Off the Baja Peninsula’s eastern coast lies the Sea of Cortez, also known as the ‘Red Sea of the Americas’. This is the perennial haunt of California’s cognoscenti on the search for aquatic activities and pure escapism when the temperatures drop further north.
"Jacques Cousteau called the Sea of Cortez 'the world's aquarium' due to the abundance of marine marvels to be discovered."
The 1,100km-long Sea of Cortez is sheltered from the Pacific Ocean by the Baja California peninsula. The clarity of the water has made it famous for world-class scuba diving and snorkelling, and each day offers a new underwater paradise to explore. Head to the reefs of Los Islotes, and you will be joined by playful groups of seals competing for your attention. The bravest divers will want to try out the waters known for hammerhead sharks, such as El Lavadero in Las Animas. It is also common to see huge pods of dolphins, killer whales, sperm whales and humpback whales, but the top draw has to be the chance of swimming with the enormous majestic whale sharks, which visit the area between early winter and late spring.
Crater Lagoon
Drop anchor in the magical and tranquil waters of Isla Partida. Just north of Isla Espiritu Santo, the water-filled crater of an erupted volcano provides the perfect spot to while away a few days, taking in the spectacular sunsets and exploring the nearby sandbar and snorkelling spots. It’s also the perfect place to set off on a kayak tour, as the often shallow waters are calm and protected.
Amusements Ashore
Although it would be easy for the water to steal the limelight on your trip, there is plenty to do ashore, too. Take to the beach for a sunset horseback ride in Balandra, get behind the wheel of a souped-up Hummer for a four wheel drive tour of the desert landscape, or head inland for a wine-tasting tour of the Guadalupe Valley vineyard; it’s all in a day’s fun on a Sea of Cortez yacht charter in Mexico.
There is a very long cruising window when the weather is perfect for a Sea of Cortez yacht charter, between December and September. Most yacht charters will set off from La Paz, the quaint capital of Baja Sur, and head north into the Sea of Cortez, with its spectacular visibility for diving and abundant sea life including seals, manta rays and whales. With a peach-hued rocky coastline and moonscape panoramas edged by bright cerulean waters, you will feel transported to an otherworldly place.
"We’re proud to represent the finest luxury charter yachts in the world and have over 70 years experience in doing so. Our expert team ensures that charters are professionally handled from start to finish for the charterers, captains and owners alike."