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Sea of Cortez

 
Mexican Sunset
Mexican Sunset

 Mexico is calling ~ the jubilant trumpets of a Mariachi band, a culture as warm and colorful as its sunsets, the whisper of waves lapping secluded sandy beaches. The Sea of Cortez and the Mexican Riviera await!

Lands End, Cabo San Lucas

Lands End

The Baja Peninsula is theorized to have been formed into its present day shape when part of the earth’s crust separated along the San Andreas Fault and drifted in a northwesterly direction away from mainland Mexico. After colliding with southern California, an ocean basin was formed. This basin is known today as the Gulf of California, or the Sea of Cortez.

Visit an 80 year old fishing village located on a secluded rock island, trek through the largest cactus forest in the world, kayak through a mangrove lagoon or hike into a canyon of fossil beds. Snorkel in crystal clear waters observing an amazing array of marine life. Rich in natural history, unspoiled in beauty, and unrivalled in marine biology, the Sea of Cortez is a world of a different time, place and rhythm.
         

Sample Itinerary: La Paz ~ La Paz 

DAY 1-  Welcome to La Paz!  Your own private crew will greet you at the airport and take you onboard your luxury floating hotel for the duration of your holiday. After settling in with cocktails, an introduction to the ship and a safety review, the captain will depart for Bahia San Gabriel where you will anchor and enjoy a traditional Mexican sunset dinner.   

Pirate Cave

DAY 2- After a nice brunch by the Wall, bay-hop to Caleta Partida and anchor for the evening. There is excellent swimming, trips in the tender for exploring, water sports and another beautiful sunset dinner. Caleta Partida is a breached crater that separates Isla Espiritu Santo and Isla Partida. The anchorage is almost completely surrounded by high cliffs except where it opens to the west and a small shallow straight that acts as a separator of the two islands. This is considered to be the most protected and best anchorage on the islands. It certainly is the most popular given the number of boats that can be found anchored here. The Sea of Cortez Race Week is held annually each  April.   
DAY 3- Have breakfast with the sea lions at Los Islotes and from there we take an open water cruise to Isla San Francisco. There is an endless white sand beach, rock climbing, swimming and hunt for agates. The shelling is excellent here. Isla San Francisco is a small island just north of Isla Partida. Their is also great snorkeling on the north side of the island. Finish your day with yet another spectacular sunset dinner. They are a common sight in Pacific Mexico so get used to their beauty! 

DAY 4-  After a leisurely breakfast onboard, cruise to Avrista where we will anchor and you can visit a rural Mexican village before or after lunch. After weighing anchor, cruise to Isla San Jose and take a tour in the yacht’s tender into the landlocked lagoon for fishing, snorkeling, and viewing the sights. Dinner will be another treat for you and your guests.

Playful Sea of Cortez Dolphins
Playful Sea of Cortez Dolphins

 DAY 5-   Depart from Isla San Jose for a cruise to Puerto Los Gatos where you will drop anchor. You may swim from the shell lined beach and there is dining ashore. Puerto Los Gatos (The Cats) is a very colorful anchorage with a small bay. Besides the beautiful landscape the snorkeling is also great.

 DAY 6-  Take your breakfast along the mountain wall then a relaxing cruise to Bahia de Agua Verde where there is plenty of swimming, shelling and fishing on the reefs.Agua Verde is a very popular destination. It is no wonder why as it’s a beautiful bay with numerous protected anchorage’s. Here you can spent the day hanging out on the boat, snorkeling and playing games. The best snorkeling is near Roca Solitaria, the  small rock island at the mouth of Bahia Agua Verde.  A formal dinner prepared by your personal chef will feature your own catch of the day.

 DAY 7-    Depart early today for a cruise through Los Candeleros to Puerto Escondido where we will drop anchor. Here it is also possible to explore the local terrain or venture by bus to the town of Loreto 15 miles north. Puerto Escondido (Hidden Harbor) is a well protected anchorage and hurricane hole making this a popular cruising sailor’s hangout. It is a good spot to get fresh water and food, if necessary. 

 DAY 8-  Depart for secluded Honeymoon Cove for swimming, sun bathing and a romantic beach dinner for everyone. This is a lovely spot and one that will be enjoyed by all.

 DAY 9- Have your breakfast in the bay of Honeymoon Cove and then participate in rock climbing for spectacular vistas and photographs of the region.  Swimming and fishing for all who are interested are available, otherwise just relax on the yacht and read a book while you sunbathe.

 DAY 10- Sadly, today we must retun to La Paz for your flight home. Enjoy a relaxing brunch while cruising the islands back to civilation.

 

© 2010 SWC - Shannon Webster Charters. Sailors' Valentines. Admin