Guests enjoy a day of hiking in Puerto Los Gatos, Baja California Sur, Mexico
A guest Snorkeling in San Evaristo, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Guests enjoy a sunrise zodiac cruise in Isla Espiritu Santo Archipelago National Park, Gulf of California, Mexico.
Rich Reid with Guest teaching them how to take better photos with an dslr and Iphone in Baja
Wine glasses sitting on a rable with a tasting of red wine overlooking the vinyards
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North America Baja California Cruise

A Southern Migration: From The Channel Islands to Baja California

Experience the splendid and surprising diversity of the Pacific coast as you explore on this 13-day California cruise from Los Angeles to La Paz, Mexico. Discover the region’s world-renowned food and wine, including a private lunch at a boutique vineyard in the acclaimed Valle de Guadalupe. Meet the residents of Isla Natividad, an incredibly successful coop within the Vizcaino Biosphere, and learn the inspiring story of their sustainable fishing practices. Explore the ever-shifting sand dunes of Isla Magdalena and count the 40 species of birds that inhabit this area. Snorkel in Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, the only hard coral reef in North America, which features over 220 species of fish, and watch the sunrise illuminate El Arco de Cabo San Lucas.

With a committed and experienced expedition team, enjoy this exclusive Pacific coast voyage aboard the 100-guest National Geographic Venture. Gather tips and take photos with the certified photo instructor aboard. Enjoy daily morning stretch classes on deck and wellness treatments in the spa with the wellness specialist. Hang out with an expedition naturalist as she or he scours the horizon for migrating whales and nesting birds.

Cruise from Los Angeles, California and sail south to Baja making stops in Channel Islands National Park before heading into Mexico for a tour of the Pacific coast along Baja’s breathtaking coastline. Round the horn in Cabo San Lucas to sail north to the bustling small town of La Paz.

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



Itinerary

Channel Islands National Park to Baja California Itinerary

This 13-day California to Baja cruise begins in Los Angeles, California and ends in Loreto, Mexico.

A Southern Migration: From The Channel Islands to Baja California cruise route map, operating from Los Angeles, California, to La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico, with visits to Channel Islands National Park, Ensenada, Magdalena Bay & more.
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Day 1
Embark Los Angeles, California

Arrive in Los Angeles by early afternoon. Transfer to the port to embark the ship.

Accommodations

National Geographic Venture

Meals

dinner

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Day 2
Channel Islands National Park

Not far from the city lights, these islands are a world away; home to incredibly diverse and endemic flora and fauna. Spend the day kayaking, hiking one of the many trails, or simply relaxing ashore. Learn the fascinating prehistory of these islands from your naturalists.

Accommodations

National Geographic Venture

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 3
Ensenada & Valle de Guadalupe

Vineyards and culinary marvels await in one of the world’s hottest up-and-coming wine regions. Arise to a gorgeous sunset and enjoy breakfast before pulling into Ensenada. Discover what the hype is all about on a visit to a sustainable, family-run vineyard with stunning views. Meet the winemaker and owner on a behind-the-scenes tour and tasting. Enjoy a four-course paired meal and a very special music performance.

Accommodations

National Geographic Venture

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 4
Isla San Martin

Wake up to a view of the double-coned peak of Isla San Martín, a mile-wide volcanic island flanked by a giant kelp forest. Explore the lush kelp forest by kayaks, paddleboards or Zodiac and observe the antics of abundant harbor seals. Adventurous hikers can explore the volcanic rock to reach the summits of both volcanos 470 feet above the surf. Or opt to walk along the seashore, strewn with bulbous tubes of the rare Pelagophycus elk kelp. As a nightcap this evening, enjoy video of the kelp forests captured by your undersea specialist.

Accommodations

National Geographic Venture

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 5 - 6
Islas San Benito & At Sea

Continue on your southern journey with a stop at the secluded Isla San Benito Oeste, home to thousands of breeding elephant seals. Zodiac to shore at the base of a small fishing village. Opt for a long hike to the peak of the island or explore the village and observe the elephant seal haul out, including many moms and pups. All four of Mexico’s pinniped species can be found in this area, and you’ll seek them out on Zodiacs. Scan the skies for a variety of bird species including blue herons, black turnstones and two species of cormorants. Enjoy a well-timed day to relax on board with stretch classes, talks and whale-watching as you make your way south to Magdalena Bay.

Accommodations

National Geographic Venture

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 7
Bahia Magdalena

Isla Magdalena and the bay of the same name are irresistible treats for the nature lover. Come to know this island while hiking the ever-shifting, wind-sculpted dunes on a cross-island transit to Sand Dollar Beach. Watch for coyote tracks in the soft dunes and spot migratory shorebirds. Many—including western sandpipers, whimbrels, willets, Wilson’s and black-bellied plovers, and marbled godwits—are concluding their southbound journeys here. Observe astounding flora, like the endemic and sideways-growing creeping devil, a columnar cactus thick with spines packed together to protect against herbivores and the relentless sun. This evening, as you exit the bay, be on the lookout for beaked dolphins and bald eagles.

Accommodations

National Geographic Venture

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 8
Los Cabos & Gorda Banks

Cruise past Friars Rocks and visit the historic town center of San Jóse del Cabo before cruising Gorda Banks seamount or La Fortuna, renowned gathering places for whales, dolphins and other marine life.

Accommodations

National Geographic Venture

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 9 - 12
Cabo Pulmo & Los Islotes

Venture south to discover the gems of the southern Gulf. These islands and surrounding waters are celebrated for their conservation stories, marine life, and the many thrilling experiences on offer. Some of the locations you may visit or enjoy by Zodiac include:

Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park
Set out to snorkel the pristine reefs of Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, one of the most successful national marine parks in the world. Chat with locals about their advocacy to protect this unique place, including a cessation of fishing to protect the reef.

Isla Espíritu Santo
A national park as well as UNESCO World Heritage site with volcanic rock formations, scenic beaches, and coral reefs. This magical island offers excellent hiking opportunities and crystal-clear waters for snorkeling. It’s a popular destination for researchers monitoring sea turtles.

Los Islotes
Located at the northern tip of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Los Islotes is largely inaccessible to people and home to a large colony of sea lions. Conditions permitting, you’ll anchor off the rocky island where don flippers, a mask, and snorkel (items provided) and swim with these curious inhabitants.

Isla San José
One of the larger islands in the Gulf of California, San José offers several landing possibilities depending on conditions and the whim of the moment. Photograph the ochre cliffs of the island’s eastern shore, hike an enchanted, cactus-laden arroyo, or visit the abandoned salt works to the west. Discover rare wildlife among desert islands.

Accommodations

National Geographic Venture

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 12
Disembark Loreto Transfer to Airport & Depart

After breakfast, disembark in Loreto and transfer to Loreto International Airport for flights home.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

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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; entrance fees; 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. 

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 A Southern Migration: From The Channel Islands to Baja California cruise begins in Los Angeles, California (LAX) and ends in Loreto, Mexico with a transfer to Loreto International Airport (LTO). 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 Los Angeles by 3:00pm on Day 1 of the itinerary in order to meet at the San Pedro hotel by 5:00pm; a hospitality room may be available. Disembarkation is after breakfast on Day 13 of the outlined itinerary. Plan flights to depart Loreto no earlier than 4:00pm, following an expected 1:00pm transfer arrival at the airport. 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. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. 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.

Nov 27 - Dec 09, 2025
National Geographic Venture • 13 days
From $9444USD
Per Person
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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

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Offer expires December 31st, 2025
Groups Save 5% On Select 2025 Nat Geo Cruises Worldwide

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

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Offer expires June 13th, 2025
Save 20% On Select 2025 Nat Geo Cruises Worldwide

Save 20% on your Bridge Deck cabin when you book a select 2025 departure Nat Geo-Lindblad cruise sailing in the Arctic, Antarctica, Patagonia, Scotland, Caribbean or Baja California.

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.

Our experts will save you hours.

A single conversation with us is worth hours of internet scrolling. Find your next best trip with ease, then book with the confidence of our 20+ year experience.

Extend Your Trip

Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Cruise

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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!

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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.

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A Southern Migration: From The Channel Islands to Baja California

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