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1655 S 3rd St. W, Ste 1
Missoula MT, 59801 USA

Ship:  Spirit of Yorktown

Itinerary:  Whales and Wildlife + Copper Canyon

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  Sea of Cortez

 cabins & deck plans  |  additional itineraries |  cancellation policy

The Sea of Cortés is remarkable and unique. Its waters can reveal dozens of shades of blue in one vista. And within those waters are harbored more than 900 islands. Many of the islands are uncharted. Most of them are uninhabited. But only by humans. Your voyage is highlighted by visits to these unspoiled islands, teeming with plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. We'll take you to breathtaking private beaches, to turquoise coves that invite you to dive in, and inland to where the giant cardón cactus grows. When your voyage ends, you will take part of this place away with you, embedded deep in your spirit. And you will leave a part of yourself behind.

Day 1 : Cruise Cabo San Lucas to La Paz

Transfer from Los Cabos Airport to our Hospitality Room at Cabo¹s inner harbor. Board your ship and sail into the Sea of Cortés.

Day 2 : ISLA Espiritu Santo

This 23,383-acre island near La Paz is centered in one of the most biologically diverse marine areas in the world and is a major environmental success story. Several plants and animals are found nowhere else in the world, including the blacktailed jack rabbit and antelope squirrel. Drop anchor at Espiritú Santo¹s Bahía Bonanza for a day ashore. Take a guided walk among the tangle of exotic cacti, or swim, snorkel, and kayak the crystal clear sea here that supports 900 species of fish. No need to bring snorkel gear or wetsuits as gear will be provided to you. BLD

Day 3 : Whale Watching

This whole day is spent pursuing up-close viewing of marine life. The Sea of Cortés is home to huge schools of common and bottle-nosed dolphins, as well as humpback, minke, fin, and blue whales. From mid-January to mid-March, hundreds of gray whales congregate in the shallow lagoons of Baja¹s Pacific shore. When our local contacts tell us the whales are present, we¹ll cross the peninsula by motorcoach to Puerto Adolfo Lopez Mateos. There board an outboard-equipped panga to observe the grays, who have migrated some 6,000 miles from Alaska¹s Bering Sea to mate, give birth, and rear their young. When whales are not present there due to varied migration patterns, we will look for whales in the Sea of Cortés. BLD

Day 4 : Island Exploration

Guided by the weather and tides, visit one of the beautiful and special islands of the Sea of Cortés. Exploration will possibly include nature hikes, kayaking, and snorkeling. BLD

Day 5 : Loreto

Founded in 1697, Loreto¹s Nuesta Señora de Loreto Mission was the original "mother" church from which all the other California missions were founded, eventually leading as far north as Sonoma, California. A museum adjacent to the mission displays artifacts and paintings from Baja¹s colonial era. Stroll the streets and plazas of this picturesque seaside village, capped by a reception with musical entertainment at the mission. BLD

Day 6 : Los Islotes and Isla Partida

Los Islotes is a steep seamount punctured by sea caves. Blue-footed boobies reside on the cliffs, and a large colony of California sea lions haul out on the rocks below. Weather permitting, swim and snorkel as the female sea lions and their curious young pups float about you in the sea. Continue to Isla Partida nearby, to hike the island¹s rugged canyons, kayak up-close to rock-walled headlands, or just relax on the beach. In the sheltered cove of Ensenada Grande, the silky, sandy bottom shelves out very gradually for hundreds of feet, as gentle waves lap onto the mangrove-backed beach. BLD

Day 7 : La Paz

Today, your ship ties up at the central waterfront of Baja California Sur's capital and largest city, which was founded in the 1530s. Explore the shops, gelaterías, and the miles-long waterfront malecón or promenade. A host of options will be available and you will have the opportunity to enjoy an exclusive fiesta, complete with Mexican music, dancers, and piñatas. Later, disembark for an included dinner and overnight stay at the Hotel Los Arcos in La Paz. BLD

Day 8 : La Paz to El Fuerte

On your way to El Fuerte stop at the Maya Indian village of Tehueco for a traditional dance performance. Travel to the Posada del Hidalgo in El Fuerte. Founded in 1564, El Fuerte for many years was a frontier outpost where expeditions to California and New Mexico began.
You will visit the colonial-era City Hall, the town¹s oldest church, and the Main Plaza on a leisurely walking tour.
BLD

Day 9 : Copper Canyon by Rail

Transfer to the Chihuahua-al-Pacifico Railroad to begin the ascent into the Sierra Madres, traveling east through coastal plains. The Sierra Tarahumara is a maze of 200 gorges combining to form six interconnecting canyons. You will rise over 8,000 feet, crossing deep ravines and passing through more than 68 tunnels.
Upon arrival at Divisadero, transfer to your hotel, situated near the rim of the Urique Canyon.
BLD

Day 10 : Copper Canyon

After breakfast travel by motorcoach to Cusarare to visit the Jesuit Mission and the new museum featuring recently restored 16th, 17th, and 18th century paintings collected by the Jesuit missionaries.

While there, stop next door at the Tarahumara boarding school for a chance to interact with the children. After lunch in Creel, you will have the opportunity to wander around the small rustic town and enjoy the unique rock formations that surround the area. Overnight at your rim hotel. BLD

Day 11 : Motorcoach to Chihuahua

Descend from the mountains by motorcoach on your way to Chihuahua, the capital city of the State of Chihuahua. Along the way, stop for lunch. Continue on to Chihuahua and visit the Museum of the Revolution, formerly the home of Chihuahua¹s most famous citizen, Pancho Villa. Don¹t miss the cathedral the organ was brought from Germany with sculptures originating from Italy. Tonight, celebrate your explorations with a farewell dinner. BLD

Day 12 : Transfer to the Chihuahua Airport

Ship Description: Spirit of Yorktown

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  Cruising in the zodiac on an excursion

The Spirit of Yorktown has a year-round cruising schedule that takes her as far north as Alaska and south, through the Panama Canal to the Carribean.

The decor is sleek, stylish, and quietly elegant with light wood accents and artistically etched glass. The Observation Lounge features expansive picture windows, a video and lending library, plus cozy banquettes and conversation circles for getting to know your fellow travelers.

Every stateroom features a wide picture window or porthole, private facilities, writing desk and ample storage. And when it's time to go outside, guests enjoy generous outside space on three decks.

Measuring 257 feet long, 43 feet wide, and with a draft of just eight feet, the Yorktown Clipper was specifically designed for cruising in coastal waters; the ship's easy maneuverability and shallow draft enable exploration of secluded waterways beyond the reach of bigger ships. A fleet of motorized landing craft can be launched in minutes for spontaneous landings on small islands and deserted beaches.

The Yorktown Clipper was built in 1988 in Green Cove Springs, Florida, by American craftsmen. Power is provided by two Detroit diesel propulsion engines rated approximately 900 SHP each, and maneuverability is increased by a 300 HP bowthruster. This ship is equipped with an Electronic Chart Precise Integrated Navigation System (ECPINS), which combines navigational data on one screen and meets the stringent requirements of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). She was one of the first cruise ships to be equipped with this advanced system.

A 120 sq. ft. Staterooms feature two twin beds, in-room controlled air conditioning, radio, locking drawer, hairdryer and portholes.	AA 130 sq. ft. AA staterooms feature two twin beds, in-room controlled air conditioning, writing desk, radio, locking drawer, hairdryer and picture window.
AAA 157 sq. ft. AAA staterooms feature two twin beds, in-room controlled air conditioning, writing desk, radio, locking drawer, hairdryer and picture window or portholes. Cabins 24, 25, 26, 33, 34, 35 and 36 can accommodate triples.	Deluxe 233 sq. ft. Deluxe staterooms feature two twin beds, in-room controlled air conditioning, writing desk, radio, locking drawer, hairdryer and one or two picture windows. Cabins L27, L28, and P60 can convert to a queen bed and can accommodate triples.
Balcony Balcony staterooms feature queen beds, writing desk, hair dryer, under-counter refrigerator, large picture windows and walk-out balcony with privacy louvers between adjacent cabins.