Sea of Cortez
Sea of Cortez
4.5
About
Body of water formed where Baja California broke away from the Mexican mainland over 20 million years ago.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
71 reviews
Excellent
59
Very good
8
Average
1
Poor
1
Terrible
2
Maryann L
Fair Oaks, CA1,333 contributions
Feb 2020
We recently returned from a small ship 11 day cruise on the Sea of Cortez. It was an inaugural season for the classic ship, Astoria. Embarkation was in Puerto Penasco, known locally as Rocky Point. There were 7 other ports of call..Topolobampo, near Los Mochis, Mazatlan, Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, Loreto, Santa Rosalia and Guaymas with disembarkation at Puerto Penasco. We enjoyed spectacular views of the mountains and islands in the Sea of Corez and were treated to many whale sightings. The sea was calm and the colors of the sea changed often from dark blue to green and turquoise. The ship was warmly greeted in all of the ports. We were met by Mariachi bands and entertained by young singers and dancers in beautiful Mexican dress. The Sea of Cortez is a truly beautiful place with natural wonders, wildlife and culture.
Written 14 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nananddoug
Frisco, TX55 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
The sea is beautiful, but while we were there, it was rough seas. The harbor master closed the harbor in Loreto and so we didn't get the dive vacation we hoped for. But, the one day we were able to go out, we SCUBA dived with sea lions. The sea lions are curious and swam right up to us. This was quite the experience.
Written 10 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dreamer11540
San Diego, CA1 contribution
I have been going on many trips to the Enchanted Islands in the sea of cortez. I have witnessed nothing but lots of wildlife, great fishing, and pristine waters. There were no other fishing boats in my site and we caught several large groupers.
I would make the trip again in a heartbeat...
I would make the trip again in a heartbeat...
Written 18 May 2004
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ambassador35591
Castaic, California1 contribution
The Sea of Cortez Foundation and the terrific articles from the Sacramento Bee are right on the money.
I saw few birds, few Sea Lions, no Sharks or Rays.
Only Triggerfish were to be caught above 300 feet deep.
I saw Pistoleros shooting fish at night, illegally.
There were lots of Gill Nets.
The huge Bird rookeries are gone.
The Sea Of Cortez is near death!
I saw few birds, few Sea Lions, no Sharks or Rays.
Only Triggerfish were to be caught above 300 feet deep.
I saw Pistoleros shooting fish at night, illegally.
There were lots of Gill Nets.
The huge Bird rookeries are gone.
The Sea Of Cortez is near death!
Written 6 August 2003
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AndanteNoCal
Northern Cal.27 contributions
I've been looking for information on travel to the Sea of Cortez and am astonished that there is so little available. Granted, it's been a long time since I was there; it's been nearly twenty years since some friends and I drove from northern California to Cabo. But I am haunted by the beautiful images of the huge, cactus-covered mountains descending to the crystal waters. I remember a stretch where we drove just above and along an empty shore and --I swear I'm not making this up-- a dolphin cruised beside us like they follow the wake of a boat. Really. And I remember stopping at a spot hundreds of feet above the water and we could see all the rocks lying on the floor of the sea below us. And flowering cactus. And huge, empty, blue skies. Go. I'm going.
Written 22 April 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sally W
Montrose, UK378 contributions
Mar 2018 • Friends
Encounters with whales - including two adult blues and a calf, seabirds, sea lions, dolphins. strolling on uninhabited desert islands with only bird song for accompaniment. Beach combing - looking at the variety of shells. Cacti in flower oh and woodpeckers exploring them for grubs. Rattleless rattlesnakes prove to be elusive but lizards scuttle about, proving interest for the resident ravens. Osprey nests and blue footed boobies and yellow footed gulls. Sea lions draped over every rock they can find like self-satisfied cats. Don't wait, just go!
Written 24 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
adventureros
North Pole, AK34 contributions
if you like nature and/or sea life you HAVE to go, I have been going for 10 years every summer. The water from Jan-Apr is cold, but you can see the whales in Jan/Feb.
Written 17 February 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KimSL10
Minneapolis, MN50 contributions
Feb 2018 • Couples
The boat Uncruise sails in the Sea of Cortez is the Safari Endeavor. We had almost 80 people on our cruise, and I believe 79 people had a fabulous time. I was the 80th.
On the positive side:
• The Sea of Cortez is fantastic and we saw lots of wildlife: blue, humpback and grey whales, fields and fields of dolphins, sea lions, dolphins lit up with bioluminescence (this was fantastic), jumping mobula rays, etc. The area was spectacularly beautiful and the sunrises and sunsets were unforgettable. A magical area…
• The crew on the boat gets a 6 out of 5* rating from me. Friendly, helpful, knowledgeable.
• The food was wonderful, inventive, tasty and the chefs were very very flexible.
• The guests are interesting, friendly, intelligent and well-traveled. (And old; I think the youngest person was in their mid-fifties).
• The trip itself is easy: the staff take care of you every step of the way. They are highly organized and practiced.
On the negative side:
• The rooms are small and not kept fresh. While they are well cleaned every day, they do not feel clean as they desperately need updating. The bedspreads on the bed look like they were purchased used from Motel 6 and never cleaned since. Since these are your blankets I had trouble sleeping because I felt that the bed was gross (a staff member heard me complaining in the hall and within ten minutes was in my cabin covering my bedspread with a large, clean sheet). For the $1000+ a night that we pay for these cabins they should have duvets with cotton covers that are cleaned every week. Also, our rooms (3rd deck) opened onto an outside deck. This was wonderfully convenient but when we changed clothes we had to close the privacy blinds and use the lights, which were not bright. There is no excuse for Uncruise not putting shades on the windows that let in light but retain privacy. Not rocket science guys….
• The interior of the boat itself is due for a serious updating. The carpet and furnishings were quite worn.
• The trip is geared to the older, more sedate traveler. (And if this is what you want, great, just beware). Each dinghy took 15 minutes for 10 people to board as each guest was personally escorted by 2-3 crew members to their seat and handed their gear. That, along with the rah rah rah sessions each evening (“didn’t we have fun seeing the dolphins today” yeah! Clap clap clap) seemed patronizing to me. There was no flexibility to do things at your own level, from just getting onto the dinghys yourself to kayaking longer faster or farther to paddleboarding when others are kayaking, etc. There is a LOT a LOT a LOT of downtime as the dinghies are laboriously loaded or the safety instructions are communicated for the umpteenth time (“don’t forget the Viking handhold campers!!!”). You practically had to hold hands while snorkeling (I’m surprised they don’t use those ropes that are used in daycares that each child hangs onto). In fact, the whole trip had the feel of a patronizing summer camp for the octogenarian crowd. Then again, that’s basically what we were and it didn’t seem like other people had a problem with it.
• Finally, if you are an introvert this will be a difficult trip for you. The boat size is such that you can’t get lost in the crowd and there is NO place you can go for some time away. The cabins are dank and dark with nowhere to sit other than the disgusting bedspread and there are people all over. This wouldn’t be so bad if there was less down time but with 80 people to load up every time there’s an activity there’s hours of waiting at each end and little to do except talk to your fellow passengers.
On the positive side:
• The Sea of Cortez is fantastic and we saw lots of wildlife: blue, humpback and grey whales, fields and fields of dolphins, sea lions, dolphins lit up with bioluminescence (this was fantastic), jumping mobula rays, etc. The area was spectacularly beautiful and the sunrises and sunsets were unforgettable. A magical area…
• The crew on the boat gets a 6 out of 5* rating from me. Friendly, helpful, knowledgeable.
• The food was wonderful, inventive, tasty and the chefs were very very flexible.
• The guests are interesting, friendly, intelligent and well-traveled. (And old; I think the youngest person was in their mid-fifties).
• The trip itself is easy: the staff take care of you every step of the way. They are highly organized and practiced.
On the negative side:
• The rooms are small and not kept fresh. While they are well cleaned every day, they do not feel clean as they desperately need updating. The bedspreads on the bed look like they were purchased used from Motel 6 and never cleaned since. Since these are your blankets I had trouble sleeping because I felt that the bed was gross (a staff member heard me complaining in the hall and within ten minutes was in my cabin covering my bedspread with a large, clean sheet). For the $1000+ a night that we pay for these cabins they should have duvets with cotton covers that are cleaned every week. Also, our rooms (3rd deck) opened onto an outside deck. This was wonderfully convenient but when we changed clothes we had to close the privacy blinds and use the lights, which were not bright. There is no excuse for Uncruise not putting shades on the windows that let in light but retain privacy. Not rocket science guys….
• The interior of the boat itself is due for a serious updating. The carpet and furnishings were quite worn.
• The trip is geared to the older, more sedate traveler. (And if this is what you want, great, just beware). Each dinghy took 15 minutes for 10 people to board as each guest was personally escorted by 2-3 crew members to their seat and handed their gear. That, along with the rah rah rah sessions each evening (“didn’t we have fun seeing the dolphins today” yeah! Clap clap clap) seemed patronizing to me. There was no flexibility to do things at your own level, from just getting onto the dinghys yourself to kayaking longer faster or farther to paddleboarding when others are kayaking, etc. There is a LOT a LOT a LOT of downtime as the dinghies are laboriously loaded or the safety instructions are communicated for the umpteenth time (“don’t forget the Viking handhold campers!!!”). You practically had to hold hands while snorkeling (I’m surprised they don’t use those ropes that are used in daycares that each child hangs onto). In fact, the whole trip had the feel of a patronizing summer camp for the octogenarian crowd. Then again, that’s basically what we were and it didn’t seem like other people had a problem with it.
• Finally, if you are an introvert this will be a difficult trip for you. The boat size is such that you can’t get lost in the crowd and there is NO place you can go for some time away. The cabins are dank and dark with nowhere to sit other than the disgusting bedspread and there are people all over. This wouldn’t be so bad if there was less down time but with 80 people to load up every time there’s an activity there’s hours of waiting at each end and little to do except talk to your fellow passengers.
Written 20 February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ben Withers
Houston, TX41 contributions
Mar 2015 • Couples
i was attracted to this trip primarily by seeing pictures on the Lindblad website of gray whale calves, and some moms, coming up so close to the Zodiac style boats that people were petting and kissing them. I worried that that was an unusual experience, but as you will see from my pictures, we had that experience as well.
Each passenger on the ship got to go out for three 90 minute excursions over the course of 2 days in Magdalena Bay, a completely sheltered fairly small bay on the Pacific coast of the Baja. Each boat had a local fisherman on board to help us locate the whales. Once located we orbited near them, splashing and singing and trying to entice them to come over and play with us. On two of our three excursions, we spent at least half of our time in close proximity--in every case it was to mother-calf pairs, as the fathers had already started the long trip back to the Bering Sea. Many of the calves were quite curious and came right up to the side of the boats and lingered for long periods of time, giving all of us turns in petting and kissing them. Occasionally the mothers would approach, sometimes choosing to get close and then douse us with a big exhalation through her blowhole. One Mom came up gently under one of our rafts and took it for a little ride.
It was harder to find the whales on the middle of our three trips, but in the last 30 minutes we saw many full breaches, and examples of the behavior known as "spyhopping" where they pop up getting their heads out of the water, for all the world looking like they were checking out what was going on. Toward the end of our time on this excursion, we had a mother and calf swimming quite near us, but the calf wasn't coming over. Then, to our surprise and delight, the Mom started shouldering the calf over to our boat, pushing the calf repeatedly, as if to say "Come on junior, play with the nice tourists!" And then the calf posed and played for a while before we had to head back.
The other 4 days of the voyage were also wonderful, playing with sea lions, having a beach barbecue, seeing elusive blue whales and countless humpbacks, many bird species, taking hikes in the harsh but beautiful Baja landscape, and seeing thousands of dolphins, up to 6 or 7 at a time surfing the bow wave of the boat. But we were glad that our trip was in the direction that it was, so that playing with gray whales in Magdalena Bay was the last major activity. All of the trip was excellent, but the experience with the gray whales was a unique and emotional experience which we will remember for the rest of our lives. Seasoned travelers were laughing and chattering like children.
The Sea Bird is a small ship, with 31 small cabins, though the space was extraordinarily efficiently used. My wife and I never felt cramped for the brief periods we were in the cabin and awake. Meals were not elaborate like on big cruise ships, but it was good, and beef, chicken, and vegetarian options were always available. Meals were always open seating and resulted in many great conversations with an unusually well-travelled group of passengers. Ship's crew, naturalists, and the photographers were universally excellent.
The only negative out of the whole trip, and certainly no one's fault, was that after we passed the southern tip of the Baja to enter the Pacific and go northward to Magdalena Bay, we experienced around 12 hours of fairly heavy seas from an angle which imparted a corkscrew motion to the boat. Many people got seasick during that time. I've fortunately never experienced motion sickness, but my wife did, even with her Scopalamine patch in place.
We travel frequently and all over the world, and this trip was as special as anything we've ever done. This trip is offered from January through April.
I think the time we chose, late February and early March, is as probably the one most likely to result in an optimal experience. The babies are more than 15 feet long and very capable in the water (Moms are 40-50 feet long--which feels really really big when they are swimming under your 15 foot boat, and not many of the Moms and calves have left for the Bering Sea yet.
All in all, an outstanding experience, topped with the surreal interaction with these huge creatures.
Each passenger on the ship got to go out for three 90 minute excursions over the course of 2 days in Magdalena Bay, a completely sheltered fairly small bay on the Pacific coast of the Baja. Each boat had a local fisherman on board to help us locate the whales. Once located we orbited near them, splashing and singing and trying to entice them to come over and play with us. On two of our three excursions, we spent at least half of our time in close proximity--in every case it was to mother-calf pairs, as the fathers had already started the long trip back to the Bering Sea. Many of the calves were quite curious and came right up to the side of the boats and lingered for long periods of time, giving all of us turns in petting and kissing them. Occasionally the mothers would approach, sometimes choosing to get close and then douse us with a big exhalation through her blowhole. One Mom came up gently under one of our rafts and took it for a little ride.
It was harder to find the whales on the middle of our three trips, but in the last 30 minutes we saw many full breaches, and examples of the behavior known as "spyhopping" where they pop up getting their heads out of the water, for all the world looking like they were checking out what was going on. Toward the end of our time on this excursion, we had a mother and calf swimming quite near us, but the calf wasn't coming over. Then, to our surprise and delight, the Mom started shouldering the calf over to our boat, pushing the calf repeatedly, as if to say "Come on junior, play with the nice tourists!" And then the calf posed and played for a while before we had to head back.
The other 4 days of the voyage were also wonderful, playing with sea lions, having a beach barbecue, seeing elusive blue whales and countless humpbacks, many bird species, taking hikes in the harsh but beautiful Baja landscape, and seeing thousands of dolphins, up to 6 or 7 at a time surfing the bow wave of the boat. But we were glad that our trip was in the direction that it was, so that playing with gray whales in Magdalena Bay was the last major activity. All of the trip was excellent, but the experience with the gray whales was a unique and emotional experience which we will remember for the rest of our lives. Seasoned travelers were laughing and chattering like children.
The Sea Bird is a small ship, with 31 small cabins, though the space was extraordinarily efficiently used. My wife and I never felt cramped for the brief periods we were in the cabin and awake. Meals were not elaborate like on big cruise ships, but it was good, and beef, chicken, and vegetarian options were always available. Meals were always open seating and resulted in many great conversations with an unusually well-travelled group of passengers. Ship's crew, naturalists, and the photographers were universally excellent.
The only negative out of the whole trip, and certainly no one's fault, was that after we passed the southern tip of the Baja to enter the Pacific and go northward to Magdalena Bay, we experienced around 12 hours of fairly heavy seas from an angle which imparted a corkscrew motion to the boat. Many people got seasick during that time. I've fortunately never experienced motion sickness, but my wife did, even with her Scopalamine patch in place.
We travel frequently and all over the world, and this trip was as special as anything we've ever done. This trip is offered from January through April.
I think the time we chose, late February and early March, is as probably the one most likely to result in an optimal experience. The babies are more than 15 feet long and very capable in the water (Moms are 40-50 feet long--which feels really really big when they are swimming under your 15 foot boat, and not many of the Moms and calves have left for the Bering Sea yet.
All in all, an outstanding experience, topped with the surreal interaction with these huge creatures.
Written 19 May 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
deereleap
Linlithgow, UK142 contributions
Feb 2015 • Couples
This Seattle based company has an odd name but we had a magnificent cruise whale watching in the Sea of Cortes with them. It is 7,000 miles from where we live and this is an expensive vacation for 7 nights but is is worth every penny. Cruises leave from San Jose del Cabo in the evening. The boat is wonderfully equipped and service , meals and activities are beyond reproach. The Sea is not a zoo, but the crew know how to spot whales and as well as some others we saw a blue whale and her calf at close quarters, a moving experience. There is swimming/snorkelling, both from the boat and the shore, deserted beaches, kayaking, hiking on shore visits and some sightseeing. The days were filled but there was time for relaxation. Meals and drinks are excellent and service is exemplary. This was one of the best vacations we have ever had. It is unsuitable for those who are inactive or disabled. The cabins are small but well equipped, we were on the lowest deck of the three, a good choice, those on the top deck have a public walkway round the outside and are not very private really.
Written 6 March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What is the best airport to fly into? And, any thoughts on whether to rent a car or travel by taxi?
Written 4 August 2019
Hi, when is the best time to travel to sea o Cortez to see the whales?
Written 1 September 2016
sharibelle
Lincoln, California
How safe is it to travel on cruise ship to sea of Cortez?
Written 18 January 2016
How can I book a trip on the Sea Bird in the Sea of Cortez?
Written 23 August 2015
We are looking for a boat to hire month of May for 3 to 5 days exploring Sea of Cortez. North to South preferrable ending up in Cabo. But South to North will do as well. My phone number is(916)316-6433 if you have any suggestions or comments or if you are interested in joining us.
Elaine
Written 19 March 2015
What a beautiful description of a magical place. We are going in May and want to hire a boat for a few days. We would like to start in San Felipe and sail down to La Paz. Any suggestions of where to find a boat and captain?
Written 19 March 2015
My husband and I have been dying to go on a trip to experience the sea of Cortez. We would love suggestions on Where The best place to stay is. Thank you for your help. Preferably all inclusive
Written 30 January 2015
We recently took a trip to Baja Sur, flying into Loreto, renting a car ($350 for 10 days) & driving to Mulege, stopping over in Posada Concepcion, on the awesome Bay of Concepcion. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Traveling on a low budget, we stumbled into the best low cost accomodations at Hotel 1697 in Loreto, on the historical town plaza ($30/nite), & Hotel Hacienda in Mulege, excellent ambiance & decent basic accomodation, not to mention excellent service. Fishing or just boating in the Sea of Cortez everywhere, even great fishing from the shore, gauranteed big fish! Good luck in your travels!
Written 13 March 2015
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