Westward Voyages in the Sea of Cortez

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

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

Staterooms on the Westward are comfortable; choice does not matter much (we spent little time in them except for sleeping or resting). The enclosed fantail is a great place to watch the scenery. The mid-ship parlor is also very comfortable. 

Meals Review

Tracie does an excellent job accommodating dietary needs (we had one pescatarian; most dinners had fish appetizer or soup and main course), but needs details in advance.  Portions are moderate and satisfying (not huge). Excellent use of fresh produce and fish. We tend to eat much more simply; I enjoyed the fine cuisine, but my wife would have preferred a simpler cuisine.

Traveler Advice

There is no wi-fi availability for almost the entire trip, so be prepared to enjoy not being connected! We liked the north-to-south trip, as highlights of the trip (swim with sea lions and whale sharks) came at the end.

Crew & Guides Review

Captain Bill is warm, friendly, interesting, and does everything he can to ensure that passengers have a great experience. Chef Tracie is a talented cook, with many years of experience (some in outstanding restaurants), who prepares excellent food, including 3-course dinners, nicely presented, with wine pairings. Our naturalist guide Carlos was born and raised in La Paz, speaks excellent English, and knows the fauna and flora very well. He was exceptionally helpful to my wife, who is less mobile than were the other guests. He also prepared a video with highlights of still photos and videos, distributed to guests as we left. Carlos is exceptionally knowledgeable, good humored, helpful. The thumb drive he gave us has a really wonderful selection of photos and videos (he uses an underwater go-pro, so there are great videos of schools of fish, seal lions, whale sharks).