Arrive in Los Angeles by early afternoon. Transfer to the port to embark National Geographic Venture.
Tuesday - Dec 3, 2024
Day 2
Channel Islands, United States
Not far from the city lights, these islands are a world away, home to incredibly diverse and endemic flora and fauna. Spend the day kayaking, hiking one of the many trails, or simply relaxing ashore. Learn the fascinating prehistory of these islands from the naturalist guides.
Vineyards and culinary marvels await in one of the world's hottest up-and-coming wine regions. Arise to a gorgeous sunset and enjoy breakfast before pulling into Ensenada. Discover what the hype is all about on a visit to a sustainable, family-run vineyard with stunning views. Meet the winemaker and owner on a behind-the-scenes tour and tasting. Enjoy a four-course paired meal and a very special music performance. ... Read More
Thursday - Dec 5, 2024
Day 4
Isla San Martin, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Wake up to a view of the double-coned peak of Isla San Martin, a mile-wide volcanic island flanked by a giant kelp forest. Explore the lush kelp forest by kayaks, paddleboards, or Zodiac and observe the antics of abundant harbor seals. Adventurous hikers can explore the volcanic rock to reach the summits of both volcanos 470 feet above the surf. Or opt to walk along the seashore, strewn with bulbous tubes of the rare Pelagophycus elk kelp. As a nightcap this evening, enjoy video of the kelp forests captured by the onboard undersea specialist. ... Read More
Friday - Dec 6, 2024
Day 5
Isla San Benito Oeste, Islas San Benito, Baja California, Mexico
Saturday - Dec 7, 2024
Day 6
At Sea
We continue on our southern journey with a stop at the secluded Isla San Benito Oeste, home to thousands of breeding elephant seals. Zodiac to shore at the base of a small fishing village. Opt for a long hike to the peak of the island, or explore the village and observe the elephant seal haul out, including many moms and pups. All four of Mexico's pinniped species can be found in this area, and we'll seek them out on our Zodiacs. Scan the skies for a variety of bird species including blue herons, black turnstones, and two species of cormorants. Enjoy a well-timed day to relax onboard with stretch classes, talks, and whale-watching as we make our way south to Magdalena Bay. ... Read More
Sunday - Dec 8, 2024
Day 7
Cruising Magdalena Bay, Mexico
Isla Magdalena and the bay of the same name are irresistible treats for the nature lover. Come to know this island while hiking the ever-shifting, wind-sculpted dunes on our cross-island transit to Sand Dollar Beach. Watch for coyote tracks in the soft dunes and spot migratory shorebirds. Many-including western sandpipers, whimbrels, willets, Wilson's and black-bellied plovers, and marbled godwits-are concluding their southbound journeys here. Observe astounding flora, like the endemic and sideways-growing creeping devil, a columnar cactus thick with spines packed together to protect against herbivores and the relentless sun. This evening, as we exit the bay, be on the lookout for beaked dolphins and, with luck, a humpback whale. ... Read More
Monday - Dec 9, 2024
Day 8
San Jose del Cabo, Mexico
Gorda Banks, Mexico
Cruise past Friars Rocks and visit the historic town center of San Jose del Cabo before cruising Gorda Banks seamount or La Fortuna, renowned gathering places for whales, dolphins, and other marine life.
Tuesday - Dec 10, 2024
Day 9
Cabo Pulmo, Mexico
Wednesday - Dec 11, 2024
Day 10
Isla Espiritu Santo, Mexico
Thursday - Dec 12, 2024
Day 11
Los Islotes, Mexico
Isla San Jose, Mexico
Venture south to discover the gems of the southern Gulf. These islands and surrounding waters are celebrated for their conservation stories, marine life, and the many thrilling experiences on offer. Some of the locations we may visit or enjoy by Zodiac include: Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park: Set out to snorkel the pristine reefs of Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, one of the most successful national marine parks in the world. Chat with locals about their advocacy to protect this unique place, including a cessation of fishing to protect the reef. Isla Espiritu Santo: A national park as well as UNESCO World Heritage Site with volcanic rock formations, scenic beaches, and coral reefs. This magical island offers excellent hiking opportunities and crystal-clear waters for snorkeling. It's a popular destination for researchers monitoring sea turtles. Los Islotes: Located at the northern tip of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Los Islotes are largely inaccessible to people and home to a large colony of sea lions. Conditions permitting, we'll anchor off the rocky island where we don flippers, a mask, and snorkel (which are provided) and swim with these curious inhabitants. Isla San Jose: One of the larger islands in the Gulf of California, San Jose 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. Discover rare wildlife among desert islands. ... Read More
Friday - Dec 13, 2024
Day 12
La Paz, Mexico
Cruise Ends
Land Segment of Itinerary
Day 12 - Friday - Dec 13, 2024
Day 12
Bus Travel
San Jose del Cabo, Mexico
Disembark in La Paz and transfer to Los Cabos Airport for flights home.
Cruise and Land Value Offers that combine with this sailing.
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