Travelpack

Los Angeles • Channel Islands National Park • Ensenada • Valle de Guadalupe • Isla San Martín • Isla San Benito Oeste • Bahía Magdalena • San José del Cabo • Gordo Banks • Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park • Isla Espíritu Santo • Los Islotes • Isla San José • Loreto

Embark on an unforgettable expedition from Los Angeles to Baja California aboard the National Geographic Venture. Explore the wild beauty of Channel Islands National Park, enjoy wine tasting in Ensenada’s Valle de Guadalupe, and discover remote islands teeming with wildlife. Kayak through kelp forests, snorkel vibrant reefs in Cabo Pulmo, and swim with playful sea lions at Los Islotes. Hike volcanic landscapes, wander across sandy dunes, and conclude your journey in the charming coastal town of Loreto.

Day 1: San Pedro
Flight from London Airport to Los Angeles International Airport
Stay at Crowne Plaza Los Angeles Harbour Hotel by IHG for 1 night
Shared Transfer Hotel to Port

Day 2: Channel Islands National Park to Baja California
Los Angeles, /California, U.S. / Embark Ship
Arrive in Los Angeles by early afternoon. Transfer to the port to embark on the National Geographic Venture.

Day 3: Channel Islands National Park
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 your Naturalists.

Day 4: Ensenada, Mexico / Valle de Guadalupe
Vineyards and culinary marvels await in one of the world's hottest up-and-coming wine regions. Ariseto a gorgeous sunrise 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 multi-course paired meal and a very special music performance.

Day5: Isla San Martn
Wake up to a view of the double-coned peak of Isla San Martn, a mile-wide volcanic island flanked bya giant kelp forest. Explore the lush kelp forest by kayaks, paddleboards or Zodiac and observe the antics of abundant harbour seals. Adventurous hikers can explore the volcanic rock to reach the summits of both volcanoes, 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 a video of the kelp forests captured by your undersea specialist.

Day6: Isla San Benito Oeste / At Sea
Continue on your southern journey with a stop at 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 will seek them out on Zodiacs. Scan the skies for a variety of bird species, including blue herons, black turnstones two species of cormorants. Enjoy a well-timed day to relax on board with stretch classes, talksand whale-watching as you make your way south to Magdalena Bay.

Day 8: Baha Magdalena
Isla Magdalena and the bay of the same name are irresistible treats for the nature lover. Comet know this island while hiking the ever-shifting,wind-sculpted dunes on a 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 you exit the bay, be on the lookout for beaked dolphins and bald eagles.

Day 9: San Jos del Cabo / Gordo Banks
Cruise past Friars Rocks and visit the historic town centre of San José del Cabo before cruising GordoBanks seamount or La Fortuna, renowned gathering places for whales, dolphins, and other marine life.

Day 10: 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.

Day 11: Isla Espritu Santo
A national park as well as a 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 snorkelling. It's a popular destination for researchers monitoring sea turtles.

Day 12: Los Islotes
Located at the northern tip of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Los Islotes is largely inaccessible to people and home to a large colony of sea lions. Conditions permitting, well anchor off the rocky island where we don flippers, a mask, and a snorkel(which we provide) and swim with these curious inhabitants.

Day 13: Isla San Jos
One of the larger islands in the Gulf of California, San Jos offers several landing possibilities depending on conditions and the whim of the moment. Photograph the ochre cliffs of the eastern shore, hike an enchanted, cactus-laden arroyo, or visit the abandoned salt works to the west. Discover rare wildlife among
desert islands.

Day 14: Loreto / Disembark Ship
After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to the Loreto International Airport for flights home.

What is included in the offer:
• Return flights from Heathrow with 23kg baggage
• 1 night at the Crown Plaza Los Angeles Harbour Hotel
• 12 nights all-inclusive cruise on board National Geographic Venture
• All meals
• Daily Hors d’oeuvres
• Complimentary Beverages
• Wi-Fi
• Reusable water bottle
• Morning stretch classes
• Onboard Enrichment and Exploration
• Unlimited Activities and Excursions
• Select overseas transfers

Based on 2 adults sharing
Deposit: £1230pp
• A91437 Heathrow from £8,299pp
• A91532 Manchester from £8,999pp
• A91564 Glasgow from £8,999pp
• A91565 Dublin from £8,999pp

Meal Plans