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

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

Route: Roundtrip La Paz
Duration: 10 Nights
Price From: $7,500 / Person
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Overview:

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:

  • 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 settle into your cozy cabin. La Paz is known for spectacular 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

Punta Marcial & Snorkel at Elephant Rock

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This morning we anchor off Punta Marcial, where you can explore the intertidal zone for marine life. Learn safe practices for kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, and skiffing, all in this historic Steinbeck site. If conditions allow, snorkel at Elephant Rock or in the lee of Isla Catalina, a protected island. Or simply relax and take in the sun.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3

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 4

Punta Trinidad & Bahía San Carlos

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This rarely visited area offers great snorkeling, beach walks, and interior hikes on the Baja Peninsula. To the north lies Roca el Rasito, an excellent spot for birdlife and for experienced snorkelers. Our guides will highlight areas Steinbeck explored during his journey. If conditions are favorable, longer kayak outings may be offered.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5

Bahía de los Ángeles or Isla Smiths

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Known as the “Marine Oasis of Baja California,” Bahía de los Ángeles teems with life. Explore by kayak or skiff, hike to Punta Gringa, or visit the local nature museum. This area is also one of the few places where leatherback turtles can be spotted. Swimming with whale sharks may be possible, and for Steinbeck enthusiasts, nearby sites from The Log from the Sea of Cortez await.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6

Puerto Refugio

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At the northernmost extent of the journey, Puerto Refugio is a tight, scenic anchorage known to yacht captains and fishermen. Spend the day kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, and exploring. If weather allows, enjoy a campfire before dinner.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

La Paz Disembarkation, Transfer to Cabo

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After breakfast, bid farewell to your crew and fellow travelers. Disembark in La Paz 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
Dec 7, Dec 17
$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

Captain's Cruise: Nov 26

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 4, 14, 24 $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

Captain's Cruise: Apr 14

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
Apr 3, 13, 23
May 3, 13, 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

Captain's Cruise: May 23

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