7 Night Exploring the Gulf of California A Living Sea and Desert Isles Cruise from Loreto

Arrive in Loreto by early afternoon and transfer to National Geographic Venture to set sail at sunset. (D)

As writer and longtime Lindblad naturalist Stewart Aitchison describes it - "The Vermilion Sea-it's a romantic name that conjures up visions of fiery sunsets, leaping dolphins, and deserted beaches". It is all this and so much more. Our routing is designed with flexibility in mind to maximize opportunities for wildlife sightings. It will most likely include the islands and activities listed below, although the order may vary. (B,L,D daily): Isla San Esteban and San Pedro Martir: Walk up a desert wash to search for desert songbirds such as the handsome black-throated sparrow, listen for the cascading song of the canyon wren, and search for the endemic pinto chuckwalla-a plump, harmless desert lizard. Later visit Isla San Pedro Martir, a 1,000-foot-high guano-covered island that is home to thousands of seabirds: brown pelicans, magnificent frigatebirds, Brandt's cormorants, and California sea lions. Isla San Marcos: At Isla San Marcos there is a beautiful shoreline for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. In the afternoon, we are again in rich waters, near the mouth of Bahia Concepcion. Here we are on the lookout for pods of dolphins-with common and bottlenose dolphins being the most frequently encountered species. With luck these beautiful animals may join us as we go, riding the bow wave, sometimes twisting and turning, and sometimes leaping from the water. 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, and visit the abandoned salt works to the west. Snorkel with sea lions and discover rare wildlife among desert islands. Bahia Loreto Marine Park: This morning, we'll search for the waters south of Isla Carmen, an area offering the possibility of encountering fin whales, which researchers have recently concluded may be part a resident population. Bottlenose and common dolphins are frequently encountered. In the afternoon, we visit one of the islands of Bahia Loreto Marine Park, with ample time for kayaking, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, and possibly hiking. In the evening, enjoy a beach barbecue under the desert sky. Los Islotes and Isla San Francisco: At Los Islotes, don flippers, a mask, and snorkel (which will be gladly provided) and swim with curious sea lions. We have a leisurely afternoon to swim, kayak, or hike at Isla San Francisco. Look skyward for yellow-footed gulls, brown pelicans, and blue-footed boobies.

Disembark and explore Loreto, where we will have the opportunity to visit the first mission in Baja California, as well as the nearby museum to learn more about what makes this town so special. Enjoy free time to explore quaint shops and vibrant side streets. After lunch, transfer to Loreto Airport for flights home. (B,L)