MEXICO YACHT CHARTER GUIDE

MEXICO IS A COUNTRY OF ENDLESS CONTRASTS, STEEPED IN HISTORY AND NATURAL BEAUTY, PROVIDING A LAND AND SEASCAPE OF INCREDIBLE BEAUTY

On the Pacific coast of Mexico, the Sea of Cortez is one of the most stunning cruising grounds in the Americas. The combination of volcanic islands, desert landscapes and limestone cliffs set against brilliant blue waters in the Gulf of California make for a voyage of discovery. This is where the great Olmec, Mayan and Aztec empires flourished; reminders of their astonishing archaeological legacies lie at every anchorage. It is only possible to fully explore this remote corner of the globe by boat. Being so remote, the locales remain unspoiled and uncrowded.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

DAY 1

CABO SAN LUCAS TO SAN JOSé DEL CABO (16 NAUTICAL MILES)

Located at the southern tip of Baja California, Cabo San Lucas is the homeport of many charter yachts and the best place to embark on a charter through the Sea of Cortez. As you set off on your luxury yacht charter, head up on deck and scan the fantastic landscape of desert, sea, mountains and forests. Other natural attractions include the “Corridor” – a strip of land where the desert meets the sea stretching 18 miles between Cabo San Lucas and San José.

DAY 2

SAN JOSé DEL CABO

Stroll through the pretty cobblestone streets of San José del Cabo, taking in the local galleries and exhibitions. For an authentic Mexican experience join locals as they gather in the town’s square. Back on board try a spot of sportfishing – the waters are considered by many to be the marlin capital of the world, but dorado, yellowfin tuna and wahoo are also there for the catch.

DAY 3

SAN JOSé DEL CABO TO CABO PULMO (53 NAUTICAL MILES)

Cabo Pulmo is the place to head if you are a diving enthusiast. Home to the only hard coral reef in North America, the vast National Marine Park is where you might spot humpback whales, whale sharks and sea turtles. The area also attracts California gray whales that migrate here from Alaska to breed. From January to March they wallow in the coves and inlets.

DAY 4

CABO PULMO TO ISLA SAN FRANCISCO (100 NAUTICAL MILES)

Cruise overnight to Isla San Francisco and drop anchor in the horseshoe bay – the classic Baja anchorage is one of the prettiest along this stretch of coastline. Renowned for its fishing and diving opportunities, the famous El Bajo reef lies just offshore.

DAY 5

ISLA SAN FRANCISCO TO ISLA SAN JOSé (5 NAUTICAL MILES)

Neighboring Isla San José has a stunning interior with forests full of giant cacti. After a morning spent exploring step back on board for lunch before taking a tender through the mangroves or jumping in to snorkel around the small sandbanks. Alternatively, you can dive off the yacht at every opportunity, or the crew can launch the kayaks off the decks so you can explore the more remote coves.

DAY 6

ISLA SAN JOSé TO ISLA PARTIDA (16 NAUTICAL MILES

Rise early to catch the sunset over the beautiful moonscape archipelago of Isla Partida and Espiritu Santo. Jump in at high tide and swim or kayak through the channel that separates the pair of UNESCO-listed islands. Spend the afternoon exploring the stunning shorelines.

DAY 7

ISLA PARTIDA TO LA PAZ (20 NAUTICAL MILES)

After a morning spent swimming and basking on deck, cruise to La Paz – your final port-of-call. Explore the colonial waterfront city as you ease back into a 21^st-century pace of life, tasting your final flavors of Mexico. Disembark at the Marina de La Paz.

CHARTER EXPERIENCE

Sun, sea, desert, jungle, mountains, ancient cultures, friendly locals and fantastic cuisine make the Pacific coast and nearby Baja California one of the most interesting cruising grounds in the Americas. The volcanic coastline of Mexico’s Pacific coast offers stunning desert backdrops as you cruise through the brilliant Sea of Cortez, also known as the Gulf of California, up to La Paz and the islands that lie off Baja’s coast. One of the most bio-diverse seas on the planet, the waters that fill the Gulf are one of the best places in the world to see marine mammals – particularly dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays, hammerhead sharks and, of course, whales – humpbacks, California greys, killer whales and the blue whale all pass through and put on a fine display for anyone on the water. For those who explore ashore there are reminders of the great Olmec, Mayan and Aztec empires at every anchorage.

From Cabo San Lucas to La Paz, you can whale watch from the decks of your luxury charter yacht, kayak around sheltered coves, sportfish, dive shipwrecks, caves and reefs galore, or simply sit back and take in the virtually deserted white sand beaches. Take to two wheels and cycle to some of the most stunning cultural sites or take to four wheels with an all-terrain vehicle across deserts and beaches. The Sea of Cortez is the perfect cruising ground for those looking for adventure, culture and fabulous cuisine – what are you waiting for?

Location Highlights

Be pampered at the Palmilla One&Only Spa, San José del Cabo
Join locals on the famous Art Walk (Thursday’s only), San José del Cabo
Surf the break at Costa Azul Beach, San José del Cabo
Keep an eye out for grey whales that migrate to these waters to breed
Follow in the wake of Hemingway for some serious sports fishing
For a hedonistic beach vibe, head to Medano Beach, Cabo San Lucas
Walk through the forest of giant cacti on San José Island
Browse designer boutiques in Cabo San Lucas
Swim from yacht to beach – Playa Balandra is considered one of the greatest beaches in all of Mexico
Swim with sea lions, Los Islotes
Venture inland to quad-bike through the Wild Canyon Adventures Park, Cabo San Lucas

Expert Advice

For an alternative Mexican charter head to the Yucatán Peninsula on the east coast of the country. The entire coastline offers beautiful blue waters and white sandy beaches, dotted with resorts, restaurants and bars. Sheltered by the Gulf of Mexico, it boasts a similar climate to the nearby Caribbean and is a great alternative charter destination.