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 Loreto, boarding
Welcome to Baja California Sur! You will be 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 travelers, champagne in hand, to toast the brilliant Baja sunset before dinner. We’ll 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. We’ll spend our 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 we’ll meet a local ranchero for an included trail ride into the arroyos and mountains of the Baja peninsula. We’ll take in stunning views of the mountains and sea before returning to the tiny village on the beach where we’ll spend some unhurried time with local artisans and fishermen. During lunch we’ll continue our cruise, stopping later in a remote cove to swim, sail, or kayak before calling it a day.

Day 4 Isla Coyote and Swimming with Sea Lions
We’ll step ashore at the smallest village in the Sea of Cortes today. Enjoy a conversation with a remarkable group of people who make their living as fishermen “in the middle of nowhere” before departing this afternoon. After cruising for a short while, we’ll drop anchor and slip into the water where playful California sea lions come have a look at us. It’s hard to tell who’s more curious! We’ll depart for our evening anchorage, and cruise until sunset. Take advantage of our top-deck hot tub after dinner this evening.

Day 5 La Paz
Historic La Paz will be our morning port call. We’ll tour the local church and mission, and talk with artists in their workshops. We’ll also have free time to stroll the lively waterfront, and shop or relax. Back on board, we’ll have a light lunch as we cruise north, searching for whales and dolphins as we go. This evening we’ll anchor in a pristine bay surrounded by clear skies and crystalline waters.

Days 6 –7 The Nature of the Sea of Cortes, Gray Whales
We’ll spend the next two days weaving a path through some of the most scenic areas found in the Sea of Cortes. We’ll go beachcombing on white-sand beaches decorated with seashells, hike to the tops of rocky bluffs where the views take our breath away. We’ll watch pods of dolphins, and blue, pilot or fin whales as they spout and dive in the surrounding waters. During the late winter and early spring months, we’ll travel with our local guide to the calving grounds of gray whales for a close up view of these gentle giants. Or, if the whales have left the bay on their northward migration, we’ll continue our exploration of the Sea of Cortes by kayak, sail boat, and inflatable launch. And finally, to celebrate our journey in this magical place, we’ll enjoy a festive Farewell Dinner the night before we depart for home.

Day 8 Disembarkation, Loreto
After breakfast on board we’ll bid you “adios.” A transfer to the airport for connections home is included.

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

Call Toll Free: (888) 815-5428 or Inquire Today!

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.