ADVENTURE CRUISES

Copper Canyon and the Sea of Cortez

You'll enjoy premier birdwatching, observing many kinds of seabirds, among them hundreds of pelicans, blue-footed and brown boobies, and magnificent frigatebirds. The desert islands have a tremendous abundance of plant life, including arrays of enormous cacti, some of them in flower. While sailing you'll be on the deck actively engaged in whale watching - finbacks, Bryde's and blues, to name a few - and dolphins will be regular escorts, riding the bow wave. Don a face mask and snorkel and a whole new world awaits your discovery: brilliantly-colored fish, and perhaps even a graceful sea lion or manta ray. Ships are equipped for kayaking for more personal, "eye level" explorations.

You'll then fly across to the Mexican mainland and enjoy a remarkable rail journey to the rim of one of the world's greatest canyons - the Copper Canyon. For centuries, these thousands of square miles of spectacular mountains and canyons were known only to a few adventurous and determined outsiders.

Until the railroad's completion just four decades ago, the Copper Canyon could only be reached through an arduous journey by burro or on foot. It's a thrilling ride, and you'll enjoy it in comfort aboard the Chihuahua al Pacifico Railroad. During your time on the mainland you'll also enjoy the colonial town of El Fuerte and the vistas of the San Antonio Valley.

Cruise Details

Day 1: U.S./Los Cabos/La Paz, Mexico/Embark Ship
As the journey begins, fly into Los Cabos Airport to board the comfortable motor coach that will take you to the ship, docked in the picturesque town of La Paz. Along the way during a three-hour ride, make a stop in the artistic town of Todos Santos for a light snack at a colorful local restaurant called Los Adobes where you have your first taste of Mexican cuisine. The ship is docked along the Malecon, La Paz's lovely waterfront esplanade, putting you in prime terrain for strolling through this gracious, old town with its feel of Old Mexico and lively festival spirit. Embark the ship at 5:00pm. Since this area is known for its spectacular sunsets, make sure to take some time on deck. Soon after embarkation, the Captain will point the ship north into the Sea of Cortez.

Accommodations: M/V Sea Bird or Sea Lion
Included Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Isla Santa Catalina
This morning, go whale watching in the waters around Isla Danzante, an area that has proven to be outstanding for finding blue whales, and bottlenose and common dolphins. At times, they can number in the hundreds as they surround the ship, riding the bow wave. Leaping out of the water, sometimes with their young at their side, they put on a memorable water ballet. In the afternoon, visit lovely Isla Santa Catalina to walk among huge cacti, swim, snorkel, and enjoy bird watching. Snorkeling near Elephant Rock is a favorite spot for seeing tropical fish. On Zodiacs, chart a course taking you into the area's beautiful small coves. After dinner, and the inevitably dazzling sunset, perhaps you'll see the rise of a luminous moon as another beautiful day comes to a close.

Accommodations: M/V Sea Bird or Sea Lion
Included Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 3: Exploring the Sea of Cortez
Today, explore some of the dozens of islands of the Sea of Cortez. After over 20 years of exploration in the Sea of Cortez, new places are still being discovered and exciting natural events are being experienced. To give you an example of the kind of experiences you can anticipate in this area, here are a few highlights from just one recent voyage: 100 bottlenose dolphins leaping over sperm whales near the ship; a pod of fin whales feeding around a convergence zone; and one evening, the vision of hundreds of Humboldt squid illuminated in the ship's bow lights.

The Captain and the expedition team collaborate, pooling their knowledge and experience to position the ship as consistently as possible - at the right place, at the right time. And whether you're on deck or the Bridge, out in a Zodiac or kayaking - you will be in a prime position to observe the myriad wonders that make a day in the Sea of Cortez another bit of magic. Add swimming, snorkeling, beach-combing and basking to the list of the day's options, as well.

Accommodations: M/V Sea Bird or Sea Lion
Included Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 4: Los Islotes and Isla Espiritu Santo
With deeply indented shorelines and dramatically eroded cliff faces, Islas Los Islotes and Espiritu Santo are two of the most beautiful islands in the Sea of Cortez. They lie near the entrance to Bahia de La Paz. Although considered two islands, they are more like one - separated by a narrow channel. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon for swimming and snorkeling. Once you put on your mask and flippers and start breathing through your snorkel (AdventureSmith will not only provide the equipment, but as much advice as you need to succeed), you'll be able to experience a thrill not soon forgotten: swimming with the curious and friendly sea lions. The best way to observe the impressive geological past of the island is from a kayak. Easily seen just a few yards from the shore are tons of compacted volcanic ash covered with solidified lava floods. It is quite an unusual sight. Brown pelicans, gulls, wandering tattlers, great blue herons and boobies are all part of the landscape. An excellent place for long walks, you may end the day with a beach barbecue.

Accommodations: M/V Sea Bird or Sea Lion
Included Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 5: La Paz/Disembark Ship/El Fuerte
This morning, rise with the sun, disembarking the ship in La Paz for an early flight to Los Mochis on the Mexican mainland. In less than an hour, land and meet up with the Lindblad staff awaiting your arrival. Board a motor coach for a short ride to the charming Santa Anita Hotel where you have brunch. At 11:30, board the motor coach for a two-hour ride to the town of El Fuerte, in the pretty foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains. This lovely small town is set along the banks of the Rio Fuerte. Surrounded by orchards and vegetable farms, it is a place of quiet charm, with cobblestone streets lined with buildings from the colonial era, and a lovely town square. You have the afternoon to explore at your leisure. As you explore the town, it's interesting to try and picture the town in the 1500s when it was an important missionary and commercial center. A riverside fort once stood on the banks to protect El Fuerte from outsiders trying to rob the silver haul from the local mines. This afternoon, you have the choice of taking a float trip on the El Fuerte River or a bird walk during which a naturalist's expert eye will point out the herons, egrets and other species found here. Spend the night at the Posada del Hildago, a former colonial mansion built in 1890. Many of the rooms still have the feel of the house's original bedrooms with high ceilings and period furnishings. The newer rooms face the property's lush gardens.

Accommodations: Posada del Hildago
Included Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Days 6-7: Copper Canyon
This morning, leave the hotel after breakfast for an 8:30 boarding of the famed Chihuahua al Pacifico Railroad. The construction of this railroad is considered a true feat of engineering and it is the only way to reach Copper Canyon. As you travel in first-class comfort, the journey takes you from just above sea level to almost 8,000 feet in a little more than six hours, crossing deep ravines and passing through more than 70 tunnels and over 35 trestles before emerging onto a breathtaking scene of mountain ranges and canyons extending to the horizon. Arrive at the rim of Copper Canyon at 3:00 in the afternoon and check in to the hotel, the spectacular Mirador. If the Copper Canyon is a wonder of the natural world, the Mirador is a wonder of architecture. Perched like an eagle's nest, the hotel sits near the highest point of the canyon, overlooking the breathtaking scenery below. Built atop natural rock, the hotel's design is in such harmony with its setting, it, too, appears to be carved out of the rock.

During the afternoon and the following day, there will be plenty of time for leisurely walks along the rim and short or long hikes down into the canyon itself. Naturalists are more than familiar with this terrain and will chart a course that suits your interests and your level of energy. A local guide will also join you and give insights about the canyon.

Located far below are the dwellings of the Tarahumara Indians, who have managed to maintain many of their pre-Columbian traditions into the present day, protected against outside influence by their rugged surroundings. The hotel's decor takes its cue from the Tarahumara, so while here, you are truly steeped in the natural feel of the area. There are stone paths leading in many directions, making all levels of exploring a simple proposition. If you prefer, you can simply relax and enjoy the view from your room's private terrace or the hotel's public areas. This evening, there is time to share adventures and compare notes during happy hour at the hotel, followed by dinner at the beautiful Mirador restaurant overlooking the canyon. As the sun sets, casting golden shadows across the burnished rocks, reflect on the wonder of staying in this once inaccessible, awe-inspiring canyon. The Grand Canyon is visited by so many. Copper Canyon is seen by so few - and you are among the fortunate few.

Accommodations: Mirador
Included Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 8: Copper Canyon/Chihuahua
Copper Canyon/Chihuahua After enjoying sunrise over the canyon, there is time for a walk along the rim to enjoy this incredible setting. Later, check out of the Mirador and board a motor coach, stopping briefly in the town of Creel, which has become a busy little place due to its proximity to Copper Canyon. It's a popular beginning point for exploring the canyons and the town has the rustic atmosphere of an old frontier town. High in the mountains, Creel is surrounded by fragrant pines. After a short look around, re-board the motor coach for the trip to Chihuahua, descending from the mountains into the broad San Antonio Valley seeing communities of Mennonites, the primary settlers of this fertile agricultural region. After arriving at the hotel, enjoy a farewell dinner with your traveling companions. A final infusion of Mexican culture comes with a folkloric dance performance by a talented local troupe.

Accommodations: Chihuahua Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 9: Chihuahua/Return U.S.
After breakfast, head to the airport for your return flight to the U.S.

Accommodations: N/A
Included Meals: Breakfast