Trip Overview

8-Day Cruise, Land and Hotel Package 

Baja California is beautifully embraced by two bodies of water; the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez. A striking natural beauty set in a dramatic backdrop of rugged granitic mountains and desert islands with high cliffs dropping down to sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. 

It is rich in natural history, unspoiled in beauty, and unrivalled in both marine and terrestrial wildlife.  This amazing Galapagos-style setting plays host to some of the rarest and most unique encounters one can have on a single trip. It offers a perfect environment for cruising, snorkelling, kayaking, hiking and wildlife viewing. It’s an ideal opportunity to explore, discover and learn. The Sea of Cortez and Baja California are worlds of a different time, place and rhythm. 

March is an amazing month to visit.  During this time, it is peak season for whale watching; grays, humpback, fin, blues and more. Additionally, it is also an excellent time for world-class birdwatching. Nesting birds, migratory visitors, an array of species that use the Sea of Cortez as a corridor between the Americas. Other wildlife encounters may also include sea lions, dolphins, mobula rays, sea turtles and a wide variety of underwater life.

Experience a blend of adventure travel, education and cultural heritage. An unforgettable journey of discovery!  

                  Unleash the explorer in you and join us on an adventure of a lifetime!

The Yacht and Crew – The 120' yacht is an Anacona Italia design. It is a remarkably spacious ship that is so smooth sailing, you hardly notice it’s moving. It provides plenty of shade and plenty of sun. This tri-deck yacht has everything you need for ultimate enjoyment out on the water. Panterra and the crew are a highly skilled and professional team that guarantees a high standard of comfort, service, and safety. Your naturalist is there to oversee your comfort, organize activities, guide and educate guests as you embark on an unforgettable journey. SHIP LAYOUT

Accommodations - The yacht boasts four extraordinarily spacious and elegantly appointed staterooms (dbl occ), each designed to provide a luxurious retreat. Each stateroom has a flat-screen TV for entertainment, air conditioning for optimal comfort, and a private ensuite bathroom complete with a shower for ultimate convenience. A cozy sofa bed or settee is available to accommodate an additional guest. With a sleeping capacity of 8 guests in 4 cabins, the yacht can cater to larger groups of 9 to 12 guests by utilizing the in-cabin settee. Perfectly tailored for friends and families seeking adventure and relaxation, this ship comfortably invites a maximum of 12 guests to share unforgettable moments.

Meals/Beverages - Our chef skillfully prepares three to four-course meals, and an exquisite selection of delectable snacks and appetizers. We offer an extensive range of beverages, including fresh juices, sodas, beers, and carefully curated specialty drinks. With advance notice, we are happy to accommodate most dietary requirements, ensuring that all guests can enjoy our culinary offerings.

Expert in the field (naturalist) - Our naturalist will take you to places away from the seldom-visited tourist areas. Here, you will have the chance to experience rare marine life encounters, explore the desert islands, and visit world-class snorkelling spots. Presentations on the local natural history of the marine environment will be held 2 of the 3 evenings. Your naturalist is there to oversee your comfort, organize activities, guide and educate guests as you embark on an unforgettable journey. 

Experience 4 days/3 nights of luxury-style cruising on our spacious and incredibly detailed ship. The beautifully appointed amenities invite guests to relax with cocktails and friends in the expansive salon offering a private reading area and a variety of board games for your entertainment.  Enjoy your meals outdoors on the aft deck, or inside in the salon's dining area. The two additional upper decks are perfect for socializing and wildlife viewing. You'll be treated to breathtaking scenery and extraordinary wildlife encounters. 

During the  cruise, the planned activities include wildlife viewing, swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, and/or relaxing on the beach under our seated canopy. Nature hikes include exploring the fauna, flora and geology of the desert islands. Visit mangroves for birdwatching, sea lion haulouts and discover a new species recently established in the Sea of Cortez. All activities are guided by our experts in the field. Explore the Trip Itinerary to uncover the incredible journey ahead! 

Your trip also includes a 4-night stay, both before and after the cruise, at the Hotel Catedral in La Paz. During the hotel stay, there are two land excursions planned; the first a trip across the peninsula to the Pacific side for gray whale watching, and the second is a visit an abandoned mine, the Ruta de Plata mining museum and the Vaqueros de Los California cowboy museum. All three sites are rich in the culture and history of Baja California, providing valuable insights into the region's heritage.

This expedition is suitable for beginners to moderately experienced individuals. Guests should be comfortable with walking or standing for short periods and participating in several hours of activity daily. Hikes last 1-2 hours on various terrain in warm, humid conditions. Basic swimming skills and some snorkelling experience are required, but you can opt out of any activity. 

DISCLAIMER:

 We kindly ask our guests to understand that weather conditions are beyond our control. Our itinerary has been designed with flexibility in mind to accommodate any necessary changes. While it is rare, there may be instances where we need to replace one activity with another or shift activity days. We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to embrace any changes that may arise due to circumstances beyond our control. 

Our driver will pick you up at the Cabo/La Paz airports and the surrounding areas, as well as at various points in between. You will be transferred to the Hotel Catedral in La Paz for your first night's stay. Once you are settled in, we invite you to join us for a  “Welcome to the Baja Dinner,” courtesy of Panterra.

Drive Time: Cabo to La Paz - 2.5 hours     Meals: Dinner

Depending on the day's weather pattern, we may have an early morning departure. We will confirm the time at the Welcome to the Baja Dinner on the first night of the trip. If an early departure is necessary, we will stop for a typical Mexican breakfast at a local highway stop. These roadside taquerias offer a wonderful opportunity to enjoy local breakfast cuisine.Once we arrive at Magdalena Bay, you can enjoy 3 to 4 hours of whale and bird watching. After our time on the water, a seafood lunch courtesy of Panterra will be provided before we head back to La Paz. We will return to the hotel for our last night before the cruise begins the following day.

Drive time: 5 hours - 2.5 each way     Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Day 3 - After a beautiful Mexican-style breakfast, we will check out of the Hotel Catedral and transfer to the ship in La Paz. Guests will board the ship at 10 a.m., and we will depart immediately for the islands. Over the next four days, we will participate in the planned activities outlined on page 2.

Meals: All onboard meals are included, starting with lunch on Day 1 and ending with lunch on Day 4.

Day 6 - We return to the dock in La Paz and disembark the boat at 3 pm, transferring to the Hotel Catedral where guests will check in for their last night of the trip.

Day 7 -  After breakfast we will depart for El Triunfo where 4 activities are planned. As follows:
1. Step back into time with a visit to an abandoned mine with a most fascinating history
2. Visit the Ruta de Plata Mining Museum
3. Lunch at the El Minerva Restaurant
4. Visit the Vaqueros de Los Californias Cowboy Museum

A great opportunity to learn about the rich culture and heritage of the area.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

 Day 8 -  Enjoy a leisurely breakfast courtesy of the hotel and take a last morning stroll along the Malecon before checking out of the hotel at 12:30 pm. Our driver will return you to the La Paz or Cabo Airport for your flight home or drop you off along the corridor to continue your vacation.