Day 1: Arrive in Cabo San Lucas
Transfer from Los Cabos Airport to AdventureSmith's Hospitality Room at Cabos inner harbor. Board your ship and sail into the Sea of Cortez.
Accommodations: Spirit of Yorktown
Included Meals: Dinner Day 2: Isla Espiritu Santo
This 23,383-acre island near La Paz is centered in one of the most biologically diverse marine areas in the world – and is a major environmental success story. Several plants and animals are found nowhere else in the world, including the blacktailed jack rabbit and antelope squirrel. Drop anchor at Espiritú Santo’s Bahía Bonanza for a day ashore. Take a guided walk among the tangle of exotic cacti, or swim, snorkel, and kayak the crystal clear sea here that supports 900 species of fish.
Accommodations: Spirit of Yorktown
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Day 3: Whale Watching
This whole day is spent pursuing up-close viewing of marine life. The Sea of Cortés is home to huge schools of common and bottle-nosed dolphins, as well as humpback, minke, fin, and blue whales. From mid-January to mid-March, hundreds of gray whales congregate in the shallow lagoons of Baja’s Pacific shore. When AdventureSmith's local contacts tell them the whales are present, you’ll cross the peninsula by motorcoach to Puerto Adolfo Lopez Mateos. There board an outboard-equipped panga to observe the grays, who have migrated some 6,000 miles from Alaska’s Bering Sea to mate, give birth, and rear their young. When whales are not present there due to migration patterns, you will look for whales in the Sea of Cortés.
Accommodations: Spirit of Yorktown
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Day 4: Island Exploration
Guided by the weather and tides, visit one of the beautiful and special islands of the Sea of Cortés. Exploration will include nature hikes, kayaking, and snorkeling.
Accommodations: Spirit of Yorktown
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Day 5: Loreto
Founded in 1697, Loreto’s Nuesta Señora de Loreto Mission was the original “mother” church from which all the other California missions were founded, eventually leading as far north as Sonoma, California. A museum adjacent to the mission displays artifacts and paintings from Baja’s colonial era. Stroll the streets and plazas of this picturesque seaside village, capped by a reception with musical entertainment at the mission.
Accommodations: Spirit of Yorktown
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Day 6: Los Islotes and Isla Partida
Los Islotes is a steep seamount punctured by sea caves. Blue-footed boobies reside on the cliffs, and a large colony of California sea lions haul out on the rocks below. Weather permitting, swim and snorkel as the female sea lions and their curious young pups float about you in the sea. Continue to Isla Partida nearby, to hike the island’s rugged canyons, kayak up-close to rock-walled headlands, or just relax on the beach. In the sheltered cove of Ensenada Grande, the silky, sandy bottom shelves out very gradually for hundreds of feet, as gentle waves lap onto the mangrove-backed beach.
Accommodations: Spirit of Yorktown
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Day 7: La Paz
Today, your ship ties up at the central waterfront of Baja California Sur’s capital and largest city, which was founded in the 1530's. Explore the shops, gelaterías, and the miles-long waterfront malecón or promenade. Options here include mountain biking and diving. Enjoy an exclusive fiesta, complete with Mexican music, dancers, and piñatas. Later, depart La Paz to sail overnight to Cabo San Lucas.
Accommodations: Spirit of Yorktown
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Day 8: Disembark Cabo San Lucas
Cruise past the spectacular rock formation, Los Arcos, at the very tip of the Baja Peninsula. After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the Los Cabos Airport.
Accommodations: N/A
Included Meals: Breakfast OPTIONAL COPPER CANYON EXTENSION:
Extension - Day 8: La Paz to Los Mochis
Transfer and flight from La Paz to Los Mochis is included. On your way to El Fuerte stop at the Maya Indian village of Tehueco for a traditional dance performance. Travel to the Posada del Hidalgo in El Fuerte. Founded in 1564, El Fuerte for many years was a frontier outpost where expeditions to California and New Mexico began. You will visit the colonial-era City Hall, the town's oldest church, and the Main Plaza on a leisurely walking tour. Extension - Day 9: Copper Canyon, Sierra Tarahumara by Railroad
Transfer to the Chihuahua-al-Pacifico Railroad to begin the ascent into the Sierra Madres, traveling east through coastal plains. The Sierra Tarahumara is a maze of 200 gorges combining to form six interconnecting canyons. You will rise over 8,000 feet, crossing deep ravines and passing through more than 68 tunnels. Upon arrival at Divisadero, transfer to your hotel, situated near the rim of the Urique Canyon. Extension - Day 10: Copper Canyon
After breakfast travel by motorcoach to Cusarare to visit the Jesuit Mission and the new museum featuring recently restored 16th, 17th, and 18th century paintings collected by the Jesuit missionaries. While there, stop next door at the Tarahumara boarding school for a chance to interact with the children. After lunch in Creel, you will have the opportunity to wander around the small rustic town and enjoy the unique rock formations that surround the area. Overnight at your rim hotel. Extension - Day 11: Motorcoach to Chihuahua
Descend from the mountains by motorcoach on your way to Chihuahua, the capital city of the State of Chihuahua. Along the way, stop for lunch. Continue on to Chihuahua and visit the Museum of the Revolution, formerly the home of Chihuahua's most famous citizen, Pancho Villa. Don't miss the cathedral the organ was brought from Germany with sculptures originating from Italy. Tonight, celebrate your explorations with a farewell dinner. Extension - Day 12: Depart
Transfer to the airport for your departure. |
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