By Judy Koutsky
For nature lovers who also like to cruise, Mexico’s Sea of Cortez is sure not to disappoint. January is a perfect time to visit as the sea is calm, the weather is perfect and this a wonderful time to see whales.
Over 140 million years ago the Baja peninsula began to move slowly away from the mainland, forming the Sea of Cortez- the planet's newest sea. In this region more than 900 species of fish, one-third of the world's species of whales and dolphins, hundreds of varieties of birds and thousands of species of marine animals flourish. Many of them are found only here.
Cruise West, the largest American-owned cruise line and a second-generation family owned business, offers soft adventure seekers the opportunity to explore the Sea of Cortez on its Whales and Wildlife itinerary. Small ship cruising allows for up close and personal experiences not offered by the traditional larger cruise lines. You become more than just a visitor; you become a participant in your surroundings. Nature provides the floorshow and cultural experiences invigorate the soul.
What’s especially nice about these ships—in addition to the size—is the learning aspect. There are onboard lectures and presentations by local experts and interpreters from a wide variety of backgrounds. In addition, destination-specific materials and a wide variety of books are provided in the onboard library on the vessel.
Stand on the deck as hundreds of dolphins welcome you into their midst. Swim with playful sea lions in their home waters. Kayak over gently flapping butterfly rays and schools of sergeant majors. And go ashore on islands that are home to both plants and animals found nowhere else in the world.
The turquoise waters here are so impossibly brilliant and crystal clear that floating on the surface can be disorienting, like walking into space with nothing but air below you. Nearby shores are rimmed with white-sand beaches and cacti. And idyllic towns still echo with mission bells of a bygone era.
NEXT: Cabo San Lucas
|
