Exploring the Sea of Cortez: A Living Sea & Desert Isles

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8 days from

£4768.5

* Current p/p indicative rate.

Overview
Highlights
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Itinerary
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Highlights

  • Search for large pods of dolphins and a variety of marine wildlife including sea lions and, with luck, leaping mobula rays, which flap for a moment before belly-flopping back in the water
  • Explore water-level caves by kayak, hike uninhabited beaches, and snorkel among fish and acrobatic sea lions
  • Photograph the landscape as the light changes and the golden hour approaches, with its deep red hues that seem to engulf the desert environment
  • Conditions permitting, visit Isla Rasa. Composed of Pleistocene and Holocene basalt lava flows, this is where 90 percent of the world’s Heermann’s gulls and a large population of elegant terns come to breed
  • Visit the old mining town of Santa Rosalia, with its wooden homes and historic steel church, designed by Gustave Eiffel

Highlights

  • Search for large pods of dolphins and a variety of marine wildlife including sea lions and, with luck, leaping mobula rays, which flap for a moment before belly-flopping back in the water
  • Explore water-level caves by kayak, hike uninhabited beaches, and snorkel among fish and acrobatic sea lions
  • Photograph the landscape as the light changes and the golden hour approaches, with its deep red hues that seem to engulf the desert environment
  • Conditions permitting, visit Isla Rasa. Composed of Pleistocene and Holocene basalt lava flows, this is where 90 percent of the world’s Heermann’s gulls and a large population of elegant terns come to breed
  • Visit the old mining town of Santa Rosalia, with its wooden homes and historic steel church, designed by Gustave Eiffel
Capacity: 102

Designated by UNESCO as a marine world heritage site and dubbed “the world’s aquarium” by Jacques Cousteau, the waters and islands of the Sea of Cortez are places of legendary biodiversity. This is an expedition of pure discovery, sailing to islands that lie in close proximity to the peninsula but have a palpable feel of rugged isolation. This geographic isolation is the major contributing factor to the long list of endemic plants and animals. And the seas, roiling with productivity, beckon whales—this is, arguably, the best time and place in the world to see a vast variety of whale species plus massive pods of dolphins, leaping Mobula rays, and seabirds.

  • Search for large pods of dolphins and a variety of marine wildlife including sea lions and, with luck, leaping mobula rays, which flap for a moment before belly-flopping back in the water
  • Explore water-level caves by kayak, hike uninhabited beaches, and snorkel among fish and acrobatic sea lions
  • Photograph the landscape as the light changes and the golden hour approaches, with its deep red hues that seem to engulf the desert environment
  • Conditions permitting, visit Isla Rasa. Composed of Pleistocene and Holocene basalt lava flows, this is where 90 percent of the world’s Heermann’s gulls and a large population of elegant terns come to breed
  • Visit the old mining town of Santa Rosalia, with its wooden homes and historic steel church, designed by Gustave Eiffel
14 December, 2024 to 21 December, 2024 on National Geographic Venture
Prices

Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or [email protected]) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.

Category 4
£ 6349 GBP pp
Category 4
Cat 4 #207-229 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, sliding glass door and small, private balcony. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 5 Suite
£ 7002 GBP pp
Category 5 Suite
Observation Deck #101-108 (Suite) Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, large view windows, an expanded bathroom, writing desk, ample storage space, and a convertible sofa bed to accommodate a third person. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 2
£ 5375 GBP pp
Category 2
Cat 2 #307-315 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 3
£ 5737 GBP pp
Category 3
Cat 3 #201-206 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and a large view window. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 1
£ 4768 GBP pp
Category 1
Cat 1 #301-306 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
21 December, 2024 to 28 December, 2024 on National Geographic Venture
Prices

Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or [email protected]) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.

Category 5 Suite
£ 7216 GBP pp
Category 5 Suite
Observation Deck #101-108 (Suite) Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, large view windows, an expanded bathroom, writing desk, ample storage space, and a convertible sofa bed to accommodate a third person. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 4
£ 6538 GBP pp
Category 4
Cat 4 #207-229 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, sliding glass door and small, private balcony. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 3
£ 5910 GBP pp
Category 3
Cat 3 #201-206 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and a large view window. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 2
£ 5528 GBP pp
Category 2
Cat 2 #307-315 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 1
£ 4941 GBP pp
Category 1
Cat 1 #301-306 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
28 December, 2024 to 04 January, 2025 on National Geographic Venture
Prices

Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or [email protected]) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.

Category 4
£ 6538 GBP pp
Category 4
Cat 4 #207-229 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, sliding glass door and small, private balcony. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 3
£ 5910 GBP pp
Category 3
Cat 3 #201-206 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and a large view window. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 1
£ 4941 GBP pp
Category 1
Cat 1 #301-306 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 2
£ 5528 GBP pp
Category 2
Cat 2 #307-315 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 5 Suite
£ 7216 GBP pp
Category 5 Suite
Observation Deck #101-108 (Suite) Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, large view windows, an expanded bathroom, writing desk, ample storage space, and a convertible sofa bed to accommodate a third person. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
13 December, 2025 to 20 December, 2025 on National Geographic Venture
Prices

Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or [email protected]) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.

Category 3
£ 6623 GBP pp
Category 3
Cat 3 #201-206 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and a large view window. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 1
£ 5504 GBP pp
Category 1
Cat 1 #301-306 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 5 Suite
£ 8080 GBP pp
Category 5 Suite
Observation Deck #101-108 (Suite) Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, large view windows, an expanded bathroom, writing desk, ample storage space, and a convertible sofa bed to accommodate a third person. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 2
£ 6204 GBP pp
Category 2
Cat 2 #307-315 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 4
£ 7330 GBP pp
Category 4
Cat 4 #207-229 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, sliding glass door and small, private balcony. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
20 December, 2025 to 27 December, 2025 on National Geographic Venture
Prices

Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or [email protected]) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.

Category 5 Suite
£ 7440 GBP pp
Category 5 Suite
Observation Deck #101-108 (Suite) Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, large view windows, an expanded bathroom, writing desk, ample storage space, and a convertible sofa bed to accommodate a third person. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 2
£ 5696 GBP pp
Category 2
Cat 2 #307-315 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 3
£ 6089 GBP pp
Category 3
Cat 3 #201-206 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and a large view window. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 4
£ 6737 GBP pp
Category 4
Cat 4 #207-229 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, sliding glass door and small, private balcony. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
27 December, 2025 to 03 January, 2026 on National Geographic Venture
Prices

Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or [email protected]) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.

Category 3
£ 6089 GBP pp
Category 3
Cat 3 #201-206 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and a large view window. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 1
£ 5094 GBP pp
Category 1
Cat 1 #301-306 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 5 Suite
£ 7440 GBP pp
Category 5 Suite
Observation Deck #101-108 (Suite) Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, large view windows, an expanded bathroom, writing desk, ample storage space, and a convertible sofa bed to accommodate a third person. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 2
£ 5696 GBP pp
Category 2
Cat 2 #307-315 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 4
£ 6737 GBP pp
Category 4
Cat 4 #207-229 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, sliding glass door and small, private balcony. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
show reverse itinerary
DAY 1: Home / Loreto / Embark
Arrive into Loreto and transfer to National Geographic Venture to set sail on the Sea of Cortez. (D)
DAY 2-7: Exploring the Sea of Cortez
As writer and longtime Lindblad naturalist Stewart Aitchison describes it - “The Sea of Cortez—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 Mártir: 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 Mártir, 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 Bahía Concepción. 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 José: One of the larger islands in the Sea of Cortez, San José 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. Bahía 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 Bahía 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 we’ll gladly provide) 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 bluefooted boobies.
DAY 8: Disembark / Loreto / Home
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)
Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.
National Geographic Venture
Launched 2018 Designed with over 50 years of expedition heritage, National Geographic Venture is able to explore the same remote locations as National Geographic have sought out for decades while se…

National Geographic Venture

Launched 2018

Designed with over 50 years of expedition heritage, National Geographic Venture is able to explore the same remote locations as National Geographic have sought out for decades while setting a new standard in comfort and style.  She will follow National Geographic Quest in featuring step-out balconies (available in 22 of the 50 spacious cabins), plus 6 sets of connecting cabins for families and groups; a Sun Deck bar, and a designated mudroom for expedition gear.  

Comfortably accommodating 100 guests, Venture has a shallow draft depth, allowing us to navigate the same inner reaches and provide the same intimate experiences of the charismatic regions we explore. Her twin expedition craft landing platforms allow you to get on and off the ship quickly to take advantage of wildlife sightings and to ensure we maximize our time off the ship exploring. Designed with decades of expedition experience in the region, the purpose-built vessel also features open decks, generous windows, and specialty tools for exploration—the ideal platform for sailing into the fast-moving channels and shallow coves of Alaska and the Pacific Northwest and for exploring the tropical waterways of Central America.

Remotely Operated VehicleCapable of reaching 1,000 feet, far beyond the range of any Scuba diver, the ROV allows you to literally view parts of the undersea that are as unexplored as the moon. Chances are you, like many of our guests, will be struck by how surprisingly colorful undersea life is in these unlikely places. And this glimpse may fundamentally change how you view the ocean.

KayaksNational Geographic Venture is equipped with 24 two-person kayaks—a fleet large enough to ensure everyone who wants to can paddle at every opportunity.

Consequently, prior kayaking experience isn’t necessary—many of our guests have their first kayaking experience in extraordinary locations. Our custom-designed floating platform lets us deploy kayaks from the ship, or any location we want—including far from shore. Kayakers are usually free to explore where they want within boundaries set by the undersea specialist and officer of the watch.

Underwater cameraOur undersea specialist will dive often during your expedition, even in Alaska, with cold-water gear, to shoot high-definition, Cousteau-like footage of the deep. Colorful nudibranchs, swimming, plant-like crinoids, and mysterious fish with antifreeze blood that thrive in the frigid sea will give you an entirely new appreciation of the marine environment.

Video microscopeNaturalists will use the video microscope to help explain all elements of the environment, including tiny organisms that are the building block of the marine ecosystem. Spellbinding live views of krill at 80x magnification fills the high-definition screens in the lounge with vivid detail, and fills every onlooker with a sense of wonder at the importance of otherwise unobservable creatures.

HydrophoneThis underwater microphone is deployed to listen to the vocalizations of marine mammals. Real time transmissions of their eerie, haunting sounds can be broadcast through the ship or recorded for later playback. Few experiences in nature are as captivating as watching humpback whales feed close to the ship as their vocalizations play through the ship’s PA system.

Electronic chartsAn electronic chart showing the ship’s location, course, and speed is almost always on display in the lounge.

Open bridgeYou’ll find our captains are engaged, knowledgeable members of your expedition who are eager to share their passion with you. Venture’s open bridge features comfortable spaces to sit, enjoy the view, drink your morning coffee, or simply chat with the officers.

Snorkeling gear & wetsuitsOn warm weather itineraries where there will be snorkeling, you’ll select a mask, snorkel, fins, and wetsuit that remain yours for the duration of the expedition. There’s no need to pack and tote your own gear, although guests who prefer to are welcome to bring their own.

Cabin layout for National Geographic Venture
Overview
Highlights
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Map
Ship

8 days from £4768.5

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