Fifteen million years ago, Mexico’s Baja Peninsula and the Sea of Cortez were formed when an earthquake tore a section of land away from western Mexico. Today, this terrain features beautiful crystal clear waters, exotic flowers and playful wildlife.
With its whales and sea lions, isolated fishing villages and uninhabited islands Baja is a beautiful coastline of fine white beaches, peaceful bays and imposing cliffs; the interior of Baja is harsh and undeveloped. Highlights include remote mission village’s volcanic plateaus containing extraordinary rock sites and the botanical wonderland where aspens, cacti, oaks and palms grow side by side and mountain streams rush through granite canyons – a paradise for hikers.
An uncommon destination like the Sea of Cortes requires an unconventional approach to experience the wonder and beauty of this expansive area. Adventure cruise lines have embarked on seven-day soft-adventure cruises featuring remote unspoiled beaches, quaint mission villages, and Mexico’s protected biosphere, where whales and other sea life abound. Each cruise line features small ships with a shallow draft to easily slip into secluded coves, narrow passages and the shallow beaches of uninhabited islands. These non-traditional cruises offer attentive service, abundant cuisine, cleverly laid out cabins, bar/lounge, observation decks and knowledgeable staff, accredited naturalists and guest lectures. The small ships hold less than 100 passengers and depart from Cabo San Lucas or La Paz for 7-night cruise through the Sea of Cortez beginning in December through April.
The itinerary includes a stop at the mission town of Loreto, a sleepy seaside village home to the very first mission dating back 1697 with a historic walking tour. Guided nature walks and hikes in-land and along the coast. Exploration to sea caves; bird sanctuaries and marine life aboard the inflatable Zodiac launch boats, sea kayaking with experience guides and whale watching from aboard small motorized boats. The ships itinerary can vary and be very improvisational, with anchorages often chosen at the last minute with off-vessel activities tailored to passengers’ interests and fitness levels. Activity days include hiking, kayaking or snorkeling. Other days are spent whale watching, and visiting quaint fishing villages. These cruises allow passengers to experience the destination up-close, the way nature intended.
If you would like to know more about these unique cruise adventures in the Sea of Cortez, please contact James TravelPOINTS at 1-800-538-7461,
www.jamestravel.com.
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