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Stocked with supplies and a bountiful sense of adventure, follow Steinbeck’s path into the protected waters of Cousteau’s “world’s aquarium” in Mexico’s Sea of Cortez. Crystal clear water abounds near the shorelines, fringed by red desert bluffs. Sail among the islands, once explored by the conquistadors searching for black pearls. Learn about the impressive geologic forces that created these picturesque islands. Explore by kayak and paddleboard, keeping your eyes peeled for sea life, or enjoy leisurely beachcombing with the sand between your toes.
Islands of the Sea of Cortez are much like the Galapagos, a textbook for the study of speciation, which we see in lizards, plant life, and right from the start at Cabo, with some of Baja’s endemic birds including Belding’s Yellowthroat, Gray Thrasher, and Xantus’s Hummingbird.
Active exploration, turquoise water and snorkeling, and a menagerie of seabirds and other wildlife await you on this exciting Sea of Cortez nature cruise! Talk to us about a possible pre-extension all-day birding trip to see the Baja endemics.




Tour Highlights
- Watch for whales, Mobula rays, dolphins, and birds
- Witness courtship rituals of nesting Brown and Blue-footed Boobies
- Hike, kayak, paddle board, and explore by skiff
- Burro ride into arroyos with local rancheros
- Search for Gray Whales at Baja Magdalena
- Snorkel with Sea Lion pups and colorful reef fish; on land be dazzled by Xantus's Hummingbird
- Enjoy the convenience of flying in and out of Los Cabos International Airport




Trip Itinerary
Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary may occur to account for weather, road conditions, closures, etc. and to maximize your experience.

Sat., Feb. 10 : San José del Cabo | La Paz—Embarkation
Welcome to Baja, Mexico! You are met today upon arrival at the Los Cabos International Airport in San José del Cabo and transferred to our hospitality area. We are then joined by the cruise’s expedition team for an overland orientation transfer to La Paz, getting our group acquainted with the dramatically beautiful Baja landscape and the week of adventure that lies ahead. As we board our ship, the Safari Voyager, the captain and crew welcome you aboard with a cocktail before a kick-off dinner with your new mates.
Sun., Feb. 11 : Gulf of California Biosphere Reserve
Today is a perfect introduction to life at sea, settling into a tucked-away, remote beach like Bonanza or Ayla in the beautiful gulf. Our boat’s expedition team is at the ready with more adventurous options to choose from - kayaking, hiking, paddle boarding, or beachcombing. Or, simply relax without worry of any other beachgoers from surrounding busy beaches. We keep watch for Brown and Blue-footed Booby, Magnificent Frigatebird, and the endemic Yellow-footed Gull. Discover nature’s diversity and learn about the geologic forces that inhabit them.

Mon., Feb. 12 : Bahía Agua Verde
At Bahía Agua Verde, stunningly clear waters are bordered by sparse craggy mountains hemmed in green. Today we explore the coast by small skiff, keeping our eyes peeled for wildlife, the ever-present Osprey nesting on sea stacks, and different species of cormorants and terns. Mobula Rays may be taking that leap of faith as they rocket out of the water, landing belly first back into the sea. We then visit with a local ranchero and his family before we take to the canyons and mountains on a mule ride to experience the “real Baja.” Today’s scenic vistas, outstanding exploration by boat and by hoof, excellent birding, and unmatched camaraderie make for a perfect day.
Tues., Feb. 13 : Isla San Francisco
Today we begin our explorations in a playground of steep red bluffs and sweeping desert beach. What a treat to kick off your adventure with a day of play?this is a vacation, after all. Don a snorkel and some flippers and get to know the colorful and bountiful sea life, put on your walking shoes for an exploratory hike along the red bluffs, grab a paddle and explore by kayak, or just relax on the beach with the sand between your toes…the choice is yours! The rugged beauty of Isla San Francisco makes it an ideal spot for escapades.
Today, and throughout the duration of the cruise, we are on the lookout for the different whale species that call this sea home. Fin, Bryde’s, Pilot, Gray, and Sperm Whales are some of the larger whales we hope to see, while large numbers of different dolphin species make their presence known, riding the bow waves. If you choose to go ashore, we look for the Isla San Francisco Whiptail Lizard, found no other place in the world! Tonight, we enjoy a delicious dinner as we watch the sun set.

Wed., Feb. 14 : Marine Life Search in Magdalena Bay
We defer to our on-board naturalists today, and depending on conditions and recent activity, we either visit Magdalena Bay for Gray Whales or Bahía de la Paz for Whale Sharks. The Gray Whales arrive each year on Baja’s west coast—migrating more than 12,000 miles—to calve in Bahía Magdalena. If Gray Whales are the day’s excursion, we dock in Puerto Escondido, then drive across the peninsula to ride in a panga and witness these remarkable mammals and their babies in the lagoon. Those going ashore watch for wintering warblers, vireos, and sparrows use these islands as winter retreats.
Thurs., Feb. 15 : Los Islotes | Isla Partida
At Los Islotes, a steep craggy seamount leaping straight from the sea, we 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. After a lively morning, we heave anchor and set sail for Isla Partida for an afternoon of water play or island hikes along desert beaches or into rocky arroyos.
Fri., Feb. 16 : Isla Espíritu Santo
Today we quietly tuck into a secluded cove surrounded by long fingers of red rock and a golden beach. We spend our last full day enjoying the feel of warm sand under our feet on a beach walk, investigating nooks and crannies in the rocks by kayak, or exploring a little further afield on a guided hike. We are accompanied by the ever-present frigatebirds patrolling the skies. Watching these pirates of the air sometimes gives us an alert to the presence of flying fish or maybe a feeding frenzy replete with dolphins, whales, and seabirds. The Sea of Cortez is one of the world’s best for marine mammals and we should have plenty of photographic opportunities. Sea Lions are abundant here and snorkeling with these agile swimmers gives you ample and up close views as they blast through their watery home. Tonight we celebrate our lovely week at this evening’s special farewell dinner with an entertaining slideshow by your expedition team.
Sat., Feb. 17 : 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 flights home.
Cost of the Journey
The cost of the cruise is $6500 (Navigator Cabin) – $7100 (Trailblazer Cabin) per person based on double occupancy, plus a $495 port tax/fee per person. Single occupancy is available at $11,400 (Navigator) – $12,500 (Trailblazer). Other cabins may be available. Please inquire. The tour cost includes 7 nights aboard the Safari Voyager, all meals onboard the voyage including alcoholic beverages, all excursions with professional guides, and miscellaneous program expenses, transfers and baggage handling between airport/vessel on embark/disembark days; entry fees to national parks/preserves; all from-the-ship adventure activities and equipment; wellness amenities: fitness equipment and yoga mats. Not included is the round-trip flight to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The tour cost does not include items of a personal nature such as telephone charges or optional activities. We recommend a gratuity for local guides and the ship crew, which is left to the discretion of each participant; guidelines will be provided, usually around $250 per participant.
Please note: Cruise payments are subject to the terms and conditions of the cruise company, UnCruise Adventures, we contract with and may be fully non-refundable. These terms and conditions are primary over those of Naturalist Journeys.
Naturalist Journeys’ Added Value: Why cruise with Naturalist Journeys? First and foremost, it doesn’t cost you more to cruise with us. You pay the same rate you would if you booked directly through the operator. That’s where the perks come in! When you book with Naturalist Journeys, you’re part of a group. We send a leader with you who adds excellent hosting and interpretation skills, and facilitates group interaction. We also send you a species list and trip report once the trip is over. So really, you get the benefit of a small-group guide without the added cost!
Travel Details
Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed.
Arrival and Departure Airport: The airport for this cruise is Los Cabos International (SJD).
Arrival Details: Please plan flights to arrive by 2:30 PM on February 10, 2024.
Departure Details: Please plan flights to depart after 1:00 PM on February 17, 2024. We STRONGLY recommend you arrive the night before — you don’t want to miss the boat!
Browse below for trip reports and species lists from past versions of this and other tours from this destination.
Mexico
Alamos
- November 2017
Butterflies & Birds
- February 2020
- February 2022
- February 2023
Oaxaca
- October 2021
- August 2022
- October 2022
- August 2023
Sea of Cortés
- March 2017
- February 2019
- March 2022
- March 2023
Veracruz
- September 2019
- September 2021
- October 2022
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Kelly Vandenheuvel
Kelly has worked with Naturalist Journeys since 2011. She assists our lead guides on trips to Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, Death Valley, the Eastern Sierras, California’s Central Coast, Yosemite National Park, Yellowstone and Grand Tetons, Utah’s National Parks, Belize and the Caribbean islands of Trinidad & Tobago. Kelly enjoys the outdoors, travel, nature, wildlife, and working with people. Kelly is a licensed wildlife rehabber and educator for Pacific Wildlife Care in San Luis Obispo county, and is a founding member of the organization. She is also the Owner/Broker of Central Coast Property Sales. She and her husband Art own a ranch in Cayucos on California’s Central Coast, where
they live with their large menagerie of birds and mammals, both wild and domestic. When not traveling, Art and Kelly welcome guests to find peace and quiet on their ranch in their B and B guest house.Other trips with Kelly Vandenheuvel
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Death Valley National Park Sampler
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Sunshine Birding: California Coast to Cactus
April 15 - 22, 2024 -
Yellowstone: Birds, Bears & Wildlife
Traveling CyclonesJune 12 - 19, 2024 -
Alaska Sampler
Anchorage, Homer, Seward & Kenai FjordsAugust 9 - 17, 2024
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Photo credits: Banners: Safari Endeavor by Jocelyn Pride, courtesy UnCruise Adventures; Brown-footed Booby by Peg Abbott; Skiff Landing, courtesy UnCruise Adventures; Dolphins, courtesy UnCruise Adventures; Hiking, courtesy UnCruise Adventures; Beach Walkers, Yellow-legged Gull, Long-billed Dowitchers by Peg Abbott; Brown Pelican by Mahlon Hale; gray Thrasher, by Susan Zazzali Mittelstadt; Kayakers, Gull by Naturalist Journeys stock; Sea Lion courtesy of Un-Cruise.