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Travel/Study
Cruising the breeding grounds of the California gray whale

Baja

Enjoy several days in the company of these majestic animals in Magdalena Bay, one of the best places in the world to view gray whale mothers and their curious calves.

Overview

An unforgettable coastal wildlife adventure

On this action-packed journey, we’ll explore the bay aboard our nimble expedition ship, the National Geographic Sea Bird, and set out in local panga boats for up-close experiences with gray whales and their calves. You’ll have the opportunity to kayak through mangrove forests and hike across desert islands, look for pelicans and ospreys, and ride Zodiacs to pristine beaches.

Lessons on desert ecosystems, seabird migrations, and whale behavior will provide context for the activities you’ll enjoy along and on the Baja peninsula. These fun and educational excursions include museum and mission visits, a cross-island walk to observe stunning sand dunes, and a morning taking in the breathtaking array of birds and mangroves along the Hull Canal.

Dates

March 1–7, 2025

Duration

7 days

Price

From $6,495 per person

Trip size

58 participants

Minimum age

12 years
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Faculty leader

A different kind of classroom

With renowned Stanford faculty and scholars leading the way, every Travel/Study trip is a one-of-a-kind educational experience.

Alberto Diaz-Cayeros

Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies

Alberto’s work has primarily focused on federalism, poverty, and economic reform in Latin America, with more recent work addressing crime and violence, youth-at-risk, and police professionalization.

Learn more about Alberto

Itinerary

Cruising the breeding grounds of the California gray whale

Get to know the flora and fauna of Baja on a small ship expedition in one of the world’s most biologically diverse environments, home to more than 6,000 distinct animal species. Kayak and snorkel in marine-rich waters, hike through stunning desert landscapes, and spend two days in Boca de Soledad observing magnificent gray whales up close in their natural habitat.

Due to the expeditionary nature of this trip, the exact order of the itinerary may vary in order to maximize our experience. The visits outlined here are subject to change, pending local weather and sea conditions.

  • Loreto, Mexico

    Upon arrival in Loreto, transfer to our hotel and gather with fellow travelers for a welcome reception and dinner.

    Accommodations:

    Hotel La Misión

    Included meal: Dinner

  • Loreto / San Carlos / Embarkation

    After breakfast, visit the well-preserved Misión San Francisco Javier de Viggé-Biaundó, which was built by the Jesuits in 1699. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before crossing the peninsula to San Carlos to embark the Sea Bird. Tonight, we anchor off the coast of Isla Santa Margarita.

    Accommodations:

    National Geographic Sea Bird

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Bahía Almejas / Isla Magdalena

    Awake in Bahía Almejas, the southernmost part of the Bay. Make a special stop to view a large frigatebird colony on Isla Santa Margarita before heading out on our first whale watching trip of the voyage. The whales in Bahía Almejas tend to be very active, seemingly oblivious to our presence. We explore this bay and the Rehusa Channel via local panga. During lunch, sail toward Isla Magdalena to explore the ever-shifting sand dunes on a cross-island walk to one of the most pristine beaches in the Pacific. Take a dip or tally the treasure found on this beautiful stretch known as Sand Dollar Beach.

    Accommodations:

    National Geographic Sea Bird

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Transit the Hull Canal / Boca de Soledad

    Spend the morning transiting the scenic, winding Hull Canal. Within its narrow channels, bordered by mangroves and sand dunes and filled with abundant wildlife, we hang out on deck with naturalists who help us spot various species. Weather permitting, explore the vast mangrove system via kayak and expedition landing craft. Birdwatching along these fertile shorelines can be excellent. Among the species we might see are diving pelicans, wheeling cormorants, terns, great blue herons, ibis, whimbrels, and willets. This afternoon, head out to explore the breeding grounds of Boca de Soledad.

    Accommodations:

    National Geographic Sea Bird

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • to

    Boca de Soledad

    Each winter, during their long migration, gray whales travel south from their Arctic feeding grounds to breed and give birth to their calves in these sheltered waters. Spend two full days observing these majestic creatures. Together with local fishermen, we venture out in expedition landing craft to view the numerous mother-calf pairs that thrive in this region. We also have an opportunity to explore the beaches, and perhaps roaming by fat-tire bike along the seemingly endless beaches.

    Accommodations:

    National Geographic Sea Bird

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • López Mateos / Loreto

    After breakfast, disembark the National Geographic Sea Bird and transfer to the Loreto airport to connect with flights returning home.

    Included meals: Breakfast and lunch

Trip details

Start preparing for the trip of a lifetime

From top to bottom, we’ve taken care of all the details, so you can enjoy a no-stress, worry-free travel experience.

Activity level

We consider this trip to be a moderately strenuous expedition. During the cruise portion of the itinerary, most of our touring onshore is on sand, dirt, or gravel paths and includes some rocky or boulder-strewn terrain. Walks range from short, relaxing strolls to more vigorous hikes. Most days include at least one opportunity to swim, snorkel, or kayak in the rich marine environment. Travelers also have ample opportunity to take in the scenery from the comfort of our ship’s decks. Participants must be able to embark and disembark Zodiacs.

About our ship

The National Geographic Sea Bird is a tried-and-true expedition ship, chartered exclusively for Stanford. With a shallow draft and small size, she can easily reach places inaccessible to larger ships. The Sea Bird offers comfortable accommodations in 31 outside-facing cabins, all with large windows. The ship offers inviting public spaces, including a library, lounge, and observation deck. Additionally, it is equipped with various equipment for exploration, such as a hydrophone, bow cam, kayaks, expedition landing craft, and a fleet of paddleboards and snorkeling gear.

Pricing

Secure your spot today

The price of your trip covers a comprehensive educational program in addition to meals, accommodations, tours, and excursions. Continue reading for a full list of what’s included.

Choose the room that’s right for you

There are a variety of rooms to choose from aboard our ship. Please consult the diagram below to aid you in making your decision. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 650-725-1093.

Please note that Stanford Alumni Association nonmembers should add $450 per person to the prices below.

Category 1

Main Deck cabins conveniently positioned between the dining room and lounge, with two lower single beds, a writing desk, and a large view window. 94 sq. ft.

  • Double: $6,495 per person

  • Single: $10,995 per person

Category 2

Bridge Deck cabins with two lower single beds, a writing desk, and a large view window. 90 sq. ft.

  • Double: $7,495 per person

  • Single: $12,495 per person

Category 3

Cabins on the Upper Deck feature two lower single beds that can convert to a double bed, as well as a pull-out single bed for a third person. Cabins on the Bridge Deck feature two lower single beds that are fixed. All cabins in this category include two large windows and a seating unit with a table. 118 sq. ft.

  • Double: $8,295 per person

What’s included?

  • Educational program with lecture series and pre-departure materials, including an education resource list and travel information

  • Services of our professional tour manager to assist you throughout the program

  • All meals, tours, and excursions as described in the itinerary

  • Gratuities to guides, drivers, and ship crew for all group activities

  • 1 night of hotel accommodations

  • 5-night cruise aboard the National Geographic Sea Bird

  • Port fees and embarkation taxes

  • Transfers and baggage handling on program arrival and departure days

  • Minimal medical, accident, and evacuation coverage 

You are responsible for your personal travel expenses, including flights to and from the program.

Deposits, payments, and cancellations

A $2,500-per-person deposit is required to reserve space on this program. Final payment is due 150 days prior to program start. Deposits and any payments are refundable, less a $1,000-per-person cancellation fee, until 150 days prior to program start. After that date, refunds can be made only if the program is sold out and we resell your place(s), in which case a $2,500-per-person cancellation fee will apply.

Join us in Baja

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