Photo: Vagamood Sundaze ↗THE JOURNEY IN DETAIL
Desert, sea and whales.
Cousteau called the Sea of Cortez the world’s aquarium. Red desert cliffs drop into the water, and beneath it are sea lions, rays, dolphins and, in spring, whales. We leave La Paz and spend a week working up the islands of Espíritu Santo and San Francisco to the fishing village of San Evaristo, sleeping in coves where ours is the only boat.
- Snorkelling with sea lions at Los Islotes
- The coves of Espíritu Santo, a UNESCO site
- The crescent bay of Isla San Francisco
- The Sierra de la Giganta desert range above the anchorages
With old friends or new ones
Join a group or arrange a separate departure for your own team. Before travelling, we get to know each other, discuss everyone's experience and find suitable dates. You can also prepare together.
DAY BY DAY
Your daily itinerary.
A provisional itinerary. Weather, group readiness and local conditions may change the order and length of the stages.
- DAY 1 · Handover
La Paz and boat handover
Fly into La Paz or drive two hours from San José del Cabo. Boat handover at the marina, a week’s provisioning and an evening on the Malecón.
Overnight: Yacht, La Paz marina - DAY 2 · 18 nautical miles
San Lorenzo Channel to Caleta Partida
Out through the La Paz channel and 18 miles to the gap between Espíritu Santo and Partida. Anchor in the caldera of an old volcano and snorkel by the fishermen’s huts.
Overnight: Yacht, Caleta Partida - DAY 3 · 10 nautical miles
The sea lions of Los Islotes
A morning 5 miles to the Los Islotes rocks to snorkel with the California sea lion colony. Afternoon to Ensenada Grande, one of the island’s finest coves.
Overnight: Yacht, Ensenada Grande - DAY 4 · 22 nautical miles
North to Isla San Francisco
The longest leg of the week: 22 miles north past Punta Mechudo. Anchor in the crescent bay called The Hook and walk the ridge for views of both sides.
Overnight: Yacht, Isla San Francisco - DAY 5 · 8 nautical miles
San Evaristo and the fishing village
A short 8 miles to a bay under the Sierra de la Giganta. Lunch at the village’s only restaurant, fresh fish, and desert stars in the evening.
Overnight: Yacht, San Evaristo - DAY 6 · 30 nautical miles
Back down Espíritu Santo
A long 30-mile run south with a following wind to the west coast of Espíritu Santo. Anchor in Caleta el Candelero and snorkel off the boat.
Overnight: Yacht, Caleta el Candelero - DAY 7 · 20 nautical miles
Balandra and back to La Paz
A morning in the shallows of Balandra bay with its mushroom rock, then 15 miles back to the marina. Boat return and a farewell taco dinner.
Overnight: Yacht, La Paz marina - DAY 8 · Transfer
Departure
Breakfast and transfer to La Paz or San José del Cabo airport.
Overnight: —
Included in the estimated price
Double cabin on a 40–46 ft yacht or catamaran
A professional skipper
Breakfasts and lunches on board
Transfers from La Paz or San José del Cabo airport
Snorkelling kit and a kayak
End-of-charter cleaning
Not included in the price
Flights to the meeting point
Personal travel insurance and visas
Personal equipment
Single-room supplements and personal expenses
Kitty for dinners ashore, fuel, water and marina fees
Espíritu Santo national park wristbands
Single-cabin supplement
YOUR PREPARATION
Arrive ready for the route.
No experience needed, but legs run up to 25 miles and the autumn ‘Norte’ can blow 20–25 knots. Ivan runs a preparation call and assigns watches and roles on board.
Prepare with IvanROUTE QUESTIONS
BEFORE WE MEET ON THE TRAIL
What to prepare in advance
- A soft bag rather than a hard suitcase
- Shoes with clean, non-slip soles
- Sun and wind protection, and a light rain layer
- Personal essentials suited to your experience at sea
Once we choose a date, we agree on the equipment list, meeting point and transfer time. Please wait until the programme is confirmed before booking flights.