From the Field: The World's Aquarium

From Liza M aboard the Safari Voyager:

Steinbeck and Cousteau were both drawn to the mesmerizing waters of the Sea of Cortez, and now it's your turn to explore this natural wonder on a cruise with UnCruise Adventures. The Sea of Cortez is known as the "world's aquarium," and it is easy to see why. The crystal-clear waters are teeming with colorful marine life, and every day on the UnCruise itinerary brings a new adventure.

Upon embarking on the UnCruise Adventures itinerary, you can greet sea lions from the boat or skiff, or even slip into a wetsuit for an even closer encounter. The mule ride accompanied by a local ranchero is an experience unlike any other, allowing you to see the beauty of the canyons of Baja from a unique perspective. There are plenty of opportunities to explore the land and sea, with activities like hiking or kayaking.

One of the unexpected joys of spending time in Baja is snorkeling in the wonder filled waters of the Sea of Cortez. After bracing yourself for wetsuit worthy waters, you find yourself leaving the cactus-filled landscape for a tropical underwater world. The first thing that strikes you are the colorful schools of fish as sergeant majors and king angelfish swim gently around. But the truly amazing things start to be seen when you slow down and take your time to look at the rocky landscapes beneath you. 

All of a sudden well camouflaged porcupine fish and stonefish start to come into focus. You will catch the flash of a moray eel silently gliding along the rocks or an octopus slowing changing colors to blend into its surroundings. If you are really patient the smallest members of the underwater community can be seen in the form of spectacularly colored nudibranchs and tiny blennies peaking up at you from the rocks. Baja is a place that rewards slowing down, looking around and enjoying where you are and there is no better place to start than snorkeling in the beautiful waters of Baja.

Back on the boat, this itinerary also includes opportunities for whale watching. You may spot grey whales and their babies during calving season or gentle whale sharks on your sailing. Later in the season, there are opportunities for orca and mobula watching, with some of our favorite "flying tortillas" in the Sea of Cortez. The variety of whale species that can be seen throughout the season is truly remarkable.

An UnCruise Adventures itinerary in the Sea of Cortez is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that should not be missed. With opportunities for snorkeling, whale watching, and exploring the land and sea, this itinerary offers something for every adventurer. Pack your bags, put on your wetsuit, and get ready for an unforgettable journey into the "world's aquarium."