Baja and the Sea of Cortez: In Search of the Great Whales – with Smithsonian Journeys

A seaside resort located at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico, where the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean come together, Cabo San Lucas has much to offer. Famous for its rock formation emerging from the ocean and its magnificent white sand beaches, the small town also has lively nightlife. Surrounded by charming landscapes, between arid deserts dotted with cacti and spectacular rocky pinnacles, this very popular destination will certainly win you over.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Surrounded by dunes and salt pans, Guerrero Negro offers an unparalleled natural spectacle between the aridity of the desert and the rich marine life. Its bay is a huge expanse of calm and crystal-clear water, providing sanctuary for the grey whales that come here to breed each winter, preserving their ancient migratory cycle, the longest of all mammals. And with good reason, as the survival of the whale calves is always guaranteed by the large quantities of salt that come from Mexico’s largest salt mine and make the density of the water higher, thus enabling the new born calves to rise to the surface.  

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Magdalena Bay, a wild setting on the western coast of Baja California Sur, inspires contemplation. Famous for its protected bay and its exceptional ecosystem, it will fully immerse you in nature, with its landscapes of rare beauty and incomparable tranquillity. Its peaceful waters welcome grey whales and schools of bottlenose dolphins, while the islands of sand sheltered by the bay are home to thousands of birds: cormorants and large pelicans. Finally, you will be captivated by the majestic sand dunes on Magdalena Island. A timeless moment... 

Cabo Pulmo National Park, at the southeastern point of Baja California, is home to one of North America’s oldest coral reefs. This exceptional ecosystem, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a real paradise for diving and snorkelling fans. Its turquoise waters, teeming with marine life, from shoals of trevallies and colourful fish to majestic devil rays, earned this place the recognition of Jacques-Yves Cousteau, who described it as “the world’s most beautiful aquarium” in 1970. It is here that the first Baja California community initiated the protection of its area by creating a national marine park. With the help of scientists and local NGOs, these people have abandoned fishing, which was once their main activity, to embrace eco-tourism and transform the region into a model of marine conservation. 

Bahía de Loreto National Park, a jewel of the Sea of Cortez, is a sanctuary where the horizon dances with the turquoise waters. Its volcanic islands rise up, mysterious, like guardians of a rare biodiversity. Here, bottlenose dolphins play, blue whales glide, and seabirds, such as large pelicans, draw arabesques in the sky. 

In the heart of the Gulf of California, Coronado, the main island of the eponymous archipelago, will delight wilderness fans. Uninhabited and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site among the islands and protected areas of the Gulf of California, the island is home to extremely rich biodiversity. During a snorkelling trip, you’ll be able to admire the exceptional underwater fauna that lives in these turquoise waters: sea lions, sea turtles and multi-coloured fish will provide moving encounters. During a walk with your expedition team, don’t miss out on discovering the ancient volcano buried inland.

Los Islotes are rocky islets located to the south west of the California Bay: the site is famous for sheltering a large colony of California sea lions. Used to humans, these sea lions are not shy and can be easily approached. An excursion on a Zodiac® dinghy will provide you with a fantastic opportunity to admire these playful animals, and you will have the possibility of swimming alongside them: a moving experience.

Located on the shores of the Sea of Cortez, nestling between golden deserts and turquoise waters, La Paz will invite you to escape from it all. In this oasis combining a fascinating past with natural beauty, fall under the spell of Balandra, considered to be Baja California’s most beautiful beach, or admire the stunning scenery during a walk along the Malecon boardwalk. Its turquoise waters shelter abundant marine life and are ideal for swimming or kayaking in the mangrove.

A seaside resort located at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico, where the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean come together, Cabo San Lucas has much to offer. Famous for its rock formation emerging from the ocean and its magnificent white sand beaches, the small town also has lively nightlife. Surrounded by charming landscapes, between arid deserts dotted with cacti and spectacular rocky pinnacles, this very popular destination will certainly win you over.