7-Night Lindblad Expeditions Baja California Cruise

Baja California Mosaic: Magdalena Bay and Gulf of California

Experience Baja California aboard a purpose-built ship small enough to navigate both the wildlife-rich islands of the Gulf of California and the sheltered lagoons of Magdalena Bay. As you sail along both sides of this incredible peninsula, you'll enjoy unforgettable moments of discovery, from snorkeling with curious sea lions off Los Islotes to visiting the historic missionary town of San José del Cabo. Each day offers multiple ways to explore—kayak in protected mangroves, hike desert landscapes dotted with cacti or beachcomb endless stretches of sand—all while witnessing the remarkable biodiversity that make this region a naturalist’s paradise.

Get up to $2,000 per person air credit on select 2026 Europe Departures when you book by September 15, 2025 OR

Get up to $500 per person air credit on select 2025 and 2026 Baja California voyages booked by October 31, 2025

Ship: National Geographic Sea Bird | Cruise Line: Lindblad Expeditions | Sail Date: January 10, 2026 | From/To: La Paz to San Carlos, Mexico | Length: 7-Nights

Category 1 w/window/Main Deck From

$4,417

Per person including all taxes, fees and port expenses

Category 2 w/window/Upper and Bridge Decks From

$5,468

Per person including all taxes, fees and port expenses

Category 3 w/window Upper and Bridge Decks From

$6,325

Per person including all taxes, fees and port expenses

Highlights:

  • Immerse yourself in Magdalena Bay's expansive ecosystem of protected waterways, mangrove channels and sheltered coves inaccessible to larger ships
  • Snorkel among curious sea lions at Los Islotes and swim among colorful tropical fish in the pristine waters of the Gulf of California
  • Visit the historic town center of San José del Cabo, where the beautiful San José mission stands alongside art galleries and cultural landmarks
  • Scan the waters of Gordo Banks, a renowned gathering place for marine mammals, where dolphins, sea lions and seasonal whales congregate in the nutrient-rich sea
  • Explore the diverse ecosystems of Espíritu Santo National Park, home to a remarkable array of marine life and bird species from frigatebirds to blue-footed boobies
  • Balance wildness and culture with an optional pre-voyage extension exploring the art galleries, historic missions and farm-to-table restaurants of San José del Cabo, Todos Santos and La Paz

What's Included:

  • Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in itinerary
  • Kayaks, Zodiac cruises, stand-up paddleboards, full complement of snorkeling gear, glass-bottom boat rides, where relevant
  • Guidance and expertise of expedition staff
  • All meals as indicated in itinerary
  • Beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages, hors d'oeuvres, and snacks
  • Cocktails and spirits on select ships
  • Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
  • 24-hour access to shared spaces, such as the lounges and fitness centers
  • Comlimentary WiFi, with the exception of Delfin II.
Day Destination
Day 1 San Jose del Cabo/La Paz/Embark Ship

Arrive in San José del Cabo and transfer to La Paz to embark the National Geographic Sea Bird or National Geographic Sea Lion. Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2 Exploring the Gulf of California

Dubbed the “world’s aquarium” by Jacques Cousteau, the Gulf of California is home to a tapestry of biological diversity. With some luck, and the help of your naturalists, you’ll encounter whales, bottlenose and common dolphins and other sea life in these wildlife-rich waters. The day's plan is flexible as you explore some of the uninhabited islands sprinkled across the Gulf, spend time on the bow searching for marine life or visit uninhabited islands to hike among huge cacti and diverse bird life. Swim or snorkel with king angelfish, surgeonfish, butterfly fish, damselfish and iridescent parrotfish.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 Los Islotes and Espiritu Santo National Park

With deeply indented shorelines and dramatically eroded cliff faces, Los Islotes and Isla Espíritu Santo are two of the most beautiful islands in the Gulf of California. Suit up in provided snorkeling gear to experience the thrill of swimming with the curious sea lions. This afternoon, choose to swim, kayak or hike at Isla Espíritu Santo where brown pelicans, gulls and boobies dot the landscape.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 San Jose del Cabo and Gordo Banks

Start the day cruising past the spectacular Friars Rocks at Land's End, an iconic landmark named after its semblance to the hooded monks. Then, visit the historic town center of San José del Cabo, a culinary and cultural haven that’s home to the beautiful San José missionary and an array of art galleries. Spend the afternoon at the Gordo Banks seamount or La Fortuna, nutrient-rich gathering places for whales, dolphins and other exciting sea life. While on the lookout, naturalists are always available to inform and enlighten you with their deep knowledge of and passion for the peninsula.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5-7 Magdalena Bay

Explore the remarkable geography of Magdalena Bay—an immense system of protected coves and channels bordered by mangrove forests that transition into a vast, windswept plain. Hike across rolling sand dunes, kayak along pristine coastlines and explore this magical area by Zodiac. Watch for magnificent frigatebirds, pelicans, cormorants, terns, great blue herons, ibis and willets and capture their movements with the help of your certified photography instructor.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 San Carlos/Disembark Ship/Loreto

After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to the airport for flights home.

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Before they built the National Geographic Venture and National Geographic Quest, U.S. shipbuilder Nichols Brothers built the twin ships National Geographic Sea Bird and National Geographic Sea Lion. Nimble, reliable and intimately scaled, they sail the waters of the west coast of North America and Central America.

Highlights

American-flagged, she and her sister, National Geographic Sea Lion, are ideal for discovering domestic waters

  • National Geographic Sea Bird accommodates just 62 guests in 31 outside cabins. Her inviting public spaces foster a sense of shipboard life where everyone is integral to the adventure, engendering a rewarding sense of community.

  • With a shallow draft and small size, she can easily reach places inaccessible to larger ships. She can venture into fast-moving channels where whales come to feed, transit a series of locks in the Pacific Northwest, nose up to waterfalls in secluded coves, and sail into protected anchorages in small bays perfect for snorkeling and kayaking.

  • Explore the wild in a fleet of six Zodiacs and 16 kayaks, as well as stand-up paddleboards.

*Prices are in USD, per person based on double occupancy, availability and subject to change without notice. Taxes, fees and port expenses are included in the above pricing. Europe Departure sailings receive $1,000 per person air credit on cabin categories and up to $2,000 per person on suite categories when booking an applicable 2026 departure. Baja California sailings receive up to $500 air credit. Extensions and some excursions are not included. Both offers are not applicable on extensions. Other restrictions may apply.