PONANT EXPLORATIONS has announced a new itinerary in Baja California, Mexico for winter 2027. Three years of development in partnership with local communities delivers a unique 10-night journey—Exploration in the Heart of Baja California—that will offer discerning travelers an immersive experience in a fascinating, eco-rich region where nature and culture exist in perfect harmony.
From January through March, the 184-guest Le Bellot will offer four round-trip departures from Cabo San Lucas including one operated in alliance with Smithsonian Journeys. The highly-curated voyages spotlight the advancements of Cabo Pulmo locals who have embraced eco-tourism to evolve the region into a model of marine conservation alongside the natural wonders of the Baja California Peninsula—from extraordinary marine life to the coral reefs that inhabit the UNESCO-designated Gulf of California, renowned by Jacques Cousteau as “The World’s Aquarium.”
“From awe-inspiring wildlife encounters with whales and sea lions to the rugged beauty of desert canyons and the charm of small coastal towns, our new Baja California itinerary is shaped by respect—both for the environment and the local communities who helped bring it to life,” said Samuel Chamberlain, CEO of PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP, Americas. “Rooted in exploration, education, and cultural immersion, and delivered with the refined French flair and service that define the PONANT EXPLORATIONS experience, the journey offers stunning biodiversity and rich heritage in an intriguing destination close to home. Just a short flight away, it’s the perfect exploration for travelers in the Americas seeking something extraordinary.”
Voyage in Alliance with Smithsonian Journeys - February 10-20, 2027
Unique among these voyages is a singular Baja and the Sea of Cortez: In Search of the Great Whales with Smithsonian Journeys departing on February 10, 2027. With the added benefit of having two Smithsonian Journeys Experts aboard, guests on this voyage will enjoy engaging conversations during an onboard lecture series that explores the region’s history, culture, environment, and wildlife. The voyage is part of PONANT EXPLORATIONS’ esteemed alliance with Smithsonian Journeys—the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution—offering intellectually enriching insight on voyages designed for English-speaking travelers. All voyages in collaboration with Smithsonian Journeys feature a curated excursion and/or activity included at each port of call as well as airport transfers on embarkation and disembarkation days for a seamless experience.
Wildlife encounters will be a defining feature on all four of the Baja California voyages. Guests may witness gray, blue, and humpback whales, orcas, bottlenose dolphins, sea lions, pelicans, and graceful mobula devil rays in their natural habitat. Shore landings led by the line’s naturalist team will grant access to pristine areas untouched by development, while visits to coastal towns like Loreto offer cultural immersion and local flavor. The itinerary will also feature a visit to Guerrero Negro offering a high-impact whale experience* that no other cruise line operates.
Designed to suit both leisure and adventure travelers, the itinerary includes options for snorkeling and scuba diving (wetsuits provided), and canyon hiking, to showcase the region’s striking biodiversity and natural landscapes.
Co-Developed with Local Communities
" When designing itineraries, the priority is to place local communities and the environment at the heart of each journey. Creating an itinerary in Baja California was a challenge for my team and me. We have a huge responsibility to share this exceptional environment, to pass it on to future generations, and to show that we are worthy of the trust placed in us by the people who live there. What I experienced there compares to no other experience: it's the powerful feeling of being truly alive, connected to nature, and that's what our guests will discover." ~ José Sarica, Director of Research & Development Expedition Experience, PONANT EXPLORATIONS
Between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez, ‘Baja California’ invites exploration of a world apart, where rolling dunes, clear turquoise waters, green lines of mangroves, and coral reefs shape a landscape both wild and sublime. A true maritime sanctuary, the region reveals its secrets in winter with the majestic dance of ocean giants who come here to reproduce.
Long threatened by intensive fishing in the 1970s and 1980s, the Sea of Cortez has gradually regained balance thanks to the commitment of local communities. Former fishermen, now stewards of conservation, spearheaded the creation of protected areas, leading to the establishment of several national parks. A renewed dialogue between humans and nature ensued—one that the PONANT EXPLORATIONS team set out to witness firsthand in the field.
By drawing on local communities and their logistical resources for most of the visits and activities offered to guests, PONANT EXPLORATIONS will take part in a positive momentum toward building effective partnerships between authorities, the private sector, and civil society. These partnerships must be inclusive, founded on shared principles and values, and place both people and the planet at the heart of their priorities.
A Complete Experience, Blending Active Exploration with Timeless Discovery
It was in the unspoiled setting of the Baja California Peninsula that José Sarica and his team conducted a scouting trip last January in search of a future itinerary. In the stillness of a quiet lagoon, they witnessed a scene of striking beauty—an intimate encounter with a gray whale and her calf. From this rare and moving moment came the inspiration to share with guests the full intensity of these experiences when nature unveils its grandeur—in an unspoiled, temperate environment, far removed from typical seaside settings.
Watch the scouting trip documentary here for a deeper understanding of the region and PONANT EXPLORATIONS’ philosophy of meaningful, transformative travel.
A Strict Biosafety Protocol to Respect the Environment
To honor the trust placed by local communities, PONANT EXPLORATIONS implements a *biosecurity protocol tailored to the region. For example, before any interaction with whales, hands must be washed with disinfectant soap. The sunscreen used for diving and swimming is formulated to be environmentally safe.
Departures for the new Baja California itinerary include: January 31, February 20, and March 2, 2027 and February 10, 2027 for the Smithsonian Journeys voyage.
