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Central America

Baja California Mosaic – Magdalena Bay and Gulf of California

8 Days aboard National Geographic Sea Lion. From AUD $6,593pp.
Small Ship Expeditions
No obligation enquiry
Details

Overview

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 mission 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.

Baja California Mosaic - Magdalena Bay and Gulf of California
Baja California Mosaic - Magdalena Bay and Gulf of California
Baja California Mosaic - Magdalena Bay and Gulf of California
Baja California Mosaic - Magdalena Bay and Gulf of California
View cruise map

Itinerary Highlights

  • Immerse yourself in Magdalena Bay's expansive ecosystem of protected waterways, mangrove channels and sheltered coves inaccessible to larger ships
  • 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

Itinerary in Brief

  • Day 1: San José del Cabo / La Paz / Embark Ship
  • Day 2: Exploring the Gulf of California
  • Day 3: Los Islotes and Espíritu Santo National Park
  • Day 4: San José del Cabo and Gordo Banks
  • Day 5 to 7: Magdalena Bay
  • Day 8: San Carlos / Disembark Ship / Loreto

Ship Information

For more information on the National Geographic Sea Lion please view the ship page.

View National Geographic Sea Lion

Travelling with Eclipse

Peace of Mind
  • Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
  • 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
  • We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
  • No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
  • Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
  • Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
  • We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
  • Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
  • Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
  • Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
  • Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.
View cruise map

Day 1: San José 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. You may opt for a pre-voyage extension exploring the region’s culture and cuisine.

Arrival Time: Arrive before 2:30 p.m. local time.
Arrival City: San José del Cabo, Mexico

Dinner included.

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.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 3: Los Islotes and Espíritu 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.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 4: San José 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.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 5 to 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.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 8: San Carlos / Disembark Ship / Loreto

After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to the airport for flights home or to Loreto's city center to begin your two-night history and whale-watching extension.

Departure Time: Depart after 1:00 p.m. local time.
Departure City: Loreto, Mexico

Breakfast included.

Next Departure Date: 07 Jan 2026
DatesCabinFromAdditional
07 Jan 2026 - 14 Jan 2026 AUD$6593ppExpand to view prices
Category 1 CabinAUD$6593ppContact us
Category 2 CabinAUD$8161ppContact us
Category 3 CabinAUD$9440ppContact us

**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply

Baja California Mosaic - Magdalena Bay and Gulf of California
Baja California Mosaic - Magdalena Bay and Gulf of California
Baja California Mosaic - Magdalena Bay and Gulf of California
Baja California Mosaic - Magdalena Bay and Gulf of California
Baja California Mosaic - Magdalena Bay and Gulf of California
Baja California Mosaic - Magdalena Bay and Gulf of California
Baja California Mosaic - Magdalena Bay and Gulf of California
Baja California Mosaic - Magdalena Bay and Gulf of California

Cabin Details

Category 1 Cabin

Two lower single beds
Writing desk
Window
WiFi access
Temperature controls
Private bathroom with amenities
Closet
Luggage storage space under bed

Category 1 Cabin
Category 1 Cabin
Category 2 Cabin

Two lower single beds
Window
WiFi access
Temperature controls
Private bathroom with amenities
Closet
Luggage storage space under bed

Category 2 Cabin
Category 2 Cabin
Category 3 Cabin

Two lower single beds
Small table and chairs
Two windows
WiFi access
Temperature controls
Private bathroom with amenities
Closet
Luggage storage space under bed

Category 3 Cabin
Category 3 Cabin

National Geographic Sea Lion Deckplan

deck plan

Specifications

  • 62 guests, 31 cabins
  • Year built: 1982
  • Length: 50m / 164ft
  • Beam: 9m / 30ft
  • Decks: 3
  • Crew: 24
  • Speed: 10 knots / 19kph / 12mph

What's included?

  • Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary
  • Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins), and other state-of-the-art gear
  • Guidance and company of our leading expedition staff
  • All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible.
  • Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
  • 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
  • Beer, wine, cocktails, liquors and spirits aboard all ships, with the exception of Sun Goddess and Oberoi Philae. We are also pleased to offer a selection of premium brands available for purchase.
  • Complimentary Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard our National Geographic fleet, enabling email, messaging, and social media. Enhanced and Premium internet packages are available for purchase, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting).
  • Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
  • Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
  • Onboard physician consultations (where available)
  • Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available
  • 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces
  • National Geographic certified photo instructor (all ships)
  • Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (aboard our National Geographic fleet, except in Galápagos)
  • Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes

What's not?

  • Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers (except when indicated as included)
  • Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees
  • Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, and phone services (except when indicated as included)
  • Additional costs associated with medical services outside onboard physician consultation (where available)
  • Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting)
  • Crew gratuities aboard National Geographic Endeavour II, National Geographic Islander II, National Geographic Gemini, National Geographic Delfina, National Geographic Venture, National Geographic Quest, National Geographic Sea Bird and National Geographic Sea Lion

Important notes and additional information

Unused services or items included in our programs are non-refundable.

Price Assurance

At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.

Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.

Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.

Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!

No obligation enquiry

Destination: Central America

Let us take you on an authentic journey throughout this rich and versatile region with its spectacular Caribbean beaches, smouldering volcanoes and lush green jungles sheltering a rich variety of fauna. Throw in its fascinating history, hidden Mayan ruins and the rhythm of Cuban salsa and we’re certain you’ll find this region is a treat to the senses.
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Travel information

Downloadable travel guide

Planning your next adventure has never been easier with our free downloadable travel guides. Get in-depth insights into local attractions, dining options, and hidden gems, all curated by our team of travel specialists with decades of experience.

View Central America travel guide

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Baja California Mosaic – Magdalena Bay and Gulf of California

8 Days aboard National Geographic Sea Lion. From AUD $6,593pp.
No obligation enquiry