:30pm on Day 1 of the itinerary. Plan flights to depart Loreto after 1:00pm on Day 15 of the itinerary. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Activities

Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include hiking, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, inflatable boat/skiff excursions, photography, whale watching and wildlife observation.

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

Kids 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. 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.

Reverse Baja California: A Remarkable Journey Itinerary

The reverse Baja California: A Remarkable Journey cruise begins in Loreto, sails northbound in the Sea of Cortez then turns southbound to sail around the tip of the Baja Peninsula to explore the Pacific coastline before disembarking in San Carlos, with a final overland transfer back to Loreto.

Route map of Westbound Baja California: Remarkable Journey cruise, operating between San Carlos and Loreto, Mexico, with visits to Laguna San Ignacio, Bahia Magdalena, Los Cabos & more.
Read More
Day 1
Embark Loreto, Baja

Upon arrival in Loreto, transfer to the port and embark the National Geographic Venture.

Accommodations

National Geographic Venture

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Days 2 - 10
Islands of The Gulf of California

Cruise past the spectacular Friars Rocks at Land’s End. For those who wish, a visit to the historic town center of San Jose del Cabo can be arranged. Isla San Pedro Mártir, Los Islotes and Isla San Francisco are some of the melodious names of these islands scattered throughout this beautiful sea. After decades of exploration here, there are still discoveries of new places and exciting events to experience, including now-riding bottlenose dolphins, sperm whales near the ship and a pod of fin whales feeding around a convergence zone. The best areas for whale watching remain consistent: the waters south of Isla Carmen, Canal de Ballenas up north and near the mouth of Bahia Concepción. Whether on the bridge of the ship, or expedition landing crafts or kayaks, enjoy being in prime position to observe it all.

Accommodations

National Geographic Venture

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 11
At Sea

Enjoy the ship’s amenities, attend expert-led talks, and watch for a wide variety of marine life, including the largest animal on Earth, the blue whale, as you travel north along the Pacific coast of the peninsula.

Accommodations

National Geographic Venture

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Days 12 - 13
Laguna San Ignacio

Laguna San Ignacio is a large bay and favored haunt of the gray whales in Baja. The ship will anchor at the mouth of this remote and important locale. Explore the lagoon via local pangas with expert local guides. For some reason, the whales here seem to be friendlier than they are elsewhere. It’s not unusual for mothers and calves to approach boats, the calves often playing hide and seek.

Accommodations

National Geographic Venture

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 14
Bahia Magdalena

Explore the ever-shifting sand dunes of Isla Magdalena, on a cross-island walk to one of the most pristine beaches in the Pacific. Bird watching can be excellent here, with abundant seabirds in action and shorebirds patrolling the beaches as they fatten up and prepare for long journeys to Arctic breeding grounds.

Accommodations

National Geographic Venture

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 15
Disembark San Carlos, Transfer to Loreto, Baja & Depart

Disembark in San Carlos after breakfast and transfer to Loreto. Choose to visit the first mission in Baja California, as well as the nearby museum to learn more about what makes this town so special. Enjoy free time to explore quaint shops and vibrant side streets. After lunch, transfer to Loreto Airport for flights home.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast, lunch

Read More
Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Accommodations; meals as indicated; beer, wine & full bar; excursions; services of expedition leader, naturalist staff and expert guides; use of kayaks; all port charges and service taxes; basic WiFi (enhanced and premium packages available for purchase). Gratuities for all departures of National Geographic Explorer, Orion, Endurance, Resolution, Sea Cloud, Jahan and Lord of the Glens.

Exclusions

Immigration fees; air transportation; extensions; meals not indicated; reserve wines & premium spirits; gratuities for all departures of Delfin II, Endeavour II, Islander II, Venture, Quest, Sea Bird and Sea Lion; personal items such as emails, laundry, voyage DVD, etc.; and insurance of any kind.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 15% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Special payment terms apply for groups of 8 or more; inquire for details. 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 – 100% of deposit**
119 to 90 days – 50% of total trip cost
89 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
**Advance payments will be credited in the form of a Lindblad Expeditions Travel Certificate, valid for 12 months from the date of cancellation, and which may only be applied towards final payment on any future booking. 

(For expeditions booked prior to May 1, 2023: Please refer to your invoice for your payment and cancellation terms.) 

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 reverse Baja: A Remarkable Journey cruise begins and ends in Loreto, Baja, Mexico (LTO) with a group transfer to San Carlos on day 15 (a roughly 2.5-hour transfer). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan flights to arrive to Loreto by 2:30pm on Day 1 of the itinerary. Plan flights to depart Loreto after 1:00pm on Day 15 of the itinerary. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Activities

Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include hiking, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, inflatable boat/skiff excursions, photography, whale watching and wildlife observation.

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

Kids 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. 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

Rates are variable per remaining availability and are subject to change.

Mar 02 - Mar 16, 2025
National Geographic Venture • 15 days
arrows going opposite directions
From $14516USD
Per Person
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Read More
arrows going opposite directions Reverse
Accommodation

Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary

Expedition Ship
National Geographic Venture

The 100-guest National Geographic Venture is a state-of-the-art, purpose-built expedition vessel made for exploring coastal waters, shallow coves and fast-moving channels while sailing with the luxury of supreme comfort.

Deals

Current Deals on This Trip

Add to Wishlist
Offer expires December 31st, 2024
Groups Save 5% On Select 2025 Nat Geo Fleet Worldwide

Save 5% when traveling as a group of 8 or more on a variety of 2025 National Geographic expeditions worldwide.

Add to Wishlist
Offer expires December 31st, 2024
Book Early & Save On 2026-27 Nat Geo Fleet Worldwide

Choose from a variety of cruises worldwide wen you book your 2026-27 departure and save in more ways!

Expert Review

Ship Reviews from our Experts so You Know What to Expect

Mary Montalbano • August 1st, 2023
Expert Aboard: Venture & National Geographic Quest Reviews

Learn from two AdventureSmith experts about identical sister ships Nat Geo Venture and Quest. Tips on choosing your cabin, what the food is like and why choose to sail aboard.

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

Add to Wishlist
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
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 $3795USD
Jan Feb Mar Apr Nov Dec
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Baja California: A Remarkable Journey

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