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Cruise Mexico's Sea of Cortez up close and in style aboard a luxurious 22 passenger yacht. A professional crew attends to your every need while expert naturalist guides introduce you to Baja California and the Sea of Cortez, home to ruggedly beautiful deserts and incredibly rich oceans. Plant species alone number close to 3,000, and bird-life is rich and varied, from migrating terns to comical boobies. Marvel at the wealth of marine life like elephant seals, California sea lions, hundreds of fish species, dolphins, and whales. The Aquarium of the World Yacht Cruise offers you an ideal opportunity to explore and encounter the riches of Mexico's Sea of Cortez. Whether you're kayaking, sailing, or cruising above water, or swimming and snorkeling below, you will wander and weave your way through one of Mexico's most treasured, unspoiled areas. Each evening relax with fine wines, gourmet meals luxury staterooms and spectacular sunset. Ask about our charters for your special group or occasion, perfect for families and small groups.

For the 2012-2013 season the itinerary will change to Baja's Bounty for a different twist that allows you to explore the World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve and visit a culturally-rich centuries-old mission town. This new itinerary will sail aboard the 86 passenger M/Y Safari Endeavour.

As either a pre- or post- Sea of Cortes yacht cruise extension, we are offering an "Intimate Insider" exploration of Baja California. This extension is a 7 day, 6 land adventure that will treat you like a pampered guest but make you feel like a local.

Day 1 - Arrive in La Paz, Baja California Sur

Welcome to Baja California Sur! You will be met at the airport and transferred to your yacht. As your yacht cruises away from La Paz step out on deck with your fellow travelers, champagne in hand, to toast the brilliant Baja sunset before dinner. Anchor in a quiet cove this evening.

Accommodations: M/Y Safari Quest
Included Meals: dinner

Day 2 - Isla Partida and Beach Activities

Cruise to Ensenada Grande, a lovely cove on Isla Partida with a lovely crescent beach at its head. This afternoon we’ll explore the rocky coastline by skiff and kayak, slip into the crystal-clear water for swimming and snorkeling, or take a guided hike into the interior of the island, which abounds in exotic desert cacti and succulents.

Accommodations: M/Y Safari Quest
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 - Whale Watching

Watch for pods of dolphins along with blue, fin, sei, orca and sperm whales as they spout and dive in the surrounding waters. Watch also for blue-footed boobies, pelicans and cormorants.

Accommodations: M/Y Safari Quest
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - The Nature of the Sea of Cortés Exploration

In order to get the maximum benefit from visiting this spectacular area, our focus will be on the protected biosphere's flora and fauna. Join the Captain on the bridge as we search for pods of dolphins and and other marine mammals including whales as they spout and dive in the surrounding waters. Keep your binoculars close at hand to spot blue-footed boobies, pelicans, cormorants and an array of gulls. If conditions permit, drop anchor in a remote cove for snorkeling, kayaking and beachcombing.

Accommodations: M/Y Safari Quest
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - Bahia Agua Verde Mule Ride

This morning search for whales and dolphins around Isla Carmen. Then enter Bahia Agua Verde, whose green, clear waters are bordered by craggy peaks. For a true taste of adventure, join your yacht mates on a mule trail ride into the arroyos of the peninsula. Converse with a local Ranchero and his family while you explore canyons, enjoy scenic vistas and experience the breathtaking sights of the “real Baja.

Accommodations: M/Y Safari Quest
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - Isla Coyote (Isla San Jose)

Step ashore on the only permanently inhabited island in the Sea of Cortés.The islet is only about 200 yards in diameter and it is the home of about twenty members of the Cuevas family. The tiny village community consists of about ten buildings that include homes for different branches of the family, a small chapel, and a one-room schoolhouse with two desks and a chalkboard. A unique aspect beyond the weathered structures is a whale bone yard where enormous vertebrae are scattered piecemeal for an up-close investigation. During our visit enjoy conversations with this remarkable group of people who make their living as fishermen “in the middle of nowhere.” Later, experience a guided hike among a forest of the world’s tallest cactus, the cardón. And view a mangrove-lined lagoon that borders gentle, white sand dunes and untracked beaches. Paddle with your Expedition Leader through the narrow lagoon for a closer look at these tenacious trees of the sea. This evening anchor in a pristine bay.

Accommodations: M/Y Safari Quest
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 - Los Islotes

At Isla San Francisco enjoy a guided hike along a hook-shaped ridge, or perhaps kayak or snorkel in the protected crystalline waters. Just north of Isla Partida, pull close to Los Islotes - a steep rocky outcropping leaping straight from the sea. Observe a sea lion colony from the yacht and launch, or slip into a wetsuit to snorkel with agile young sea lions. Swim through a rock arch where orange fan and white fire coral sway in the current, while high overhead, brown and blue-footed boobies perch on the cliffs. Later, cruise to Isla Espiritu Santo to enjoy a guided hike along a colorful desert ridge. After dinner, we will recap our week long journey through the Sea of Cortés with our fellow travelers during a special farewell dinner followed by a slideshow of the shared experiences.

Accommodations: M/Y Safari Quest
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 - Disembarkation, La Paz

After breakfast on board we’ll bid you “adios.” A transfer to the airport for connections home is included. You may have time for a stroll along the extensive beachfront promenade here in Baja’s most traditional city.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast

Baja's Bounty Itinerary:

With this itinerary, explore Baja's World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve and visit a culturally-rich centuries-old mission town. Snorkel, kayak, and paddle board in crystalline waters. Hike ashore along cactus-clad rims. Experience pods of dolphins, view whales, and enjoy a sunrise mule ride and radiant sunset cruising.

Day 1 - La Paz, Baja California Sur – Embarkation

You will be met at the Los Cabos or La Paz airport for your embarkation transfer. Spend the afternoon exploring La Paz on your own before boarding the Safari Endeavour. The Captain and crew will greet you just in time for cocktail hour.

Accommodations: M/Y Safari Endeavour
Included Meals: dinner

Day 2 - Island Exploration

It’s the Captain’s choice and you’ll awake this morning to a desert island paradise nestled in the gulf’s rich ecosystem. Go ashore for a full day of kayaking, snorkeling, paddle boarding, beachcombing, exploring by skiff, and hiking among exotic desert cacti. Enjoy a sunset cruise before dropping anchor for the evening. Conditions permitting, there may be a chance for a late night snorkel in this important marine habitat.

Accommodations: M/Y Safari Endeavour
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 - Los Islotes / Isla San Francisco

Heave anchor early this morning and set sail for Los Islotes—a steep rocky outcropping leaping straight from the sea. Observe a sea lion colony from the ship and skiff, or slip into a wetsuit to snorkel with agile young sea lions. Swim through a rock arch where orange fan and white fire coral sway in the current, while high overhead, brown and blue-footed boobies perch on the cliffs. At Isla San Francisco, a guided hike takes you among a forest of the world’s tallest cactus—the Cardón, or you can kayak, paddle board, and snorkel in the calm waters.

Accommodations: M/Y Safari Endeavour
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - Whale Watching

Picturesque ledges of pink and orange bluffs and more marine life are on tap today. With binoculars in hand, join the Captain on the bridge to search for pods of dolphins, blue, fin, sei, orca and sperm whales as they spout and dive in the surrounding waters. Blue-footed boobies, brown pelicans, cormorants, and gulls also make this area their home. If conditions permit, we’ll drop anchor in a remote cove for snorkeling, kayaking, and beachcombing.

Accommodations: M/Y Safari Endeavour
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - Bahia Agua Verde

At Bahia Agua Verde, whose clear waters are bordered by sparse craggy mountains hemmed in green, you’ll explore canyons, enjoy scenic vistas, and experience the “real Baja.” An evening BBQ ashore makes time for local music and sharing stories with a local ranchero and his family.

Accommodations: M/Y Safari Endeavour
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - Loreto

The first Spanish settlement on the Baja California Peninsula, Loreto was founded in 1697. Stroll the streets and plazas of this picturesque seaside village on a guided tour. Shop for local art and visit its historical buildings and missions. If gray whales have been sighted across the peninsula in Magdalena Bay—where they’re known to migrate and calf—an optional excursion will be offered where you can ride in a panga and observe the grays in the bay. Get underway for an afternoon search for more whales, dolphins, and flying manta rays and an evening of stargazing.

Accommodations: M/Y Safari Endeavour
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 - Isla Coyote

Step ashore on Isla Coyote, the only permanently inhabited island and smallest community in the Sea of Cortés. Only about 200 yards in diameter, the islet is home to twenty members of the Cuevas family and consists of about ten buildings. Beyond the weathered structures is a whale bone yard where enormous vertebrae are scattered for up-close investigation. Our crew delivers water to the residents, as fresh water is unobtainable on the island. Conversations with this remarkable group of people reveal how they make their living as fishermen “in the middle of nowhere.” After tonight’s special Farewell Dinner, your Expedition Leader will recap the journey with a slideshow of the week’s experiences.

Accommodations: M/Y Safari Endeavour
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 - Disembarkation, La Paz

After breakfast on board we’ll bid you “adios.” A transfer to the airport for connections home is included. You may have time for a stroll along the extensive beachfront promenade here in Baja’s most traditional city.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast

Notes on Itinerary: Read this itinerary as a guide only; our exact route and program varies according to weather conditions - and the wildlife we encounter. Flexibility is the key to the success of this expedition.

Single Travelers: Any stateroom may be sold as a single for 175% of double-occupancy rate.

Land Cost Includes: Ship-board accommodations, all meals, premium wine, beer, liquor; shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage; Leadership by experienced expedition staff; Zodiac cruising and transfers to and from the ship for shore excursions; Kayaks, wet suits and snorkeling equipment; airport transfers; all taxes, port charges and fees; Comprehensive pre-departure information kit.

Not Included: Round-trip airfare from your hometown to La Paz, Mexico. Passport and visa expenses; baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (strongly recommended); excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar and alcoholic beverage charges and telecommunication charges; and gratuities.

Arrival/Departure: The Aquarium of the World cruise begins and ends in La Paz, Baja California. If arriving on departure day, please arrive no later than 4:30pm; embarkation is at 5:30pm. Disembarkation is after breakfast on the last day at 9:00am; all outbound flights should be made after 11:30pm.

Family Departures and Children: Children over 12 years of age appreciate our yacht style cruising and are welcome on all departures. Families with children under the age of 12 should consider our select "Kids in Nature" cruises or book a private yacht charter for the whole family. It is the parents or guardians responsibility to supervise children at all times. Kids in Nature departures will be aboard the Safari Quest and these special departures have additional kid friendly programs. These special family departures offer a savings of 25% off the published rate for kids under 12 years of age. Savings are offered only in the base cabin categories - Mariner cabins on the Safari Quest.

Payment and Cancellation Policy: A payment and cancellation policy that is more strict than AdventureSmith Explorations regular policy applies to this trip. Please see AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions.
Deposit of $1500 per person is required. Cancellation fees apply as follows:
More than 91 days in advance are subject to a $500 cancellation fee.
Between 90 - 61 days: forfeit of deposit.
Between 60 - 46 days: 50% of fare.
Between 45 - 31 days: 75% of fare.
Between 30 - 0 days: 100% of fare.

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with Travel Insurance. Please note that you must purchase your Travel Insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions.


Accommodations Aboard: Our deluxe, luxury motor yacht, Safari Spirit comfortably accommodates 12 guests in 6 gorgeous staterooms. Each stateroom has private facilities, climate controls and ample space to hang and store clothing. Public Areas include a Lounge with bar and facilities for films, slide shows and lectures; Library; Sun Deck with chairs; Outside Deck area for viewing. Our open Bridge policy allows you to meet officers and crew. Meals are served in the Dining Room in one unhurried seating with fine views through panoramic windows. Breakfast is a wide selection buffet and lunch is often served family style. American chefs prepare wholesome and varied menus. Special Features: Zodiac landing craft, sea kayaks, snorkeling gear, wet suits.

Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health and leads an active life. Daily excursions from the boat will be made in Zodiacs. Trip members will take excursions to specific areas for wildlife observation. Hiking time for most landings will be a couple of hours roundtrip with lots of time to stop to study, photograph and enjoy the flora and fauna. Some landings are dry but many are "wet", requiring cautious footing on slippery rocks. The boat staff will be on hand to assist.

General Information: General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations 'Terms & Conditions'. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations. If purchased within 14 days of sign-up, the pre-existing condition exclusion is waived.
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.
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