Black inflatable Zodiac boat cruises in calm seas as dolphin leaps out of the water nearby on a sunny day.
purple sky at sunset on southern california to baja: sailing the pacific coast small ship cruise
Baja travelers roast marshmallows by campfire at dusk on the From Southern California to Baja: Sailing the Pacific Coast cruise.
Dolphins jump in & out of clear blue water during the From Southern California to Baja: Sailing the Pacific Coast cruise.
Man stands on rocky outcrop as sea swells crash & spray, photographing the dusk on a Sailing the Pacific Coast cruise to Baja.
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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 12-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

A Southern Migration: From The Channel Islands to Baja California Itinerary

This 12-day California to Baja cruise begins in Los Angeles, California and ends in La Paz, Baja California Sur, 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. See what the hype is all about while visiting a family-run vineyard for a private tour, tasting and lunch.

Accommodations

National Geographic Venture

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 4
Bahia de San Quintin

Explore Bahía de San Quintín and surrounding islands—home to 400+ species of plants, animals and birds, including 23 seabird species. The bay is located along the Pacific Flyway migration route and sees more than 25,000 birds pass through in the winter.

Accommodations

National Geographic Venture

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 5 - 7
El Vizcaino Biosphere, Islas San Benito, Isla Natividad & At Sea

Explore El Vizcaino Biosphere reserve and its plentiful wildlife before sailing to Islas San Benito, home to thousands of breeding elephant seals. Next, visit Isla Natividad to learn of this community’s exemplary protection of the Vizcaino Biosphere. On a day at sea, search for a wide variety of marine life including the largest animal on Earththe blue whale. Listen to naturalist talks and learn photography tips and tricks.

Accommodations

National Geographic Venture

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 8
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 fauna, 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 the ship exits the bay, be on the lookout for beaked dolphins and, with luck, a humpback whale.

Accommodations

National Geographic Venture

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 9
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 10 - 11
Cabo Pulmo & Los Islotes

Snorkel the pristine reefs of Cabo Pulmo National Park and chat with locals about their advocacy to protect this unique place. With luck, swim with sea lions before relaxing ashore.

Accommodations

National Geographic Venture

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 12
Disembark La Paz, Baja, Transfer to San Jose del Cabo & Depart

Disembark in La Paz and transfer to Los Cabos 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. 

(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 A Southern Migration: From The Channel Islands to Baja California cruise begins in Los Angeles, California (LAX) and ends in La Paz, Baja with a transfer to Los Cabos, Baja, California (SJD). 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 12 of the outlined itinerary. Plan flights to depart Los Cabos no earlier than 2:00pm, following an expected 11:00am 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. 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.

Nov 27 - Dec 09, 2025
National Geographic Venture • 13 days
From $9444USD
Per Person
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Nov 30 - Dec 12, 2026
National Geographic Venture • 13 days
From $9632USD
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, 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.

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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

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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
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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.

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A Southern Migration: From The Channel Islands to Baja California

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