Explore the full itinerary…
Day 1: Loreto/San Carlos/Embark
Upon arrival in Loreto, transfer to San Carlos where to embark the National Geographic Sea Bird. Tonight we’ll anchor off the coast of Isla Magdalena. (D)
Day 2: Isla Magdalena & the Hull Canal
Soak up the sunrise during a morning stretch class. After breakfast, head to shore to explore the ever-shifting sand dunes of Isla Magdalena, on a cross-island walk to one of the most pristine beaches in the Pacific. The beaches here go on for miles and there’s no shortage of areas to explore. Take a dip or admire the thousands of sand dollars found on what we affectionally refer to as sand dollar beach. After lunch onboard, we’ll spend the afternoon transiting the scenic winding Hull Canal. With its narrow channels, bordered by mangroves and sand dunes, and its abundant wildlife, you’ll want to be on deck with our team of naturalists for this transit! (B,L,D)
Day 3: Boca de Soledad
Each winter, during their long migration, gray whales travel south from their Arctic feeding grounds to breed and give birth to their calves in these sheltered waters. Grand central for California Gray Whales, we’ll spend the full day observing, and with a little luck, interacting with these majestic creatures. Together with our friends for years, the local Mexican fishermen, we will board our zodiacs to view the numerous mother-calf pairs that can be found in this gem. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Boca de Soledad & Hull Canal
This morning we’ll have another opportunity to interact with gray whales in Boca de Soledad before transiting south along the Hull Canal. We’ll make a stop along the way and, weather permitting, explore the vast mangrove system via kayak and zodiac. Bird watching here can be excellent—magnificent frigatebirds, pelicans, cormorants, terns and great blue herons, ibis, whimbrels and willets are among the species we might see. It’s not unusual to see forty species of birds in just one day along these fertile shorelines where they refuel for their destinations ahead. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Rehusa Channel and Bahia Almejas
Awake anchored in Bahia Almejas, the southernmost part of the Bay. We’ll make a special stop to view a large frigatebird colony on Isla Santa Margarita before heading out on another whale watching adventure. The whales in Bahia Almejas tend to be very active, seemingly oblivious to our presence so settle in for some great experiences. We’ll explore this bay and the Rehusa Channel via zodiac for a day that is sure to be remembered. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Disembark/San Carlos/Loreto
After breakfast, disembark the vessel where coaches will be ready to transfer you to Loreto for your flight home.
