American Safari Cruises

Sea of Cortes

Detailed 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
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 where we’ll spend some unhurried time with local artisans and fishermen. Later, we’ll continue watching whales and dolphins as we cruise to our anchorage. Swim, sail, or kayak before calling it a day.

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.

Day 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.

Cost of This Trip