A very good cruising guide is The Sea of Cortez A Cruiser’s Guide Book by Shawn Breeding & Heather Bansmer, with an intuitive layout and very accurate bay descriptions. Gonzo road trip to the Pacific Northwest? Admire the preserved stained-glass windows that decorate its exterior. The cruising yachts and pangas that crowd the narrow northern shelf were pitching and rolling and swinging almost randomly. As the moon rises, a pack of coyotes – those footprints we followed earlier! Fortunately for us, Cinderella is a great light wind performer, and though wet, she can pound her way to weather if need be. A unique stretch of water off Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, the Sea of Cortez is so rich with marine life that French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau described it as ‘The Aquarium of the World’. On a Mexico cruise, tour Todos Santos and enjoy lunch at the Hotel California. It is also much more expensive. From coffee and salsa to spirits and artisan goods, discover the best things to buy in Mexico cruise ports when you sail with Princess. Sample tequila while learning about the drink’s history from a local expert, and indulge your taste buds with tacos and fajitas. Princess Cruises: Princess is currently the only mainstream cruise line and the largest … Join us for the next livestream on Oct 17th: Drones and photography underway. Thanks to coronavirus, that makes it more appealing than ever, while at the same time it is more circumscribed than ever. Our Sea of Cortez cruise excursions introduce you to the people and places that call Mexico home. Discover 5 things to do in Cabo San Lucas while on a Princess Cruise. Enjoy convenient roundtrip departures from Los Angeles as well as an overnight stay in Cabo included in every itinerary. Sailing the Mexican Riviera for more than 50 years. Bahia San Lucas is a pleasant anchorage with good shelter from the northerly winds that predominate during the winter months. Cruising north in the Sea of Cortez, first edition Today we’re writing from our slip at Marina Puerto Escondido, just south of Loreto. Wildlife cravings utterly sated, whale sharks or not, we began thinking about our next move. Thanks to the awesome journalists who helped to share our story. Divot and dried shells from hatchlings mark the location of a turtle's nest. Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. Hear stories from locals, and learn city secrets from expert guides. A link to replay the session will be sent to registrants. Pablo’s talented illustrator has led regular afternoon classes on drawing with the teens from a couple of boats, bringing discipline and technique to elevate the artwork they love to practice. The area is home to pods of thousands of common dolphins and hundreds of bottlenose dolphins. Sea of Cortez Slow Cruise. It held station to feed, head up and tail down, the only other movement a rippling along large gills. No more monitoring shifting regulations. Icon from our home waters, symbol on our boat... orcas we finally encountered in Baja. Readers' Choice Awards: Best Cruise Itineraries. In Loreto, stroll down the cobbled streets decorated with multi-colored homes, shops and museums. Hike through the island’s interior alongside a local guide, or zipline through the woods at the Kids Adventure Park. Here’s what Slow Cruising is all about. Between the 18th-century architecture and the Spanish colonial character, let the preserved charm of this rural town transport you to Mexico’s past. Embark on an off-road adventure through the jungles of Puerto Vallarta, then enjoy lunch by a hidden lagoon. Cruising the Majestic Sea of Cortez: A Favorite Cruise and Sailing Destination Situated between the coast of Mexico and Baja Peninsula, the Sea of Cortez is also called the Gulf of California. From face-painting to Aztec flower-making, there are activities for the whole family on a cruise to Mexico. – was miraculously transformed into a pan full of scallops and a lobster tail. For more information please see www.abta.com. While Loreto is known for its cliff-top vistas and sparkling beaches, there’s more to the city than just its scenery. Or sail on a catamaran to Lover’s Beach, and snap a photo in front of El Arco on your way. Or watch dancers perform ‘The Procession of the Dead.’. In the Sea of Cortez, the wind either doesn’t blow at all, or it blows like crazy from exactly where you want to go. Here were a few answers I came up with after spending seven days cruising through the Sea of Cortez on an Un-Cruise Small Ship. Cruising is steeped in freedom. Enjoy every second in Cabo with More Ashore overnight stays. Slipping into the water to hang alongside and watch it was an experience I can best describe as reverential, and enjoyed in peace for a few moments before joined by our crews in company. A unique stretch of water off Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, the Sea of Cortez is so rich with marine life that French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau described it as ‘The Aquarium of the World’. From Cabo San Lucas to La Paz, a yacht charter itinerary cruising the Sea of Cortez in Mexico includes historic towns, lovely beaches, extraordinary rock formations, seaside cliffs striated with beautiful colors, and refreshing waters. Lo, the pan brought over with a cinnamon loaf – hot from the oven! Bees chased us to a new anchorage; arriving, we remarked on the two fishing pangas anchored below a small cliff. A sharp contrast, and reminder to be grateful. The international terminal is modern and easy to navigate. Experience the country’s unique character the second you step on the ship with traditional Mexican cuisine, events and activities. Nature Travel – if you want to totally unplug and enjoy nature, the Sea of Cortez is the perfect spot to do this. Bahia de los Angeles held a particular lure: this is one of a shortlist of places around the world where whale sharks seasonally loiter. I'm speaking on Sunday morning, November 15, and looking forward to joining in as a participant other days. Getting your sea legs is easy too—relax with toes in the sand, on a hike, or atop a mule through the canyons of Baja. * Port order and/or content may vary by sailing date. Music - www.purpleplanet.com and www.bensound.comThree weeks cruising the Sea of Cortez along the Baja Peninsular in Mexico. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the services of the representative. My friend Bria went on a Windstar snorkeling and fishing excursion (highlighted in my video further on in the article). Our internet break ended this morning with arrival in Puerto Peñasco. Projects on Totem: which do we tackle? Or taste Mexican street-food — including smoked fish, tacos and chicken tamales — alongside locals at any of the city’s restaurants. Perhaps no longer feeling pressure that contributed to the change in fortune: investigating ripples in the water while out on the SUP, I found myself next to a whale shark. Cruising is steeped in freedom. At each distinctive destination, we were offered a variety of excursions, ranging from cultural experiences to outdoor activities. Explore things to do in Manzanillo, Mexico with Princess Cruises. How to Select a Safe Fishing or Pleasure Charter in Baja. Enjoy swimming with sea lions, snorkeling or scuba diving with schools of fish, shelling on deserted beaches, and visiting historic Spanish Mission towns, on a private crewed charter … As one of the world’s premier resort destinations, it’s the perfect place to relax, recharge and reawaken your passion for adventure. Sip on a cocktail while watching the sun set over the ocean. On Sunday, July 3rd, 2011, the 115ft long – fishing vessel that was charted by 27 Americans for a week-long trip, … At the outset I was trading emails with cruisers who continue to face restrictions on movement or options, while far from home. Rugged construction and quick under sail, the perfect Sea of Cortez Cruiser or weekend adventurer. Kayaking quietly among crabs, long-legged birds, and spotting Frigates and Blue Footed Boobies. Our Sea of Cortez cruise excursions introduce you to the people and places that call Mexico home. Cruising the Sea of Cortez Directions to San Carlos, Mexico By Bud and Penny Clark Notes from a trip to San Carlos, Mexico in November 2003. During your Sea of Cortez cruise, see these terrains like never before. Cruising families in the news! Celebrate the Day of the Dead, a holiday to commemorate loved ones who have passed. On a shared grill, dorado steaks join skewers of marinated vegetables; delicious sweet bread dumplings are roasted like damper on a stick for dessert. Sailing out of Puerto Penasco the 11-night itinerary included rarely visited destinations between there and Cabo San Lucas. Then step inside to see a collection of paintings and statues dedicated to Virgin Mary, the city’s patron saint. I’m on the Safari Endeavor, a small ship of 88 passengers, on a cruise in the Sea of Cortez, the sliver of ocean between the Baja California peninsula and Mexico’s mainland often called the Bay of California.. Check Price & Availability Holland America Line ... Guaymas is located about 250 miles south of the United States border on the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California) and is accessible by car (an 8-9 hour drive) or by air (a … The best time to take a Sea of Cortez cruise depends on your main interests. Isla San Francisco – This postcard-perfect anchorage is a cruiser favorite, with its long stretch of … Our Sea of Cortez cruise included three Mexican ports on the Baja Peninsula side of the Sea of Cortez, each with its own special vibe. View cruises with Puerto Vallarta | View Puerto Vallarta shore excursions. A baby sea lion takes a nap. Extend your Mexico cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. Mortified by prior suspicion, we learned where they were from (the mainland, Sonora), how long they were out (about a week), and shared news of the weather forecast (they had no access, and a norther was coming; we all relocated to another island for better shelter). Or let loose with your loved ones during a mariachi performance, and dance to the lively tune of violins and guitars. On a Sea of Cortez cruise to La Paz, visit the Cathedral de Nuestra Senora de la Paz. View cruises with Cabo San Lucas | View Cabo San Lucas shore excursions. – yipped and howled in chorus. A beautiful year-round destination, December to April is the best time to see whales. cruising the sea of cortez Cruising the Sea of Cortez, whether in a sailboat, motorboat, or even in a kayak is an experience difficult to put into words. 10-Day Mexican Sea Of Cortez. Summertime brings them to feed from the rich waters at estuaries on opposite ends of a 10-mile-long bay. ORCAS! Join me for this event empowering women in sailing! Slowing down. Our first overnight stop is at the Espiritu Santos Islands, only about 12 … Dance the night away in one of the bustling bars. Kayak along Loreto’s coastline with your loved ones, and horseback ride along Cabo’s sandy shores. Maybe, yes, that too. Our Princess fleet includes ships that offer a multitude of amenities and feature the innovative MedallionClass™ experience. a pair of coyotes, dwarfed by middens in the northern Sea. Register here, feel free to send questions ahead! On a Sea of Cortez cruise with Princess, discover culture around every corner. Drifting close to shore, the small pod swam to, and around, and even under us – before departing with a tail slap that showered the crew. Hardly a day passes without a turtle, if not many of them; I’ve joked that mornings on the bow are like watching Turtle TV. We’ve paused our cruising as we watch to see what happens with COVID-19 in a location with WiFi and cell service. Sea lions, dolphins, turtles and manta rays are just some of the species that call the Gulf of California home, and Scenic Eclipse's world-class design will enable unrivalled exploration of this inspiring destination. On a cruise to Mexico with Princess, activities lie around every corner. Unforgettable encounter with whale sharks. Renowned for its beauty, the Sea of Cortez is a stunning juxtaposition of blue-green water and arid volcanic landscapes. Help? We had similar misses seeing resident pods before sailing away from the Pacific Northwest in 2008; this was the last thing we expected, and an overwhelming delight to the crew. Located at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, Cabo is surrounded by clear waters and sun-kissed beaches. Or visit the El Serpentario Reptile Center and Cactus Nursey in La Paz and get up close to enclosed snakes, lizards and crocodiles. Watching one roll out a bedroll above the high tideline, and noticing the improved marker (a plank replacing last year’s driftwood cross) on a rough grave site on shore, it was easy to lead with compassion. From beaches to jungles, Mexico’s landscapes are untamed. 10-night Zuiderdam cruise From $1,799 per person* Additional government taxes, fees and port expenses per person: $170 . Cabo San Lucas is a vibrant seaport surrounded by many open-air restaurants and bars, and even more luxury yachts and fishing boats. They have cruised Mexican waters since 2003 aboard their cutter-rigged Westsail 32 and share their knowledge and experiences in the book ($49.95 from bluelatitudepress.com ). One of our unique Panama Canal excursions, the Acapulco cliff divers are a famous sight. See more Mexico cruise articles and videos. I had the opportunity to experience this slice of maritime history on CMV’s first Treasures of the Sea of Cortez cruise. Mexico and Central America: Mexican Sea of Cortez Holiday Cruise. Mainstream. Kayak along Loreto’s coastline with your loved ones, and horseback ride along Cabo’s sandy shores. Expedition cruises to the Sea of Cortez run from November through to April, avoiding the hottest summer months and the hurricane season, and timed for the best wildlife viewing opportunities. Sailing, navigating and anchoring. Taste, see and meet true Mexican heritage on a Baja California cruise with Princess. No words to describe the awesome experience of sharing space with this fish. Go for the animals. A romantic, awe-inspiring lagoon awaits after navigating a natural rock cavern. Our... Read more. Trying to figure out the name of that starfish with 12 legs, or was it 13? Or meet the locals on a visit to the Main Plaza or during a traditional Mexican fiesta. Between its beaches, aquatic parks and vibrant art scene, Puerto Vallarta’s varied landscapes offer adventures for all. From a balcony stateroom, take in the sights and sounds of the colorful cultures ashore before enjoying the “sabor” of local cuisine in one of our many eateries during your Sea of Cortez cruise. View cruises with Loreto | View Loreto shore excursions. Limitations on behavior from the mainland stops drifted away. Thanks to coronavirus, that makes it more appealing than ever, while at the same time it is more circumscribed than ever. Our most comprehensive itinerary gives you a complete look at Mexico’s diverse and festive culture. If you have a typical “cruising boat” that is heavy and doesn’t point high, expect to fill those diesel tanks often! Once again, those with the least to give humble me with their generosity. Sea of Cortez Sailing is at its best in October and May. 10-Day Mexican Sea Of Cortez. 'Spectacular' and 'amazing' are two words that almost do justice to cruising this amazing body of water. History is an important part of Mexico’s story. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city. Inspired by 19th-century California mission-style architecture, Mexico’s cathedrals tell a unique story of times past. Arriving to a new anchorage with a catch, one boat served up sushi bowls - dinner for 10 with the shared bounty. Our cruise holidays are ATOL protected (No. Rumors of poaching and misbehavior from Bay of LA made us wonder about the pangueros activity. Log in for special pricing. On a Baja California cruise, discover tales from ancient civilizations when you visit San Jose Del Cabo, just a short drive from Cabo San Lucas. Make the most of Cabo San Lucas' pristine landscapes and natural wonders. Like the masses, we chose to access the area through the larger hub in San Jose del Cabo. Best time to cruise the Sea Of Cortez. On any of our 10-day Baja California cruises, enjoy two days in Mexico’s resort city. Instead, life unfolded again with a pace and features that represent some of the best of cruising. Keeping company with a handful of boats who shared our practices in managing risk returned that social vibe to the everyday rhythm. You can use ABTA's approved Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process if you have a complaint that is not resolved. © 2021, Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd. All Rights Reserved. SHERRY OTT. Discover rich heritage and bright flavors on a Mexico cruise. Our diverse group includes American, Canadian, Hungarian, South African, and Croatian cruisers; it is the mix of views and experiences and skills to share. Limitations on behavior from the mainland stops drifted away. We saw more coyotes one week than I think we’ve seen in the entirety of our time (cumulatively, about three and a half years) in Mexico. Cactus and coral, Sedona and sea. During your Sea of Cortez cruise, lounge on the golden shores. Sea lions, dolphins, turtles and manta rays are just some of the species that call the Gulf of California home, and Scenic Eclipse's world-class design will enable unrivalled exploration of this inspiring destination. The company started in 2017 and currently has one ship, the “Pacific Provider” which will be providing Alaska cruises (dates TBD) and Sea of Cortez mid-November till the first week of April yearly. When we spent the summer here in 2009, we always seemed to be at the wrong end of the bay and never caught more than a distant glimpse – despite their slow pace and significant size (up to 40’). Our top-rated Mexican Riviera cruise is the best way to enjoy Mexico. Snorkeling and really exploring without a time table. On select sailings in October and November, discover the region’s heritage with our Mexican Fiesta. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. Sip, savor and sway to the music with onboard activities that give you a taste of Mexican tradition. The newest is Sea of Cortez, A Cruiser’s Guidebook, written and published by Shawn Breeding and Heather Bansmer. We hoped to finally break that unlucky streak. Or snorkel through the 100-mile Loreto National Marine Park for a chance to see some of the 800 species of fish that swim through the waters. Taking pictures. From the colonial town of Loreto to the beaches of Puerto Vallarta, experience Mexico’s best on a Sea of Cortez cruise with Princess®. With busy days looming, I appreciate anew these joys of cruising. Special guest, FAA drone pilot and sailor Vivian Vuong sharing her expertise. Cruise to Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Galapagos and other beautiful locations with UnCruise. While our crew was off-grid, Totem was featured in articles in the New York Times and Forbes magazine. Princess Cruises is a member of ABTA, (membership number V8764) which means you have the benefit of ABTA’s assistance and Code of Conduct. From languid tropical bliss to raging, violent storms, the Sea has shown us her glory and her fury, as she does to every sailor that ventures there. Today the city is still home to sun-drenched beaches and mountains, but it’s also teeming with lively locals and endless activities. WOMENS SAILING SEMINAR. For the crème de la crème of animal encounters, visit the Sea of Cortez between April and June to witness pods of orcas hunting on the annual aggregation of schooling mobula rays. Steinbeck, Cousteau… now it’s your turn to explore the “world’s aquarium” in the Sea of Cortes. Enjoying the cruising life. ISLAS ESPIRITU SANTOS. On a Sea of Cortez cruise, visit the missions that give the city its rich history — like Mission San Javier and Mission of Our Lady of Loreto. In many of our dining rooms, enjoy Mexican-themed dishes — like ceviche, fajitas and coconut cocadas — for breakfast, lunch and dinner. That’s because it houses an incredible number of marine creatures. The Mexican Riviera has many beauties including Manzanillo, a historic city center. This classic well maintained 1980 Hunter Cherubini Cutter is cruise ready in the Sea of Cortez. We migrated slowly north, enjoying the freedom to roam. No local case count to track. Free to move about the region, we progressed between open bays, remote coastlines, and uninhabited islands. Most people that wish to take a Sea of Cortez cruise will find themselves arriving into the major hub at San Jose del Cabo. Hanging near the surface, the giant head bobbed enough to bend the water without breaking it as the fish’s maw yawned to suck and filter plankton. Inactive. 40th Anniversary Cruise of the Vagabundos Del Mar on the Sea of Cortez from the perspective of a crewmember on the boat "Fish and Chicks" Or stroll along the seafront Malecon boardwalk – the city’s premier shopping destination — where mementos, margaritas and Mexican buffets await. Site content may not be reproduced without express written permission. Sailing north and deeper into the Sea of Cortez is to enter a disconnected world, one that feels untouched by pandemic concerns. Recognized by UNESCO for its cultural heritage and preservation of culinary technique, Mexican and Spanish cuisine is a big part of the region’s culture. Unfortunately, when the wind veered to the northeast the bay became a washing machine with winds gusting up to 30 knots driving a steep choppy swell into the anchorage. Interacting with the mobula rays is incredible experience and topping it off with an orca sighting is unforgettable. View cruises with La Paz | View La Paz shore excursions. Free to use the beach again, a potluck centered around a driftwood bonfire gathers our little fleet. There’s an intensity to recent wildlife encounters: are there truly greater numbers of many species, or we just seeing them with fresh eyes? On a Mexico cruise, wander through the city’s galleries, and sample tequila alongside handmade tortillas and salsa. Sail the open global seas from Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point) through San Carlos or Loreto to Cabos San Lucas Mexico. Sailing the Sea of Cortez is a cruising trip that many boat owners along the west coast of North America aspire to. Sailing north and deeper into the Sea of Cortez is to enter a disconnected world, one that feels untouched by pandemic concerns. A cruise ship anchored in the deep east-west channel that bisects the bay swung une… Learn a traditional dance, decorate marzipan skulls and make a skeleton out of pasta. We keep up with coaching clients and writing assignments and faraway loved ones through the Iridium GO, but removing the option to “just check the news” has been refreshing! This misfortune followed us literally around the world through a succession of other locales where “everybody” sees the magnificent fish. Sample the bold flavors and creative combinations for yourself on a cruise to Mexico with Princess. The landscapes are stark; the friendships are lush. Or spend the day downtown shopping for artisan goods — like woven textiles and pottery — at the street side stalls. Sample Mexican seafood — like “chocolate” clams cooked over rocks — while sipping on spicy margaritas. We’ll draw on that energy in the weeks ahead, as plans are brewing. For me, I couldn’t … Special Offer. Sea of Cortez Excursions. Swim your way to seclusion at Puerto Vallarta's hidden beach, Playa del Amor. Discover the natural wonders of Baja Mexico and the Sea of Cortez, and witness the gray whale migration on an expedition cruise with National Geographic. Foraying to explore by dinghy, our eyes were drawn to splashing and saw…not whale sharks, but the distinctive coloration of orcas. Learn more about the ports on your Mexico cruise to the Sea of Cortez. The Sea of Cortez is well known to adventurers, authors, and world cruisers. No more everyday decisions to make based personal safety. Greet sea lions from the boat or skiff, or slip into a wetsuit for an even closer encounter. Revel in white-sand beaches, fun and adventure on a cruise to Cabo. TOTEM TALKS: The drone shots here are superior for conveying a sense of landscape…to communicate the literally nature of the places we visit. When it was founded in 1535, La Paz was a quiet bay with roaringly beautiful landscapes. January to April is the high season for Sea of Cortez holidays in Mexico, and July to September are the hottest months. Dive even deeper into adventure with our 10-day cruises to the Sea of Cortez. I don’t think we saw more than a few the entire summer in 2009. It has long been a favorite cruise and sailing destination. Alternatively, you can fly into La Paz, but it is a much smaller airport with fewer flights scheduled. Scuba pioneer Jacques Cousteau called it “The World’s Aquarium.” John Steinbeck wrote The Log From the Sea of Cortez detailing his travels here, and legendary cruisers Lin and Larry Pardey spent much time here early in their decades-long journey around the globe. Embark on an off-road adventure through the jungles of Puerto Vallarta, then enjoy lunch by a hidden lagoon. Then take a dip in the sea before your boat ride back to the city. The Sea of Cortez, also known as the Gulf of California, is a stunning, raw land of contrasts. 6294). See the La Quebrada cliff divers with Princess Cruises. In Puerto Vallarta, take a boat to Las Caletas, a secluded oasis surrounded by sandy shores and forests. We got the lines out and were rewarded: it’s dorado (mahi mahi, dolphinfish) season in the Sea, and this sustainable fishery fosters some tasty dinners. It is really encouraging to see this beautiful life afloat normalized! As we all know, it is impacting everyone, and everything. Cruising can be solitary if you choose, but for many – ourselves included – it’s very social. Learn more about Mexico before you set sail. Beautiful shellfish gifted by fishermen in the background. Shopping run to Arizona: how do we manage it?