The Sea of Cortez, Mexico
Experience small-ship cruising with NW Explorations in the Sea of Cortez. Rich with culture and teeming with bird and aquatic life, sun-blasted rock formations and white-sand beaches, it's difficult to envision a more alluring destination in the southern hemisphere. Each day of your cruise will be filled with discovery and our itineraries have been planned to include a balance of relaxation and adventure.
With access to calm coves and remote islands, our small ship cruises provide opportunities to explore a sea filled with an abundance of wildlife - pods of dolphins, gray whale migrations, curious sea lions, tropical fish, frigate birds - all surrounded by massive cliffs, volcanic rock formations, and white-sand beaches that reach as far as the eye can see. Join guided walks on desert islands, take in the natural history, snorkel with sea lions, scuba dive and kayak. Travel beyond the resorts - discover nature up close.
Northern Song, our 78' custom world cruiser, is equipped to go anywhere, sleeps 10 and includes four cabins with ensuite showers and heads that ensure plenty of personal space. A very sea-friendly stabilized hull, open-plan salon, and well equipped galley makes for a comfortable and first-class cruise. With a full staff and gourmet meals, you and your guests will enjoy a spectacular home away from home throughout your cruise. Wherever NW Explorations cruises, you're sure to experience the same level of unparalleled service our repeat clients have come to expect.
| Dates |
No. of Nights |
Depart/Destination |
Cost |
| December 20-28, 2008 |
8-nights |
La Paz to Loreto |
Premier $13,200
Standard $10,600
Whole Boat $40,000 |
| December 28-January 3, 2009 |
6-nights |
Loreto to La Paz |
Premier $9,900
Standard $7,950
Whole Boat $30,000 |
| January 3- 11, 2009 |
8-nights |
La Paz to San Carlos |
Premier $13,200
Standard $10,600
Whole Boat $40,000 |
| January 11-18, 2009 |
7-nights |
Loreto to Loreto |
Premier $11,550
Standard $9,275
Whole Boat $35,000 |
| January 18-24, 2009 |
6-nights |
Loreto to La Paz |
Premier $9,900
Standard $7,950
Whole Boat $30,000 |
| January 24-30, 2009 |
6-nights |
La Paz to Loreto |
Premier $9,900
Standard $7,950
Whole Boat $30,000 |
| January 30-February 7, 2009 |
8-nights |
Loreto to La Paz |
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT |
| February 7-15, 2009 |
8-nights |
La Paz to Loreto |
Premier $13,200
Standard $10,600
Whole Boat $40,000 |
| February 15-21, 2009 |
6-nights |
Loreto to Loreto |
Premier $9,900
Standard $7,950
Whole Boat $30,000 |
| February 21-28, 2009 |
7-nights |
Loreto to La Paz |
Premier $11,550
Standard $9,275
Whole Boat $35,000 |
| February 28-March 8, 2009 |
8-nights |
La Paz to Loreto |
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT |
| March 8-14, 2009 |
6-nights |
Loreto to La Paz |
Premier $9,900
Standard $7,950
Whole Boat NA |
The cost of your cruise covers taxes/port charges/fees and onboard services. All meals provided.
Alcohol not included. Onboard gratuities are neither required nor expected. Premier and standard
prices are per cabin, double-occupancy, U.S. dollars. Triple rates available upon request where
applicable. Whole boat rates are for 8 guests. Airfare extra. Transfer to and from airport provided.
Extend your stay
We are happy to recommend hotels in Loreto and La Paz if you like to extend your stay either
before or
after your cruise.
Enhance your cruise experience
Interested in SCUBA or whale watching? We’ve partnered with local companies and
we are pleased to offer excursion packages as add-ons to your cruise. Ask for details. |
Sea of Cortez Daily Itinerary
Wind, weather, and wildlife will guide our cruise, but we always sail with the goal of providing as many special experiences as possible. There are so many unique destinations in the Golfo de California Biosphere Reserve that we won’t be able to visit them all, but we’ll try! Here are some of the special destinations we’ll share:
La Paz
The international airport in La Paz is one of the jumping off points for the cruise. It is the capital of the state of Baja California Sur and the largest port on the western shore of the Sea of Cortez. La Paz nonetheless offers a tranquil atmosphere consistent with its name. A lovely seaside walk, the malecon, is punctuated by bronze statues, walkers, and even the occasional roller-blader. Buy an ice cream, stretch your legs, and soak up the feeling of this lovely city.
Bahia San Gabriel, Isla Espiritu Santo
Espiritu Santo is an uninhabited island in the national park where the glory of nature is all but untouched by human hands. A white-sand beach stretches almost a mile in length at the head of the bay. If you finish combing it to your heart’s content, hike the ¼ mile trail to the other side of the island where the Playa Bonanza lays out another two miles of white sand! Good snorkeling can be found on both sides.
Ensenada de la Ballena, Isla Espiritu Santo
If you are interested in diving, this is the spot for you. We can arrange for a PADI-certified dive operator to meet us here for a spectacular day in the water. Within a mile of our anchorage are sea caves, reefs, and a wreck. Conger eels are found in this area.
Ensenada Grande, Isla Partida
At the head of the white-sand beach a trail climbs up through an arroyo that catches the winter rains. The moisture makes this a great place to examine the unique plants and flowers of this desert island. After the hike, cool off with a quick snorkel on the reef or a kayak trip to one of the two other beaches in the bay.
Los Isoltes
This tiny, rocky speck is one of the special spots on earth. It is a breeding colony for California sea lions. Slip on some fins and you can swim with the new-born pups who are as curious about you as you are about them. For scuba enthusiasts, a wall dive beckons. The cartoonish blue-footed boobies nest on the rocky cliffs and the unique Heermann’s gulls are found in abundance.
Isla Coyote
This small, isolated village makes its living from the sea. We may stop in to see what fish the pangueros have brought home for dinner, as well as to let you explore a real Mexican fishing village.
Bahia Amortajada, Isla San Jose
This is a special stop for the birdwatchers and kayakers. A protected mangrove is just off our anchorage. Take the dinghy or paddle yourself through this special ecosystem. Snowy egrets and tri-colored herons are among the many possibilities in the prolific waters of the mangrove.
Canal de San Jose
The Sea of Cortez is one of the world’s whale hot spots, and the Canal de San Jose is a particular favorite. Humpback, blue, fin, and sei whales are seen. Most of the world’s dolphin species, including orca, are found in the Gulf. No matter where we are going, if we see a spout we’re going to investigate!
Puerto los Gatos
Unique rock formations and sand dunes make for special hikes ashore while large reefs make for special snorkeling and tide-pooling in the bay. Check out the amazing sally-go-lightly crabs!
Bahia Agua Verde
Behind one of the numerous beaches which line the bay a trail leads up to 7,000 year old cave paintings. These tell a fascinating story of life among the earliest inhabitants, including the tantalizing hint that they may have hunted whales.
Honeymoon Cove, Isla Danzante
Turquoise water greets us in the tiny cove. Trails ashore allow us wondrous views of the Bay, the Islands around us and the Sierra de la Giganta mountain range towering over all.
Loreto
The international airport in Loreto is one of our jumping off points for our cruises, but we would stop anyway. It is the site of the first Spanish mission to the Californias, founded in 1697. The mission church is well worth seeing, but for those with more active agendas Loreto also offers sport fishing and diving operations.
Lopez Mateos
All the gray whales in the world give birth in three shallow lagoons on the west coast of Baja California. The females exercise their calves by swimming against the current in the lagoons, preparing the youngsters for the long migration to their summer feeding grounds in the Bering Sea. We offer a private overland trip from Loreto to Lopez Mateos, where you will board a panga with a local guide to show you the gray whales. Bring your camera!
Top
|
Click the map to zoom in! |
|
