Wild Baja California Escape: The Whales of Magdalena Bay

March 7-12, 2025

Magdalena Bay is well known as one of three lagoons on Baja California’s Pacific coast that becomes home to over 20,000 California gray whales each winter. This extraordinary inland water system is absolutely the best place to be to view this remarkable gathering. Mid-January until early April is the season for the whales, and our voyage there aboard the National Geographic Sea Bird occurs at peak time for possible encounters with active, curious calves and mothers.

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 curious calves. On this compact trip, we explore the bay aboard our nimble expedition ship, and set out in local pangas for up-close encounters. Kayak mangrove forests and hike desert islands, look for pelicans and ospreys, and soak up the sun on pristine beaches. Some of the activities include:

  • KAYAKS: Paddle along peaceful coastlines in one of the twelve double or eight single kayaks for a water-level look at stunning scenery.
  • PADDLEBOARDS: Get up and out on the fleet of stand-up paddleboards for a personal adventure.
  • FAT-TIRE BIKES: Cover more ground by roaming the seemingly endless beaches on one of the fat-tire bikes.

Cabin prices start at $3,310, per person, based on double occupancy. International air not included.

Trip Highlights:

  • Search for gray whale mothers and their calves aboard local pangas, delighting in up-close encounters.
  • Kayak and paddleboard stunning mangroves, or beachcomb along endless beaches and Explore diverse landscapes, and ride a fat-tire bike along desert island terrain.
  • Scan the skies for bird species, from diving pelicans to magnificent frigatebirds.
  • Learn about desert ecosystems, seabird migrations, and whale behavior from our experienced naturalists.

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