Transport your holiday traditions to Baja California for a spectacular celebration of wildness. Designated by UNESCO as a marine world heritage site and dubbed “the world’s aquarium” by Jacques Cousteau, the waters and islands of the Gulf of California are places of legendary biodiversity. This isolated region is, arguably, the best place in the world to keep watch for a vast variety of whale species plus massive pods of dolphins, leaping mobula rays, and seabirds.
For more information on the National Geographic Venture please view the ship page.
View National Geographic VentureArrive in Loreto, a picturesque gulfside town dotted with spanish colonial architecture. Transfer to the National Geographic Venture to set sail at sunset.
Arrival Time: Arrive before 2:30 p.m. local time.
Arrival City: Loreto, Mexico
Dinner included.
Writer and longtime 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. It most likely includes the islands and activities listed below, although the order may vary.
Isla San Esteban and San Pedro Mártir: 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. Later, visit Isla San Pedro Mártir, a 1,000-foot-high guano-covered island that is home to thousands of seabirds: brown pelicans, magnificent frigatebirds, Brandt’s cormorants and blue-footed boobies.
Isla San Marcos: 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 Bahía Concepción. Be on the lookout for pods of dolphins—common and bottlenose dolphins are the most 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.
Isla San José: One of the larger islands in the Gulf of California, San José offers several landing possibilities depending on conditions and the whim of the moment. Photograph the ochre cliffs of the island’s eastern shore, hike an enchanted, cactus-laden arroyo or visit the abandoned salt works to the west. Search for the endemic Xantus's hummingbird on this desert island.
Bahía Loreto Marine Park: Search for marine life in the waters south of Isla Carmen, an area offering the possibility of encountering fin whales, which researchers have recently concluded may be part of a resident population. Bottlenose and common dolphins are frequently encountered. In the afternoon, visit one of the islands of Bahía Loreto Marine Park, with ample time for kayaking, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding and possibly hiking. In the evening, enjoy a beach barbecue under the desert sky.
Espíritu Santo Archipelago National Park / Los Islotes: At Los Islotes, don flippers, a mask and snorkel (which are provided) and swim with curious sea lions. Look skyward for yellow-footed gulls, brown pelicans and blue-footed boobies. In the afternoon, explore more of this stunning national park by swimming, kayaking or hiking. Keep an eye out for the endemic Black jackrabbit, and learn about the importance of mangrove habitats.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to the Loreto airport for flights home.
Departure Time: Depart after 1:00 p.m. local time.
Departure City: Loreto, Mexico
Breakfast included.
| Dates | Cabin | From | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 Dec 2025 - 27 Dec 2025 | AUD$12042pp | ||
| Category 1 | AUD$12042pp | Contact us | |
| Category 2 | AUD$13467pp | Contact us | |
| Category 3 | AUD$14396pp | Contact us | |
| Category 4 | AUD$15925pp | Contact us | |
| Category 5 | AUD$17593pp | Contact us | |
| 27 Dec 2025 - 03 Jan 2026 | AUD$12042pp | ||
| 12 Dec 2026 - 19 Dec 2026 | AUD$9194pp | ||
| 19 Dec 2026 - 26 Dec 2026 | AUD$10030pp | ||
| 26 Dec 2026 - 02 Jan 2027 | AUD$10030pp | ||
| 02 Jan 2027 - 09 Jan 2027 | AUD$10030pp |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
2 single beds (or queen)
Two portholes
Main deck location
Wi-Fi access
Private bathroom with amenities
Writing desk
Individual climate controls
Hair dryer
2 single beds (or queen)
Two portholes
Main deck location
Wi-Fi access
Private bathroom with amenities
Writing desk
Individual climate controls
Hair dryer
2 single beds (or queen)
Large view window
Upper deck location
Writing desk
Individual climate control
Hair dryer
2 single beds (or queen)
Upper deck location
Large view window
Sliding glass doors leading to private balcony
Individual climate controls
Private bathroom with amenities
Writing desk
1 queen bed (or twin bedding)
Observation deck location
Large view windows
Expanded bathroom with amenities
Sofa bed
Individual climate control
Hair dryer
Unused services or items included in our programs are non-refundable.
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!
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.
