Sea of Cortez Itinerary
In 2003 we are visiting the striking region of Baja California and the Sea of Cortez.
Two sailing dates are available:
- December 7, 2003 (returning the morning of December 14th)
- December 15, 2003 (returning the morning of December 22nd)
After boarding in the heart of San Diego's harbor marina and waterfront walk, only minutes from the airport, you will sail in late afternoon on one of Holland America's elegant midsized ships. Both the Ryndam and Statendam provide exceptional service in an attractive, uncrowded setting.
Following the sunset departure past Coronado, the Point Loma peninsula, and the lighthouse near the Cabrillo National Monument, you will settle into a fine dinner, and the pleasures of evening aboard.
The next day we will be cruising south on the Pacific side of Baja California. Upon rising, you might consider a walk around the outside deck of the Lower Promenade, occasionally checking for whales and dolphins.
After breakfast your seminar series begins. Enjoy a valuable learning experience exploring and practicing communication skills which will make a difference at home, in the office, and on the cruise. Before the noon hour you'll be on your own again to check for wildlife, siesta, eat, swim, exercise, sauna, just hang out, or indulge in the many other possibilities at sea. For those who want to extend what they learned in the morning session into business or work applications, there will be a shorter seminar later in the afternoon.
This relaxing and productive schedule will repeat the following day, with a continuation of the seminar series. On Day 2 of the trip, we will come very near the southern Baja shore, rounding the cap at Cabo San Lucas. You will enter one of the most biologically diverse marine areas in the world, the Sea of Cortez. You will then be sailing north, towards the picturesque town of Loreto which lies against the dramatic backdrop of the Sierra de la Giganta.
The next morning you will be able to travel by ship tender into Loreto's small harbor. A number of fascinating land and sea adventures await you. There are the desert and imposing mountains themselves, perhaps best seen by taking an extraordinary, escorted trip through the Giganta to the small town of San Javier, site of one of the best preserved original missions in Baja Sur. Or there is the sea itself. The Loreto Bay National Marine Park, which stretches from Loreto southward, is one of the world's largest marine sanctuaries. Snorkeling, diving, kayaking, swimming, beach and island exploring are all possibilities here.
Whatever you decide to do this day, don't miss the chance to spend at least a bit of time walking along the Malecon (sea walkway) of the town itself and on Loreto's main pedestrian-only street, Salvatierra. This street passes through the beautiful town square, and then past the first Mission established in the Californias. An interesting historical museum adjoins the mission. Much of the walking portion of Salvatierra is covered with a series of amazingly large and healthy arches of ficus trees! Back aboard the ship, we will leave Loreto near sunset, ensuring a scenic passage into the Sea of Cortez.
After another of Holland America's sumptuous, well prepared and presented meals, and another evening of entertainment options, the next morning will find us entering the Bahia de la Paz (Bay of La Paz). La Paz is the present day capital of Baja California Sur (South).
Following arrival, you will be transported by shuttle (unless you are taking an escorted tour) along the coast of the Bay, past saguaro-like cacti and past the governor's estate, to a convenient spot next to La Paz's beautiful Malecon. Be sure to discover the sculpture and palapas (shade umbrellas made from palm fronds) that bless visitors and others along the Malecon just to the west, not far from the commercial pier (worth a short stroll). There are a number of local sites within walking distance, including the Museum of Anthropology and city church/cathedral. For those wishing to adventure father afield, beaches, swimming, diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and a trip to the art colony town of Todos Santos await. Reportably, some of the best diving in the world can be arranged as well.
Just before we sail and dine, you are invited to join your seminar leaders and colleagues for an informal cocktail party at the top of the ship. Enjoying complimentary drinks and hors d'oeuvres, this will be a chance to catch up with your seminar mates on adventures and discoveries of the two previous days, and to share observations on the application of what you learned.
The early morning of the fifth full day of your Sea of Cortez voyage will find you entering the sweeping Bahia San Lucas. Land's End (the southern most tip of Baja and the Californios) with its famous arch will be a nearby neighbor. Wise seminar participants with many items on their Cabo San Lucas Must See and Do List will plan to transfer to shore at the earliest opportunity. Many opportunities await: exploring Los Arcos, the Window on the Pacific, and Lovers beach by local water taxi; chartering a fishing boat, walking the waterfront; exploring the town or nearby resorts, exploring the streets and history of nearby San Jose de Cabo, or discovering a Cactus Garden. Did we mention swimming?
Your ship will depart the Bay with a spectacular cruise out and around Land's end and the Arcos. Don't forget to be on the lookout for whales, flying fish, and dolphins!
After feasting yet again, and enjoying a pleasant evening of your personal activity of choice, or being entertained in the main theatre, or blissfully retiring early, you will awake the following morning as we cruise the Pacific Ocean off Baja. Your final seminar session begins after breakfast. As before, an afternoon session will be offered to those who wish to apply what they are learning to the world of work.
The final day aboard ship offers time for one last round of deck chair sunning, sauntering, workouts, quiet reading, or saunas. There may also be interesting demonstrations offered by the culinary staff.
San Diego, and its beautiful harbor and skyline, will greet us at the next dawn. Don't overlook the opportunity to spend time, either before or after the cruise, exploring this town, its culture, and its natural beauty. You can follow the "Options in Each Port" and "History and Setting" links above to find out more about San Diego and the other places you'll visit on this very special trip and learning experience.
Unless otherwise noted, all website materials © 2003 Seaquest Seminars, and Health and Environment. You may use these materials to inform others about Seaquest Seminars and to make decisions regarding participation with Seaquest.
