2028 Sea of Cortez Adventure: Realm of Whales & Dolphins
Adventure

2028 Sea of Cortez Adventure: Realm of Whales & Dolphins

Mar 29, 2028  -  Apr 05, 2028
  • Loreto
  • Bahia Concepcion
  • Isla San Marcos
  • Isla San Esteban
  • Isla San Pedro Martir
  • Santa Rosalia
  • Isla San Jose
  • Los Islotes
  • Isla San Francisco
  • Loreto
BOOK ONLINE OR CALL AN OLIVIA TRAVEL™ CONSULTANTBook Your Perfect Trip

The Realm of Whales & Dolphins

Right in our own backyard is a secret that few people know about: The Sea of Cortez. In this protected area where large cruise ships are not able to visit, tourism is meant for smaller eco-minded groups to see the wildlife this area offers.  Jacques Cousteau has called this area “The Aquarium of the World” for its rich diversity of whales, dolphins, sea lions, seabirds and other wildlife. It has recently become a UNESCO World Heritage Site to further protect the area.   

Loreto and its surrounding areas are largely known for Blue Whales, the largest mammal on earth! There are other whale species, like the Humpbacks, Sperm, Pilot,  and Fin, whales as well as dolphins that can number over 100 in their Dolphin Super Pods that roam the Sea of Cortez. Of course, we will be looking for them on our itinerary.  Some areas will make you feel like you’re in the Galápagos when you are snorkeling with Sea Lions while Blue Footed Boobies dive for their meal. Pelicans, Frigate Birds and other bird life are all around. And at the end of the day, there is nothing like watching the sky turn from blue to pink to orange during the Sea of Cortez sunset with millions of stars to gaze upon in the evening. 

But there’s more! Onboard naturalists will educate us about wildlife as we watch for whales and dolphins, kayak or paddleboard on protected bays near remote islands, take out zodiacs in search of marine life, hike desert islands, capture beautiful lighting at sunset, and soak up the sun on pristine beaches.

  • Activity Level: Easy-Moderate

    Activity Level: Easy-Moderate

    These trips require a slightly higher level of mobility, including walking on sandy, rocky or uneven terrain, hiking up gentle hills, sand dunes, and getting in and out of zodiacs/pangas from the ship and shore. There is one elevator on the ship. We will arrange activities for those who are very active, as well as for those with less mobility. If you do have limited mobility that requires assistance, you are required to travel with someone who can assist you. This trip is not suitable for scooters or wheelchairs.

  • photo credit: Jill Cruse

Highlights

  • Explore the hidden gem of the Sea of Cortez and what Jacques Coutsteau calls the “Aquarium of the World”. 

  • Cruise the nutrient-rich Gulf of California in search of massive pods of dolphins, leaping mobula rays (we call them “flying tortillas”, seabirds, several species of whales and other marine life 

  • Explore sculpted desert shores by kayak and Zodiac, hike uninhabited islands and snorkel among colorful fish 

  • Conditions permitting, snorkel beside curious sea lions in the protected waters surrounding Los Islotes 

  • Discover endemic plants and wildlife found nowhere else, from giant cardón and creeping devil cacti to black jackrabbits and chuckwallas 

  • See what lies beneath the surface through footage captured by the ship’s undersea specialist, revealing marine behavior and ecosystems normally hidden from view 

  • Star gaze at night with experienced star gazers 

  • Learn about desert ecosystems, seabird migrations, and whale behavior from our experienced naturalists 

  • Vacation sustainably with Lindblad/National Geographic 

What's Included

  • Seven shipboard nights aboard the National Geographic Venture
  • Roundtrip transfers from the Loreto airport to the ship on March 29 and from the ship to the Loreto airport on April 5, 2028.
  • On the vessel, basic Wi-Fi, all shore excursions, sightseeing, entrance fees, meals, non-alcoholic beverages, beer, wine, cocktails and spirits. Super premium wines and liquors are available for purchase, with 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water, hors d’oeuvres & snacks during the Recap.
  • Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
  • Use of kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and expedition landing equipment
  • Services of Lindblad’s Expedition Team: Expedition Leader, Naturalist staff and expert guides, Wellness Coordinator, Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor and medical professional.
  • Access to our Tools for Exploration: Remotely operated Vehicle (ROV), Hydrophone, Video microscope, Splash-Cam, Underwater video camera, OM System Photo Gear Locker, Zodiac & kayak explorations
  • All port charges, special access permits (if applicable), service fees and taxes during the voyage
  • All gratuities to ship’s staff and crew.
  • Complimentary Online Voyage Portfolio link (provided approximately 6–8 weeks after voyage return)
What's Included
  • What's Not Included
    • All airfare, Real ID, Passport, and visa expenses (if necessary),
    • Transfers from/to airport prior to program dates of March 29 and after April 5, 2028.
    • Airport departure taxes (if applicable)
    • Travelers’ insurance
    • Items of a personal nature (e. g. shopping on board)
    • LEX Wellness spa and treatment services

Expedition Activities

Stand-Up Paddleboarding: Stand-up paddleboards offer a fun, active and unique perspective. Our paddleboards are custom-built to our specifications for versatility and performance.

Hiking: Walking and hiking options will be offered regularly throughout your expedition. Depending on our day’s activities, walks will be offered at varying levels of activity. We generally will offer a mild walk as well as a longer or more challenging hike whenever possible, so that you may choose based on your level of fitness.

Kayaking: You will have the opportunity to kayak throughout your expedition. Lessons and assistance will be offered for newcomers, so all interested parties may join in this activity.

Zodiac Cruising: Zodiac cruising is one of the highlights of expedition travel. When conditions permit, small groups of 12 to 14 people can travel via landing craft to locations otherwise inaccessible by the larger ship, or simply travel out to sea for closer wildlife viewing opportunities.

Presentations: The expedition leader and naturalists will offer presentations throughout your expedition. Held in the lounge, presentations will cover a variety of topics that reflect what you are learning and experiencing both on land and at sea.

Daily Programs: A program outlining each day will be posted on the bulletin board by the lounge daily.

Exploring the Gulf of California

Writer and longtime Lindblad naturalist, Stewart Aitchison, refers to this sliver of the Pacific Ocean as the Vermillion Sea and notes it is “a romantic name that conjures up visions of fiery sunsets, leaping dolphins and deserted beaches.” It is all this and so much more. Your route is designed with flexibility in mind to maximize opportunities for wildlife sightings.

  • Day 1Loreto, MexicoEmbarkWednesday, Mar 29, 20282:30 pm

    Arrive in Loreto, a picturesque gulf side town dotted with Spanish colonial architecture. Transfer to the National Geographic Venture to set sail at sunset.

  • Day 2Bahia Concepcion / Isla San MarcosThursday, Mar 30, 2028

    At Isla San Marcos there is a beautiful shoreline for swimming, snorkeling and kayaking. In the afternoon you’ll again be in rich waters near the mouth of Bahia Concepcion. Be on the lookout for pods of dolphins- common and bottlenose dolphins are the more frequently encountered species. With luck these beautiful animals may follow the ship, riding the bow wave- sometimes twisting and turning, and sometimes leaping from the water.

  • Day 3Isla San EstebanFriday, Mar 31, 2028

    On Isla San Estenan walk up a desert wash to search for desert songbirds such as the handsome black-throated sparrow, listen for the cascading song of the canyon wren and search for the endemic pinto chuckwalla—a plump, harmless desert lizard.

  • Day 4Isla San Pedro MartirSaturday, Apr 1, 2028

    Isla San Pedro Mártir, a 1,000-foot-high guano-covered island, is home to thousands of seabirds: brown pelicans, magnificent frigatebirds, Brandt’s cormorants and blue-footed boobies.

  • Day 5Santa RosaliaSunday, Apr 2, 2028

    After breakfast, disembark in Santa Rosalía, established as a French copper mining town in 1884. The French influence remains in the architecture—including a steel church designed by Gustave Eiffel—and the mining facilities have been left intact, with old locomotives and machinery visible throughout. Engage with the city’s culture and cuisine as you walk the streets, stopping in at a world-famous French bakery for a sweet or savory treat. Back on board, take in the desert landscapes and search for a variety of whales as you cruise to your next destination.

  • Day 6Isla San Joseat seaMonday, Apr 3, 2028

    At sea. 

  • Day 7Los Islotes / Isla San FranciscoTuesday, Apr 4, 2028

    At Los Islotes, don flippers, a mask, and snorkel (which we gladly provide) and swim with curious sea lions. We have a leisurely afternoon to swim, kayak, or hike at Isla San Francisco. Look skyward for yellow-footed gulls, brown pelicans, and blue-footed boobies.

  • Day 8Loreto, MexicodisembarkWednesday, Apr 5, 20288:00 am

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

Your Ship: National Geographic Venture

The National Geographic Venture is a more modern 100-passenger expedition ship which has taken the place of our beloved older vessels, the Sea Bird  and  the Sea Lion.  With its recently renovated interior, it is a perfect addition to expedition sailing and guest comfort!  All rooms now have beds that convert to a queen, and regular bathrooms with a separate shower. The ship also has an elevator and a platform with a “mud room” for loading and unloading the zodiacs.

Capacity: 100 guests

National Geographic Venture
  • Public Areas
    • Library
    • Lounge with a full-service bar and facilities for films, slide shows and presentations
    • Observation deck
    • Partially covered sun deck, with chairs and tables
    • Open Bridge with the opportunity to meet the ship's officers and captain and learn about navigation
    •  LEXspa
  • Dining

    Meals are served in the dining room at a single seating with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menus feature sustainable choices, local where possible. Breakfast and lunch are usually buffet with a variety of choices, and dinner is sit-down service.

  • Cabins

    50 outside cabins. All cabins face outside with portholes or windows, private bathroom, and climate control. Cabins are equipped with Wi-Fi, phone, multiple electrical and USB outlets, and phones. Luxury linens and pillows. Botanically inspired shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers, complimentary insulated water bottles and a National Geographic Atlas are also available in each cabin.  

     All cabins have 2 fixed single beds, except for Category 3, rooms 214, 216, 217 and 219 on the Upper Deck, which have convertible twins into a double bed.

  • Expedition Equipment

    A fleet of 8 Zodiacs and 24 kayaks, paddleboards, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), hydrophone, splash-cam, underwater video camera, video microscope, and OM System Photo Gear Locker. 

  • Special Features

    Guest internet access, Lindblad Expeditions / National Geographic certified photo instructor, and undersea specialist. 

  • Wellness

    The vessel is staffed by a Wellness Specialist and features a gym with an elliptical machine, treadmill, exercycles, hand-weights and resistance bands. Treatments in the LEXspa are available by appointment.

Entertainment

Whales and other wildlife will be your entertainment for the week.  We will have one entertainer who will perform on a few evenings, but most evenings will feature talks by our naturalists. 

Payment Plans

Two payment plan options are available:

1. Olivia 6-Month Interest-Free Payment Plan: Olivia's No-Interest Payment Plan gives you the ability to pay for your vacation, without interest, over 6 monthly payments. This option is available when you book 12 months or more before your trip's departure date.

2. Flex Pay Loans: Need to extend your payments over more time? Apply for a Flex Pay loan!

Select the plan that works best for you during your online checkout or ask your Travel Consultant.

Cancellation Policy & Travel Insurance

Unexpected events can cause you to cancel your vacation. Because we are committed to this charter, we must strictly adhere to our cancellation policy as outlined in our Olivia Terms & Conditions. Transfer funds are nonrefundable and nontransferable from the point of sale forward.

Olivia recommends that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your trip investment against the unexpected. Visit our Insurance page for more information. For a travel insurance quote, more information or to purchase a protection plan, please call Olivia at 800-631-6277 and select option 1 for a Travel Consultant. You may also purchase insurance online after your checkout.

Cancellation Fees 

  • 365 days or more prior to trip date: on or before 3/30/2027

    Cancellation Penalty: 50% of trip cost

  • 364 - 0 days prior to trip date: 3/31/2027-3/29/2028

    Cancellation Penalty: 100% of trip cost (no refund)

Vacation Stretchers

We will not be offering any vacation stretchers. However, if you wish to come in early, the La Mision Hotel in Loreto is located across from the Marina with nice views of the Sea of Cortez. It is very convenient, close to town with plenty of restaurants and shopping within walking distance. They also offer airport transfers for an additional cost when making a reservation online. 

Traveler Information

  • About Our Destination

    Being Gay in Baja

    Mexico’s beach cities are very gay friendly. In fact, three states have legalized same-sex civil unions!

    Climate

    In late March and early April, the average highs are 75-85°F and the average lows are 62-72°F. Make sure to bring a windbreaker as it can get very windy on the ship and in the zodiacs.

    Currency

    The Mexican peso is the official currency; however, US dollars are accepted at all ports of call.

    Languages

    Spanish is the most widely spoken language in Mexico, but English is also spoken widely.

  • Before Your Trip

    Celebrations: Birthdays, Anniversaries, Honeymoons, and More

    If you have a birthday or celebration during your vacation and have not already informed your Olivia Travel Consultant, please let us know as soon as possible, but no less than 90 days prior to the trip.

    You can register at Olivia Honeymoon Wishes for your honeymoon, anniversary, or other special celebration; browse through the selections and let your friends know just how easy it is for them to purchase a gift for you.

    Connect with Other Guests: Join the Facebook Group

    If you'd like to chat with people who are going on the trip, join Olivia’s official Facebook group for this trip.

    Passport and Visa

    All guests (including guests from countries other than the United States) will be required to have a passport. Passports must be valid for six months after your arrival date. US citizens do not need a visa for this trip. If you are not a US citizen, please check visa requirements with your country’s consulate and the consulates of the countries you’ll be visiting.

    Specific Needs: Dietary, Medical, Mobility, and Other

    If you have any medical, mobility, dietary, or other special requirements that you haven't yet shared, please reach out to [email protected] as soon as possible. To verify if we can accommodate your needs, kindly do so at least 90 days before your trip.

    These trips require a slightly higher level of mobility, including walking on sandy, rocky or uneven terrain, hiking up gentle hills, sand dunes, and getting in and out of zodiacs/pangas from the ship and shore. There is one elevator on the ship. We will arrange activities for those who are very active, as well as for those with less mobility. If you do have limited mobility that requires assistance, you are required to travel with someone who can assist you. This trip is not suitable for scooters or wheelchairs.

    Vacation Stretchers

    We will not be offering hotel stretchers for this cruise. If you wish to come in early, the La Misión Hotel in Loreto is located across from the Marina with nice views of the Sea of Cortez. It is very convenient, close to town with plenty of restaurants and shopping within walking distance. They also offer airport transfers for an additional cost when making a reservation online.

    Vaccinations

    Please check with your local public health department or personal physician regarding immunization recommendations for your itinerary. You may also check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at www.cdc.gov. Just click on “Traveler’s Health” and then “Vaccinations.”

  • Travel and Arrival

    Air Travel

    Airports: Your flights should arrive at  and depart from Loreto, Mexico Airport (LTO).

    Flight Arrival and Departure Times: AAll flights should arrive in Loreto, Mexico (LTO) by 2:30 pm on March 29, 2028. Departing flights from Loreto, Mexico (LTO) should be made for any time after 10:30 am, April 5, 2028. Note that flight schedules may not be available until 6 months prior to the trip.

    Host Hotel & Hospitality Room

    A hospitality room will be available at the La Misión Hotel in Loreto on March 29. For flights arriving prior to 2 pm, you will be transferred to the hotel, and lunch is on your own.

    Luggage Allowances

    While there is no luggage limit on the cruise itself, airlines often restrict (or charge) for excess baggage. Because each airline is different, and the regulations change over time, please check with your airline for baggage allowances.

    Transfer and Meeting Up with Olivia

    If arriving prior to 2:30, you will be transferred to our host hotel. Your transfer to the ship will depart from the host hotel in Loreto on March 29  between 3–3:30 pm. 

    On the return, if your flight is after 1:00 pm, you will be transferred to the host hotel to store your luggage. Your transfer to the airport will be arranged according to your flight departure that day. 

  • During Your Trip

    Electricity

    Outlets throughout the ship are US style: 110 volts, 60 Hz.

    Elevator

    There is one elevator on the ship.  

    Gratuities

    Gratuities are included in the cost of your trip. Gratuities go to the cabin stewards, dining room staff, kitchen and ship crew members. Naturalists and Expedition Leaders are not included in this tip pool. Should you wish to tip additionally, this is up to you.

    Internet and Email

    Basic internet access is available on board.

    Laundry Services

    Please note the ship does not have laundry facilities on board.

    Medical Services

    There is a medical professional on board for any minor emergencies. There is no charge for this service. However, should you need further medical care, the ship will go to the closest port for assistance. For your own protection, we highly recommend you are covered with medical-evacuation insurance.

    Money for Onboard Purchases

    There is very little to charge or pay for on board since most everything is included. At the end of your trip, you may opt to pay for small purchases through cash or credit card. No cash advances are possible. 

    Phone

    No telephones are available on board except for emergencies. Cell service depends on your carrier and location. The cell service was pretty good near the local towns.

    Smoking Policy

    The ship is completely nonsmoking except for an outdoor area of a specified area on board. Smoking is not permitted indoors, including in cabins.

    Solo Travelers

    We average a few solo travelers on these trips who mix and mingle with everyone. For a trip this small, there are no solo coordinators. If you are a solo, and missed out on the solo occupancy rooms, we unfortunately are not able to accommodate room share requests for this trip. We suggest finding a friend to travel with you and booking a room together. You can start to meet other solo travelers online before the trip in the trip's Facebook Group.

    Spa Services

    Enjoy the LEXSpa complete with massage and a few other spa treatments are available for an additional fee. 

  • After Your Trip

    Disembarkation

    We disembark after breakfast for our transfer to the Loreto airport or, for those who are extending their time in Loreto, to a local hotel in town. More specific information will be available closer to the trip.  

    Vacation Stretchers

    We will not be offering hotel stretchers for this cruise. If you wish to come in early, the La Misión Hotel in Loreto is located across from the Marina with nice views of the Sea of Cortez. It is very convenient, close to town with plenty of restaurants and shopping within walking distance. They also offer airport transfers for an additional cost when making a reservation online.