BAJA CALIFORNIA: AMONG THE GREAT WHALES

• Voyage to Bahía Magdalena to observe gray whales and their calves.

• Explore with naturalists, discovering sand dunes, a cactus forest, and deserted islands.

• Go snorkeling amid sea lions, king angelfish, and brilliant blue damselfish.

DAY 1 I LORETO, MEXICO/SAN CARLOS

Arrive in Loreto; then transfer to San Carlos, and board your ship.

National Geographic Venture for the entire voyage | Meals: 1D

DAY 2 I BAHÍA ALMEJAS/ISLA MAGDALENA

Awaken anchored in Bahía Almejas, the southernmost part of Bahía Magdalena, where gray whales gather to breed and nurse their young. Glide past a crowded frigatebird colony, and keep your binoculars on hand to spot whales surfacing and spouting. Explore Isla Magdalena’s ever-shifting dunes during a walk to one of the most pristine beaches on the Pacific coast, and spot migrating birds at rest. Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D

DAY 3 I BOCA DE SOLEDAD/ BAHÍA MAGDALENA

Bahía Magdalena is one of the main breeding and calving areas for gray whales. Every year, whales migrate here from the Arctic waters of Alaska. Travel by motorcoach to Boca de Soledad, and into this vast aquatic nursery to spend a full day observing these gentle giants at water level from local pangas. Our extensive experience navigating these waters, and the in-depth knowledge of local guides, maximize the likelihood of close encounters with gray whales and their calves. Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D

DAY 4 I BAHÍA MAGDALENA/PACIFIC COAST

Enjoy an optional morning stretching session on deck with a wellness specialist; then set out to explore the bays, inlets, and coves of the northern reaches of Bahía Magdalena. In the afternoon, cruise through La Entrada, and leave Bahía Magdalena behind. Watch for marine life on deck, listen to talks by experts, or pick up photography tips from your National Geographic Certified Photo Instructor as you travel south along the peninsula’s Pacific coast. Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D

DAY 5 I GORDA BANKS/CABO PULMO NATIONAL MARINE PARK

This morning, you will cruise past the iconic Friars rocks at Land’s End, and arrive at the Gorda Banks seamount, a gathering place for whales, dolphins, and other sea life. Humpbacks are often active here at this time of year, and you may witness them tail-lobbing, flipper-slapping, and breaching. After lunch, snorkel pristine coral reefs in Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, and learn about local initiatives to protect this rich underwater sanctuary.

Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D

DAY 6 I LOS ISLOTES/LA PAZ

In the waters off Los Islotes, you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel, and swim among curious sea lions (conditions permitting). Later, dock in the port of La Paz, and go ashore to gain insight into the history and culture of this colorful coastal city. Stroll the lively waterfront malecón, spot vibrant street art, and savor the aroma of delicious street food. This evening, enjoy a dinner of local cuisine and musical performances, as well as a display of the work of local artisans.

Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D

Day 7 I Gulf Of California

Today, spend time on the lookout for whales, as well as bottlenose and common dolphins; or explore some of the many uninhabited islands in the Gulf of California, such as Isla San Francisco or Isla San José, known for its beaches and arroyos. Birdlife is often plentiful, and the nutrient-rich sea is home to an incredible variety of fish, including angelfish, surgeonfish, butterfly fish, damselfish, and the beautiful parrotfish.

Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D

Day 8 I Loreto

Disembark in Loreto after breakfast. Schedule permitting, explore this seaside town, and visit Loreto Mission—the first Jesuit mission in Baja California. Transfer to the airport to connect with your flight home. Meals: 1B, 1L

Your Expedition Team

A diverse expedition team, including an Expedition Leader and local guides, will accompany this trip.

INFORMATION

This trip is operated in collaboration with Lindblad Expeditions. Dates: This expedition is offered from January through February.

Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and vary by cabin category. Single supplement applies; please see our website. Airfare is not included in the price. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. This itinerary is for informational purposes only, and is subject to change at any time without notice.

Winter Wildlife In Yellowstone

• Explore Yellowstone by heated snow coach, and see Old Faithful without the crowds.

• Meet a wildlife cinematographer, and hear about his career filming for National Geographic.

• Search for bison and elusive wolves against the snowy backdrop of the Lamar Valley.

DAY 1 I BOZEMAN, MONTANA/ MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, WYOMING

Arrive in Bozeman, and travel to the hotel just inside Yellowstone National Park.

Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel | Meals: 1D

DAY 2 I MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS/ LAMAR VALLEY

At Mammoth Hot Springs, stroll the steaming, colorful mineral-spring terraces outlined in snow. Later, head to the open, rolling meadows and wide vistas of the Lamar Valley where wolves were first reintroduced to Yellowstone in 1995. Using a spotting scope, search among herds of elk and bison for coyotes, eagles, and the elusive wolf. Later, a renowned wildlife cinematographer joins us (his schedule permitting) to share stories from his field assignments for National Geographic.

Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel | Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D

6 DAYS FROM $6,695

Signature Land Light/Moderate

MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE: 24

DAY 3 I GRAND CANYON OF THE YELLOWSTONE/OLD FAITHFUL

Travel by private snow coach to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, where winter adds extra magic to an already dramatic landscape. Walk to the rim of the spectacular gorge to see its thundering waterfall and the ice arch that forms from the spray. Continue to Old Faithful to explore a dramatic landscape of erupting geysers, frozen waterfalls, and gem-colored mineral pools. Keep an eye out for wildlife— bison, encrusted in ice, often stand among the pools for warmth.

Old Faithful Snow Lodge | Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D

DAY 4 I OLD FAITHFUL/UPPER GEYSER BASIN

After breakfast, hit the trails on an optional snowshoe or cross-country ski excursion. In the afternoon, head to the Upper Geyser Basin to wander amid the bubbling mud pots and fumaroles, discovering the geological forces behind Yellowstone. After dark, step outside to admire the incredible canopy of stars in the dark skies over the park.

Old Faithful Snow Lodge | Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D

DAY 5 I YELLOWSTONE/ BIG SKY, MONTANA

In the morning, travel by snow coach to visit the whimsical Fountain Paint Pots, and leave the park via the West Yellowstone gate. Travel to Big Sky, Montana, and settle into a comfortable log cabin lodge. In the evening, celebrate your winter adventure in Yellowstone at a farewell dinner.

320 Guest Ranch | Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D

Day 6 I Bozeman

After breakfast, transfer to the airport in Bozeman to catch your flight home.

Meals: 1B

Find details and dates for all our expeditions at natgeoexpeditions.com/wildlife.

YELLOWSTONE AND GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARKS

8 DAYS FROM $5,795

See a different side of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks during the summer months. Discover Yellowstone’s wilderness and geothermal wonders, and venture into magnificent valleys to spot bison, bears, elk, eagles, and coyotes. Then head south to the awesomely jagged peaks of the Teton Range. Visit our website for details.

Maximum Group Size: 25

Drew Rush

Photographer, Educator, Naturalist

Drew Rush is a wildlife and natural history photographer with a passion for following wildlife in national parks around the world. He has a long history of working in and teaching about the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and Grand Tetons region. Find the departure(s) Drew will join on our website.

INFORMATION

Dates: This expedition is offered from December through February.

Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies; please see our website. Airfare is not included in the price. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. This itinerary is for informational purposes only, and is subject to change at any time without notice.

Photography Expeditions: Several of our departures are designated photography expeditions, designed for all skill levels, led by a National Geographic Photography Expert, and limited to 16 travelers.