Trip Highlights: The perfect sun
break exploring the Sea of Cortez onboard a luxury yacht with wonderful
cuisine. Included: snorkelling with sea lions, laser sail boat, sea
kayaks & water skis.
Rates: $6,995 - $8,395
Ship Name: Safari Spirit
Motor Yacht
Passengers: 12
Introduction
Baja California, a seemingly sparse, burning desert
region, is not what it seems. Here along the Sea of Cortéz, the desert
becomes an ocean of wonder. Plant species alone number close to 3,000,
and bird-life is rich and varied, from migrating terns to comical
boobies. Marvel at the wealth of marine life like elephant seals,
California sea lions, hundreds of fish species, dolphins, and whales.
Whether you're kayaking, sailing, or cruising above water, or swimming
and snorkelling below, you will wander and weave your way through one of
Mexico's most treasured, unspoiled areas.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Loreto, boarding
Welcome to Baja California Sur! You are met at the airport and taken
on a tour of the local area before boarding the Safari Quest. Step out
on deck with your fellow travellers, champagne in hand, to toast the
brilliant Baja sunset before dinner. Anchor in a quiet cove this
evening.
Day 2: Whales and Dolphins
Join the Expedition Leader for an introduction to the whales of the Sea
of Cortes while the Captain and crew keep their eyes open for spouts.
Spend your first day on the water in search of marine mammals of many
kinds before dropping anchor in a beautiful cove along the shores of the
Baja Peninsula. Take the inflatable launch to shore for an evening
stroll on the beach, then enjoy a wonderful dinner back on board the
Safari Quest.
Day 3: Trail Rides and Water Activities
After breakfast, meet a local ranchero for an included trail ride into
the arroyos and mountains of the Baja peninsula. Take in stunning views
of the mountains and sea before returning to the tiny village on the
beach where you spend some unhurried time with local artisans and
fishermen. During lunch continue your cruise, stopping later in a remote
cove to swim, sail, or kayak before calling it a day.
Day 4: The Nature of the Sea of Cortés
Exploration
In order to
get the maximum benefit from visiting this spectacular area, you'll
focus on the protected biosphere's flora and fauna. Join the Captain on
the bridge as you search for pods of dolphins and and other marine
mammals including whales as they spout and dive in the surrounding
waters. Keep your binoculars close at hand to spot blue-footed boobies,
pelicans, cormorants and an array of gulls. If conditions permit, you'll
drop anchor in a remote cove for snorkelling, kayaking and beachcombing.
Day 5: Bahia Agua Verde Mule Ride
This morning search for whales and dolphins around
Isla Carmen. Then you’ll enter Bahia Agua Verde, whose green, clear
waters are bordered by craggy peaks. For a true taste of adventure, join
your yacht mates on a mule trail ride into the arroyos of the peninsula.
Converse with a local Ranchero and his family while you explore canyons,
enjoy scenic vistas and experience the breathtaking sights of the “real
Baja.
Day 6: Isla Coyote (Isla San Jose)
Step ashore on the only permanently inhabited
island in the Sea of Cortes. The islet is only about 200 yards in
diameter and it is the home of about twenty members of the Cuevas
family. The tiny village community consists of about ten buildings that
include homes for different branches of the family, a small chapel, and
a one-room schoolhouse with two desks and a chalkboard. A unique aspect
beyond the weathered structures is a whale bone yard where enormous
vertebrae are scattered piecemeal for an up-close investigation. During
your visit enjoy conversations with this remarkable group of people who
make their living as fishermen “in the middle of nowhere.” Later, you’ll
experience a guided hike among a forest of the world’s tallest cactus,
the cardón. And view a mangrove-lined lagoon that borders gentle, white
sand dunes and untracked beaches. Paddle with your Expedition Leader
through the narrow lagoon for a closer look at these tenacious trees of
the sea. This evening you'll anchor in a pristine bay.
Day 7: Los Islotes
At Isla San Francisco enjoy a guided hike along a
hook-shaped ridge, or perhaps kayak or snorkel in the protected
crystalline waters. Just north of Isla Partida you’ll pull close to Los
Islotes, a steep rocky outcropping leaping straight from the sea.
Observe a sea lion colony from the yacht and launch, or slip into a
wetsuit to snorkel with agile young sea lions. Swim through a rock arch
where orange fan and white fire coral sway in the current, while high
overhead, brown and blue-footed boobies perch on the cliffs. Later,
you'll cruise to Isla Espiritu Santo to enjoy a guided hike along a
colorful desert ridge. After dinner, you will recap your weeklong
journey through the Sea of Cortés with your fellow travelers during a
special farewell dinner followed by a slideshow of the shared
experiences.
Day 8: Disembark La Paz
After breakfast, you transfer to the airport for
connections home is included. You may have time for a stroll along the
extensive beachfront promenade here in Baja’s most traditional city.
Notes:
Included:
Meet/greet services and
transfers; exclusive shore excursions; all meals aboard; premium wine,
beer and liquor; kayaking and small-boat exploration; onboard
professional naturalist or guide; all taxes, port charges and fees.
Not
Included:
Airfare to and
from your home city; super-premium wine, beer and liquor; discretionary
gratuities to vessel's crew, typically 5-10% of fare.
