The Sea of Cortez

To the south of California, close to the border with Mexico, San Diego enjoys a privileged natural environment on the shores of the Pacific. One of the largest fleets of US Navy vessels is stationed in this strategic port. The sunny climate and the beautiful sandy beaches compete for visitors’ attention with the picturesque historic districts such as the Gaslamp Quarter, always lit up at dusk by gas lamps, a real journey back in time. Do not miss Balboa Park and its museums as well as San Diego Zoo, one of the most beautiful zoos in the world, home to a large number of endangered species. But the show also continues on the surrounding beaches where it is not uncommon to come across sea lions!

During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

A seaside resort located at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico, where the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean come together, Cabo San Lucas has much to offer. Famous for its rock formation emerging from the ocean and its magnificent white sand beaches, the small town also has a lively nightlife. Surrounded by charming landscapes, between arid deserts dotted with cacti and spectacular rocky pinnacles, this very popular destination will certainly win you over.

Off the coast of Baja California, land on Zodiac® dinghies on Monserrat, one of the islands that form the Bahía de Loreto Maritime National Park. Created in 1996 and covering more than 2,000 km2 in the heart of the Sea of Cortez, this park offers many panoramas: rocky shorelines, underwater canyons, mangroves, sea cliffs… On Monserrat, you will discover an enormous white sand beach: this will also be your departure point for a snorkeling trip accompanied by your expedition team to discover the wonders of a preserved underwater world.

To the south of the Bahía de Loreto Maritime National Park, the largest protected area in the Gulf of California, discover Puerto Agua Verde, with its superb rocky formations and its almost surreally colored waters. Off the coast, Bahia Agua Verde, a small island with lush vegetation and rugged relief, will offer you an idyllic natural setting that you’ll be able to admire and explore during an excursion on a Zodiac® dinghy, a simple swim, and a snorkeling trip.

North of the Bay of La Paz, discover San José Island and its exceptional landscapes. To the west, Punta Colorada will reveal its majestic beauty. Here, huge red and ochre-colored cliffs stand opposite the sea: you’ll be able to appreciate every detail of this spectacular setting as you approach the coast aboard your Zodiac® dinghy. Inland, you’ll be able to admire giant cacti, whereas the underwater world has an unforgettable show in store for you, with angelfish, butterflyfish, and damselfish. Further south, in Bahia Amortajada, your expedition team will lead you into the heart of the mangrove forests to discover completely unspoiled nature.

Los Islotes are rocky islets located to the southwest of the California Bay: the site is famous for sheltering a large colony of California sea lions. Used to humans, these sea lions are not shy and can be easily approached. An excursion on a Zodiac® dinghy will provide you with a fantastic opportunity to admire these playful animals, and you will have the possibility of swimming alongside them: a moving experience.

Jewels of the Sea of Cortez, the twin islands of Isla Partida and Espíritu Santo will reveal the splendor of landscape that is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Only accessible by boat, they will reveal to you the beauty of their sheer cliffs, turquoise bays, and stunning beaches. Isla Partida is particularly rich in secret viewpoints from which you’ll be able to admire exceptional panoramas. As for the island of Espíritu Santo, it has an exceptionally well-preserved ecosystem that enables the observation of exceptional fauna and flora. With a little luck, you may have the opportunity to admire the fascinating and emblematic Mobula ray.

Also called Jacques Cousteau Island in honor of the famous French oceanographer who undertook several expeditions in the region, Cerralvo Island is a real nature sanctuary. Located at the entrance of the Gulf of California, this land of intact beauty is home to superb jagged cliffs and many sandy beaches. The underwater reliefs and surrounding ocean currents have fostered the development of extremely rich marine life. During a snorkeling trip, you may thus perhaps meet golden groupers, sailfish or marlins. Your expedition team will also take you to explore inland during a walk along a dry river bed.

During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

A seaside resort on the Mexican Pacific coast in the southern State of Oaxaca, the Huatulco region is made up of nine turquoise bays. You'll be spoilt for choice with no less than 36 beaches, four of which are ecological preserves. In addition to the beautiful bays and beaches, you can explore and shop in the small communities of the Huatulco area, such as La Crucecita, Santa Cruz or old Santa Maria Huatulco (the district's municipality).

Optional excursions such as a visit to the Copalita archaeological site and museum and tour to the Five Bays of Catamaran are available for additional fees.

During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Located on the Pacific coast, 100 kilometers south of the capital, the city of Puerto Quetzal is the largest port in the country. Close to the city, the ravishing little old city of Antigua is a former colonial capital listed as World Heritage by UNESCO. You’ll admire the wealth of its historical monuments.