7-night Sea of Cortes Island-Hopping Mexico Adventure Cruise
8 Days - 7 Nights
- Based on Double Occupancy
Follow Steinbeck’s path into the protected waters of Cousteau’s “world’s aquarium” for 8D/7N starting at $3795.00 per person.
Between Baja California and mainland Mexico lies a sea so alive that Jacques Cousteau called it “the world’s aquarium.”
The Sea of Cortés is a place of startling contrasts — scarlet cliffs rising from turquoise water, whales gliding past desert islands, and pelicans cutting across the dawn. The landscape feels prehistoric, as if time has paused between wind, tide, and volcanic stone. This voyage moves through that stillness — a week of islands, coves, and hidden beaches connected by salt water and starlight.
Your Sea of Cortés Island-Hopping Adventure Cruise begins in La Paz, where desert meets the sea. From the moment the lines are cast off, the mainland recedes and another rhythm takes hold. The days are guided by the light — early swims as the sun rises over the Gulf, long crossings between crimson bluffs, quiet anchorages beneath mountains that glow at dusk.
Each island is its own world. Isla San Francisco, with its crescent beach and red cliffs, calls for swimming and barefoot wandering. Bahía Agua Verde offers steep canyons and the scent of mesquite fires drifting from remote ranchos. At Los Islotes, sea lion pups spin through the water in clouds of bubbles, curious and unafraid. And farther north, the search for whales and whale sharks reminds you that this is a living sea — vast, unpredictable, and endlessly surprising.
Life aboard is simple but full. Mornings bring the cry of frigate birds and the first cup of coffee on deck; evenings bring the glow of lanterns and the hush of open water. There’s time to paddle, hike, and drift — time to feel the immense stillness that defines Baja.
This isn’t a voyage of luxury or speed but of closeness — to the wind, to the sea, to the creatures that pass alongside. With Lost World Adventures, you travel through one of the last truly wild marine corridors on Earth, an elemental journey through silence, salt, and light.
Lost World Adventures itineraries can be tailor-made according to your plans and preferences: budget, hotel selections, travel dates, optional excursions, length of trip, etc.
Day 1: San José del Cabo / La Paz – Embarkation
Bienvenidos! You will be met at the Los Cabos International Airport in San José del Cabo and transferred to our hospitality area. Joined by your expedition team, an overland orientation transfer to La Paz acquaints you with the dramatic Baja landscape and the week that lies ahead.
The captain and crew welcome you aboard just in time for a cocktail and dinner with your new mates.
Day 2: Isla San Francisco
In a playground of steep red bluffs and sweeping desert beach, kick off your week long adventure with a day of play. Don some flippers for a snorkel among colorful sea life, put on your walking shoes for an exploratory hike, grab a paddle, or relax on the beach with the sand between your toes. The rugged beauty of the island makes it an ideal spot for escapades.
Day 3: Bahía Agua Verde
At Bahía Agua Verde, clear waters are bordered by sparse craggy mountains hemmed in green. Explore the coast by small skiff, visit with a local ranchero and his family, and take to the canyons and mountains on a mule ride and experience the “real Baja.” Scenic vistas, outstanding exploration, excellent birding, and unmatched camaraderie—the day is done.
Day 4: Captain’s Choice
While it’s unlikely you’ll find any black pearls, today you’ll sail amongst islands once explored by early conquistadors. Your expedition team will be at-the-ready with more adventurous options to choose from—kayaking, hiking, paddle boarding, or beachcombing. Discover nature’s diversity and learn about the geologic forces that formed these islands.
Day 5: Marine Life Search
Magdalena Bay (mid-January – early-March) Mother Nature is your guide today. The gray whales arrive each year on Baja’s west coast—migrating more than 12,000 miles—to calve in Bahía Magdalena.
Dock in Puerto Escondido, then drive across the peninsula to ride in a panga and observe these mammals and their babies in the lagoon. —or— Bahía de la Paz (November – mid-January; March; order of days changes) Whale sharks—the largest known species of fish—are known to frequent the bay.
Keep watch for the watery “footprints” of these gentle giants, and conditions permitting, gear up for an unforgettable swim alongside this colossal creature or observe from above in the skiff.
Day 6: Los Islotes / Isla Partida
At Los Islotes—a steep craggy seamount leaping straight from the sea—observe a sea lion colony from the boat and skiff, or slip into a wetsuit for an early morning snorkel with curious, agile young sea lion pups. Afterwards, heave anchor and set sail for Isla Partida, for an afternoon of water play or island hikes along desert beaches or into rocky arroyos.
Day 7: Isla Espíritu Santo
We now enter the Urique Canyon proper through a side canyon. The views from the ridge looking down are spectacular and we carefully navigate the steep descent with plenty of stops to observe the quickly changing vegetation. We make our way towards Naranjo (3,894ft), where we are greeted by the friendly people that live there.
After enjoying the views from the bottom of the canyon and the route we took to get there, we will load our gear into the vehicle and head down to the town of Urique with time to check out this wild west mining outpost.
In the afternoon, we will climb out of the canyon by vehicle up impressive switchback road to the high sierra and our own private lodge at Cerocahui where our clean clothes and a hot fire are waiting for us! Duration: 5 1/2-7 hours. Elevation gain/loss: 900ft/4,525ft.
Overnight San Isidro lodge, Standard room, breakfast included.
Breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner included today.
Day 8: La Paz / San José – Disembark
After breakfast, it’s “adios” La Paz, as you disembark the vessel and transfer back to San José del Cabo for your flight, or UnCruise hotel stay.
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Jaguar Safari – Baiazinha Lodge & Araras Eco Lodge
The Pantanal is a wonderland of landscapes and biodiversity - the reason that makes the Pantanal South America's main sanctuary of wildlife. The Paraguay river, that borders in many moments points of granite mountains, represents the source of the plate river basin.
Panama Family Adventure Tour
Take a boat trip on the Panama Canal led by an expert naturalist guide, a dugout canoe trip to an Embera Indian village in Chagres National Park, kayaking on the Chagres River and hiking the La Chunga Trail, a canopy zipline tour in the highland cloudforest of Chiriqui Province, a boat trip through the mangroves of Bastimentos National Park to Salt Creek, snorkeling, beach time at Boca del Drago.
Pre-Departure Frequently Asked Questions
Your transfer guide will be in the Arrivals Hall holding a sign with your name clearly on it. In most airports the arrivals hall is the room just after exiting baggage claim (or Customs & Immigration at international airports).
Andean Explorer Train – Peruvian Highlands
Depart in the morning from Cusco and travel across the Altiplano towards Puno. Stop in the village of Raqchi, also known as the Temple of Viracocha because of its emblematic constructions and La Raya, the highest point on the Cusco-Puno route at 4,335 meters above sea level, the perfect place to see the beautiful snow-capped Andes and the many llamas and vicunas roaming.
