Wild Baja California Escape: The Whales of Magdalena Bay
Enjoy several days in the company of majestic gray whales in Baja California’s Magdalena Bay, one of the best places in the world to encounter gray whale mothers and their calves. On this compact trip, we explore aboard the only expedition ship in the region small and nimble enough to anchor inside the bay’s sheltered waters, giving you unparalleled access to this busy whale nursery. Set out in local pangas for up-close encounters with these curious cetaceans, kayak mangrove forests, hike desert islands, and look for pelicans and ospreys while soaking up the sun on pristine beaches.
Highlights
Search for gigantic gray whale mothers and their calves in the nursery waters of Magdalena Bay, delighting in up-close encounters
Kayak and paddleboard in stunning mangrove forests, or beachcomb along endless stretches of sand
Go hiking and fat-tire biking across diverse desert landscapes, from windswept dunes to cactus forests
Scan the skies for myriad bird species, like diving pelicans and magnificent frigatebirds
Extend your expedition with a history and whale-watching extension in Loreto
From
$3,677
/ per person
Does not include any flights
2026-2027 EARLY BOOKING OFFERS
View our brochure for more details
2023-2025 Voyages
Baja California 2023-25
From
$3,677
/ per person
View our brochure for more details
2023-2025 Voyages
Baja California 2023-25
From
$3,677
/ per person
2026-2027 EARLY BOOKING OFFERS
View our brochure for more details
2023-2025 Voyages
Baja California 2023-25
Video
Expedition Spotlight - The Whales of Magdalena Bay
- May 2024
In this Expedition Spotlight, Naturalist and Certified Photo Instructor Gemina Garland-Lewis shares more about these incredibly curious whales and why encountering them in the wild brings her “tears of joy.”
Ships
National Geographic Sea Bird
GUESTS 62
CABINS 31
DECKS 3
National Geographic Sea Bird accommodates just 62 guests in 31 outside cabins. With a shallow draft and small size, she can easily reach places inaccessible to larger ships.
Expedition Extensions
Expedition Team
Over 50+ years of exploring, Lindblad Expeditions’ veteran staff and the quality companionship they provide has established the company’s reputation. From expedition leaders to naturalists, most hold advanced degrees and are established authorities in their fields. Some join a few expeditions each year to explore the same sites, some of them spending some time in the field away from rigorous academic work. And others lead expeditions all around the world—with many guests saying, “Where you’re going, we’re going,” and returning time after time to travel with them. Browse our team directory to discover the full cast of expedition staff.
Special Offers
2026-2027 EARLY BOOKING OFFERS
Take advantage of our additional offers
CELEBRATE LIFE'S MILESTONES
SAVE 5% TRAVELING AS A GROUP
COMBINING OFFERS
Combine now and save!
View our brochure for more details
2023-2025 Voyages
Baja California 2023-25