Embark on an 11-day voyage aboard the Safari Voyager, inspired by John Steinbeck's "Log from the Sea of Cortez." Explore the rarely visited islands of the Northern Gulf of California, from Punta Marcial’s rich marine life to snorkeling near Isla Catalina. Search for Blue and Fin whales between Isla Catalina and Santa Rosalia, and visit the historic mining town of Santa Rosalia. Snorkel, kayak, and beach walk at Punta Trinidad, Bahia San Carlos, and Bahia de los Angeles, known for its abundant marine life and whale sharks. Discover Puerto Refugio’s scenic waters, Isla San Esteban’s sea lion colonies, and bird-watch at Isla San Jose’s lagoon. Star-gaze under pristine skies and explore Isla Espiritu Santo’s biosphere reserve, capturing Baja California's natural beauty and history.
Highlights
Sail around Isla Espiritu Santo’s shores
Spot diverse bird species including hummingbirds, cormorants, and pelicans
Search for majestic whales in the Santa Rosalia corridor
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Fly into Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) and transfer to La Paz. Board the Safari Voyager and get settled in your cabin. In the evening, watch the sunset from the deck as the ship departs for the less-visited islands of the Northern Gulf of California.
This morning, the ship anchors off Punta Marcial, where you can explore the intertidal zone for marine life. Receive instruction on safe kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, and skiff use at this historic Steinbeck site. If conditions permit, snorkel at Elephant Rock or near Isla Catalina, a protected island. Or spend time relaxing in the sun.
Spend the morning searching for blue and fin whales that frequent the corridor between Isla Catalina and Santa Rosalia. Your captain can decide the day’s adventure, which may include more time at Isla Smiths, Isla Coronado, or exploring Puerto Refugio further north.
This rarely visited area offers great snorkeling, beach walks, and interior hikes on the Baja Peninsula. To the north lies Roca el Rasito, an excellent spot for birdlife and for experienced snorkelers. The guides highlight areas Steinbeck explored during his journey. If conditions are favorable, longer kayak outings may be offered.
Known as the “Marine Oasis of Baja California,” Bahía de los Ángeles teems with life. Explore by kayak or skiff, hike to Punta Gringa, or visit the local nature museum. This area is also one of the few places where leatherback turtles can be spotted. Swimming with whale sharks may be possible, and for Steinbeck enthusiasts, nearby sites from The Log from the Sea of Cortez await.
At the northernmost extent of the journey, Puerto Refugio is a tight, scenic anchorage known to yacht captains and fishermen. Spend the day kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, and exploring. If weather allows, enjoy a campfire before dinner.
Explore Isla San Esteban on a guided hike up its main arroyo, where you may see pinto chuckwallas and other desert wildlife. Hundreds of sea lions haul out along the shores, while pelicans, boobies, cormorants, and osprey fill the skies. Later, sail through the Canal de Salsipuedes, also called “the Trench,” where sperm whales gather to feed on Humboldt squid. It is one of the most dramatic whale-watching areas in the Sea of Cortez.
Day 8: Captain’s Choice – Marine Mammal Search & Playa Punta San Basilio
Today is a Captain’s Choice day. Depending on conditions, you may continue searching for blue, fin, sperm, orca, and pilot whales, or anchor at Playa Punta San Basilio. This calm and protected bay offers excellent opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and snorkeling. The captain and expedition team select the best mix of activities to maximize your experience.
Arrive at Isla San Jose and explore its unusual shallow interior lagoon, a prime spot for bird watching and kayaking. Steinbeck found this desert landscape remarkable, and you too. Outside the lagoon, long beaches invite you to beachcomb or relax. With no ambient light nearby, this is also one of the best stargazing nights of the trip.
Day 10: Isla Espiritu Santo & Punta Lobos or Bonanza Beach
Spend the full day exploring Espíritu Santo and nearby Punta Lobos or Bonanza Beach, all within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. All activities are available, from snorkeling and kayaking to hiking. This evening, enjoy the Captain’s Dinner and a slideshow of highlights from your voyage.
Day 11: La Paz | Disembark | Transfer to Cabo
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, bid farewell to your crew and fellow travelers. Disembark in La Paz and transfer to Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) for your flight home.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$7,5002-3 travelers
Navigator Cabin
Queen or twin beds, desk & chair, view window, private bath with shower. #103-108
Trailblazer Cabin
Queen or twin beds, desk & chair, view window, private bath with shower. #205-206, 209-212, 215-222
Initial deposit is 20% of the cruise plus port taxes and fees and 50% of any land services, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by Visa, Mastercard or Discover
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
