A new PONANT EXPLORATIONS voyage through Baja California, Mexico in the winter of 2027 comes on the back of three years of meticulous planning, according to the cruise line.

The 11-day Exploration in the Heart of Baja California itinerary has been developed by the company’s Product Research & Development team after an intensive scouting mission with the aim of offering guests an unparalleled encounter with nature in one of the world’s most biodiverse marine sanctuaries.

“Creating an itinerary in Baja California was a challenge for me,” Director of R&D Expedition Experience Jose Sarica said.. “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.”

The trip will operate round-trip from Cabo San Lucas, with departures aboard Le Bellot on 31 January, 20 February, and 2 March 2027. Prices start from AU$10,950 per person.

The Sea of Cortez, famously dubbed “this world’s largest aquarium” by Jacques Cousteau, sets the scene for this voyage with wildlife watching central to the journey.

Guests may witness grey whales, bottlenose dolphins, pelicans, Californian sea lions, mobula rays, blue whales, humpbacks, and orcas. Guided landings by the naturalist team will grant access to untouched areas and allow exploration of small Mexican towns like Loreto, enriching the cultural dimension of the trip.Activities will include snorkelling, scuba diving, and canyon hiking, with equipment suited for the cool water temperatures of the season.

Community collaboration is also an important part of the expedition, with former fisherman now acting as stewards of conservation in the area, spearheading the creation of protected areas.

With strict biosafety protocols in place — including mandatory disinfectant handwashing before whale encounters and eco-friendly sunscreen use — PONANT aims to ensure minimal environmental impact while fostering meaningful connections between people and nature.