Baja's Bounty

7-night island-hopping Sea of Cortés adventure cruise

From $2,995

Rates & Dates

Itinerary
Rates and Dates
Ports and Places
Land Packages
Vessels

Itinerary

Stocked with supplies and a bountiful sense of adventure, follow Steinbeck’s path into the protected waters of Cousteau’s “world’s aquarium.” Active exploration and a menagerie of wildlife await you!

INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS:

Sea of Cortés UNESCO World Heritage Site—a marine life-rich natural aquarium
Watch for whales, mobula rays, dolphins, and birds
Hike, kayak, paddle board, and explore by skiff
Mule ride into the arroyos with local rancheros
Search for gentle whale sharks in Bahía de La Paz (Nov – mid-Jan; Mar) –OR– Watch for gray whales at Bahía Magdalena (mid-Jan – early-Mar)
Snorkel with sea lion pups and colorful reef fish
Convenience of flying in/out of Los Cabos International Airport

Departure Dates & Rates

Select year and month

2016

2017

2018

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2016

Dec

2016

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2017

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2017

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2018

Anniversary
Savings!

Save $300 per couple ($150 pp) on November 12, 2016-March 25, 2017 cruises.
Valid on NEW reservations made July 30-October 28, 2016. Mention offer code A3UW106. Restrictions apply. May not be combinable with other offers. Inquire when booking.

Your day-by-day details

Roundtrip San Jos del Cabo, Baja California Sur

DAY 1

San José del Cabo / La Paz – Embarkation

Bienvenidos! You will be met at the Los Cabos International Airport in San José del Cabo and transferred to our hospitality area. Joined by your expedition team, an overland orientation transfer to La Paz acquaints you with the dramatic Baja landscape and the week that lies ahead. The captain and crew welcome you aboard just in time for a cocktail and dinner with your new mates.

DAY 2

Isla San Francisco

In a playground of steep red bluffs and sweeping desert beach, kick off your weeklong adventure with a day of play. Don some flippers for a snorkel among colorful sea life, put on your walking shoes for an exploratory hike, grab a paddle, or relax on the beach with the sand between your toes. The rugged beauty of the island makes it an ideal spot for escapades.

DAY 3

Bahía Agua Verde

At Bahía Agua Verde, clear waters are bordered by sparse craggy mountains hemmed in green. Explore the coast by small skiff, visit with a local ranchero and his family, and take to the canyons and mountains on a mule ride and experience the “real Baja.” Scenic vistas, outstanding exploration, excellent birding, and unmatched camaraderie—the day is done.

DAY 4

Captain’s Choice

While it’s unlikely you’ll find any black pearls, today you’ll sail amongst islands once explored by early conquistadors. Your expedition team will be at-the-ready with more adventurous options to choose from—kayaking, hiking, paddle boarding, or beachcombing. Discover nature’s diversity and learn about the geologic forces that formed these islands.

DAY 5

Marine Life Search

Magdalena Bay (mid-January – early-March) Mother Nature is your guide today. The gray whales arrive each year on Baja’s west coast—migrating more than 12,000 miles—to calve in Bahía Magdalena. Dock in Puerto Escondido, then drive across the peninsula to ride in a panga and observe these mammals and their babies in the lagoon. —OR— Bahía de la Paz (November – mid-January; March; order of days changes) Whale sharks—the largest known species of fish—are known to frequent the bay. Keep watch for the watery “footprints” of these gentle giants, and conditions permitting, gear up for an unforgettable swim alongside this colossal creature or observe from above in the skiff.

DAY 6

Los Islotes / Isla Partida

At Los Islotes—a steep craggy seamount leaping straight from the sea—observe a sea lion colony from the boat and skiff, or slip into a wetsuit for an early morning snorkel with curious, agile young sea lion pups. Afterwards, heave anchor and set sail for Isla Partida, for an afternoon of water play or island hikes along desert beaches or into rocky arroyos.

DAY 7

Isla Espíritu Santo

Tuck into a secluded cove surrounded by long fingers of red rock and a golden beach. Spend your last full day enjoying the feel of warm sand under your feet on a beach walk, investigate nooks and crannies in the rocks by kayak, or explore a little further afield on a guided hike. Celebrate your week at tonight’s special Farewell Dinner with an entertaining slideshow by your expedition team.

DAY 8

La Paz / San José – Disembark

After breakfast, it’s “adios” La Paz, as you disembark the vessel and transfer back to San José del Cabo for your flight, or UnCruise hotel stay.

Passport required. Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary and the order of days may occur to maximize your experience.

Themed Departures Available for this Itinerary

Alumni

Celebrate the camaraderie and excitement you shared on past unforgettable UnCruise adventures by joining fellow-alumni in creating new memories on another!

2016: December 3

Birding

Join renowned bird experts on a discovery of the unique habits and characteristics of the winged creatures you encounter.

2016: November 26
2017: March 25

Chairman's Cruise

Our guests love getting up-close to the places we visit, now’s your chance to rub elbows and get to know the leaders and owners of UnCruise Adventures!

2017: January 7

Marine Biology

Learn about the amazing aquatic world all around and beneath you with your onboard marine expert during excursions and in-depth presentations.

2017: January 21; February 18; March 18

Photography

A professional photographer guest host guides you on capturing the perfect shots—on board, in-the-field, and one-on-one.

2017: January 28

Christopher Baker

Travel photographer, writer, and journalist, Christopher Baker has been capturing images of his travels and for his stories throughout his entire career. A contributing photographer for Getty Images and National Geographic, his work has been printed in more than 200 publications throughout the world and has earned him acclaim.

Join Christopher for a Photography theme cruise on January 28, 2017.

Ports & Places

The places you visit play a starring role throughout every journey. While this list isn’t exhaustive of every nook-and-cranny you’ll explore along the way, we’ve included descriptions of key ports and places to help you get to know the wilderness areas, landmark locations, notable regions, and coastal towns relevant to this itinerary.

Departure Dates

Select Year and Month to View Rates

2016

2017

2018

Nov

2016

Dec

2016

Jan

2017

Feb

2017

Mar

2017

Nov

2017

Dec

2017

Jan

2018

Feb

2018

Mar

2018

Bahia Agua Verde

Located about 80 km south of Loreto, tranquil Bahía Agua Verde is nestled in the Sea of Cortés. With vibrant turquoise-blue glassy waters, the small and quiet bay is surrounded by the dramatic Sierra de La Giganta range. A land of contrasts in color, the blue-green sea is all the more vibrant against the backdrop of soft-hued red rock, with striking pops of green from long-armed cacti dotting the landscape.

Sitting sentinel at the mouth of the horseshoe-shaped bay sits Roca Solitaria, which offers a protected area ideal for snorkeling, swimming, and hiking. In addition to many marine creatures, Bahia Agua Verde is also home to a small fishing village, Puerto Agua Verde, with a church, a small market and a couple shops.

Bahia de La Paz

Nestled between Baja California Sur, Isla Espiritu Santo, and the city of La Paz, gorgeous, deep blue Bahía de La Paz is the gathering place for many marine and bird species, including the impressive, gentle giant whale sharks. The largest extant fish species, these white-spotted filter feeders can measure over 40 feet in length!

Bahia Magdalena

Sheltered from the Pacific Ocean by two long slivers of land, Isla Magdalena and Isla Santa Margarita, Bahía Magdalena is a 31-mile long circular cove full of wonderful biodiversity. On the western coast of Baja California Sur, the bay is at an unusual confluence of currents where the cool California current system that originates in Alaska and the warmer South American current meet. These special circumstances have created a rich marine landscape that supports a phenomenal, diverse variety of sea life. Some of Magdalena’s most celebrated itinerants, California Gray Whales, come to this protected bay from Alaska to spend the winter calving each year.

Baja California Sur

The southern state of the Baja Peninsula is a unique world of contrasts and incredible diversity, where the desert meets the sea. The topography includes deserts and bays, mangroves and lagoons, jagged mountain peaks, and remote islands.

Only recently “discovered” and considered to be the Last Frontier of Mexico, the state of Baja California Sur was created in 1974 after the Transpeninsular Highway was built to provide access along the entire length of the peninsula from Tijuana to Cabo San Lucas. The state capital and largest city by far is the port of La Paz.

With its unique offerings of desert, sea, and sunshine, Baja California Sur has become a favorite tourist destination for mainland Mexicans, Americans, and Canadians. Visitors are drawn to Baja for the world-class diving, sport fishing, golfing, kayaking, hiking, snorkeling, and sailing. The Los Cabos corridor along the southern cape offers an array of exclusive resorts. Many other smaller, remote communities retain a traditional, tranquil atmosphere, while still offering all the necessary amenities. Enjoy rich cultural history, traditional charm, and easy access to the natural wonders of the Baja region.

Ensenada Grande

Located on Isla Partida, Ensenada Grande is part of a protected UNESCO biosphere reserve that also includes Isla Espiritu Santo. With picture-perfect turquoise water, white sand beaches, and wildlife-rich waters, it is no wonder why the beach at Ensenada Grande was voted the most beautiful in Mexico by Travel Magazine in 2011 and is ranked in the top 12 beaches in the world.

Isla Coronado

Find abundant life including dolphins, sea turtles, sea lions, osprey, boobies, and many different fish on untouched, ruggedly beautiful Isla Coronado and in its surrounding clear, crystal blue water. Ancient fossils litter the rock cliffs from a time long ago when the Sea of Cortés was formed. Empty river beds give refuge for trees and cactus to grow and soft sandy paths for guests to follow.

The island's geological history dates back thousands of years ago to a 1,500-foot extinct volcano that lies at the northern end of the island. Evidence of its molten past can be seen in the large volcanic boulders that cover the craggy hills. The flatter southeastern portion of the island plays host to sea turtles who visit the sand dunes to lay their eggs during various seasons. Isla Coronado is also home to sea lions, manta rays, many unique bird species, and plentiful fish.

Only six miles north east of Loreto, Isla Coronado is an ideal spot for snorkeling and swimming, and enjoying tranquil, slow walks on the white sand beaches.

Isla San Francisco

Tiny Isla San Francisco boasts one of the most stunning crescent shaped bays with a long sandy beach lining its shore. Rocky cliffs on the island give shelter to birds and offer perches for pelicans to sit along the water’s edge to keep watch of kayakers going by, most importantly for small tropical fish swimming under the water's surface. Striking, long-armed cacti dot the desert landscape and bloom into bright crimson during the season. Along the island's rocky coastline, octopus, eels, rays, and unique fish linger and find protection.

Isla San Jose

Located approximately 50 miles north of La Paz, beautiful Isla San José has a peak elevation of 2,300 feet and is the sixth largest island in Mexico. The island is primarily comprised of volcanic rock, hilly arroyos, and precipitous red cliffs that dive steeply into crystal clear, turquoise water. Today the island is uninhabited but in earlier days, it was a resource for sailors who would store water, meat, and salt here for later resupply.

Unique desert vegetation and brightly colored flowers dot the landscape of Isla San José that stretches out to cliffs and crescent white sandy coves along the shoreline. Off the south end of the island, a mangrove estuary offers channels to explore. Isla San José also contains fresh water springs that support populations of wildlife including deer, coyote, and ringtail.

Los Islotes

Los Islotes is a large rock outcropping that rises sharply out of the sea off the tip of Espíritu Santo Island. At first glance they appear as gnarled, rugged guana-covered cliffs, but as you approach, you'll soon spot a rookery with hundreds of sea lions lazing on its ledges and sea birds perch on the ledges. Around Los Islotes, the water is full of brightly colored and plentiful fish, making this a wonderful place to study marine life.

San José del Cabo

Rain is a rarity in San José del Cabo, and with over 350 days of sunshine annually, it’s no surprise the atmosphere here is friendly and welcoming. About 17 miles east of the popular resort town of Cabo San Lucas, this low-key community at the tip of the Baja Peninsula is home to a population of nearly 70,000.

Quaint and charming, San José del Cabo is full of beautiful historic buildings including the lovely Iglesia San José del Cabo that overlooks the zocolo, or town square. Complementing the prevailing old customs and traditions, the city also has a vibrant modern art district and a healthy tourism industry that attributes to an unemployment rate of nearly zero percent. While incredibly laid back, the hustle and bustle of a thriving industry has resulted in a very low crime rate and a high quality of living.

With an arid climate, San José del Cabo is typically dry, warm and sunny with a year-round average temperature between 66 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit. A beautiful arcing beach of white sand fronts the city and is a wonderful spot for swimmers, surfers, and sunbathers alike. An estuary at the southeastern end of town is inhabited by over 200 types of birds and offers gentle, short trails for active travelers to explore.

Sea of Cortés

The Sea of Cortés, also known as the Gulf of California, is thought to be one of the most diverse seas on our planet. Geologic evidence indicates that around 5.3 million years ago, tectonic forces separated the Baja Peninsula from the mainland creating the sea between them. In 2005 the islands and protected areas of the gulf were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for their natural beauty, diversity of terrestrial and marine life, and by ranking higher than any other marine and insular World Heritage site for the unique examples of "bridge islands" within a very short distance.

Powerful tidal action, strong ocean currents, fluctuating water temperatures, and a nutrient-rich estuarine mix of fresh water from the Colorado River contribute to heavy plankton blooms in the Sea of Cortés which are unequalled in seas of similar size. It is a place author John Steinbeck found "ferocious with life" and Jacques Cousteau once proclaimed the abundant biodiversity of the Sea of Cortés as the “Aquarium of the World.” The east and west coasts of the peninsula are home to over 800 species of fish. Unusual whale sharks and manta rays ply the plankton-rich waters, while hundreds of intertidal creatures live along the zone that bridges the desert and sea. Over 20 species of cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoise) have been identified in the Sea of Cortés from giant blue whales to the near-extinct vaquita, the smallest porpoise known to man.

Extend Your Experience

HOTEL STAY

SAN JOSÉ DEL CABO – CASA NATALIA

2016-2017 RATES: From $275

This chic, 19-room boutique hotel is located in the historic village of San Jose del Cabo. Set in an oasis of palm trees and tropical bougainvillea, the property’s unique guest rooms feature a regional motif.

Summary

This package includes airport meet & greet; airport/hotel/yacht transfers, deluxe superior room accommodations; continental breakfast; and taxes & service fees.

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HOTEL STAY

SAN JOSÉ DEL CABO – BARCELO GRAND FARO LOS CABOS

2016-2017 RATES: From $320

Perched on a white sand beach, this all-inclusive hotel offers sweeping views, pampering service, and inviting spaces. Relax in your finely appointed room, one of four pools, 5 restaurants, and three bars.

Summary

This hotel stopover package includes airport meet & greet; airport/hotel/vessel transfers; accommodations w/ private balcony; all meals; Mexican Fiesta; pool-side waiter service; all non-alcoholic beverages; wine, beer, and spirits; and current taxes and gratuities.

Vessels for this Itinerary

Safari Endeavour

Aboard this spacious expedition vessel, three decks offer ample outside vantage points for taking in daytime sights and the sparkling night sky with new friends. Interior spaces including the intimate lounge, cask wine bar, and cozy library provide comfortable and relaxing spaces to sit back with a book and glass of wine, gather for presentations, or to share experiences from the day. The fully-stocked, marble-topped bar in the lounge is a magnet for activity and mingling.

Ready for adventure at a moment’s notice, the Safari Endeavour is fully loaded with adventure equipment: kayaks; paddle boards; inflatable skiffs; hiking poles; yoga mats; and snorkel gear and wetsuits; plus, a hydrophone for listening to below-surface sounds and a bow-mounted underwater camera. For those moments when attention turns to relaxation, the vessel comes equipped with two hot tubs, fitness equipment, yoga mats, and a massage suite.

There are five cabin categories aboard the Safari Endeavour: Master; Commander; Captain; Admiral; and Commodore Suite. Depending on the category, singles, doubles or triples can be accommodated.

Common to all cabins are: Flat-screen TV/DVD; iPod docking station; air conditioning; desk and chair; private bath with shower; generous storage and closet space.

Destinations: Alaska; Mexico's Sea of Cortés

84 guests
42 cabins
34-35 crew members
232 feet in length
37 feet wide
Cruising speed of 10 knots
Built in 1983 by "Jeff Boat" Shipyard
Renovated in 2012
Registered in United States
2.5:1 Guest-to-crew ratio

103-104, 212, 301-302
Fixed queen, or fixed twin beds; desk and chair; view window or portholes; private bath and shower

303-308, 311-322
Fixed twin beds; desk and chair; view windows; private bath with shower

105-112, 203-204, 209-210
King or twin beds; desk and chair; view window; private bath and shower

201-202, 309
King or twin beds; refrigerator; desk and chair; view window; private bath with shower

205-208
Sitting area; king or twin beds; Tempur-pedic® products; refrigerator; view windows; French doors and step out balcony; private bath with Jacuzzi tub and shower

Baja's Bounty

7-night island-hopping Sea of Cortés adventure cruise

Itinerary

Departure Dates & Rates

Your day-by-day details

Roundtrip San Jos del Cabo, Baja California Sur

DAY 1

DAY 2

DAY 3

DAY 4

DAY 5

DAY 6

DAY 7

DAY 8

Themed Departures Available for this Itinerary

Alumni

Birding

Chairman's Cruise

Marine Biology

Photography

Christopher Baker

Rates and Dates

Departure Dates

Nov 12

2016

San José del Cabo to San José del Cabo

Nov 19

2016

San José del Cabo to San José del Cabo

Nov 26

2016

San José del Cabo to San José del Cabo

Dec 03

2016

San José del Cabo to San José del Cabo

Dec 10

2016

San José del Cabo to San José del Cabo

Dec 17

2016

San José del Cabo to San José del Cabo

Dec 24

2016

San José del Cabo to San José del Cabo

Dec 31

2016

San José del Cabo to San José del Cabo

Jan 07

2017

San José del Cabo to San José del Cabo

Jan 14

2017

San José del Cabo to San José del Cabo

Jan 21

2017

San José del Cabo to San José del Cabo

Jan 28

2017

San José del Cabo to San José del Cabo

Feb 04

2017

San José del Cabo to San José del Cabo

Feb 11

2017

San José del Cabo to San José del Cabo

Feb 18

2017

San José del Cabo to San José del Cabo

Feb 25

2017

San José del Cabo to San José del Cabo

Mar 04

2017

San José del Cabo to San José del Cabo

Mar 11

2017

San José del Cabo to San José del Cabo

Mar 18

2017

San José del Cabo to San José del Cabo