Northern Gulf of California: Whales, Birds & Sealife

This morning ushered in the waters of the Loreto Bay National Park. Cruise the park waters this morning as you search for whales, sea lions, turtles and dolphins that call these rich waters their own. This is also your chance to learn safety practices while kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling and skiff riding. After lunch, find a secure cove on either Isla Carmen or Isla Danzante where you will have a chance to participate in active adventures ashore or in the water. As the sun sets, you are underway to Bahia Concepcion.

After breakfast, the ship will drop the hook in the waters of Bahia Concepcion, a deep inlet that opens to the North. Spend the entire day playing in this waterborne desert, soaking up the sun and settling into the vibe. You may choose to stay aboard and enjoy the scenery, go ashore for varying levels of activities, or simply settle in at your beach camp. Be on the watch for dolphins and turtles that frequent this area. The crew will pull the anchor after dinner and the ship will work her way north.

Originally a bustling French mining town from the 1880s, you will find Santa Rosalia to possess a flavor of that early charm, even today. This town is like no other in all of Mexico…they even have a French bakery. Take the opportunity to view many of the historic structures and take an included walking tour to Gustave Eiffel’s Church of Santa Barbara (of Eiffel Tower fame), the French Bakery and the mining museum. Your guides will have these and other activities available throughout the day.

This bay and the little town are considered the Marine Oasis of Baja California due to the abundant aquatic life. This lovely area is also of the finest boating areas in the Baja area. Perfect for kayaking and small boat excursions and ventures ashore such as hikes to Punta Gringa, visits to the nature museum and even possible swims with whale sharks. This is also a great chance to take guided walks and hikes or be on your own. This area is also known as one of the few places in Baja where the famed, and huge, Leatherback Turtle is spotted.

You will have several hikes available, one to the prominent peak, where the view is incredible. En route you will see several species of cactus, with potential sightings of hummingbirds and possibly a nesting osprey. This island is also known for encounters with blue-tailed rock lizards and sea birds of all kinds. Beachcombing, snorkeling, kayaking, skiff tours and hikes will fill your day with joy. This evening, enjoy a campfire after dinner. Of course, keep your eyes out for marine mammals.

From UnCruise’s research notes: “The islands of San Lorenzo, las Animas, Salsipuedes, Raza, Roca Raza, and Isla Partida lie in a direction parallel to the Baja Peninsula. This area is known as the Canal de Salsipuedes, but due to its extreme depths it is also known to mariners as the Trench. The chart indicates a depth in this area of 4,860 feet!”

Field notes from a research trip tell the story best: “We went up the main arroyo that splits the island in half. We found numerous Pinto Chuckwallas, that would slap their tails hard on the ground as they scurried off. The hike was rigorous but enjoyed by all. We found hundreds of sea lions hauled out along the south shore of the island. Pelicans, boobies, terns, cormorants, gulls and osprey were numerous along this rugged coast. This is the right place to spend a full day.”

This morning, anchor off the Mulege River Estuary. Yes, a river in Baja! If conditions are right, the crew will set the kayaks, skiffs and paddleboards loose to enjoy this beautiful area. Later a chance to go ashore, visit the beaches, local shops in town or even take a tour to the historic mission. Your guides have several hiking options available today.

After lunch, participate in an adventure in Agua Verde Cove. Twenty-four years ago, UnCruise pioneered a relationship with local ranchers, the Romero family, who you will meet and share stories with. Then take an included mule ride into the backcountry with them, hike the hills around Agua Verde, snorkel at the famed Roca Solitaira. After the captain’s dinner, join in the lounge for a remembrance of this time together. 

After breakfast, it’s adios La Paz, as you transfer back to San José del Cabo for your flight or hotel stay.