Meagan Drillinger
Adventure cruising is making waves as one of the top travel trends for 2025, according to the 2025 Virtuoso Luxe Report. Unlike traditional cruises that focus on resort-style amenities and port stops, adventure cruises prioritize immersive experiences in nature, wildlife encounters and active exploration. According to CLIA's 2024 State of the Cruise Industry report, adventure cruising is the fastest growing sector of the tourism industry, with a 71 percent increase in passengers between 2019 and 2023. In Mexico, the best place for this type of travel is the Baja California peninsula, a region rich in marine biodiversity, dramatic desert landscapes and remote coastal beauty.
"The Baja peninsula and the Sea of Cortez offer a great opportunity for adventure cruising," said Ashton Palmer, founder and president of Expedition Trips. "These trips are about getting you off the ship and participating in different activities, whether it's out on the Zodiac or other sports like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding."
Operators including National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions and UnCruise Adventures are leading the charge in offering adventure cruises that showcase Baja's wild side.
Cabo Pulmo National Park
Cabo Pulmo National Park, along the east cape of the Baja peninsula, is home to one of North America's most vibrant coral reefs. National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions offers adventure cruises that enable travelers to snorkel among massive schools of fish, sea turtles and even reef sharks in this protected marine sanctuary. With a focus on conservation and sustainability, these cruises include guided snorkeling and diving excursions led by marine biologists and underwater photographers. The result is an in-depth exploration of a Unesco World Heritage-listed reef that has made an incredible ecological comeback after years of overfishing.
UnCruise options in La Paz
For those seeking an intimate and hands-on adventure, UnCruise Adventures' journeys out of La Paz, Baja California Sur's capital, offer a unique alternative to big-ship cruising. With vessels carrying no more than 80 passengers, these small-group cruises focus on active experiences such as kayaking, paddleboarding and hiking in secluded desert landscapes. One of the highlights of UnCruise's itineraries is the opportunity to swim alongside the gentle giants of the sea: whale sharks. The waters off La Paz are one of the best places in the world to encounter these massive, yet harmless, filter feeders. Additionally, UnCruise emphasizes cultural interactions, often including visits to fishing villages and ranches where guests can learn about the traditional Baja lifestyle.
With Lindblad in Loreto
Further north along the Baja peninsula, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions offers adventure cruises exploring Loreto and the surrounding islands of the Sea of Cortez. This region has an incredible array of marine life, including dolphins, sea lions and blue whales.
"The Sea of Cortez is often referred to as the Galapagos of North America. It's wildlife rich, the climate is wonderful and it's a beautiful wilderness area full of desert and cacti," Palmer said.
Lindblad's small expedition ships provide an ideal platform for wildlife viewing, with onboard naturalists offering expert insights into the region's unique ecosystem. Passengers can participate in excursions such as guided Zodiac tours, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters and hikes through rugged desert terrain. With a strong emphasis on environmental stewardship, these cruises also support conservation initiatives to protect Loreto's delicate marine habitats.
Deep dive into Baja
For travelers seeking an even deeper dive into Baja's natural wonders, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions offers a comprehensive adventure cruise experience. These journeys bring aboard National Geographic photographers, researchers and marine biologists who provide expert guidance throughout the trip. The itineraries cover some of the most remote and pristine areas of Baja, from the Espiritu Santo Archipelago to Magdalena Bay, where guests can witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of gray whale migrations. With a focus on education and exploration, these expeditions offer rare opportunities to engage with marine science and conservation efforts firsthand.
"If people are really wanting to see the gray whales, I would recommend booking 12 months in advance because there are limited departures," Palmer said.
A trend in luxury travel
The rise of adventure cruising aligns with a broader shift in luxury travel. Today's high-end travelers are increasingly seeking experiences that go beyond indulgence, favoring trips that offer meaningful connections with nature and local culture. As reflected in the 2025 Virtuoso Luxe Report's findings, adventure cruising is no longer a niche market but a major trend reshaping the way people explore the world. And Baja California Sur is emerging as a growing destination for travelers looking to combine luxury with adventure.