Loreto History and Whale-Watching Extension

After disembarking National Geographic Venture or National Geographic Sea Lion, depart for your expedition into the past, visiting the stunning colonial mission of San Javier, built in the early 1700s, After a picnic lunch and a short nature hike, continue to Loreto and check into Hotel La Mision, your base for your exploration of the region. This evening, you'll dine at one of Loreto’s enchanting eateries. (B,L,D)

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the pier to board local boats for your excursion into the wildlife-rich waters of the Loreto Bay National Park in search of the magnificent blue whale, the planet’s largest animal, as well as the second largest, the fin whale. Following lunch, return to Loreto, and enjoy the city's sights and sounds with dinner on your own. (B,L)

Following breakfast at the hotel, depart for your morning hiking tour into the fascinating desert and canyon ecosystems of the rugged and spectacular Sierra de la Gigante. Learn about the geology of this amazing area while keeping your eyes peeled for desert wildlife including roadrunners, gila woodpeckers, lizards, and mammals.  Here, at the northern end of its range, you'll have a chance to encounter the Baja-endemic Xantu’s hummingbird, which can be seen darting about and hovering at nectar sources. After your exploration, return to the hotel for lunch with time to freshen up before departing for the Loreto Airport and flights home. (B)

Please note: Sequence of itinerary may change to optimize whale-sighting opportunities.