Baja California Odyssey

Birders can enjoy an early morning visit to the nearby bird sanctuary where several endemic species are seen. Check out and explore the historic quarter of San Jose on a guided tour before transferring to Cabo San Lucas for embarkation. After boarding, there’s time to settle into your cabin before our important safety briefings. This evening meet your expedition team and crew at the Captain’s Welcome Dinner.

Spend two days exploring the sheltered lagoons of Magdalena Bay and perhaps San Ignacio Lagoon, where during winter, gray whales migrate here to give birth. While most of the gray whales begin their journey north in March, some mothers and their newborn calves occasionally linger a bit longer to prepare for the precarious journey north. If we’re very lucky, we may glimpse a few of these remarkable creatures. Long-beaked bottlenose dolphins, California sea lions, frigate birds, great blue herons, ibis, and California pelicans are found here in abundant numbers. Zodiac cruise and kayak along red mangroves—an important nursery for coastal and open-sea fish species as well as multiple marine invertebrates—and in sheltered coves. Hike across stunning sculpted sand dunes, following lizard tracks, where coyotes and jackrabbits wonder among desert plants.

After an overnight’s sailing, arrive around midday at Cabo Pulmo National Park marine reserve, to discover the only living hard coral reef in the Sea of Cortez, attracting a huge variety of colourful tropical fish, various sea mammals, invertebrates and seabirds. It is an ideal place for more aquatic exploration.

Over the next six days, our flexible itinerary allows for spontaneity where we hope to experience the many spectacular wildlife encounters offered in the Sea of Cortez, including the amazing spectacle of tens of thousands of mobula rays congregating, where they exhibit their unique behaviour of literally flying out of the water, allegedly to attract a mate. We plan to explore a few of the 244 islands, islets and colourful coastal sandstone formations that make up the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California.

Isla Danzante

This small island near Loreto is surrounded by turquoise waters teeming with marine life, including sea lions, dolphins and an abundant variety of fish. It is also home to a variety of waterfowl, including the famous blue-footed booby. Hikers can explore one of the many short trails that lead to magnificent scenic lookouts.

Isla del Carmen

Privately-owned Isla del Carmen is Loreto National Marine Park’s largest island and features marine fossils, colourful cliffs, bighorn sheep and diverse beaches ranging from smooth cobbles to red pebbles to white sand. The island’s west coast offers kayaking, snorkelling and easy walks along the shoreline. On the remote and wild east coast is Arroyo Blanco, where divers can explore the underwater caves.

Isla Monserrat

In the heart of the marine reserve, Isla Montserrat is the idyllic location for aquatic activities, especially kayaking. An abundance of marine life makes the waters perfect for snorkelling and diving. Blue whales and bottlenose and common dolphins are often found in the waters surrounding Isla Monserrat, Isla Danzante and Isla del Carmen.

Bahia Agua Verde

Bahía Agua Verde offers excellent land-based birdwatching, a unique experience in Baja where most birdwatching takes place at sea. Species that you may spot include the endemic Costa’s hummingbird, vermilion flycatcher, grey thrasher and northern mockingbird. In Zodiacs, there is a great chance to spot blue-footed boobies, brown boobies and perhaps even osprey.

Puerto Gato

Characterised by its bright-red rocks, Puerto Gato offers great snorkelling, kayaking, and excellent exploratory hikes where at elevation you can be rewarded with terrific views. After some rain, the arid desert is awash with colourful blooms.

Isla San José

One of the larger islands in the Sea of Cortez, you can photograph San José’s ochre cliffs, hike an enchanting arroyo or gully at Punta Colorada, or snorkel in the clear waters that attract bottlenose dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, mobula rays and pilot whales.

Isla San Francisco

With pink sea cliffs and a stunning crescent-shaped bay, Isla San Francisco is one of the most beautiful islands in the Sea of Cortez. Enjoy a day hiking along the ridge, with sweeping views of the bay below where you might glimpse whales. You can also snorkel among colourful marine life and later, enjoy a barbecue under the desert stars.

Isla del Espiritu Santo & Isla Partida

Jointly known as Espiritu Santo, these islands are a two of Baja’s gems. Venture into a secluded cove surrounded by fingers of red rock and golden beach. Spend the day exploring the beach on foot, where large numbers of roosterfish are known to appear, or venture further on a guided hike. The deep bays are ideal for kayaking. Several wrecks, wall dives and vast undersea canyons support a rich ecosystem where whales, sharks and manta rays roam, making the island a must for any diver.

Loreto 

In the quiet seaside town of Loreto, choose one of the following excursions:

Loreto City Walking Tour (2 hours) 

From Loreto pier, we explore on foot the serene town of Loreto. Loreto was Spain's first permanent settlement in the Californias and served as California's capital from 1697 until 1777. From Loreto, Spanish rule slowly expanded south to Cabo San Lucas before spreading north towards San Diego. During the walk, visit the museum and the City Hall.

San Javier Mission Tour (4.5 hours) 

From Loreto pier, drive approximately one hour through vibrant desert landscape to San Javier Mission, located 420 metres above sea level. On foot explore the mission, where the church still stands in its original form since it the mission was founded by Jesuits in 1699. Visit the museum and stroll around the charming countryside surrounding the mission.

Disembark in Pichilinque, where you farewell the expedition team and crew before transferring back to San José del Cabo to continue your journey. 

Important note: In the spirit of expedition travel, we encourage exploration and adventure offering flexibility in challenging environments. This itinerary is only a guide and is subject to change due to weather, sea and other conditions beyond our control. Local regulations of the marine parks and reserves in Baja California can change with little or no notice. Under such circumstances, Aurora Expeditions reserves the right to amend the proposed itinerary accordingly.