Slightly Off the Beaten Track (Part 1 of 5)

Have you cruised to all of the usual ports of call? Are you tired of the same old islands? Would you like to do something just a little different? Say a cruise to some place that is slightly off the beaten track. Well, this series of blog postings will give you a few ideas.

How about the Sea of Cortez for openers? You say, where in the world is the Sea of Cortez? It may be closer than you think. Have you done a Mexican Baja or Mexican Riviera cruise? If you can answer yes, you were almost there. The Sea of Cortez is the body of water between the Baja California Peninsula and the mainland of Mexico. It is also known as the Gulf of California. It’s right around the corner from Cabo San Lucas and up the road from Mazatlan. The Sea of Cortez is both remarkable and unique. Its waters can reveal dozens of shades of blue in one vista and there are more than 900 islands within those waters. Many of the islands are uncharted and most of them are uninhabited by humans.

Cruises going into the Sea are often extended Mexican Riviera cruises so, if you haven’t done the “Mex Riv,” here’s a two for one special. Arizona residents and visitors may be familiar with Rocky Point. It is located in the Sea of Cortez.

The Weather

The weather is mild and pretty tolerable year round. The dry season is from December to April. Squalls or "Chubascos" are common from July through October. Hurricanes rarely reach up into the Sea and there is only one recorded hit on Guaymas which is on the mainland side about half way up the Gulf. Temperatures can range from the high 50s in winter to 100+ at the height of summer. Spring is fantastic.

What to Do and See

Walking tours and shopping for local crafts Kayaking and fishing

Water Sports including - Diving - Snorkel and SCUBA

Large rays, Sea turtles and Sea lions, Dolphins and Whale watching

The islands in the sea of Cortez are home to major whale breeding grounds when migratory whales appear after their trips back from Arctic and Alaskan waters. The largest of these marine mammals, the blue whale, which reach up to about 110 feet and weigh more than 150 tons, are easiest to spot in the waters near Loreto.

If you can, you should go to Copper Canyon, the Mexican equivalent of the Grand Canyon. Excursions are available from both of the cruise lines discussed below.

How to Get There

The Holland America Ryndam combines 10 to 14 day cruise to the Mexican Riviera with a sojourn up into the Sea of Cortez. We have sold this cruise to one of our best clients and plan to take it within the next year ourselves.

Cruise West offers 8 day/7 night Round Trip from Cabo San Lucas and 12 Day/11 night Cabo San Lucas to Chihuahua cruises. These are aboard the Spirit of Yorktown and the Spirit of Endeavor.

If you might be interested in one of these cruises call us at 888.694.6475 or drop us an e-mail to AZCruisGuy@hotmail.com. Let's talk about possibilities!