Your Next Trip TRAVEL GUIDE
Baja with UnCruise Adventures
Join Dayvee Sutton as she embarks on an unforgettable adventure with UnCruise Adventures in the Sea of Cortez. This 7-day journey on the Safari Voyager offers total immersion in nature with activities like kayaking, snorkeling, and wildlife viewing. Experience the thrill of swimming with playful sea lion pups, spotting majestic gray whales, and hiking diverse landscapes from salt flats to desert trails. With a flexible itinerary designed to maximize wildlife encounters, this trip is perfect for nature enthusiasts seeking responsible travel and memorable experiences. Get ready to create lasting memories with fellow travelers passionate about the great outdoors.
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What to Expect on the Safari Voyager with
UnCruise Adventures
The Safari Voyager by UnCruise Adventures offers an intimate and active cruising experience, perfect for nature enthusiasts. With a capacity of 62 passengers and a crew ratio of 2:1, the ship provides personalized service. The cabins are cozy but may lack sufficient drawer space, and some bathrooms are small.
Highlights include exceptional wildlife sightings, guided excursions, and a casual atmosphere.
Pros include knowledgeable guides and a friendly crew.
Cons include small cabin storage and occasional air conditioning issues.
This cruise is ideal for those ready for adventure and comfortable with casual, communal dining.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE JOURNEY
Adventure on Isla San Francisco
Explore the stunning red bluffs and desert beach of Isla San Francisco. Snorkel among colorful sea life, hike along the ridge, kayak, paddleboard, or relax on the beach.
Bahía Agua Verde Exploration
Discover the clear waters and craggy mountains of Bahía Agua Verde. Enjoy bird watching, skiff tours, dolphin and whale sightings, and a mule ride with a local ranchero.
Isla Coronado and Loreto Town
Spend the morning at the beautiful beaches of Isla Coronado, snorkeling, kayaking, or taking a skiff tour. In the afternoon, explore the historical town of Loreto, founded by Jesuit missionaries in the 17th century.
Marine Life Search
Take an adventurous day to search for the largest baleen whales in the Sea of Cortés, including fin, blue, and sperm whales. Depending on the season, you might also see gray whales, whale sharks, and resident dolphins.
Los Islotes and Isla Partida
Snorkel with curious sea lion pups at Los Islotes and enjoy water activities like kayaking, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding at Isla Partida. Relax on the beach or hike along desert trails.
Isla San Jose and Evaristo/Nopolo
Spend the day exploring the secluded coves of Isla San Jose, Evaristo, or Nopolo. Enjoy beach walks, kayaking, or guided hikes. End the day with a special Farewell Dinner and slideshow.
If you’re thinking of booking an UnCruise, you can use the code YOURNEXTTRIP to save $500 per person on your next trip!
This code will works whether you book online, over the phone, or by email.
The destination you can’t use it for is the Galapagos.
ABOUT YOUR STAY
Staying on the Safari Voyager with UnCruise Adventures is a unique and intimate experience, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Sea of Cortez. The ship is designed to accommodate up to 66 guests, ensuring a small group experience that fosters camaraderie and a sense of community.
Cozy Cabins
The cabins on the Safari Voyager are thoughtfully designed to provide a comfortable and relaxing retreat after a day of adventure. Each cabin is equipped with two twin beds that can convert into a larger bed, catering to different sleeping preferences. The decor reflects the rich cultures of Latin America, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. With ample storage space, en-suite bathrooms, and large windows, guests can enjoy both functionality and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.
Amenities and Comfort
Cabins feature modern amenities such as individual climate control, plush bedding, and eco-friendly toiletries, ensuring guests have everything they need for a pleasant stay. The attentive housekeeping staff maintains a high standard of cleanliness and comfort throughout the voyage, adding to the overall sense of well-being and relaxation.
Community and Social Spaces
While the cabins provide a private haven, the Safari Voyager also offers plenty of communal spaces for socializing and enjoying the journey with fellow travelers. The lounge, with its 270-degree view windows, is a favorite spot for unwinding and taking in the stunning vistas. Here, guests can share stories of their daily adventures, participate in educational talks by naturalists, or simply enjoy a good book.
DINING EXPERIENCE
The dining experience on the Safari Voyager is a delightful mix of simple, fresh, and tasty dishes, often featuring locally sourced ingredients with a Latin American twist. Expect entrees with chili-based sauces, local fruits and vegetables, and tortillas as a common side at lunch.
Accommodations for Dietary Restrictions
Cruisers with dietary restrictions are well accommodated. On our sailing, the pastry chef consistently provided gluten-free desserts and cookies, and the chef prepared separate dishes for those with nut allergies when needed. While not all servers were equally adept at informing guests about potential allergens, efforts were made to communicate when a dish was off-limits.
Meal Settings and Schedule
Most meals are served in the Deck 1 restaurant with open seating at two-, four-, six-, and eight-top tables. The chef introduces the evening meal choices each morning at the end of breakfast, allowing cruisers to pre-order their selections, although changes are allowed.
- Breakfast: Starts at 7:30 a.m. with a buffet featuring egg dishes, starches, meats, and sometimes pancakes or sautéed vegetables. Early risers can enjoy a continental breakfast from 6:30 a.m. in the Lounge.
- Lunch: Begins at 12:30 p.m. with a themed buffet offering three entrees, a mixed salad, and soup of the day. Themes range from Mediterranean to taco bars and Southern Comfort.
- Dinner: Starts at 6:30 p.m. with a vegetarian soup, and three entrée choices (meat, seafood, vegetarian). Half portions and seconds are available. Freshly baked bread and wine pairings enhance the meal.
Special Events
For special events, such as the evening transit through the Panama Canal, the ship offers unique dining experiences like a buffet on the third deck, allowing guests to dine and enjoy the scenic views.
Snacks and Extras
Throughout the day, snacks such as cookies are available in the Lounge, and hors d’oeuvres are served during the evening cocktail hour starting at 5:30 p.m.
Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Sea of Cortez with UnCruise Adventures is from mid-January to April. During these months, you have the best chance of seeing gray whales, whale sharks, and other marine life. The weather is also pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
Safety Tips
Follow the guidance of your expedition leaders and crew during all activities.
Wear appropriate safety gear, such as life vests and snorkel equipment.
Stay hydrated and use sunscreen to protect against the strong sun.
Be mindful of marine life and maintain a safe distance to avoid disturbing them.Helpful Notes
Currency: The Mexican Peso (MXN) is the local currency. However, US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas.
Language: Spanish is the official language, but English is commonly spoken on the cruise and in tourist areas.
Health: Ensure you have adequate travel insurance that covers adventure activities and potential medical needs.
Plug Type: Standard US plugs, type A and B
Voltage: 120V
Frequency: 60Hz
Packing list
Here’s our suggested items to pack for this destination. Please always consider the weather and activities you will be doing.
Clothing
- Lightweight, moisture-wicking layers
- Long-sleeved shirts and pants for sun and bug protection
- Swimwear and rash guard
- Comfortable hiking shoes and water sandals
- Wide-brimmed hat and polarized sunglasses
Gear
- Snorkeling gear (optional, provided on the cruise)
- Waterproof dry bags
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing
- Reusable water bottle and hydration pack
Essentials
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Personal toiletries and medications
- Travel documents and identification
- Quick-dry towel
Extras
- Camera with extra batteries and memory cards
- Travel journal or book
- Small backpack for excursions
Get a full packing list and free downloadable template at Pack Better.
Ultimate Packing List Library
Find the perfect customizable packing list for all of your travel situations on our sister website Pack Better.
This episode of "Your Next Trip" explored the ancestral lands of
We extend our respect and gratitude to the Indigenous communities who have been the stewards of these lands for generations. Research for this acknowledgment was made possible using the NativeLand.ca.
Learn more about responsible travel practices in the TWD Responsible Travel Guide.
Visit the guideTrip sponsored by: Uncruise Adventures
Director of Photography: Marco Antonio Gutierrez-Garza
Editor: Jason Rodgers
