Smithsonian Journeys Dispatches

Photo: Desert Sunset in Baja California


The beautiful desert landscape of Baja California with our expedition ship in the background. Photo: Ralph Lee Hopkins

The beautiful desert landscape of Baja California with our expedition ship in the background. Photo: Ralph Lee Hopkins

Each winter, one of the world’s most exciting wildlife phenomena takes place in the bays and lagoons of Baja California’s Pacific Coast—gray whales arrive by the thousands to breed, give birth, and nurture their young. Follow their migration to the warm and sunny climate of Baja to cruise aboard the 62-guest expedition ship, National Geographic Sea Bird. This small ship is ideal for exploring this remarkable region and can easily maneuver to follow whales or a school of playful dolphins. Although the whales are a highlight of the journey, there is so much more. Awake to a desert-hued sunrise, savor a beach barbecue as stars move across the night sky, snorkel among playful sea lions, and kayak through crystalline waters.

Click here to learn more about staff member Jessica Engler's trip to Baja California.

Click here to view more small-ship expeditions.