Mexico’s Sea of Cortés, La Paz – La Paz, 7-night / 8 day

Saturday: Arrive in La Paz, boarding
You will be met at the airport and transferred to board the Safari Spirit.

Sunday: 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.

Monday: 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.

Tuesday: The Nature of the Sea of Cortés 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.

Wedneday: 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 “real Baja.

Thursday: 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.

Friday: 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 Cortés with our fellow travelers during a special farewell dinner followed by a slideshow of the shared experiences.

Saturday: 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.