Baja California: Observing the Whales of Magdalena Bay
New Departures
Just Announced: New 2026 Departures Now Available
Due to high demand, new departures aboard National Geographic Sea Lion have been added in Winter 2026. Don't miss this opportunity to explore—secure your cabin today!
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 landscapes—from windswept dunes to cactus forests—keeping an eye out for rambling coyotes and soaring eagles
Scan the skies for myriad bird species, like diving pelicans and magnificent frigatebirds
Extend your expedition with a history and whale-watching experience in Loreto, or explore culture and cuisine in Todos Santos and La Paz
From
$2,524
/ per person
Does not include any flights
$500 AIR CREDIT
View our brochure for more details
2026-2027 Voyages
Baja California 2026-27
From
$2,524
/ per person
View our brochure for more details
2026-2027 Voyages
Baja California 2026-27
From
$2,524
/ per person
$500 AIR CREDIT
View our brochure for more details
2026-2027 Voyages
Baja California 2026-27
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.
National Geographic Sea Lion
GUESTS 62
CABINS 31
DECKS 3
National Geographic Sea Lion 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
Loreto History and Whale-Watching Extension
Starting from
$1,590
/ per person
Baja California Culture and Cuisine Pre-Voyage Extension
Starting from
$1,550
/ per person
One-Night Loreto Pre-Voyage Extension
Starting from
$950
/ per person
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
$500 AIR CREDIT
Take advantage of our additional offers
BRINGING THE KIDS
CELEBRATE LIFE'S MILESTONES
10% OFF BACK-TO-BACK VOYAGES
SAVE 5% TRAVELING AS A GROUP
PAY BY DEBIT: EARN A $100 ONBOARD CREDIT
COMBINING OFFERS
View our brochure for more details
2026-2027 Voyages
Baja California 2026-27