Ralph Iantosca

Iantosca Travel

Hosted Group: Baja California - Among the Great Whales

Feb 16, 2025 to Feb 23, 2025
Baja California

Baja California:  

Among the Great Whales 

February 9-16, 2025 

 

Explore Baja California's Pacific Coast and the Gulf of California in search of dolphins, sea lions, and as many as four different varieties of whales. Board local pangas and enter pristine lagoons for up-close encounters with California gray whale mothers and their newborn calves. Witness an undersea wonderland, serene desert dunes, and the most beautiful sunsets on Earth. Hike through towering cacti and up striking desert canyons or take a slow photo stroll along the shore. Every day is different and rewarding, with opportunities to indulge in active or relaxing pursuits. 

 
 
Join me aboard the National Geographic Venture which has has dual boarding platforms, enabling our team to load two Zodiacs at once means guests get off ship quickly, to take advantage of wildlife sightings and maximize exploring time. Modern, cleaned-lined, with large expanses of glass to keep you connected to the extraordinary views, National Geographic Venture enables you to see, do and experience the best of her geographies.  
 

Why Ralph Recommends this trip… 

  • Snorkel at sunrise where you will see the sun stream through the water and spot a pufferfish! 

  • Board local pangas to encounter California gray whales and their newborn calves up close in lagoons, and witness breaching humpbacks from the bow of our ship, or on Zodiac excursions. 

  • Hike desert islands and sculpted sand dunes, and look for a variety of wildlife. 

  • Snorkel with sea lions in Los Islotes (conditions permitting) and amid the pristine coral reefs of Cabo Pulmo National Park. 

  • In La Paz, enjoy a special outdoor dinner featuring local cuisine, music, and dance, as well as an opportunity to view and purchase work by local artisans. 

  • With National Geographic Global Explorers, our exclusive family program, kids and teens will learn about this vibrant part of the world—from migrating gray whales to desert plant species. 


Day-by-Day Itinerary  

 

DAY 1 Arrive Loreto / Transfer to San Carlos / Embark Ship  Meals included: dinner  

DAY 2 Bahia Almejas / Rehusa Channel / Isla Magdalena (B/ L/ D)

DAY 3 Boca de Soledad (B/ L/D) 

DAY 4 Bahía Magdalena / Cruising (B/ L/ D) 

DAY 5 Gorda Banks and Cabo Pulmo  (B/ L/ D) 

DAY 6 Los Islotes and La Paz  (B/ L/ D)

DAY 7 Exploring the Gulf of California  (B/ L/ D)

DAY 8 San Carlos / Disembark Ship / Loreto  

 

Pricing  

Click here to view cabins and the vessel’s deck plan.  

Group savings of 10% applied once 5 cabins are booked.  

Cabins Double Occupancy* Single Occupancy*
Category 1 $7,424 per person $11,554
Category 2 $8,670 per person $13,395
Category 3 $9,419 per person  
Category 4 $10,455 per person  
Category 5 $11,652 per person  

Deposit: Advance payment 15%  

Final Payment: Due 120 days prior to departure (16 October 2024) 

 

  • Pricing does not reflect 10% groups savings  

  • Prices are per person / based on double occupancy 

  • $500 discount extended to all guests under the age of 18 

  • Rates quoted are available until March 13th 2024 and will then change to prevailing rates 

 

What's included in this trip:

  • Accommodations aboard ship and in hotels per itinerary 

  • All meals aboard ship; all non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages aboard ship (except certain premium brands) 

  • All shore excursions and sightseeing entrance fees, special access permits; use of kayaks 

  • Transfers to and from group flights 

  • Taxes, service charges and port charges 

  • Lindblad Expeditions’ Leader and Naturalist staff; local guides 


What's not included:

  1. Airfare (except flights when indicated as included) 

  2. Pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers,  

  3. Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees 

  4. Laundry, spa treatments, Wi-Fi, and phone services (except when indicated as included) 

  5. Crew gratuities 


Important information  

We want to speak with you prior to booking to be sure you have made the right choice, explored all options before during and after this trip including flights, transfers, travel insurance, passports and visas.  

We recommend the purchase of Travel Insurance. Click here to view full details 

Deluxe Travel Protection designed by Travel Experts.

 

Travelers Age 
Cost 
0-17 yr  
3.2% 
18-34 yr 
4.1% 
35-59 yr 
6.1% 
60-69 yr 
8.5% 
70-79 yr 
10.9% 
80+ yr  
14% 

Advance and Final Payments  

effective May 1, 2023  

To reserve your place, an advance payment for the program is required at the time of reservation. Payment is accepted by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, or check. Receipt of your initial payment indicates your acceptance of our complete Terms and Conditions.  

Once your reservation is confirmed, we urge you to use your personalized online account for important information to help you prepare for your voyage. Managing your documents online will facilitate fast and accurate communication and allow you to provide us with pertinent details required to complete your reservation. Your online account gives you access to your Expedition Guide, which includes valuable information specific to your voyage. You can also use your online account to make easy payments, view recommended flights and reading material, packing list, and so much more.  

Advance payment amount will be 15% of the cabin fare. Final payment will be due 120 days prior to departure. For groups of 8 or more a 50% advance payment is due 180 days prior to departure.  

 

Lindblad Cancellation policy: 

 
Number of Days Prior to Expedition Start 
Per Person Cancellation Fee 
120 or more days  (18 October 2024)
No penalty: Advanced Payment will be credited toward your next expedition* 
119-90 days  (19 October-18 November 2024)
50% of trip cost** 
89-0 days 
100% of trip cost 

*Advance payments will be credited in the form of a Lindblad Expeditions Travel Certificate, valid for 12 months from the date of cancellation, and which may only be applied towards final payment on any future booking.  

**Trip cost is total price paid including extensions, charter airfare, and other additional services.  

Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor. 

 

 


Available Packages

Category 1
Unavailable as of March 20, 2024

Starting At: $7,424.00
Deposit: $1,733.10 per person

Available as Single or Double Occupancy 
 
Main Deck: Cabins are 136 sq. ft. and feature two single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, two portholes, full length mirror, and reading lights.
 

Important Information

We want to speak with you prior to booking to be sure you have made the best selection for you and explored all options for before / during / after this trip.* 

*The above refers to elements such as flights, transfers, travel insurance, passport and visa requirements, and custom planning (additional fee). By enrolling on this page, you are giving us authorization to pay this travel supplier, submit correct & legal information, this is not a live booking engine.
 
 
 
 

Category 2
Unavailable as of March 20, 2024

Starting At: $8,670.00
Deposit: $2,009.25 per person

Available as Single or Double Occupancy 
 
Main Deck: Cabins are 161 sq. ft. and feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, two portholes, full length mirror, and reading lights.
 

Important Information

We want to speak with you prior to booking to be sure you have made the best selection for you and explored all options for before / during / after this trip.* 

 

*The above refers to elements such as flights, transfers, travel insurance, passport and visa requirements, and custom planning (additional fee). By enrolling on this page, you are giving us authorization to pay this travel supplier, submit correct & legal information, this is not a live booking engine.

Category 3 - Double Occupancy
Unavailable as of March 20, 2024

$9,419.00
Deposit: $1,412.85 per person

Available as Double Occupancy 
 
Upper Deck: Cabins feature two single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, two nightstands, a large view window, full-length mirror, and reading lights.
 

Important Information

We want to speak with you prior to booking to be sure you have made the best selection for you and explored all options for before / during / after this trip.* 

 

*The above refers to elements such as flights, transfers, travel insurance, passport and visa requirements, and custom planning (additional fee). By enrolling on this page, you are giving us authorization to pay this travel supplier, submit correct & legal information, this is not a live booking engine.

Category 4 - Double Occupancy
Unavailable as of March 20, 2024

$10,455.00
Deposit: $1,568.25 per person

Available as Double Occupancy 
 
Upper Deck: Cabins feature two single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, closet, two nightstands, full-length mirror, reading lights, sliding glass door, and a small, private balcony.
 

Important Information

We want to speak with you prior to booking to be sure you have made the best selection for you and explored all options for before / during / after this trip.* 

 

*The above refers to elements such as flights, transfers, travel insurance, passport and visa requirements, and custom planning (additional fee). By enrolling on this page, you are giving us authorization to pay this travel supplier, submit correct & legal information, this is not a live booking engine.

Category 5 - Double Occupancy
Unavailable as of March 20, 2024

$11,652.00
Deposit: $1,747.80 per person

Available as Double Occupancy 
 
Observation Deck: These suites feature two single beds that can convert to a queen, plus a convertible sofa bed that can accommodate a third person, large view windows, closet, two nightstands, full-length mirror, reading lights, writing desk, ample storage space, espresso maker, and an oversized bathroom. Guests receive a welcome amenity, complimentary laundry, and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.
 

Important Information

We want to speak with you prior to booking to be sure you have made the best selection for you and explored all options for before / during / after this trip.* 

 

*The above refers to elements such as flights, transfers, travel insurance, passport and visa requirements, and custom planning (additional fee). By enrolling on this page, you are giving us authorization to pay this travel supplier, submit correct & legal information, this is not a live booking engine.