Twenty million years ago, the San Andreas Fault fractured, sending a 1300km long mountain range into the ocean and forming the Sea of Cortés. Today, this young sea, fed by strong tides and nutrientrich currents, harbours the most abundant concentration of marine life on earth. Pods of dolphins, hundreds strong, leap with abandon in the foamy bow waves. Gray whales rise to gaze a soulful eye at awe-struck visitors. Playful sea lions blow bubbles in the face of snorkelers, inviting them to join their underwater ballet. Angelfish and sea horses hang suspended in turquoise bays.
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Please Note:  To give you peace of mind in this era of tight air travel, we recommend that you stay overnight in Cabo San Lucas prior to the ship’s departure.    The flights are not included in the tour cost, however Quest Nature Tours would be pleased to arrange them (and any extra hotel nights) for you.

Day 1 Sat. Jan 10
Arrive in Cabo San Lucas
Transfer from Los Cabos Airport to Cruise West’s hospitality area at Cabo’s inner harbour. Board the M.V. Spirit of Yorktown to begin your Sea of Cortés cruise at sunset, past El Arco and finisterra (land's end), to enjoy evening scenery and cruising.
(D)
 
Day 2 Sun. Jan 11
Isla Espiritú Santo
This 23,383-acre island near La Paz is centered in one of the most biologically diverse marine areas in the world and is a major environmental success story. Several plants and animals are found nowhere else in the world, including the blacktailed jack rabbit and antelope squirrel. Drop anchor at Espiritú Santo’s Bahía Bonanza for a day ashore. Take a guided walk among the tangle of exotic cacti, or swim, snorkel, and kayak the crystal clear sea here that supports 900 species of fish. No need to bring snorkel gear or wetsuits as gear will be provided to you. 
(B, L, D)

Day 3 Mon. Jan 12
Whale Watching
This whole day is spent pursuing up-close viewing of marine life. The Sea of Cortés is home to huge schools of common and bottle-nosed dolphins, as well as humpback, minke, fin, and blue whales. From early February to mid-March, hundreds of gray whales congregate in the shallow lagoons of Baja's Pacific shore. When our local contacts tell us the whales are present*, we'll cross the peninsula by motorcoach to Puerto Adolfo Lopez Mateos. There board an outboard-equipped panga to observe the grays, which have migrated some 9,600km from Alaska's Bering Sea to mate, give birth, and rear their young. When whales are not present in Bahia Magdalena, we will use our maneuverable small ship to search for whales and other marine life in the Sea of Cortés. 
(B, L, D)

*Note:  In December and January, the weather and whale sightings can be unpredictable.  As opportunities present themselves, we may alter our route to offer you the best possible experience.
 
Day 4 Tues. Jan 13
Island Exploration
Guided by the weather and tides, visit one of the beautiful and special islands of the Sea of Cortés. Exploration will possibly include nature walks, kayaking, and snorkeling. (B,L,D)

Day 5 Wed. Jan 14
Loreto Mission
Founded in 1697, Loreto's Nuesta Señora de Loreto Mission was the original "mother" church from which all the other California missions were founded, eventually leading as far north as Sonoma, California.
A museum adjacent to the mission displays artifacts and paintings from Baja's colonial era. Stroll the streets and plazas of this picturesque seaside village, capped by a reception with musical entertainment at the mission.
(B, L, D)

Optional Shore Excursions (may be booked once on board ship):

Ceviche by the Sea - Learn Mexican culinary techniques and savor the results immediately!  This opportunity takes place at Loreto's El Canipole restaurant, surrounded by Mexicana decor.  Learn to shape a personal tortilla - round, oval, or triangular as you please - then bake it on a traditional comac.  Mix ceviche (seafood "cooked" by marinating in lime juice) and savor a host of other Mexican specialties as well, including chicharrones en salse verde, refried beans, pico de gallo salsa and guacamole.  Your choice of soda, Mexican beer or a margarita is also included in this lunchtime option.  Cost to be advised.

San Javier Tour - Nestled in a valley high in the Sierra de la Giganta Mountains, the mission village of San Javier is one of Baja's secret treasures.  You drive by air-conditioned van on largely gravel roads along one of Baja's most scenic interior drives, an original stretch of the old Camino Real.  Stop in Las Parras, a natural oasis, to learn about desert agriculture and irrigation.  You will also visit Los Cuevos Pintos to see some original Baja rock art paintings.

Visit the village of thatched roof, stone and adobe houses surrounding Baja California's best preserved Jesuit Mission Church, Mission San Francisco Xavier de Vigge-Bloundo.  Originally founded in 1699, the current mission building was completed in 1758, and shelters centuries-old bells, statuary and splendid gilded retablos.  The original mission fathers brought irrigation and orchards to the valley.  Many of the varieties of grapes, olives, figs, oranges and lemons now grown throughout California are descended from Padre Juan de Ugarte's original plantings here at San Javier.  You will take a nature walk along a dry riverbed, and learn about harvesting fruit in an oasis.  A homestyle Mexican lunch is included at a local restaurant.  Snacks and water will be provided in the van.  Cost to be advised.

Day 6 Thurs. Jan 15
Los Islotes & Isla Partida
Los Islotes is a steep seamount punctured by sea caves. Blue-footed boobies reside on the cliffs, and a large colony of California sea lions haul out on the rocks below. Weather permitting, swim and snorkel as the female sea lions and their curious young pups float about you in the sea. Continue to Isla Partida nearby, to hike the island¹s rugged canyons, kayak up-close to rock-walled headlands, or just relax on the beach. In the sheltered cove of Ensenada Grande, where the silky sandy bottom shelves out very gradually for hundreds of feet, gentle waves lap onto the mangrove-backed beach.  In the sheltered cove of Ensenada Grande, the silky, sandy bottom shelves out very gradually for hundreds of feet, as gentle waves lap onto the mangrove-backed beach.
(B, L, D)

Day 7 Fri. Jan 16
La Paz
Today, your ship ties up at the central waterfront of Baja California Sur’s capital and largest city, which was founded in the 1530s. Explore the shops, gelaterías, and the miles-long waterfront malecón or promenade. A host of options will be available and you will have the opportunity to enjoy an exclusive fiesta, complete with Mexican music, dancers, and piñatas. Later, depart La Paz to sail overnight to Cabo San Lucas. 
(B, L, D)

Day 8 Sat. Jan 17
Disembark in Cabo San Lucas After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the Los Cabos Airport.
(B)

Please Note:
Although every effort will be made to adhere to the itinerary within the limits of weather, safety and time constraints, it is possible that some changes to the itinerary and certain planned shore excursions may occasionally occur.