UnCruise Sea of Cortez Adventures — 8 Reasons to Choose a Week on the Wild Side

UnCruise Sea of Cortez Cruise Review

by  John Roberts

Updated February 2026

Crowds are assembled along the esplanade (or malecon known locally) at the seaside town of La Paz, which is still ablaze in the early evening with the last strains of the tangerine glow from another legendary Sea of Cortez sunset.

Our two shuttle buses are pulling into port, and 54 excited passengers are ready to hop onboard Safari Voyager to begin our UnCruise Adventures voyage in Mexico’s Baja California Sur region.

I’ve been here before. No, not to La Paz or on a Sea of Cortez cruise, but six other times at the start of an UnCruise trip.

And the feeling you experience in those first moments of a weeklong adventure with this cruise line in some remote and exotic destination is always the same. It’s a crackling energy as fellow travelers get to know one another and slip into a friendly and casual rhythm that continues to build during the trip.

While the destinations are the stars of the show — with all their wild animals, intoxicating scenery and fascinating histories — the camaraderie among fellow well-traveled cruisers who relish getting off the grid and out into nature is what really makes these kinds of cruises special.

Colleen joined me this time to share the experience as we saw even more places, met new friends and saw more whales while cruising on the small but might Safari Voyager expedition ship.

John & Colleen kayaking in the Sea of Cortez. * Photo: John Roberts

RELATED: Check out some of John's other UnCruise reviews here.

Let's Dive In — Here's a List of My 8 Reasons to Choose an UnCruise Sea of Cortez Adventure

1. Off The Grid Itinerary
2. Active Excursions
3. Ship Built for Adventure
4. Animals on Display
5. Delicious Cuisine Served Up in Sustainable Fashion
6. Fellow Travelers Become New Friends
7. UnCruise's Expertise in the Sea of Cortez
8. Appealing Pre- and Post-Cruise Options

Now I'll go into lots more detail about what makes an UnCruise Sea of Cortez expedition so rewarding.

RELATED: Check out all of UnCruises' amazing offbeat itineraries!

RELATED: Learn more about UnCruising in Alaska in Heidi's review of her awesome and active week aboard the Wilderness Explorer from Juneau to Ketchikan. 

READ MORE: And here's a review of UnCruise's Legacy in Alaska, from writer & videographer Peter Knego.

1. No One Does “Off the Grid” Better than UnCruise

We board the 66-pax Safari Voyager for our UnCruise the Sea of Cortez expedition and are quickly shown to our rooms. We then gather in the lounge for a welcome-aboard toast and begin the program with a quick safety drill and chat to get us oriented with how the week is expected to unfold.

Soon, it’s time for our first dinner before most of us head back to our cabins to unpack and rest up ahead of our action-packed morning adventures.

We are sailing away from La Paz under moonlit skies, and when morning breaks, it’s time to get rolling.

During the week, our group (which included a handful of return passengers) learned what I already know by now.

A small-ship journey with UnCruise is the best way to explore some of the most-interesting and remote places in the world.

A Sea of Cortez sunset. * Photo: John Roberts

2.Choose From a Full Range of Active Excursions on an UnCruise Sea of Cortez Expedition

UnCruise has led the way in active small-ship expedition cruising in Alaska and multiple destinations for decades.

The line has carved out memorable experiences on its routes in Southeastern Alaska’s waterways, as well as Prince William Sound and the Aleutian Islands. The line also offers adventures in Costa Rica, Hawaii, and the Galapagos.

It’s not different in the Gulf of California, with days packed full of fun offerings for cruisers who love to get out and play in the wilderness.

During my voyage, most days offered a nice bit of variety, with options that appeal to one’s sense of adventure.

John on a riding excursion in Baja California. * Photo: John Roberts

Here's a Look at Our UnCruise Sea of Cortez Expedition Itinerary (2026 Voyage)

UnCruise always creates “a plan from which to deviate.” Cruisers get a general idea of what they might be doing and where they might be going, but your particular voyage will change from day to day based on weather and where the animals can be found.

Our UnCruise Sea of Cortez Expedition Itinerary

UnCruise always creates “a plan from which to deviate.” Cruisers get a general idea of what they might be doing and where they might be going, but your particular voyage will change from day to day based on weather and where the animals can be found.

Here is where we were on my sailing:

Day 1:

Travel by bus to La Paz, the home port for Safari Voyager.

You embark here (and disembark at the end of the cruise) and don’t really have any time to explore this town.

Day 2:

Morning: Scenic sailing.

Afternoon: Los Gatos for hiking.

Day 3:

A day at Bahia Agua Verde for activities, such as skiff tours, kayaking, hiking, burro rides and beach party.

Day 4:

Morning: Isla Monserrat and Yellowstone Beach for a guided snorkel.

Afternoon: Scenic sailing — “Cruising for Critters”

Day 5:

Morning: Amortajada for kayaking in the mangroves.

Afternoon: Isla San Francisco for a ridge hike, snorkeling and beach party.

Day 6:

Morning: Los Islotes for snorkeling with sea lions.

Afternoon: Playa Bonanza for hiking, skiff tours and beach party.

Day 7:

All day: Isla Cerralvo for arroyo hike, guided snorkeling, skiff tours and beach party.

Day 8:

Disembark in La Paz and take shuttles to airport or GR Solaris Lighthouse Hotel (for hospitality for cruisers who had later flights) in San Jose del Cabo.

Itinerary map.

Into the Water on My UnCruise Sea of Cortez Adventure

Being in the water is a staple of these trips, and Colleen and I made sure to do it often during our weeklong cruise. The weather was ideal with temps in the mid-70s to lower 80s and sunny. But the water is cool in January, so we used wet suits provided by UnCruise.

John in a wet suit ready to snorkel! * Photo: John Roberts

UnCruise also helps to prepare lesser-experienced snorkelers or newbies by offering an intro to snorkeling outing (Snorkel 101), so that they can feel comfortable in the water during the week, especially when we would go to Los Islotes to swim with California sea lions.

On UnCruise Sea of Cortez cruises, enjoy hikes (both extra challenging and moderate), exploratory walks, snorkeling (including the signature session with sea lions), beach breaks, paddleboarding, kayaking, beach combing, burro rides, and skiff tours for wildlife viewing.

I snorkeled a couple of times, pulling on a snug wet suit to swim around in the “refreshing” 65-degree waters. I saw a wonderful array of marine life during our time in the water for guided snorkel sessions at Yellowstone Beach, Los Islotes and Isla Cerralvo.

We spotted angelfish, trumpetfish, lobsters, rays, pufferfish, rock fish and even the elusive nudibranches, as well as vibrant coral.

Snorkeling in Los Islotes. * Photo: John Roberts

However, the Snorkeling Highlight of the Cruise was at Los Islotes!

Everyone was excited for the early morning activity and the chance to get into the water with the adorable pups. You can pick to snorkel or take a skiff tour to watch from above if you prefer to get some photos while staying dry.

We loaded into our Zodiacs from the marina on Safari Voyager and took the short ride over to our spot at Los Islotes to hop into the water and start our one hour with the fascinating sea lions.

The adults, large males and females, mostly sun themselves on the rocks while watching closely over the young and curious sea lions who zip around the waters and approach us to nibble at our snorkel fins and pose for our underwater cameras.

Snorkeling with sea lions is a highlight of an UnCruise Sea of Cortez cruise. * Photo: John Roberts

Another shot of the sea lions that we got so very close to. * Photo: John Roberts

Plenty of Chances to Hike & Kayak

This itinerary is a delight for active travelers who love being in the water, on the water and enjoying the sunshine. Also, I’ll note that January to March is an ideal time to come to Baja Mexico before the temperatures really spike.

There were a couple of hiking/walking options available every day, from moderate walks to “hard-charger” hikes. We were able to hike at Los Gatos on a challenging three-miler, as well as a beautiful ridge hike at Isla San Francisco and a hike up an arroyo (dry river bed) at Isla Cerralvo.

Additionally, we love to kayak, and UnCruise offers this activity as much as possible on its Baja itineraries. We had a blast paddling in the mangroves at Isla San Jose and out to Solitary Rock during our day at Bahia Agua Verde.

The Safari Voyager below. * Photo: John Roberts

Scenic view of the Partida Bay * Photo: John Roberts

John taking the plunge (tho not a polar one this time!). * Photo: John Roberts

Lots to Do in Bahia Agua Verde

The beach day at Bahia Agua Vede, remote beach situated on an isthmus, is a top highlight during these trips. We stopped by during Day 3 and enjoyed all kinds of activities on offer during the sun-splashed day. There was a beach party set up for the whole day, and groups of cruisers traded off on burro rides and kayaking, hikes and chilling on the beach for some swimming snorkeling, paddleboarding and beers, cocktails and snacks.

The Romero family of rancheros came down to the beach with their burros to lead our group on a scenic ride up into the hillside.

The burro ride. * Selfie: John Roberts

Alejo Romero. * Photo: John Roberts

3. Safari Voyager is Built for Adventure

Safari Voyager carries up to 66 cruisers, and we had 54 on our trip.

It’s a rustic little 174-foot-long ship that launched in 1982 and was refurbed in 2016.

There are four passenger decks and a marina.

UnCruise proudly offers an open-bridge policy, allowing passengers to pop by to see what the captain and bridge staff are up to while navigating the waters.

The open Bridge. * Photo: John Roberts

When it comes to the cabins, they are utilitarian and comfy. The cabins on Decks 1 and 2 have windows, while those up on Deck 3 have windows but also doors that open straight onto the promenade, so you can step right out into the scenery from your room. Cabins are not tiny but also not very spacious. There is plenty of closet space and a dresser to help two people get organized. Beds in most cabins can be configured to join together or be separated.

John's cabin on Safari Voyager. * Photo: John Roberts

The nice view from John's large cabin window. * Photo: John Roberts

You also have a small desk with a clock radio and a TV affixed to the wall for info on daily programming and to watch DVD movies you can grab from the ship's library.

The bathroom is small with a shower, and a tiny sink is located in a corner of the bedroom area. The accommodations are quite rustic but also comfy and serve as a fine spot to get your rest.

For dining, the restaurant is also located on the first deck, and this is where we all gather for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfasts are all served buffet style, with a great variety of eggs and items like pancakes or waffles, fresh fruit, granolas and pastries.

John filling up at the breakfast buffet. * Photo: John Roberts

And, the big cinnamon rolls and lemon-glazed strawberry fritters were giant hits.

The enticing cinnamon rolls. * Photo: John Roberts

More breakfast options in the lounge. * Photo: John Roberts

(More on dining further on in my review.)

Outfitted for action, Safari Voyager was our home and basecamp as we ventured around our playground, where the desert meets the sea at the southern tip of the peninsula in Baja California Sur.

The aft of the ship features a marina (they call it the Fantail), and this is where passengers load into skiffs to head off the ship each day.

Safari Voyager's fantail watersports platform. * Photo: John Roberts

Safari Voyager carries kayaks and paddleboards (that are brought out when conditions are right, which they weren't on our cruise) as well as a full complement of snorkel gear and wet suits.

The sun deck at the top of the ship on Deck 4 and the bow area on Deck 2 are the best spots for hanging out in a lounge chair for wildlife viewing.

The bow viewing area on Deck 2. * Photo: John Roberts

However, you can also find cruisers using the space on Deck 3 in front of the bridge to post up with their binoculars and wandering the promenade encircling Deck 3 to also get good views. There is also an indoor lounge on Deck 3, also sporting great sight lines.

The lounge has lots of glass for great views. * Photo: John Roberts

Deck 4 also offers a small open-air gym area with a spin bike, dumbbells and yoga mats.

Gear & gym equipment on the sundeck. * Photo: John Roberts

4. Animals on Display in the Sea of Cortez

During the week, cruisers were treated to encounters with the animals that live in this special region where the desert kisses the sea.

We regularly saw dolphins and a number of humpbacks whales from our ship. We were especially blessed to come upon blue whales and sperm whales, two species that can be harder to find.

While snorkeling, we saw a beautiful variety of reef fish. Among the most talked about creatures were the energetic mobula rays who fling themselves out of the water for spectacular aerial displays.

Brown pelicans, vultures, blue footed boobies and frigate birds were constantly circling the skies, too.

In addition, we spotted hawks, osprey, cormorants and oyster catchers.

Grey whales along the coast of Baja California. * Photo: UnCruise

We saw loads of dolphins on our Sea of Cortez cruise. * Photo: John Roberts

A sperm whale spotted. * Photo: John Roberts

RELATED: Whale-watching tips from the experts.

5. Delicious Cuisine Served Up in Sustainable Fashion

You come on this trip expecting great outdoors activities and the chance to see fascinating animals in their natural habitat. You leave remembering all of this, but also the incredible dining experiences you enjoyed on Safari Voyager.

The menu structure works to offer a selection from the “Farm, Sea and Garden” to cater to all kinds of diets and preferences.

There are daily vegetarian selections available at lunch and dinner, and the chef also can whip up nice options for vegan and gluten-free diets.

Many UnCruisers quickly learn to order a half-and-half to get a smaller portion of two selections.

Half and half! * Photo: John Roberts

This is often the best way to go because it can be so hard to choose from the enticing preparations the chef and his team whipped up.

Food waste is kept to a minimum, too.

At breakfast each day, the chef comes out to talk about his creations for the day for both lunch and dinner.

Then, cruisers are asked to pick what they think they would like to enjoy for their lunch and dinner. This is where the hard part comes in, and the half-and-half selections pile up, as people want to try a couple of the meals.

The kitchen will prepare modest portions to fill your plates, but you are always able to ask for more. This system works fabulously to cut down on any waste.

UnCruise also partners with a farm in La Paz that produces meats, fruits and vegetables specifically for the cruise line. The team at UnCruise works with the farmers to get the order fine-tuned. This way the farm can cultivate exactly what the company needs and in the approximate correct quantities based on many years of UnCruise learning what its guests want and how much will be needed for each season.

It’s truly an authentic farm-to-table culinary program.

I found the dining and creative meals crafted on such a small ship like Safari Voyager to be truly impressive.

Ty serves barbecue on deck. * Photo: John Roberts

Here are some of the things we enjoyed (note, this is a partial list!):

Beef tenderloin, red snapper or portobello stuffed with quinoa, with side dishes of red rice pilaf and sun-blistered baby squash.

Grouper, short rib and ratatouille.

Duck with raspberry white wine reduction, mahi-mahi and black bean sopes.

Baja-style roasted chicken and yellowtail fish with herb butter.

How about rack of lamb with black pepper crusted chimichurri sauce or prime rib, lobster tail and veggie pupusas?

They have a Taco Tuesday with pulled pork cooked low and slow for 12 hours.

Taco Tuesday was a big YES! * Photo: John Roberts

There was a tuna poke bowl for lunch one day that was wildly popular.

A good looking poke bowl. * Photo: John Robberts

A Greek-themed lunch featured chicken and falafel with garlic rice and pita bread.

The dessert menu included chocolate cake, butterscotch pudding, passionfruit cheesecake, and banana cake with chocolate mousse topped with salted caramel popcorn.

Delicious cheesecake. * Photo: John Roberts

Thai Tea Panacotta. * Photo: John Roberts

Banana cake on the Safari Voyager. * Photo: John Roberts

6. Fellow Travelers Become New Friends

I’ve never been on an UnCruise Adventures trip during which I didn’t make a few new fantastic friends. I think these trips are a perfect environment for like-minded travelers to come together to experience wonderful destinations in a fun and energetic atmosphere.

It's easy to make friends on an UnCruise trip. * Photo: John Roberts

Everyone is there to soak up the great outdoors with the passionate guides and crew members serving as the focal point instead of the distractions many of us face back home during the day-to-day.

These trips are a wonderful escape, with exciting encounters with wildlife and access to expert guides who eagerly share their passion and deep knowledge of places like the Sea of Cortez.

One of the guides, Christian. * Photo: John Roberts

Our group of travelers ranged in age from mid-40s to mid-70s, with people coming from mostly the States plus a couple from Scotland and another from England.

Overall, the group was active no matter their age — enjoying the hiking, beachcombing, skiff tours and snorkeling sessions.

We all rotated tables for meals to get to know one another, as well as sharing stories in the lounge and settling in for enrichment talks from the guides on topics that ranged from indigenous people of Baja California Sur, whales and the geology of the region (how the peninsula was formed).

Our guide Luis. * Photo: John Roberts

There were also fun sessions on the sun deck after dark for a star-gazing session, as well as a lively trivia contest that recapped a lot of the interesting facts we had (hopefully) learned throughout our voyage.

7. The Folks at UnCruise Have Years of Expertise Cruising the Sea of Cortez

UnCruise has been coming to the Sea of Cortez for more than 20 years, and the line offers expertise to navigate the region with the nimbleness needed to account for any weather conditions while still giving passengers a special experience every day of the trip.

We had high winds and high waves for a couple of days, but the crew and captain had a fantastic “Plan B, C … all the way to Plan W,” as expedition team leader Katherine Mena said after having to adjust the activities midweek.

Expedition Team Leader Katherine doing one of the daily lectures. * Photo: John Roberts

Instead of anchoring in one spot, we would sail to a safer harbor and do a great hike instead of a kayaking outing, for example.

The Sea of Cortez is a special place with all kinds of endemic species to see and learn about.

You also will often be the only people for miles around as you enjoy the scenery, which includes plenty of fresh air, blue water and soft sand.

This is a wonderful option for travelers seeking a warm-weather active vacation filled with excursions like hiking, swimming, snorkeling and kayaking.

Caveats to Consider

• This likely isn’t the best option for travelers with mobility issues.
• The emphasis for the whole program is to get off the ship and do active things. But even if you don’t aim to hike, snorkel, kayak or ride a burro, you would have to be quite steady on your feet to get into and out of Zodiac boats.
• Also, the ship doesn’t offer elevators, so moving around will be impossible if you can’t take steps.

8. Pre- and Post-Cruise Options on a Sea of Cortez UnCruise

UnCruise Adventures partners with GR Solaris Lighthouse Hotelin San Jose del Cabo, and the beautiful all-inclusive property serves as the host hotel for cruisers to gather at ahead of the transfer to La Paz to board Safari Voyager.

UnCruise sets up a hospitality room for cruisers to assemble and check in before getting on buses for the trip to La Paz to board Safari Voyager.

It’s great to get in a day early to get rested up for your expedition cruise. It also might be a nice idea to spend more time there at the end of your voyage to fully explore San Jose de Cabo.

Coming in 2027: UnCruise is extending its 7-night “Baja Whales and Sealife” to 10 nights, and the 10 nights “In Steinbecks Wake” to 13 nights.

“Both of these changes are going add a lot of fun and exploration to Baja,” UnCruise owner and CEO Dan Blanchard said.

Additionally, UnCruise will offer a new Baja Land tour roundtrip from San Jose Del Cabo, starting January 2027 for six nights.  It features a mountain town, rivers, gray whales, farm visits and more.

Interested in this UnCruise Sea of Cortez Expedition?

Rates for the 2026 and 2027 “Baja California Whales & Sealife” Sea of Cortez cruise season (Jan – April) start at $6,o00 per person for the weeklong UnCruise Sea of Cortez voyage aboard the 66-pax Safari Voyager.

Note, for the 2026 and 2027 Baja seasons, save $500 per person if you book by April 18, 2026!

UnCruise Adventures fares are mostly all-inclusive, covering:

• All activities & excursions
• Meals
• Drinks — wine, beer, cocktails, soft drinks

The only extra expense you’ll have is for gratuities that you pay on board at the end of your cruise to reward crew for how they helped make your trip special.

Some of the friendly crew of the Safari Voyager. * Photo: John Roberts

RELATED: Check out UnCruise's other itineraries HERE.

The Final Word About My UnCruise Sea of Cortez Adventure

UnCruise Adventures has been my favorite line for adventure cruising since I first set foot aboard one of the line’s ships a decade ago in Alaska.

I recommend an UnCruise Sea of Cortez cruise on Safari Voyager because you're sure to enjoy this great destination in an immersive and intimate manner that will lead to awesome new friends and brilliant memories.

One of many beautiful smoldering sunsets on my Sea of Cortez cruise. * Photo: John Roberts

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