Itineraries / The Sea of Cortez

“The Sea of Cortez is a marine aquarium with the largest diversity of life we can find on earth.”
Jacques Cousteau

The Sea of Cortez is one of the most biological diverse seas, considered to be the richest body of water on Earth; it supports over 800 marine vertebrates species. It is brimming with excellent spots where diving, snorkeling and all water sports are unique, giving you unforgettable memories for life. In December, temperatures are typically in the 70s, and the sky is clear blue from sunrise to sunset. The Sea of Cortez is teeming with life, with platoons of pelicans, whales and dolphins surfacing and the antics of rays and boobies! This is an extraordinary place — it is dramatic, full of life with endless possibilities to walk, swim, snorkel and kayak.

Days 1 & 2

Enjoy the warmth of a Baja California sunrise today. La Paz means “peace” in Spanish—spend your day soaking up the sun, sipping margaritas and unwinding aboard your own private hotel. Late afternoon aboard Quivira your crew greets you with hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and a sumptuous dinner. We will cruise 2 hours to a beautiful calm anchorage on Islas Pardida.

La Paz beaches, such as El Tesoro (also known as The Treasure in English) are tourist favorites because of peculiar events that are connected with them. For example, El Tesoro was discovered to have been home to buried treasure (thus its name). With its clear turquoise-colored waters and their confectioner sugar sand La Paz's El Tesoro beach is ideal for family vacations.

Some tourists, however, come not for the history or the general beach activities and experiences but for the aesthetics. Balandra (Slope) is the most photogenic beach in La Paz. Located at the end of the trans-peninsular highway, this La Paz beach attracts visitors from all over the globe who find its naturally-formed rock formation (which happens to be shaped like a huge mushroom) an object of fascination.

Day 3

Isla Partida – The rhythm of the Sea of Cortez beckons as we cruise north. We’ll weave our way along the sunset-painted desert coastline today, stopping in remote coves for swimming hiking or explore via kayak. We will anchor overnight here.

Day 4

Los Islotes – At two tiny uninhabited islands just North of Isla Partida, we are guests at the sea lion where we will snorkel among them and thousands of kaleidoscope-colored fish.

Bahia Agua Verde - We step even further into the unspoiled world of Baja California today as deserted coves and old-world missions beckon from the desert shores. On aboard, we set off in search of dolphins and whales as we continue our Sea of Cortez voyage, finally anchoring in magnificent Bahia Agua Verde for the night.

Day 5

This morning we will search for whales and dolphins around Isla Carmen. Then we will enter Bahia Agua Verde, whose clear green 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. Here you will have the opportunity to converse with a local Ranchero and his family while you explore canyons, enjoy scenic vistas and experience the breathtaking sights of the “real Baja.” En route we will pass Puerto El Gato, a picturesque spot sheltered by sandstone cliffs with ledges of pink, orange and red. It is delightful to drop anchor in a remote cove for beachcombing.

Join the Captain on the bridge as we search for pods of dolphins along with blue, fin, orca and sperm whales as they spout and dive in the surrounding waters. This afternoon we will get underway for Isla Danzante in search of the many whales that frequent its waters.

Day 6

Loreto - Today we cruise north to the charming town of Loreto. We will venture ashore at Puerto Escondido. Loreto served as capital to “Baja” California for 133 years, until the capital was moved to La Paz, allowing Loreto to remain the serene village it is today. Since then, the others such as Cancun and Los Cabos have become trendy destinations for tourists from all over the world. Loreto is a place that respects its history and holds all of its original charm and character. If you decide to experience Loreto you will be very happy you stopped in. Make sure you visit all the Missions and Museums like the Mission of Our Lady of Loreto, and La Mission San Francisco Javier.

The Loreto National Marine Park covers 500,000 acres of the Sea of Cortez. It expands 35 miles long & extends 20 miles off shore, encompassing some of the best fishing, diving & shore walks.

There is an array of shops in town to browse through. Later as we cruise, keep a sharp look out for blue, fin, pilot and sperm whales as well as large pods of dolphins. We will anchor for the evening at Honeymoon Cove.

Days 7 & 8

Isla San Francisco and Isla San José – Punctuating the idyllic sea with stretches of white sandy beaches, protected coves filled with dolphins, canyons and mangrove channels strewn with shorebirds and waders is Isla San Francisco and Isla San Jose. Blue and Fin whales feed in the waters off the shore of Isla San José. Other notable inhabitants include humpback whales, manta rays and endangered leatherback turtles.

Here, we will wander through the "Cardon Forest," a unique natural collection of one of the world’s tallest cactus. Just south, a mangrove-lined lagoon borders gentle, white sand beaches. Through the narrow lagoon entrance you can get a closer look at these tenacious trees of the sea. Bring your binoculars for a closer look at various birds that call this area home.

Espiritu Santo – Looming mountains dive directly into the crystal clear water in Espiritu Santo. As visitors in one of the most biologically diverse marine areas in the world, exploration of tide pools, beaches, flora and fauna is a must. Teaming with tropical fish, the sea summons us to snorkel. Opportunities abound for catching glimpses of countless coral reef inhabitants. We will anchor over night in a picturesque cove.

Days 9 & 10

Cabo San Lucas - We will explore the distinctive arched rock formation known as El Arco and relax on nearby Lovers Beach accessible only by our tender Revel in a scenic tour of this exotic desert landscape. We will enjoy fabulous views of the rugged coastline and an incredible cactus garden. Take a horseback ride on the beach, snorkel in a quiet cove or go in search of migrating gray whales. Los Cabos has become the golf capital of Latin America, with more than seven ocean front golf courses with magnificent views.

The night life here is very energetic. Los Cabos provides plenty of dance clubs to keep you going all night long.

You may want to take a drive to the creative town of Todos Santos. Known as a cultural Mecca, Todos Santos is filled with local art studios. This "Magic Town" is located just a 1 hour drive from Cabo San Lucas. Todos Santos has always been considered a special place, as reflected by its live theater, art galleries, and historical homes. It is a place where people find peace to pursue individual self-expression. Take a stroll around town, and enjoy a local lunch.

Drop Off

Buenos Dias! We greet you this morning with a delectable breakfast before bidding you "adios." You will be transferred to San Jose del Cabo arriving at the airport late this morning for connections home.