Baja Cruises

Accommodations Review

I thought our cabin was in the perfect location. We had a gorgeous view and no one could walk past our window. We were also close to the lounge and dining room.

Meals Review

Snacks at 4 pm instead of 5 pm or 6 pm would have been nice.

Crew & Guides Review

Jeremy did a terrific job of organizing our activities. Getting small groups into snorkeling, or kayaking, or hiking, or scenic boating was amazing! We felt very safe snorkeling.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Your packing list was fine but the boat provided binoculars and water bottles so we didn't need to pack them. [Our Adventure Specialist] was very helpful in choosing a cabin.

Crew & Guides Review

Jeremy, Sara, Lindsey, JP, Megan. All very professional, safety conscious, informative, and FUN. It was special seeing familiar faces in the crew and enjoying new ones. Our whole family really enjoyed the experience.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

As always everything was great. Thanks! We're ready for the next one.

Accommodations Review

Though rooms are very small on the boat, which was to be expected, they are comfortable. The boat wasn't completely finished when we boarded it, so there were a few items missing in the staterooms (i.e. mirrors in the cabins, hooks to hang anything on, door jambs, etc.)

There was also a lot of finishing construction being done on one of the staterooms, so there was some dust and smells, and noises. We were all good sports about it, and amazed at the transformations that occurred during our trip.

Meals Review

Chef Tracie is a magician in the kitchen!  Her meals were incredible --tasty, creative, healthy and filling. It was always so much fun to see what she prepared. It was also fun to watch her work in the kitchen, whipping up cuisine with influences from all over the globe. She also made great use of the fresh fish, scallops and clams that our naturalist guide Carlos secured for her.  Mealtimes were delightful! Tracie also goes out of her way to make sure that passengers' dietary needs are adhered to, so no worries if you are gluten free, vegetarian, lactose intolerant, etc.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

The material provided ahead of time was ample and we particularly appreciated the suggested book list. We did not know, however, that the boat wasn't fully completed until we got on it. We would have appreciated knowing this information prior to our trip.

Crew & Guides Review

Our naturalist guide Carlos did a fabulous job introducing us to the flora and fauna of Baja. He is very knowledgeable and interesting, and has a great sense of humor. He patiently answered all of our questions, told us great stories and helped the group in so many ways. He is kind, warm and engaging, with years of experience (kayak guide, snorkeling/diving expert, wildlife specialist, safety/first aid, etc.). We truly enjoyed his company.

Captain Bill is a very experienced seaman who always puts safety first. We felt very secure with him at the helm. He is incredibly personable and a great storyteller, and adds so much to the experience. Bill does everything possible to make his passengers happy and fulfill their needs and wishes. He aims to please, like the rest of his crew, who treat their passengers as family.

The engineer and carpenter, Randy, was also an integral crew member, who added much to the overall experience. He is a very kind man and incredibly skillful at his work, who also possesses a great sense of humor with many stories to tell. We were in awe of the work he did on the ship, while we were onboard.

Traveler Advice

Follow the guidelines provided in regards to items and clothing to bring, as the list is very thorough. Although there is hiking, heavy hiking boots are not necessary. A pair of gym shoes is fine. Reading some of the books suggested is helpful to provide you with some knowledge of the area prior to your trip. Don't over pack, as you can wash your clothes in your sink and hang them dry up on deck.

Accommodations Review

The trip of a lifetime on “Westward” ticked at least 20 first time experiences -the main one being living aboard the most beautifully restored 84 year old 87’ Historic Registered Vessel. It felt rather like being transported back to the 1930s as a guest on a friend’s yacht.

Crew & Guides Review

Bill, Tracie and Carlos’ love of Baja and all its wildlife is outstanding. From details of the largest creature on earth, the Blue Whale, to the life of the tiny Lion ant all imparted informally, no lectures. With such a small group and no fixed itinerary Captain Bill can allow for interests, preferences, photo opportunities and can make the best of the weather; you are at sea after all.

Accommodations Review

Our cozy cabin on the ship was all that we needed. The fact that the cabins were cleaned/attended to daily made the small space do-able.

Meals Review

The meals blew me away. Not only were the meals healthful and thoughtfully planned, but special requests were honored with a smile. I enjoyed always having options, and everything I tried was delicious. I feel that the selection of beers and wines could stand to be looked at again. Some were good, and some just didn't add much to the dining experience.

Crew & Guides Review

All of the guides had a great level of enthusiasm, and were ready to help in any way that they could. Lindsey from Montana was exceptionally helpful and caring. Liz gave an excellent massage. Esa brought smoothies after our yoga class one morning. Jeremy had great knowledge to share on our desert hikes.

Itinerary Review

I was really there for the snorkeling, which was great, but I literally had tears streaming down my face when we encountered a blue whale one evening. I had not expected to be lucky enough to see one, and the sound of the whale exhaling as it surfaced in front of our boat is something I will remember for the rest of my life. I enjoyed the experience of being in the midst of an explosion of life. Combined with the remoteness, this was a good combination for me. There were no places that I did not enjoy. On the last night of the trip, we were treated to a slide show of the week's activities, put together by the staff.

Transportation Review

We made airport transfers on our own, so I cannot comment on that part, but all transport during the trip was great. The suggestion to stay at El Encanto the day before we met the group was a good one.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

The intro materials about the Baja could stand to be bulked up a little.

Traveler Advice

Be prepared for the trip of a lifetime!

Meals Review

Excellent. They were kind enough to meet my vegan requests!

Crew & Guides Review

All superb...especially appreciated Merith and Mike. Also, the on-ship personnel were great, in particular Jennie and Josh, stewards.

Itinerary Review

Liked them all! [I most enjoyed] hikes on the islands and skiff tours. Made most everything available to all.

Traveler Advice

Prepare for a real adventure, geared for most 'age groups'!