Aquarium of the World - Sea of Cortes

Roundtrip Loreto

Just south of California lies an inland sea that is rightfully labeled one of the richest marine environments on the globe. Bordered by what appears to a an unyielding desert, like in the Sea of Cortes and in Baja California flourishes. Over 3,000 plant species have been identified in the desert, some of which grow nowhere else on earth, and in the sea, over 6,000 animal species have been identified. From the 100-foot-long blue whale to the quiet beauty of bountiful reefs, the Sea of Cortes is, in a word, indescribable.

Follow the wind over the waters to the shores of Isla Espiritu Santo where white sand beaches lie untouched in the desert sun. Swin with sea lions and watch Moorish idols and butterfly fish as you cool off on a snorkeling adventure. Wander among cardon catus and palo adan trees with your Naturalist, then set off on a whale watching excursion to Bahia Magdalena, wintering grounds for dozens of gray whales. And from the deck of your yacht, watch for pods of dolphins, fin, sperm and pilot whales.

The Sea of Cortes is nature's wonderland. surround yourself in the surprising abundance of this desert-sea.

Itinerary:

Day 1 - Arrive in La Paz
You will be met at the airport and transferred to board the Safari Spirit.

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
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 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 cardon. 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.

What's Included:

• Meet/greet services and transfer
• Exclusive shore excursions
• All meals aboard yacht.
• Premium wine, beer and liquor
• Kayaking, and small-boat exploration
• Onboard professional naturalist or escort
• All taxes, port charges and fees.

What's Not Included:

• Airfare to and from your home city
• Super-premium wine, beer and liquor
• Discretionary greatuities to vessel's crew, typically 5-10% of fare, and to local tour guides or drivers, suggested at $2-$5 per guest
• Travel insurance

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All rates are per person, double occupancy. Port charges, Government taxes and fees are additional. Limited availability and based on minimum fares for select departure dates. Other dates may be higher. These rates are for new, individual bookings only. Not responsible for last minute changes of price or itinerary by cruise line, or any errors or omissions in the content of this site. Some restrictions and cancellation penalties may apply.