Just south of California lies an inland sea that is rightfully labeled one of the richest marine environments on the globe. Known as the Gulf of California, Sea of Cortez, or Sea of Cortés and bordered by the arid Baja California Peninsula and Mexican mainland, life in the Sea of Cortés flourishes. Over 3,000 plant species have been identified in the desert, some of which grow nowhere else on earth, and in the sea, over 6,000 animal species have been identified. From the 100-foot-long blue whale to the quiet beauty of bountiful reefs, the Sea of Cortés is, in a word, indescribable.

Follow the wind over the waters to the shores of Isla Espiritu Santo where white sand beaches lie untouched in the desert sun. Swim with sea lions and watch for Moorish idols and butterfly fish as you cool off on a snorkeling adventure. Wander among cardon cactus and palo adán trees with your Naturalist, then set off in search for whale and other marine mammals. From the deck of your luxury yacht, watch for pods of dolphins (sometimes numbering in the thousands), fin, sperm, blue and pilot whales that call these waters home.

Highlights: exploration of World Heritage Site biosphere reserve, anchored nights in remote bays and coves, kayaking, snorkeling, small boat excursions, trail raide into the mountains, ample sea life encounters.

Available Cruise Departure Dates (2012):
Jan 7, Jan 14, Jan 21, Jan 28, Feb 4, Feb 11, Feb 18, Feb 25, Mar 3, Mar 10, Mar 17, Mar 24, Mar 31, Apr 7

La Paz (Spanish for "The Peace") is the capital city of the Mexican state of Baja California Sur and an important regional commercial center. La Paz was first inhabited by neolithic hunter-gatherers at least 10,000 years ago who left traces of their existence in the form of rock paintings near the city and throughout the Baja peninsula.

Meet your driver for a private transfer in La Paz.

La Paz stands on a wide bay of the Sea of Cortez. A tranquil old Mexican port, it has preserved a nostalgic "old Baja" atmosphere. Today along with your private driver, explore the historic museums, the oldest Cathedral in Baja, visit a XVIII century Cathedral, stop by the anthropology museum and spend some money on tax free authentic Mexican souvenirs and handicrafts. Get a picture of Hotel Califnornia, Don Henley's inspiration for the famous Eagles song before visiting a selection of art galleries a Mission and lots more.

Hotel Posada de las Flores is reserved for those people who are always looking for the best. With an exclusive ambiance which blends the comfort of this era with the luxury and tradition of an Antique Mexican House. Every detail has been carefully chosen with the basic elements of the Colonial - Mexican decoration. Located on the beautiful La Paz promenade, the hotel occupies an exclusive place in front of the sea offering superb sunset views.

Overnight at Hotel Posada de las Flores.

The Sea of Cortés (also known as the Gulf of California) is a body of water that separates the Baja California Peninsula from the Mexican mainland. The Gulf is thought to be one of the most diverse seas on the planet, and is home to the humpback whale, California gray whale, killer whale, manta ray, leatherback sea turtle, the blue whale, and more than 5,000 species of macroinvertebrates. With it's beauty and biological importance, the Sea of Cortés has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Today you will be met by an excursion representative and transferred to board the Safari Quest luxury yacht on which you will spend the next seven evenings.

The 120' motor yacht Safari Quest offers passengers a luxurious and intimate stay while on board. Relax at the hot tub, casual salon, and well-stocked bar, or keep up with your daily routine with the on board fitness equipment, all while cruising along at a steady 11 knots. The vessel sleeps up to 22 passengers in elegant staterooms, and carries a professional crew of 9.

Overnight at M/Y Safari Quest.

You'll cruise to Ensenada Grande, a lovely cove on Isla Partida with a lovely crescent beach at its head. This afternoon you'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.

Overnight at M/Y Safari Quest.

Watch for pods of dolphins along with blue, fin, sei, orca and sperm whales as they spout and dive in the surrounding waters. Also keep an eye out for blue-footed boobies, pelicans and cormorants.

Overnight at M/Y Safari Quest.

In order to get the maximum benefit from visiting this spectacular area, today's activities will focus on the protected biosphere's flora and fauna. Join the Captain on the bridge as you search for pods of dolphins 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, the yacht will drop anchor in a remote cove for snorkeling, kayaking and beachcombing.

Overnight at M/Y Safari Quest.

This morning you'll search for whales and dolphins around Isla Carmen. You will then 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 Òreal Baja.

Overnight at M/Y Safari Quest.

Step ashore on the only permanently inhabited island in the Sea of Cortés, Isla Coyote. 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 your visit you'll enjoy conversations with this remarkable group of people who make their living as fishermen "in the middle of nowhere." Later, you'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, anchor in a pristine bay.

Overnight at M/Y Safari Quest.

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 the yacht will 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, you'll cruise to Isla Espiritu Santo to enjoy a guided hike along a colorful desert ridge. After dinner, recap your weeklong journey through the Sea of Cortes with your fellow travelers during a special farewell dinner, followed by a slideshow of the shared experiences.

Overnight at M/Y Safari Quest.

After breakfast onboard you'll be bid "adios" from the crew, followed by a transfer in La Paz.

Overnight at Hotel Posada de las Flores.

Meet your driver for a private transfer in La Paz.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport).