Aquarium of the World

Day-to-Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in La Paz, boarding

You will be met at the airport and transferred to board the Safari Quest.

Day 2 - Isla Partida and Beach Activities

We'll cruise to Ensenada Grande, a lovely cove on Isla Partida with a lovely crescent beach at its head. This afternoon we'll explore the rocky coastline by skiff and kayak, slip into the crystal-clear water for swimming and snorkeling, or take a guided hike into the interior of the island, which abounds in exotic desert cacti and succulents.

Day 3 - Whale Watching

Watch for pods of dolphins along with blue, fin, sei, orca and sperm whales as they spout and dive in the surrounding waters. Watch also for blue-footed boobies, pelicans and cormorants.

Day 4 - The Nature of the Sea of Cortes Exploration

The Nature of the Sea of Cortes Exploration Day 4: The Nature of the Sea of Cortes Exploration In order to get the maximum benefit from visiting this spectacular area, we'll focus on the protected biosphere's flora and fauna. Join the Captain on the bridge as we search for pods of dolphins 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, we'll drop anchor in a remote cove for snorkeling, kayaking and beachcombing.

Day 5 - Bahia Agua Verde Mule Ride

This morning we'll search for whales and dolphins around Isla Carmen. Then we'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 Òreal Baja.

Day 6 - Isla Coyote (Isla San Jose)

We'll step ashore on the only permanently inhabited island in the Sea of Cortés. 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 our visit we'll enjoy conversations with this remarkable group of people who make their living as fishermen "in the middle of nowhere." Later, we'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 we'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 we'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, we'll cruise to Isla Espiritu Santo to enjoy a guided hike along a colorful desert ridge. After dinner, we will recap our weeklong journey through the Sea of Cortes with our fellow travelers during a special farewell dinner followed by a slideshow of the shared experiences.

Day 8 - Disembark La Paz

After breakfast onboard we'll bid you "adios." A 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.

Dates & Rates

† Family Sailings

Map

Ships

Safari Quest

While Safari Quest provides guests with an intimate experience, the comfortable staterooms and public spaces provide ample room to get away from it all. Guests use the casually elegant salon to recap the day's activities, relax, read or watch a movie from our extensive video library on the wide flat screen TV and are always welcome at the yacht's bar, stocked with complimentary microbrews, fine wines, and premium liquors. View ship details...

Cruise Reviews

Safari Quest - February 2007

Shortly before sunrise we we spotted a huge blue whale in the oddly protected channel between the south end of Isla Carmen and the north end of Isla Danzante.

This animal was a biggie as we guestimated 95+ feet of mammal as it broke the surface. We were able to convince the guests that breakfast could be eaten later and that this was worth a trip to the bow or sundeck. All the guests joined us outside as we marvled at this animals size. At one point the whale came up behind us and seemed to be following our tender as we turned to look at it. Next time we saw it, it's massive body was parallel to the Safari Quest giving us a perfect size comparison.

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