MEXICO AND THE SUN ECLIPSE 2024

ITINERARY

DAY 1  ACAPULCO

Acapulco, Mexico's glamorous 'Pearl of the Pacific,' has roots as a Spanish galleon port with important landmarks along Avenida Costera Miguel Aleman. La Quebrada hosts famous high cliff divers, while Capilla de la Paz chapel atop the bay offers the best views. Other attractions include Fort of San Carlos, a vital military base for the Spanish Empire and the Museum of the Mask, in Chilapa with 10,000 masks from 60 ethnic groups.

DAY 2  DAY AT SEA

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

DAY 3  CRUISING CABO PULMO

Cruising Cabo Pulmo in the Sea of Cortez is a unique experience through one of the most biodiverse marine areas in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, once a pearl diving and fishing village, is a national park and a marine protected area on the eastern coast of Baja California Sur. It is home to the only living coral reef on the continent's western side, with colourful marine life and a variety of fish, turtles, rays, sharks and whales.

DAY 4  ISLA SAN FRANSISCO, CRESCENT BAY

With its sweeping desert beach and a deep blue half moon bay, Isla San Fransisco's rugged beauty makes it one of the most striking islands in the Sea of Cortez region. Backed by red sea cliffs, the main hike on the island is up the south ridge that overlooks Crescent Bay. The waters are home to a variety of marine life, including fish, coral reefs, and turtles.

   BAHIA CANDELEROS

Bahia Candeleros, south of Puerto Escondido, is a picturesque bay overlooked by Ensenada Blanca, a tranquil fishing village in the southern Loreto Bay National Park famed for its beach and rock formations. With a large hotel resort backing it, the beach and shallow waters attract families for activities like paddleboarding and swimming. The area is frequented by marine life, including dolphins, sea lions and humpback whales during their seasons.

   CRUISING CANAL DE SAN JOSE

San Jose, Baja California Sur, is a place where the vast blue ocean meets the golden sand beaches, creating a breathtaking view that will leave you in awe. The warmth of the sun on your skin and the sound of the waves crashing on the shore create a serene atmosphere that will calm your mind and soothe your soul.

DAY 5  LORETO

Loreto, the first capital of the Californias, is Baja California Sur's oldest charming town with rich heritage. Surrounded by mountains and the Sea of Cortez, highlights include the first Baja mission, a local history museum and the Malecón seaside promenade overlooking the bay and islands. As a gateway to Loreto Bay National Park's islands, it provides access to marine life like whales, dolphins, sea lions and diverse birds.

SEE OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

DAY 6  ISLA SAN JOSE, BAHIA AMORTAJADA

Isla San José, in Espiritu Santo National Park, has a rugged landscape. Underwater, angel fish, butterfly fish and damselfish thrive, while inland, giant cacti coexist with natural freshwater springs. Once home to the Pericú people, San José features ancient rock art. In the south, Bahia Amortajada hosts a pristine mangrove ecosystem, a haven for diverse wildlife and birdwatchers, with sightings of yellow-footed gulls and their nesting grounds.

   CRUISING CANAL DE SAN JOSE

San Jose, Baja California Sur, is a place where the vast blue ocean meets the golden sand beaches, creating a breathtaking view that will leave you in awe. The warmth of the sun on your skin and the sound of the waves crashing on the shore create a serene atmosphere that will calm your mind and soothe your soul.

DAY 7  SUN ECLIPSE

A sun eclipse, or a solar eclipse, is a rare and spectacular phenomenon that occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking some or all of the Sun’s light from reaching a part of the Earth. Depending on the position of the Moon and the Sun, a sun eclipse can be partial, annular, total, or hybrid. This natural phenomenon has fascinated people for centuries. Some cultures considered it a sign of divine intervention or a bad omen. Today, scientists use it as an opportunity to study the Sun and its atmosphere. A sun eclipse is also an unforgettable experience for travelers who seek to witness this celestial wonder. A rare and beautiful event that you don’t want to miss if you have the chance.

DAY 8  ISLA LAS ANIMAS

Isla Las Animas, part of the Midriff Islands off Baja California, is an uninhabited island with vibrant coral reefs, sea caves and mini-fjords. The rich biodiversity and visibility make Las Animas ideal for underwater exploration spotting colourful fish like angelfish, parrotfish and butterflyfish. Clear waters are also home to rays, eels and sea turtles. The island hosts two reptiles: the San Lucan leaf-toed gecko and black-tailed brush lizard.

   ISLA SAN JOSE, PUNTA COLORADA

Isla San José, one of the larger islands in the Sea of Cortez, is home to Punta Colorado, a stunning area with ochre cliffs which rise sharply from the sea, creating a dramatic backdrop. The mangroves and lagoons provide a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including lizards, songbirds and even crocodiles. Punta Colorado's abandoned salt mines are a reminder of the island's past salt production, which dates back to Mayan times.

DAY 8-9  PICHILINGUE (LA PAZ)

Pichilingue is a port and fishing village in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico. It is known for its beautiful beaches, ocean views and diverse wildlife. The local economy thrives on fishing, providing fresh seafood to the town's many restaurants. Nearby, the Espiritu Santo Islands are popular for snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking and bird watching, with crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life.

SEE OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
• One-night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
• All meals onboard
• 24-hour room service
• Coffee, tea, soft drinks, and selected alcoholic beverages available 24 hours per day
• Lecture programs by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
• Standard WiFi
• Onboard gratuities and port taxes
• One selected shore excursion/expedition activity per port of call

DAY 5  LORETO

SAN JAVIER MISSION EXPEDITION
Optional
05 h 00 m
Visit the mission, which is officially named Misión San Francisco Xavier de Viggé-Biaundó, is one of the best-preserved missions in Baja
Enjoy the beautiful landscapes on the way to San Javier town

LORETO ON FOOT
Optional
02 h 00 m
Visit the first Mission in California
Walk along the old Jesuit Royal Road

CATAMARAN SAIL AND SNORKEL
Optional
04 h 00 m
Enjoy majestic scenic views of Sierra de la Giganta Mountain Range once Sailing
Snorkel at National Marine Park

EXPLORING THE FOSSIL CANYON
Optional
03 h 00 m
Be a witness to over 2,000,000 years of geological history in the widest dry riverbed in Baja California Peninsula
Featuring majestic fossil wall
Enjoy the flora and fauna described by our naturalist guides

DAY 8-9  PICHILINGUE (LA PAZ)

PERLAS DE CORTEZ, CITY TOUR LA PAZ
Optional
08 h 00 m
Visit of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace located in the main square of the city
The Old Government House Territory is the Popular Culture Center, where art exhibitions, traditions of the state and the rest of the country can be appreciated
Discover why the city of La Paz is known as the black pearl center of the world