- Day 1 : Depart U.S. | Arrive in Loreto, Mexico for San Carlos | Embarkation
- Day 2 : Bahía Almejas | Rehusa Channel | Isla Magdalena
- Day 3 : Transit the Hull Canal | Boca De Soledad
- Day 4 : Boca de Soledad
- Day 5 : Boca de Soledad
- Day 6 : San Carlos | Disembark | Loreto | Depart for U.S.
Connect With Us
Douglass Payne
Senior Coordinator of Alumni Education and Travel-
Phone Number
919-962-0313 -
Contact Via
douglass_payne@unc.edu
Catherine Nichols
Senior Coordinator of Faculty Relations and Travel-
Phone Number
919-962-3574 -
Contact Via
catherine_nichols@unc.edu
Audrey Liles
Coordinator of Alumni Enrichment-
Phone Number
919-962-7053 -
Contact Via
audrey_liles@unc.edu
2025 Wild Baja California Escape: The Whales of Magdalena Bay
Jan. 26 – 31, 2025 – Waitlist only (Join the waitlist here.)
Tour Operator: Lindblad Expeditions
Price: From $3,481 (Airfare Additional)
Tour Length: 6 days
View brochure (PDF)
Spend six extraordinary days in the company of majestic gray whales, on this compact expedition. This is not an ordinary whale-watching experience, as we will literally anchor among the whales in Bahía Magdalena, where mothers and calves relax and play after the longest mammal migration on earth. We’ll see and perhaps hear them around the ship and venture out in Zodiacs or pangas for exhilarating up-close encounters. We will visit multiple sites in this 70-mile-long bay to maximize our opportunities for interactions.
While whales may be the highlight of your voyage, this area is home to so much more. Explore intricate mangroves by kayak in the narrow channels of the Hull Canal. Fat-tire bike along remote beaches (we have a fleet of bikes aboard). Beachcomb endless crescents of sand, studded with thousands of sand dollars on Isla Magdalena. And revel in the vastness and serenity as you view the many species of birds, including magnificent frigatebirds and diving brown pelicans, in this world-renowned region. Throughout the voyage, we’ll choose from our favorite locations to hike in small groups and kayak peaceful shorelines, engaging with the region in the most immersive, educational, and fun way possible.
The National Geographic Sea Bird is ideal for exploring Magdalena Bay. Intimate and inviting, her scale fosters a rewarding sense of community and esprit de corps, accommodating just 62 guests in 31 outside cabins.
Our expert expedition team will illuminate the wonders of the region from every possible angle. Your expedition leader, undersea specialist, a Lindblad Expeditions – National Geographic certified photo instructor and wellness specialist, are dedicated to ensuring an incredible voyage. You will learn about the desert ecosystems, seabird migrations, and whale behavior from our experienced naturalists. And you’re sure to capture your best photos ever, learning from the photo instructor on board.
Schedule of Events
Eligibility
We offer the Tar Heel Travel program as a service to our alumni and friends of the University. As travel is a Carolina Alumni member perk, we require one traveler per room to be a Carolina Alumni member in order to be eligible to travel. For more information or to join, contact the membership office at (800) 962-0742 or become a Carolina Alumni member online.
Mobility Information
You should be in good physical condition to enjoy your tour to its fullest.
Our trips involve a considerable amount of daily standing and walking, up hills or stairs, and on uneven or cobblestone streets. Typical distances are between 2-4 miles per day, unassisted. Some tours have excursions in high altitudes, very early morning departures and/or excursions involving Zodiacs and/or floating docks.
Please contact the tour operator directly with concerns specific to your tour and your needs. For highly active tours, you may wish to speak with your doctor.
Additional Information
Note: Tour schedule is subject to change due to local conditions. Many excursions in this program involve an element of walking as some of the finest attractions are located in areas not closely accessible by motorcoach.
Join Tar Heel Travel’s listserv, and don’t forget to connect with Tar Heel Travel on Facebook and Twitter.
All prices and itineraries (including port order) are tentative and subject to change; final pricing adjustments may occur after the release of marketing materials.