The Sea of Cortez & Baja California - Mexico’s other world. Known for its rolling sand dunes that fall into a bright blue sea, this itinerary is natures secret. Dramatic solitude of nature encapsulates the experience while we sail from alcove to alcove swimming with dolphins and the grand wildlife of the Pacific. Experience nature in its truest form on this remarkable journey. Assemble a crew and get ready to unplug and be isolated in paradise. This journey is not to be over looked.
There will be the sea - there will be lobsters - there will be fresh fish - there will be nature and there will be paradise. We’ll enjoy local restaurants at the mariners wharf and drop anchor in secluded coves to jump off our sailboat and enjoy the seas. The white sand beaches of Baja will be a highlight along with so many more opportunities to feel free
* discount price will be reflected in final invoice, $500 will be charged at the check out with an three part payment schedule. Invest in your future.
Snorkeling
Hiking
Sailing (of course)
Marine wildlife like sea lions, manta rays, whale sharks (only in season), epic reefs
Exploring salt flats and the rural fishing villages
Enjoying being disconnected from the outside world
Boarding at Costa Baja Marina, La Paz
After settling into their cabins and meeting fellow travelers over welcome cocktails and light appetizers, the yacht departs the marina under the evening sky. The lights of La Paz gradually fade astern as the vessel begins an overnight passage into the Sea of Cortez, setting the tone for a week of exploration among some of Mexico's most spectacular islands.
Ensenada Grande
Morning arrives in the turquoise waters of Ensenada Grande, one of the crown jewels of the Sea of Cortez. Nestled along the rugged coastline of Isla Partida, this protected bay is renowned for its dramatic red volcanic cliffs, white-sand beaches, and crystal-clear water. Guests spend the day swimming, snorkeling among tropical fish, paddleboarding along the shoreline, or hiking through the desert landscape where cardĂłn cacti stand against panoramic sea views. The evening is spent at anchor beneath a sky illuminated by countless stars.
San Evaristo
The yacht sails north along the Baja Peninsula to the remote fishing village of San Evaristo. This small coastal settlement offers a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the Sea of Cortez, where fishing remains the heart of the local economy. Guests can explore the village, meet local residents, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this isolated community. In the evening, the group dines together at the area's only restaurant, enjoying freshly caught seafood and authentic Baja flavors while overlooking the calm waters of the gulf.
Isla San Francisco
Continuing southward, the yacht anchors in the famous horseshoe-shaped bay of Isla San Francisco. Often regarded as one of the most beautiful anchorages in the Sea of Cortez, the island offers pristine beaches, excellent snorkeling, and a spectacular ridge hike that rewards adventurers with sweeping views of the surrounding islands and deep-blue sea. The afternoon is spent swimming, kayaking, and enjoying the tranquil surroundings before another unforgettable evening at anchor.
Isla San José
The journey continues to Isla San José, a rugged and largely untouched island known for its dramatic coastline and secluded coves. Guests can explore hidden beaches accessible only by boat, snorkel vibrant reefs, or take guided walks through landscapes rich with endemic desert flora. The island's remote character creates an atmosphere of true wilderness, making it easy to understand why Jacques Cousteau famously referred to the Sea of Cortez as the "Aquarium of the World."
Isla San José & Sea of Cortez Exploration
A full day is dedicated to exploring additional anchorages and hidden corners around Isla San José. Conditions permitting, guests may discover sea caves, quiet beaches, and exceptional snorkeling sites teeming with marine life. Dolphins are frequently spotted cruising alongside the yacht, while frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies can often be seen overhead. The evening offers one final opportunity to enjoy the remarkable solitude and natural beauty that define this region.
Whale Shark Encounter & La Paz
The yacht returns toward La Paz for one of the week's most memorable experiences: swimming alongside whale sharks. Despite their immense size, these gentle filter feeders are harmless to humans and provide an extraordinary wildlife encounter. Accompanied by certified guides and following responsible wildlife practices, guests enter the water to observe these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. Following the excursion, there is time to enjoy the waterfront malecĂłn, relax aboard, and celebrate the final evening together.
Disembarkation at Costa Baja Marina
After a final light breakfast aboard, guests disembark at Costa Baja Marina by 9:00 AM. Having explored remote islands, shared meals in isolated fishing villages, snorkeled pristine waters, and swum with whale sharks, travelers depart with lasting memories of one of the world's most remarkable sailing destinations.
The Sailing Collective Baja-California is different than any other SC itinerary because of its unique remoteness. The desert meets the sea and the sweeping vistas of where the earth split in two creating this magnificent body of water is omnipresent. We explore places where no humans have ever lived on islands where there is no water and limited life. If you're looking to 'get away' from all of it, this itinerary experience is a sanctuary for your soul where you can truly be isolated from the modern world.
La Paz Airport is the closest airport to the starting marina, just a 25 minute taxi. But flights to La Paz can be limited. There are more flights to both Cabo International Airports with direct flights from around the country. Cabo is roughly 1.5 hours from La Paz and will require a transfer. There is a regular bus from Cabo to La Paz, easy one-day rental cars where you can pick up the car from Cabo, drive to La Paz, and drop it off 10 minutes from the marina. Or we can arrange a private taxi and can coordinate with rest of your group to book a luxury van
Great questions - if you need lots of amenities, need to be connected with the outside world, feel uncomfortable fully disconnecting and being outside civilization, this trip is NOT for you. This trip IS for you if you are looking for a semi-spiritual experience, if you are looking to disconnect and be one with yourself, your fellow like-minded travelers, and your outstanding SC crew. This itinerary will offer lots of hiking and physical activities when exploring the uninhabited islands as well as the vast snorkeling opportunities.
We will meet up at 5pm on Saturday Day 1 of the charter. You will drop your bags at the boat while the Chefs are busy stowing provisions and we will go out to dinner as a group to start the workshop. There will be a mandatory orientation prior to departing. The exact meet up location will be shared with you by your crew and your crew will be in direct communication to ensure an easy and safe arrival.
Charter returns to port on Friday night and the final night is spent at the home port before disembarkation at 9:00am on the final Saturday of the charter. Upon return, your captain must refuel the vessel before docking. Returning to port will take place between 5:00pm - 7:00pm.
We will be sailing a reliable and nice catamaran with a generator, air conditioning, and a watermaker. Bedding, towels, etc. will be provided but we recommend you bring an extra beach towel. You will be aboard with usually 6 travelers + your captain and your chef and you will be spending lots of time as a group. The crew is responsible for keeping your boat as clean as can be - your heads (bathrooms) will be cleaned, but what you do in your cabins is up to you as crew does not do full turn down services.
There are 4 cabins aboard + 2 crew bunks. Your cabin has a bed slightly smaller than a queen bed and will fit two people, friends or a couple, very comfortable. Attached to your cabin is your private bathroom (head) which has a marine toilet, sink, and shower. Please note, your crew may use your toilet from time to time. There is a closet to stow your clothing. We recommend small collapsable luggage as we cannot always guarantee extra space for your luggage and you may have to keep it in your cabin.
They are the best. But seriously, they are. You will have a Sailing Collective Captain keep you safe all week planning your daily itinerary and keeping you in the loop so you know what the daily activities are and where you are during your itinerary. Your chef will create a personalized menu for the full group and will be feeding you some of the best food of your life! Just trust us on this. Unlike traditional yacht charters, Sailing Collective has a 'we're all friends' attitude so expect to hang out with your crew instead of them lurking in the shadows like background staff.
A culinary program with a focus on locally sourced sustainable foods
The Sailing Collective Travel Co. takes food to a new level. We believe by sourcing local ingredients from local friends we have made throughout our travels pushes us to experience where we are by being engulfed by the regional flavors.
Private chef creating customized menus to your taste and requirements
Each voyage, both group & private, has a private culinary artist aboard preparing some of the most unique, interesting, and thoughtful food you may ever enjoy in your life! From breakfast to dinner each day of the journey, we are blessed by beautiful meals by one of the most talented culinary teams in travel anywhere in the world.
Provisioning Sailing Collective will provision your journey with local foods and produce. Cooking Aboard: Your Sailing Collective chef/crew is incredibly talented and can handle the group's needs with ease. We are all about participation and learning, so if you'd like to help, just ask and we'll get you involved! Collective groups may choose to dine out more times than scheduled if the group or individuals choose.
Included in provisioning package*:Â
6 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 3 Dinners (or similar), Light Snacks, Water, Coffee & Tea
* Subjected to change
Dietary Restrictions We can accommodate as long as we know in advance! It is important to notify us of any dietary restrictions ahead of time and include full details in the Guest Form that you will fill out prior to the start of the trip.
Sailing a group journey is a collective experience calling us to ebb and flow with the tides of the group. While alcohol and soft beverages are not included, we find a well curated bar shared across the group works out best. We offer two beverage during group journeys packages during the course of the week*:
• $150 for wine, beer, spirits and soft beverages
• $75 for soft beverages and under 5 alcoholic drinks.
You can also choose to bring your own beverages on board at no cost. Beverages through our package options will be provisioned for by your crew based on the preferences shared in your guest forms. Alternatively, if you plan to purchase your beverages separately, it is best to stock up before we depart the marina! Morning beverages and water are included for all guests.
Please confirm your package choice within your guest form so your crew can plan accordingly!
ADDITIONAL COSTS We recommend planning on having at least $300 – $800 in spending money depending on spending habits. You will be responsible for paying for:
All expenses on shore including meals and drinks
Flights and transportation to and from the marina location
Onboard beverages
Gratuity (a 15% to 20% offering)
GRATUITY Tipping your captain and crew is welcomed. If you are satisfied with your service, the industry standard for yacht charters ranges from 15-20% of the cost of the charter. Gratuity is split evenly between the crew and can be paid via cash, check, Venmo, or PayPal. Please contact your Sailing Collective Journey Coordinator if you have any questions.
10% = basic hospitality
15% = great hospitality
20%+ = exceptional hospitality
PACKING LIST Collapsible bags in place of large rigid suitcases are advised for ease of transport on and off the boat. Loading and unloading from the dingy can be a wet activity, a pair of shoes such as flip-flops that you can get wet if we are landing on a beach is recommended.
As the vast majority of your time will be spent outside, prepare for elements - bring a light raincoat just in case, a hat to shield yourself from the sun, and a warm layer. Throughout the week we may dine out at a nice restaurant, so bring an outfit looks nice and suits your style.
We also encourage that people bring ecologically appropriate products into ocean environments. You can read more about those recommendations on the Sailing Collective Journal here: Packing for a Healthy Ocean
The Journey Schedule Meeting time is at 9:00am on Day 1 of the charter. We return back to port on the final evening by 5:00pm and disembark between 8-9:00am on the final day.
Terms & Conditions By booking this journey, you agree to comply with the stated Terms & Conditions and Covid Considerations, available on our website. Please contact info@thesailingcollective.com with any questions.Â
Travel Insurance We recommend purchasing a travel insurance policy that protects you in case of general and covid-related trip interruptions. If you choose not to purchase travel insurance, you forfeit the right to a refund or credit in the event you have to cancel your trip with Sailing Collective.
PASSPORTS AND VISAS Please ensure your passport is valid for the period of travel and for six months after you return. The Sailing Collective cannot be held responsible for refusal of entry or travel due to lack of visas. If you are in any doubt please contact your Embassy for full details.
REALISTIC DISCLAIMER ABOUT BOATS Boats can break. Charter boats are like a rental car, they are checked before and after each charter. The engineer team is required to check the vessel for maintenance issues and make repairs during the half-day turnaround. Vessels require constant attention like any other complex mechanical system. If you are particular about your exact vacation requirements, we recommend booking a yacht charter with a higher price point allowing for an onboard engineer and we are happy to assist brokering a luxury yacht charter for you and your group.
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