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Captain's Cruise: In Steinbeck's Wake: An Epic Voyage Through the Sea of Cortez

Captain's Cruise: In Steinbeck's Wake: An Epic Voyage Through the Sea of Cortez

Departure: November 26, 2025
Route: Roundtrip La Paz
Duration: 11 Nights
Price From: $7,500 / Person
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Overview:

Join Captain Dan Blanchard on an epic voyage through the seas of Baja California.

Inspired by John Steinbeck's "Log from the Sea of Cortez," the voyage explores marine life at historic sites such as Punta Marcial, snorkeling near Isla Catalina, and whale watching around Isla Catalina. The itinerary features a variety of activities including kayaking, hiking, and snorkeling at scenic spots like Punta Trinidad, Bahia de los Angeles, and Isla Espiritu Santo. The adventure concludes with a mesmerizing night of stargazing before returning to La Paz.

Included Highlights:

  • Exclusive sailing hosted by Captain Dan
  • Spend the day in the protected waters of Puerto Refugio, known as an adventurer's paradise
  • Enjoy farm-to-table meals with ingredients sourced from local farmers
  • Search for different whale species, including blue whales, fin whales, and orcas
  • Conclude your adventure with a night of stargazing on Isla San Jose

Day-by-day Details

Day 1

Cabo Arrival, La Paz Embarkation

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Fly into Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) and transfer to La Paz. Board the Safari Voyager and get settled into your cozy cabin. La Paz is known for fantastic sunsets, so plan on being on deck with a glass of champagne as we get underway for the rarely visited islands of the Northern Gulf of California.

Meals included: dinner

Day 2

Thanksgiving Bonus Day

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Instead of spending Thanksgiving Day preparing dinner, let us take care of the details while you explore the beautiful Baja California Sur. Spend your time connecting with family, friends, or fellow travelers through exciting outdoor adventures. In the evening, return to the ship for a warm, festive dinner—a perfect ending to a holiday well spent.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3

Punta Marcial & Snorkel at Elephant Rock

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Early this morning, we anchor off Punta Marcial. We will have a chance to go ashore and search the intertidal zone for critters of all kinds. This is also your chance to learn safe practices while kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, and skiffing. Punta Marcial is a historic Steinbeck site. Maybe you are up for a snorkel at Elephant Rock, or an afternoon relaxing on deck with a cocktail.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4

Sea Life Search

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Spend the morning searching for blue and fin whales that frequent the corridor between Isla Catalina and Santa Rosalia. Your captain will decide the day’s adventure, which may include more time at Isla Smiths, Isla Coronado, or exploring Puerto Refugio further north.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5

Punta Trinidad & Bahía San Carlos

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This is a very rarely visited area without easy access. Great snorkeling, beach walks and hikes in the interior of the Baja Peninsula are available. Also, to the north is Roca el Rasito which is a great spot for bird life and for experienced snorkelers. Our guides will take you to areas that Steinbeck visited and logged the marine and terrestrial life he found. If conditions allow, you may choose our first longer kayak outing of the cruise.

Day 6

Bahía de los Ángeles or Isla Smiths

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This bay and the little town are considered the “Marine Oasis of Baja California” due to the abundant aquatic life. This lovely area is also one of the finest boating areas in the Baja area. Perfect for kayaking and small boat excursions and ventures ashore such as hikes to Punta Gringa, this is also a great chance to take guided walks and hikes or be on your own. This area is also known as one of the few places in Baja where the famed, and huge, Leatherback Turtle can be spotted. For those who enjoyed reading the “Log from The Sea of Cortes” we will have the opportunity to visit a nearby Stenbeck site.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7

Puerto Refugio

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This is the most northern extent of our journey and a treat our owner, Captain Dan, has relished returning to. This tight and protected area is known to local fishermen and yachties as one of the most protected and scenic areas in the Northern Sea of Cortez. We will have all day to enjoy this yachter’s paradise. All activities are on for today, and perhaps a chance for a campfire before dinner?

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8

Isla San Esteban

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Explore Isla San Esteban on a guided hike up its main arroyo, where you may see pinto chuckwallas and other desert wildlife. Hundreds of sea lions haul out along the shores, while pelicans, boobies, cormorants, and osprey fill the skies. Later, sail through the Canal de Salsipuedes, also called “the Trench,” where sperm whales gather to feed on Humboldt squid. It is one of the most dramatic whale-watching areas in the Sea of Cortez.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 9

Captain's Choice - Marine Mammal Search & Playa Punta San Basilio

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Today is a Captain’s Choice day. Depending on conditions, we may continue searching for blue, fin, sperm, orca, and pilot whales, or anchor at Playa Punta San Basilio. This calm and protected bay offers excellent opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and snorkeling. The captain and expedition team will select the best mix of activities to maximize your experience.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 10

Isla San Jose and Cayo Amatortajada

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Arrive at Isla San Jose and explore its unusual shallow interior lagoon, a prime spot for bird watching and kayaking. Steinbeck found this desert landscape remarkable, and you will too. Outside the lagoon, long beaches invite you to beachcomb or relax. With no ambient light nearby, this is also one of the best stargazing nights of the trip.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 11

Isla Espiritu Santo & Punta Lobos or Bonanza Beach

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Spend the full day exploring Espíritu Santo and nearby Punta Lobos or Bonanza Beach, all within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. All activities are available, from snorkeling and kayaking to hiking. This evening, enjoy the Captain’s Dinner and a slideshow of highlights from your voyage.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 12

La Paz Disembarkation, Transfer to Cabo

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Enjoy a final breakfast with the new friends you made onboard. Disembark the vessel and transfer to Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) for your flight home.

Meals included: breakfast

Rates & Dates

10 Nights on Safari Voyager | Roundtrip La Paz
Compass Cabin Navigator Cabin Trailblazer Cabin Pathfinder Cabin Admiral Cabin Jr. Commodore Suite Commodore Suite Full Ship
2025 Embarkation Dates Single Double Single Double Single Double Single Double Single Double Single Double Single
Nov 26* $9,800 $7,500 $13,200 $8,600 $15,100 $8,800 $15,400 $9,600 $16,800 $10,800 $18,900 $13,600 $23,800 Inquire

*Nov 26 is an 11-night sailing. 10 nights + Thanksgiving bonus night.

Port fees & taxes are $495 per person. Gratuities not included.

Compass Cabin Navigator Cabin Trailblazer Cabin Pathfinder Cabin Admiral Cabin Jr. Commodore Suite Commodore Suite Full Ship
2026 Embarkation Dates Single Double Single Double Single Double Single Double Single Double Single Double Single
Apr 14 $9,800 $7,500 $13,200 $8,600 $15,100 $8,800 $15,400 $9,600 $16,800 $10,800 $18,900 $13,600 $23,800 Inquire

Port fees & taxes are $495 per person. Gratuities not included.

Compass Cabin Navigator Cabin Trailblazer Cabin Pathfinder Cabin Admiral Cabin Jr. Commodore Suite Commodore Suite Full Ship
2027 Embarkation Dates Single Double Single Double Single Double Single Double Single Double Single Double Single
May 23 $9,800 $7,500 $13,200 $8,600 $15,100 $8,800 $15,400 $9,600 $16,800 $10,800 $18,900 $13,600 $23,800 Inquire

Port fees & taxes are $495 per person. Gratuities not included.