Sea of Cortes Island Hopping

Today we’ll dive into Mexico’s vibrant Sea of Cortes… literally! We’ll ease into our exploration of the UNESCO-protected isles of the Gulf of California with a playful day at the beach. Stopping at a remote unspoilt location, like Playa Bonanza or Playa Ayla on Isla Espíritu Santo, we’ll break out the beach chairs, toys and refreshments, and let you choose your favourite adventure. Explore the kaleidoscopic underwater world on a snorkelling tour, lace up your hiking boots and head into the bush with a guide, or get sandy feet with a stroll along the white-sand beach. 

Discover the hidden paradise that is Bahía Agua Verde, one of the most dazzling anchorages in the Sea of Cortes. We’ll moor in this horseshoe-shaped bay where craggy mountains meet aquamarine sea for another day of exploration and play. Explore the coastline by skiff, snorkel or scuba dive in the crystal-clear waters, or watch for whales breaching offshore. You may choose to visit the family of a local ranchero to learn about their way of life, take your binoculars on a bird-watching expedition, or hop on a mule and experience the ‘real Baja’ by heading into the surrounding canyons and mountains. Whatever you choose, it’s sure to be another magical day. 

Sail to the remote, uninhabited Isla San Francisco where we’ll anchor in its spectacular sweeping bay, shaped like a giant fish hook. Here vibrant red ridges contrast with powder-white beach and turquoise sea for a vivid and dramatic landscape. Choose your island escapades for the day – don a snorkel for underwater adventures, kayak around the rocky shores, practise your balance on a paddleboard, take a trek along the rusty red ridges, or simply kick back and enjoy the sand between your toes with a lazy beach day. 

Our guide for today really is the best in the world – Mother Nature herself! Keep your binoculars and cameras at the ready as we head out in search of some of the spectacular marine life that lives in or migrates through the Sea of Cortes. Fin, blue and sperm whales can all be spotted here, along with gigantic pods of playful dolphins. Or, if grey whales have arrived on Baja’s West Coast, we’ll cross the peninsula for a panga ride to observe these majestic creatures and their babies frolicking at Bahía Magdalena. After a thrilling day discovering the region’s wildlife, there’s still time to trek into the Sierra La Giganta Mountains, explore magical Loreto, or cool off with a dip in the sparkling sea. 

Our first stop of the day takes us to Los Islotes, a set of rocky islets that are home to colonies of mischievous sea lions. You’ll have the opportunity to don a wetsuit for a magical experience snorkelling amongst frisky, curious sea lion pups. Later we’ll depart for Isla Partida, an enchanting island that’s home to one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico, if not the world: Ensenada Grande. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure, swimming, snorkelling, sunbathing, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, or birdwatching… Ah, bliss! 

Our final full day together will be spent at Isla Espíritu Santo, widely regarded as the most beautiful island in the Sea of Cortes. We’ll find a remote, secluded spot on this protected nature reserve, where numerous azure inlets punctuate rusty red cliffs, and white beaches beckon. Luxuriate in the feel of warm sand between your toes on a stroll along the shore, or hop into a kayak or jump on a paddleboard to explore at leisure. Take a guided trek through the island’s rugged interior or head out in search of the myriad wildlife and birdlife that flourish here. This evening, toast your adventures with a farewell dinner accompanied by an entertaining slideshow by your expedition team. 

After breakfast, bid farewell to captain, crew and fellow guests and disembark at La Paz before transferring to San José del Cabo airport for your homeward journey.