trip specifics

price

2010/2011

Ctgy/Season	Low	High
Single	$4,995	$5,695
Mariner	$3,995	$4,995
Commander	$5,795	$5,695
Captain	$6,595	$6,595

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 boobys. You'll 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.

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 night yacht cruise that will treat you like a pampered guest but make you feel like a local.

Included Highlights feature:
- Exceptional boutique hotels with a wonderful Mexican flair.(2 nights each)
- A guided art, wine, and cheese walking tour.
- A hands-on Mexican cooking class.
- Innovative Mexican-Euro dining experiences.
- A private visit with a remote and famous mountain ranchero & potter.
- Much more..

For day to day itinerary details, availability and pricing call our Baja experts today.

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. We will anchor in a quiet cove this evening.

Accommodations: M/Y Safari Quest
Included Meals: dinner

Day 2 - Isla Partida and Beach Activities

We’ll 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, we'll focus 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, we'll 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 we’ll search for whales and dolphins around Isla Carmen. Then we’ll 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)

We’ll 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 we'll enjoy conversations with this remarkable group of people who make their living as fishermen “in the middle of nowhere.” Later, we’ll 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 we’ll anchor in a pristine bay.

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

Day 7 - Los Islotess

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 we’ll 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, we'll cruise to Isla Espiritu Santo to enjoy a guided hike along a colorful desert ridge. After dinner, we will recap our weeklong 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


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.

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 $1000 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.

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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