Cruise to the Sea of Cortés

Angelfish and orange seahorses hang suspended in the turquoise bay. Birds drift lazily overhead. Mexico’s Sea of Cortés is filled with wonders, many of which are found nowhere else on earth. From giant gray whales, which seem to want to communicate, to islands so unspoiled that your own footsteps will feel like the first on earth, you’ll find yourself in the heart of a magnificent, mysterious world.

Pods of dolphins, hundreds strong, leap with abandon in foamy bow waves. Playful sea lions blow bubbles in the faces of snorkelers, inviting them to join their underwater ballet. The Sea of Cortés is fed by nutrient-rich tides and currents that harbor the richest concentration of marine life on earth.

Whale watch in pristine waters that are home to hundreds of California gray whales, just arrived from their migration from the Bering Sea. These gentle giants rise by the boats, play hide-and-seek, blow bursts of bubbles, and leave you with an unforgettable experience. Kayak in the calm seas where over 900 species of tropical fish have been identified. Or indulge yourself in nature hikes looking for jumping cholla, organ pipe cactus, and the gigantic cardón, which can grow to 60 feet, or watch for some of the almost 400 species of birds. You may even choose to snorkel among the colorful marine life and the playful sea lions.

Explore the island of Espiritú Santo, with its bare-bones beauty — no grasses, no trees, few bushes or shrubs, and no soil. It does, however, boast fabulous white-sand beaches.

The picturesque seaside town of Loreto has artifacts and paintings dating back to their colonial period. Visit Misión Nuestra Señora de Loreto, from where all the California missions were founded. In La Paz, founded in the 16th century, the miles-long promenade invites your exploration before your exclusive fiesta with Mexican music, dancers, and piñatas.

Blue-footed boobies and California sea lions reside around Los Islotes, whose steep seamount is punctured by sea caves. You can hike the rugged canyons of Isla Partida, where each step will reveal uniquely adapted desert plants and flowering cacti. Or, relax and rejuvenate on the secluded beach there. 

Become one with the landscape, united with nature, connected with the very essence of the Sea of Cortés. Cruise West offer cruises to the Sea of Cortés. Their cruises are all about getting you closer — mingling with whales, watching the splash of dolphins, listening to the squawk of seabirds, and letting you enjoy the unique camaraderie of others who want to experience the world’s most incredible places.

Call your local AAA Travel counselor for more information about Cruise West and its unforgettable voyage to the Sea of Cortés. Be sure to ask about AAA member benefits; you can receive up to $200 per person savings.