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Baja California's Wildlife & Whales Cruise

Mexico Gulf of California

Cruise differently in Mexico. Experience Baja California's marine-rich waters with blue whales, sea lion snorkeling, volcanic coastlines and local ranchero culture.

Jacques Cousteau called the Sea of Cortez the aquarium of the world. Spend 7 days out here and you'll understand exactly why. On board the Safari Voyager, you'll move through one of the planet's most extraordinary stretches of ocean, unhurried and entirely off the beaten path. Hike volcanic trails, meet local rancheros for a burro ride through the hills of Bahía Agua Verde and eat exceptionally well from ingredients sourced straight from local farmers and fishers. Snorkel with sea lions, watch blue whales surface quietly off the bow and spot mobula rays launch themselves into the air.

Built on genuine respect for the Sea of Cortez's fragile marine ecosystem, our expedition partner sources local food, serves only sustainable seafood and follows Leave No Trace practices throughout—while expert naturalist guides bring you closer to the local communities and wild places. This is cruising reimagined.


About this UnTour Cruise

Itinerary Highlights

Round Trip La Paz

Included hotel night in the colorful town of San José del Cabo. Snorkel with playful sea lions and colorful reef fish. Meet local rancheros and enjoy a burro ride in Bahía Agua Verde. Explore the quiet beaches and coral reefs around Honeymoon Cove. Search humpback, blue and fin whales, flying mobula rays, and seabirds. Enjoy farm-to-table meals with ingredients sourced from local farmers.

Sailing dates:

8 nights / 7 days from January to March 2027

What's included

  • Group transfers and baggage handling between the airport/vessel on embark/disembark day
  • Entry fees to national parks & reserves
  • Limited Wi-Fi connectivity on board (not available in preserved areas)
  • From-the-vessel adventure activities and equipment
  • Exclusive activities and shore visits
  • All meals aboard the vessel
  • Premium wine, beer, liquor, and craft cocktails (excludes super-premium wines)
  • Non-alcoholic beverages
  • Wellness amenities
  • Onboard expedition guides and guest experts

Itinerary

Day 1 - San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico – Arrival

Arrive at San José del Cabo International Airport (SJD) and be transferred to the Tropicana Los Cabos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. Once settled in, you’ll have the perfect base to begin exploring everything Cabo has to offer. On Thursday evenings from 5–9 p.m., don’t miss the celebrated San José del Cabo Art Walk. Held weekly in the historic Gallery District, this lively event transforms the cobblestone streets into a vibrant cultural scene featuring local and international artists, renowned galleries, street performances, and live music. It’s an inspiring way to ease into your getaway. Dinner is on your own tonight—an ideal chance to discover one of the many acclaimed restaurants just steps from your hotel.

Meals included: dinner

Day 2 - La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico – Embarkation

In the morning, transfer by coach to La Paz. Spend some leisure time exploring La Paz at your own pace, discovering its relaxed seaside charm and vibrant local culture. Stroll the scenic Malecón, browse artisan shops, or simply enjoy the calm beaches and inviting cafés that make this coastal city so memorable. In the early evening board the Safari Voyager, settle into your cabin, meet your expedition team, and enjoy a welcome cocktail and dinner.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3 - Morning Sea Life Search and Los Gatos

Spend the morning cruising the San José Canal while watching for marine mammals. During this time, you will receive gear and orientation from your expedition team. In the afternoon, go ashore at Los Gatos for snorkeling, kayaking, beachcombing, or hiking into desert landscapes.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4 - Bahía Agua Verde and Burro Ride

At Bahía Agua Verde, turquoise water is framed by rugged, green-tinged mountains. Explore the coast by skiff while watching for birds, seals, dolphins, and whales. Meet a local ranchero and his family and take a burro ride through canyons and hillsides for an authentic glimpse of rural Baja life. This area also offers excellent hiking, kayaking, morning bird walks, or a possible snorkel.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5 - Morning at Isla Monserrate, Afternoon Whale Search

Visit Isla Monserrate in the morning. Snorkel in clear water, paddle a kayak along rocky coves, or relax on the beach. Guided hikes lead up to ridges with sweeping views of the Sea of Cortez. Your crew may also set up a beach party here, where you can enjoy water activities or hang out on the beach with drinks and snacks. In the afternoon, search for whales and other marine life from the Safari Voyager.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6 - Isla San Jose Park and Cayo-Amatortajda

Arrive at Isla San José and explore its shallow interior lagoon, a great spot for kayaking and birdwatching. Mangroves line the water, and you’ll paddle through winding channels that feel a bit like the Everglades, keeping an eye out for wildlife along the way. Later, return to shore for some relaxed beachcombing near Cayo Amortajada.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7 - Isla San Francisco

Immerse yourself in the striking beauty of Isla San Francisco, where red bluffs, white sand beaches, and sweeping ridgelines set the stage for a full day of exploration. This is a true big beach party day, with time to spread out along the crescent shaped shore, wander quiet salt flats, and relax by the water. The highlight is the ridge hike, rewarding those who climb with panoramic views across the Sea of Cortez. From shore walks and kayaking along dramatic coastlines to snorkeling among colorful fish, the day offers a perfect blend of active adventure and laid-back island time.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8 - Sea Lion Snorkel (Los Islotes) and Isla Partida

Rise early for an advanced snorkel at Los Islotes, home to a thriving colony of juvenile sea lions, where curious pups often swirl and glide alongside snorkelers for truly unforgettable encounters. Skiff tours offer another perspective on the colony, with excellent opportunities to observe sea lion behavior from the water, while keeping an eye out for blue-footed boobies perched along the rocks. In the afternoon, continue to Isla Espíritu Santo or Isla Partida for a mix of kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, or a festive beach gathering with your shipmates, rounding out a day rich in wildlife, exploration, and classic Baja adventure.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 9 - La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico – Disembarkation

After breakfast, say farewell to your crew and fellow travelers. Disembark in La Paz and transfer to San Jose de Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) for your return flight.

Variations in itinerary, ship, and order of days may occur to maximize your experience


Excursions

All excursions are included, as outlined in the itinerary above.


Pre-Cruise Options

This cruise pairs beautifully with our Oaxaca UnTours, allowing you to experience both Baja’s wild marine landscapes and one of Mexico’s most culturally rich and culinarily celebrated regions in one seamless journey. Imagine combining small-ship exploration of the Sea of Cortez with time in ancient markets, mezcal distilleries and hilltop ruins—it truly offers the best of both worlds.

Combine any UnTour on land with a cruise and receive an exclusive $200-per-booking discount. You’ll always receive seamless booking guidance from our in-house travel experts. Inquire for more details.


Ship

Safari Voyager

Discreet, classy, and stealth, the Safari Voyager is comfortable in warm water regions.

The 66-guest Safari Voyager boasts spacious decks and big, 270-degree view windows in the lounge that spotlight the natural surroundings, a casual atmosphere, colorful art, nautical décor, and full menu of amenities.

The Safari Voyager is a favorite, comfortable option for our Baja, Mexico and Latin America options built to handle humidity and heat. With her ease of navigating the tropical waters, adventure, wilderness access, and the natural landscape are always at the forefront. A seamless extension of the places she sails, the boat and her mostly local crew exude pura vida (pure life). Handcrafted artwork throughout the vessel and in each cabin pays homage to the cultures of Latin America. Casual in nature, the Safari Voyager is a bit of a show-off, too—take in 270-degrees of view from the top deck or window-to-window in the air-conditioned lounge.

Four decks for your exploration and relaxation. The sun deck houses fitness equipment and the kayaks and skiffs. The Bridge deck offers a shaded sitting area aft and the air-conditioned lounge, as well as Pathfinder and Admiral cabins and the Bridge. The lounge deck offers the bow viewing area, another covered area aft, and most of the cabins, including the luxurious Commodore Suite. The Main Deck hosts the Navigator cabins and brings the underwater camera to see marine life from the lounge and the launch platform when you are ready to see marine life yourself!

The window-lined, air-conditioned lounge provides refuge from tropical heat while offering a 270-degree view with seating for all 66 guests.

The DVD and book library on the lounge deck offers a beautiful spot to read, with plush furniture and floor-to-ceiling windows. The elegant dining room hosts all 66 guests in one seating for lunch and dinner, with a breakfast buffet in the morning. Some meals may be served al fresco on the Sun deck.

Specifications:

Decks: 3

Length: 174'

Beam: 54'

Guests: 66

Cabins: 34

Crew: Guest-to-crew ratio - 2.2:1

Cabin Categories:

Compass Cabin - Cabin Deck (2)

Navigator Cabin - Main (lower) Deck (8)

Trailblazer Cabin - Cabin Deck (14)

Pathfinder Cabin - Bridge Deck (3)

Admiral Cabin - Bridge Deck (2)

Jr Commodore - Cabin Deck (4)

Commodore Suite - Cabin Deck (1)


Disclaimer

Our staff have inspected this cruise and the above description and photographs reflect what they saw at that time. It is possible that the supplier has made changes to the cruise without our knowledge. While we do our best to keep up with any changes or improvements made to our cruises, we cannot guarantee that everything in the above description will be accurate.

Starting at $6895
Departure Dates

Jan 21, 2027 to Jan 28, 2027
Jan 28, 2027 to Feb 4, 2027
Feb 4, 2027 to Feb 11, 2027
Feb 11, 2027 to Feb 18, 2027
Feb 18, 2027 to Feb 25, 2027
Mar 4, 2027 to Mar 11, 2027
Mar 11, 2027 to Mar 18, 2027
Mar 18, 2027 to Mar 25, 2027
Mar 25, 2027 to Apr 1, 2027

Package includes

  • Private cabin
  • All onboard meals
  • Shore excursions
  • Port taxes & fees
  • Transportation to/from the vessel

Not Included

  • International Flights
  • Travel Insurance
  • Transportation outside of cruise dates
  • Tips and gratuities