Experience adventure cruising in Mexico’s Sea of Cortés aboard luxury yacht Safari Endeavour
Step aboard the newly refurbished Safari Endeavour and you’ll know it’s not your ordinary adventure ship.
Instead of usual Caribbean cruise this winter, consider an exciting “un-cruise” aboard the Safari Endeavour. Spend a week exploring small coves and hidden islands in a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve aboard this 86-passenger upscale yacht.
“The stunning desert landscape and rich marine life are the perfect backdrop for an un-cruise adventure,” said Tim Jacox, executive vice president of sales and marketing. “We’re able to navigate into small coves and access islands inaccessible to larger boats.”
An unstructured itinerary explores hideaways such as Isla Espíritu Santo, Isla San Francisco, Bahia Agua Verde, Los Islotes and Loreto. Jacques Cousteau called this area the “Aquarium of the World.” Thought to be nearly 5.3 million years old, the often-overlooked Sea of Cortés was the inspiration for a 1941 book by John Steinbeck, upon his “discovery” of the bay while on an expedition cruise from Monterey, California.
Guests can be as active as they like and activities include hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling and skiff excursions. A swim step and kayak launch platform on the stern of the Safari Endeavour serves as the hub for guests embarking on water-borne adventures. Expert naturalists provide interpretation on guided excursions ashore and at sea.
Flexible itineraries spend time in search of dolphins and blue, fin, sei, orca and sperm whales. At Los Islotes, guests enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime adventure snorkeling with playful, young sea lions.
American Safari Cruises named this itinerary, Baja’s Bounty expeditions and with good reason. The Sea of Cortés, also known as the Gulf of California, is listed among the world’s top five seas with regard to productivity and biological diversity. Definitely a ” ‘Cruise’ to Bountiful.”
During a port call in the historic mission town of Loreto, guests may join an included walking tour of the picturesque village exploring the historical buildings, mission, shops and plazas. Those interested in seeing gray whales may take an optional tour to lagoons on the Pacific side if whales have been spotted there.
Ashore, guided hikes explore forests of giant Cardón cactuses, traverse island ridges with sweeping views and head inland to explore scenic desert landscapes. Depending on whim, weather and the moon’s cycle, guests may be treated to an evening barbecue ashore at Bahia Agua Verde capped with a swim in a bay filled with bioluminescence.
The Safari Endeavour will sail roundtrip from La Paz, Baja, Mexico from November 17, 2012 through April 18, 2013. American Safari Cruises will offer a $300 travel credit per couple if booked by September 30, 2012 and complete their travel by April 2013. Transfers are included from either Los Cabos or La Paz airports. The inclusive cruise includes all water activities directly from the yacht; a massage, all meals; fine wine, premium spirits and microbrews. Port charges, taxes and fees are included in the pricing. The Executive Chefs and galley staff aboard the Safari Endeavour prepares gourmet cuisine that features fresh, local ingredients to reflect the flavors of the destination.
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