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Overview

JSC April Blues - 7 Days
La Paz, BCS, Mexico
Apr 2 - 8, 2026
Panterra Educational and Cultural Training Society image
Panterra Educational and Cultural Training Society
$4,495
Deposit: $995

About your trip

Trip Overview

Journey to the Sea of Cortez (JSC) - April is a magical time of year in the Sea of Cortez. During this month, many species of both resident and migrating whales can be found feeding in the area. Some whales, having given birth earlier in the year, are preparing their young for their first migration to their summer grounds. Both baleen whales and toothed whales arrive here to feed, taking advantage of the nutrient-rich waters. Here, they can find a vast source of food, ranging from zooplankton to the top of the food chain. This is the peak time we usually encounter blue whales in the area we explore. Additionally, at this time of year, most marine birds have nested and are teaching their young how to feed, eventually leading them to leave their nests and live independently. Blue-footed Booby birds are also common in the area. Female turtles are arriving to lay the first of several nests for the season, and the marine life in the Sea of Cortez is healthy, protected and thriving.


Our Playground - The Gulf of California is acknowledged by UNESCO as a World Heritage marine site. It is the youngest sea on Earth and is celebrated for its rich natural history, unspoiled beauty, and unrivalled marine life. Jacques Cousteau famously referred to it as "the world’s aquarium." The waters and islands of the Sea of Cortez offer legendary biodiversity and some of the rarest experiences one can have on a single adventure. 

Experience a blend of adventure travel, education and cultural interaction while exploring the natural history of the marine environment. An unforgettable journey of discovery!


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

About the Ship and Crew

The Yacht and Crew – The 120' yacht is an Anacona Italia design. It is an extremely spacious vessel 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 experienced, professional, skilled team that ensures 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 offers 4 extremely spacious, well-appointed staterooms. Each stateroom includes a TV, air conditioning, a private ensuite bathroom and shower, full bedding and linens and a comfortable sofa bed or sette to accommodate a third guest if desired. A  5th stateroom is ideal for single guests or double accom. requiring separate beds offering upper/lower bunks and a single settee as an alternative to the upper bunk. The sleeping capacity of the yacht is 8 guests - dbl occ or 9-12 guests with a 3rd guest utilizing the settee. Ideal for friends and families, max 12 guests.


Meals - Our chef expertly prepares beautifully presented 3/4-course meals, delicious snacks, and

appetizers. We offer a variety of beverages including fresh juices, sodas, beers, and select mixed drinks. We can accommodate most dietary needs with advanced notice.


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.

Planned Activities

While on the ship, you can enjoy the luxurious and spacious setting. Relax with a cocktail in hand and enjoy time with friends in our beautifully appointed salon. We offer a reading area for private time, as well as a selection of board games, cards, and dice for your entertainment. The 3 levels of the ship is your home to enjoy for the duration. While cruising, be prepared for breathtaking scenery, wildlife encounters such as whales, dolphins, rays, sea lions, and a spectacular variety of coastal birds. While off the ship, we will engage in activities such as snorkelling, kayaking, and hiking to explore the flora and fauna of the desert islands, or relaxing on the beach with beverages and snacks under the shade of our beach canopy. Don't forget to update your friends and family on your adventure with the onboard WiFi. Share your social media photos while enjoying a margarita on the upper deck with the setting sun in the backdrop. Enjoy a 3-night stay at the Hotel Catedral in La Paz, which includes your first and last 2 nights. On the first night, meet fellow guests at the "Welcome to the Baja Dinner," courtesy of Panterra.


What to Expect – The expedition is rated as suitable for beginners to moderately experienced individuals. Guests should be comfortable with walking or standing for short periods, and able to participate in several hours of activity on any given day. Hikes range from 1 – 2 hours on different terrain in warm and humid conditions. Guests are required to have basic swimming skills and some experience snorkelling. You are welcome to opt out of any activity they choose. 


What's included

Transportation

Includes transfers from Cabo and area, La Paz, and all hotel and ship transfers.

Hotel Catedral

Day 1 and Day 5 accommodations and includes first night "Welcome to the Baja Dinner" and hot and cold Mexican-style breakfast buffet.

Ship Accommodations

5 staterooms, 4 with dbl or trpl occ (dbl/qn bed + sgl settee). A smaller 5th stateroom, ideal for a single guest, or guests who prefer separate beds, offers spacious upper/lower bunks and a settee.

Expert Naturalist/Guide

Your naturalist is there to ensure your comfort, organize activities, guide and educate guests as you embark on an unforgettable journey to the Sea of Cortez. A second guide often joins the trip.

Onboard Meals

All meals, snacks and hors d'oeuvres are included onboard the ship starting with lunch Day 1 through to lunch on the last day of the cruise.

Onboard Beverages

Fresh juices, sodas, tea, coffee, and cocoa. We offer limited alcohol beverages of beer, mixed and specialty drinks. Guests are welcome to bring their own alcohol of preference.

Sports Equipment

Kayaks, snorkel gear and wetsuit.

Ship to Shore Transport

10 man Zodiac and 30' Robalo sportsfisher.

Marine Park Fees

Required by law.

What's not included

Air and Travel Insurance

It is highly recommended guests purchase travel insurance to safeguard their vacation investment in the event of any unforeseen circumstances.

Gratuity

Tipping is a meaningful gesture that reflects your appreciation for the outstanding service provided by all the staff involved.

Personal items

Items of a personal nature.

Day 1

Day 1 image

Welcome to the Baja - La Paz

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

Day 2 - 5

Day 2 - 5 image

Cruising the Sea of Cortez

Day 2 - After breakfast guests will check out of the hotel by 9:30 am. We will head to the marina and board the ship at 10:00 am for an immediate departure to the islands. Over the next four days, we will be engaged in the planned activities outlined on page 2. On Day 5 arrive back at the dock in La Paz and disembark the boat at 3 pm. Guests will check into the Hotel Catedral for your final night's stay.

Meals: All onboard meals included starting with lunch on Day 2 and ending with lunch on Day 5.


Day 6 and 7

Day 6 and 7 image

Last Day of the Trip

Day 6 is a leisure day to relax and explore La Paz at your pace. Take a swim in the hotel rooftop pool featuring bar and restaurant services. Take in one or both of the museums, Modern Art and the Anthropology Museum, both in walking distance from the hotel. Stroll the Malecon seawalk for dining and shopping and strolling.

Day 7 - Enjoy a leisure breakfast, and a morning stroll along the Malecon before checking out of the hotel at 12:30 pm.  Our drivers will return you back to Cabo and surrounding area or the La Paz/Cabo Airports.

Location

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1. La Paz, BCS, Mexico

La Paz, BCS, Mexico

About your organizer

Panterra Eco Expeditions and Panterra Geo Expediciones are managed or operated under the Panterra Educational and Cultural Training Society of Canada (PECTS), a non-profit organization dedicated to environmental research, wildlife conservation, and community programs in Baja California Sur. When you travel with us, you help fund these vital initiatives, with a portion of every expedition directly supporting our mission. Thank you for joining us in protecting the place we call home. Learn more at pects.org.

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