Loreto

Enter the California gray whale birthing lagoons of Bahia Magdalena for close encounters with these gentle giants, a rare privilege in the natural world. Plus explore the islands dotting the azure Sea of Cortez, one of the best places to see marine mammals.

In the nursery waters of Magdalena Bay, live amid massive gray whale mothers and their calves. See them up close onboard the National Geographic Sea Bird and local pangas. Kayak and paddleboard through magnificent mangroves, or beachcomb boundless stretches of sand.

Explore the Sea of Cortez among the best places in the world to see a great variety of whales, plus dolphins in abundance. With a flexible itinerary, rely on our expert staff to follow the seasonal movements of migrating birds and feeding whales ensuring excellent wildlife sightings. Hike forests of giant cacti, snorkel with sea lions and discover rare wildlife among desert islands.

Join a comprehensive 15-day photo expedition exploring both the Pacific side of Baja California and the islands in the Sea of Cortez. Venture into the gray whale lagoons for up-close encounters, and then spend ample time exploring the Sea of Cortez and all its marine mammals.