Baja California

April 7 – 17, 2026

Featuring Dr. Keila Dhondt, Senior Lecturer, Dept. of Microbiology &
Immunology and Dept. of Biomedical Sciences

Aboard the 50-cabin National Geographic Venture
Produced by CAU in partnership with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions

To Register: Phone: 833-985-1261 |  Email: groups@expeditions.com
(Be sure to identify yourself as a member of the CAU/Cornell group!)

Download the Brochure:

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A study tour with an exploratory spirit

  • A sea lion in Baja California

    Delve into the wonders of Baja California on an epic voyage from the peninsula’s rugged Pacific coastline across the pristine Gulf of California—called “the world’s aquarium” by Jacques Cousteau. Experience the thrill of exploration determined by nature as you track marine life from aboard the National Geographic Venture. 

Tour details

  • The National Geographic Venture
    See rates

    Because cruise pricing can be complex and varies by cabin type, we encourage you to download the brochure and refer to page 7 for a detailed overview of available options and rates.

  • Download the brochure

    More details including rates and ship information is available when you download the brochure.

    Download
  • The world's best sunsets

    Onboard the National Geographic Venture, delight in state-of-the-art facilities and a fitness center, meals featuring sustainable and local choices, and observation decks and sundecks that highlight the best of Baja California's stunning scenery, including at the sunset hour.

Your faculty leader

  • Keila Dhondt is a Senior Lecturer at Cornell University, a veterinarian, enthusiastic educator, and Faculty Fellow with the Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future. She holds appointments in the Departments of Microbiology & Immunology and Biomedical Sciences, where she teaches core veterinary and undergraduate courses—including histology, biomedical terminology, physiology, and microbiology labs—while mentoring students with a strong commitment to inclusion and scientific curiosity.

    Her teaching also extends into the field of wildlife conservation, where she helps students explore the vital connections between animal health and environmental change. Keila is passionate about bridging classroom learning with real-world science and fostering an inspiring environment for future veterinarians and health professionals.

    As a researcher, Keila focuses on infectious diseases in wild birds. Her current projects examine avian blood parasites in Arctic Gyrfalcons and the role of climate change in shaping disease dynamics. She also conducts research on avian influenza, studying its transmission in wild populations to better understand ecological and public health threats.

    Keila wowed CAU Summer students with her amazing course "Wild Birds and Humans" and is excited to lead participants on this Study Tour.

Transform your travel with CAU

  • Study tour group
    Your study group

    CAU Study Tours bring you the chance to learn on location in some of the most remote parts of the world. This is a shared departure with peer institutions. Alumni, families, and friends are welcome! Lectures are open to all on board.

  • Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Baja California
    UNESCO World Heritage sites

    You'll have the chance to visit multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites and snorkel in the crystalline waters of protected marine reserves, such as those off of Isla Espíritu Santo. Take in the volcanic rock formations and scenic beaches, and behold beautiful coral reefs.

  • Your ship

    The National Geographic Venture is a state-of-the-art expedition ship ideal for discovering remote locations. With design innovations informed by 50+ years of expedition expertise, this ship features dual boarding platforms, allowing guests to maximize exploring time. With modern, clean-lined details and large expanses of glass, National Geographic Venture enables you to see, do, and experience the best of her geographies.

Turn travel into learning

  • A bird on the sand in Baja California
    Educational expedition

    From a visit to the first mission of Baja California to a stroll through the copper mining town of Santa Rosalía, you'll discover the history of this remarkable desert landscape. Through marine safaris and adventures by paddleboard, explore the diverse wildlife, from dolphins to Heermann's gulls. Pay homage to this extraordinary corner of the world by learning about active research and conservation efforts.

  • A Zodiac cruise in Baja California
    An expert-led voyage

    In addition to your study tour leader, accompanying each expedition is a team of experts—from naturalists to regional specialists—who will share their knowledge and insights into the wildlife, landscape and local culture.

  • San Jose Del Cabo
    Optional post-trip extension

    If you want to see even more of this remarkable region, join National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions on a three-day, two-night culture and cuisine extension exploring La Paz, Todos Santos, and San José del Cabo.

  • Costa's hummingbird, Calypte costae
    Protecting fragile ecosystems

    National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions offsets 100% of their carbon emissions and are guided by their commitment to exploring responsibly. Their ship fleet is free of guest-facing single-use plastic bottles, cups, straws, and stirrers. Only the most sustainable seafood options are served. With each ship harnessing the power of citizen science as explorers study our planet, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions voyages are sustainability and conservation education experiences.

Your experience, day-by-day

  • Humpback Whale
    Day 1: SAN JOSÉ DEL CABO/LA PAZ/Embark Ship

    Arrive in San José del Cabo by early afternoon. Transfer to La Paz and embark the National Geographic Venture in the evening and begin your journey.

    (Meals included: Dinner)

  • Day 2 - 4: EXPLORING SOUTHERN GULF ISLANDS

    The journey begins in the southern Gulf of California. These islands and waters are celebrated for their conservation stories, marine life and the many thrilling experiences on offer. Below is a sampling of places you may visit.

    • CABO PULMO NATIONAL MARINE PARK: Snorkel the pristine reefs of Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, one of the most successful marine parks in the world. Chat with locals about their advocacy to protect this unique place, including a cessation of fishing to protect the reef.
    • ISLA ESPÍRITU SANTO: A national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, this magical volcanic island offers excellent hiking opportunities and crystal-clear waters for snorkeling. It’s also a popular destination for researchers monitoring sea turtles.
    • LOS ISLOTES: Located at the northern tip of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Los Islotes is home to a large colony of sea lions. Conditions permitting, we’ll anchor off the rocky island and don flippers, a mask and a snorkel to swim with these curious creatures.
    • ISLA SAN JOSÉ: One of the larger islands in the Gulf of California, San José offers several landing possibilities depending on conditions. Photograph the ochre cliffs of the island’s eastern shore; hike an enchanted, cactus-laden arroyo; or visit the abandoned salt works.

    (Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner daily)

  • Seashells in Baja California
    Day 5 - 7: EXPLORING THE MIDRIFF ISLANDS/BAHÍA LORETO MARINE PARK

    The islands of the Midriff region in the northern Gulf of California are favorites among the naturalists for their remoteness and exceptional wildlife. A sampling of possible anchorages is listed below.

    • ISLA SAN PEDRO MÁRTIR: This 1,000-foot-high island is home to the world’s largest nesting colonies of bluefooted and brown boobies. The surrounding waters boast 14 species of marine mammals, including fin whales, Bryde’s whales and a resident group of sperm whales.
    • ISLA SAN ESTEBAN: Featuring volcanic slopes and cliffs, Isla San Esteban is home to spiny-tailed iguana and chuckwallas, cohabitant lizards with fascinating evolutionary traits. As you hike an arroyo, keep an eye out for the spiny-tailed iguana feeding on flowers atop cardon cacti, and the chuckwalla dining on low-lying plants.
    • ISLA RASA: This tiny uninhabited island is crucial to the survival of two species of seabirds; 95 percent of the world’s Heermann’s gulls and elegant terns use it as their nesting grounds, creating a cacophonous, avian spectacle seen nowhere else on Earth.
    • BAHÍA LORETO MARINE PARK: This protected area offers a variety of pristine landscapes and a plethora of marine life. Search for bottlenose and common dolphins, with the possibility of encountering fin whales, which researchers have recently concluded may be part of a resident population.

    (Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner daily)

  • Day 8: BAHÍA DE LOS ÁNGELES

    Get active this morning with options to hike, kayak, swim, snorkel, or beachcomb within the Bahía de los Ángeles Biosphere Reserve. Board Zodiacs to seek out this protected reserve’s diverse marine population, including endangered species such as fin whales, California sea lions, and five species of sea turtles. Whale sharks have also historically been known to populate these waters. Later, enjoy a rare opportunity to see one of the strangest plants on earth, the Boojum tree. Sacred to indigenous people, and believed to have supernatural powers, this evolutionary oddity takes its name from a Lewis Carroll poem. Capture the experience with help from your Certified Photography Instructor.

    (Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

  • Succulent desert flower Baja California
    Days 9: SANTA ROSALÍA/CRUISING

    Disembark in Santa Rosalía, established as a French copper mining town in 1884. The French influence remains in the architecture—including a steel church designed by Gustave Eiffel and the mining facilities are intact, with old locomotives and machinery still visible. Tour the city, stopping at a world-famous French bakery for a treat.

    (Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

  • Long-beaked Common Dolphins (Delphinus capensis)
    Days 10: BAHÍA CONCEPCIÓN

    Bahía Concepción is one of the largest bays of the Baja California peninsula, with over 50 miles of beaches. Board Zodiacs in search of whale sharks and other marine life, kayak through lush mangrove systems and snorkel in turquoise waters. On land, join an invigorating hike among towering cacti or stroll the pristine beaches and learn about the ecology from our naturalists.

    (Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

  • Brown Pelican colony
    Day 11: LORETO/DISEMBARK

    Disembark in Loreto after breakfast and transfer to the airport for flights home. In the airport, as you begin to sort through the amazing photos you took, explore our upcoming trips to find your next departure.

    (Meals included: Breakfast)

Register now

  • Spiny-tailed iguana, Ctenosaura conspicuosa
    Baja California

    To reserve your space, contact CAU partner Lindblad Expeditions
    Phone: 833-985-1261 |  Email: groups@expeditions.com
    (Be sure to identify yourself as a member of the CAU/Cornell group!)

    Download the brochure

    Download

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