Sea of Cortez
Sea of Cortez yacht charter
Just south of California, between mainland Mexico and the Baja Peninsula, lies the Gulf of California, or Sea of Cortez. An island-hopping adventure reveals wildlife-rich waters teeming with whales, dolphins, sea lions and seabirds, set against a dramatic desert coastline.
Around five million years old, the Sea of Cortez is thought to be the youngest sea in the world, shaped by volcanic activity and powerful earthquakes that forged the Baja Peninsula and the deep chasm beyond.
Long celebrated by divers and marine naturalists, the region has inspired generations of explorers. John Steinbeck chronicled his 1940 voyage here in a book, while Jacques Cousteau famously dubbed it ‘the world’s aquarium’.
Around five million years old, the Sea of Cortez is thought to be the youngest sea in the world, shaped by volcanic activity and powerful earthquakes that forged the Baja Peninsula and the deep chasm beyond.
Long celebrated by divers and marine naturalists, the region has inspired generations of explorers. John Steinbeck chronicled his 1940 voyage here in a book, while Jacques Cousteau famously dubbed it ‘the world’s aquarium’.
-
Best time to visitNovember - April
-
Getting thereMar de Cortés International Airport and more
Explore the Sea of Cortez
Al Pairo at Solaz
Recently recognised by the Michelin Guide, this contemporary Mexican restaurant celebrates the country’s ancestral roots, reimagining corn and pre-Hispanic techniques through creative, modern cuisine. The experience is complemented by La Cava, a curated cellar of over 200 wines from 80 regions across 13 countries.
San Jose del Cabo
Bagatelle
Bagatelle brings the spirit of the French Riviera to the table with sophisticated, generous dishes designed for sharing in a vibrant, convivial atmosphere.
Los Cabos
Bahía Amortajada
Bahía Amortajada is the largest mangrove lagoon of the Cortez Sea and a peaceful bay combining crystal-clear waters, a completely unspoilt nature and serene surroundings. This gorgeous bay makes it easy to enjoy fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, kitesurfing or kayaking in the gentle protected waters of Bahía Los Frailes.
Isla San José
Bahía Concepción
A scenic bay on Baja California’s eastern coast, known for its warm waters, beautiful beaches and opportunities for swimming and water sports.
Baja California Sur
Bahía de Loreto National Park
Dive or snorkel at Isla del Carmen, Santa Catalan and Monserrate (three of the five main islands). The waters are home to an array of marine life from colorful parrot, angel and puffer fish, to grey, blue, and humpback whales, as well as dolphins and so much more. Swim, snorkel, or simply lay on the beach.
Baja California Sur
Bahía Los Frailes
Bahía Los Frailes is a popular and scenic anchorage offering clear aqua water, a large sandy beach, and great snorkeling near the Cabo Pulmo coral reef system.
Baja California Sur
Balandra Mushroom Rock
Balandra Mushroom Rock is an iconic natural rock formation near La Paz, shaped by years of wind and coastal erosion. Set against Balandra’s turquoise waters and white sandy beaches, it’s one of the area’s most recognisable landmarks.
La Paz
Bay of La Paz
Due to its many reefs and exquisite biodiversity, the Bay of La Paz is one of the premiere destinations for diving and snorkeling in the world.
Baja California Sur
Birdwatching among the mangroves
Bahía Amortajada is home to a lush mangrove lagoon that provides a refuge for a variety of bird species, including pelicans, herons and ospreys. The dense mangroves are a striking feature of this otherwise arid, desert landscape.
Bahía Amortajada
Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park
Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park is home to one of North America’s oldest coral reefs and is a global conservation success story, offering world-class diving, abundant marine life, pristine beaches, and exceptional wildlife encounters in an authentic off-grid setting.
Cabo Pulmo
Cabo San Lucas Bay
Where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific, Cabo San Lucas is known for its turquoise waters, dramatic coastline and iconic El Arco rock formation. Visit Lover’s Beach by tender, spot migrating whales in season and enjoy the area’s vibrant dining and nightlife.
Baja California Sur
Cañón del Tabor
Cañón del Tabor is a spectacular natural canyon in the Sierra de la Giganta, known for its rugged rock formations, natural pools and scenic hiking trails, with panoramic views across the Sea of Cortez.
Baja California Sur
CarbónCabrón
Chef Poncho Cadena’s atmospheric live-fire restaurant serves inventive sharing plates, with mesquite wood setting the scene and standout dishes such as charcoal-tempura onion petals with habanero aioli and shrimp served atop pork belly.
San Jose del Cabo
Cardón Forest Trails
The Cardón Forest is a network of soft, sandy trails that wind through a forest of towering cardones (also known as elephant cacti) found only in Baja California, Baja California Sur, and Sonora.
La Ventana
Cocina de Autor Los Cabos
A one Michelin-starred dining experience featuring a playful 8-10 course tasting menu celebrating the finest local produce, meats and seafood.
Cabo San Lucas
Comal
An oceanfront restaurant with a fresh take on authentic Latin American cuisine.
Cabo San Lucas
East Cape
Stretching along the Sea of Cortez between San José del Cabo and Cabo Pulmo National Park, the East Cape offers a secluded coastline of sandy beaches, rugged desert landscapes and clear turquoise waters. Anchor in a peaceful bay and enjoy swimming, snorkelling and exploring one of Baja California Sur’s most unspoilt stretches of coast.
Baja California Sur
Ensenada Grande
Ensenada Grande is a beautiful, sheltered bay on the northern end of Isla Partida, part of the Espíritu Santo Archipelago. Known for its sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, it’s an ideal spot to anchor and enjoy snorkelling, diving and exploring this protected UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Isla Partida
Ensenada Grande
Ensenada Grande, located on Isla Partida, directly above the mainland of Isla Espíritu Santo is an excellent place for diving and snorkeling.
Isla Partida
Isla Cerralvo
Known as Jacques Cousteau Island, Cerralvo is surrounded by rich pelagic waters where whales, wild dolphins and orcas can be spotted. The island also offers excellent scuba diving at Punta Norte, La Reina and La Reinita, alongside world-class fishing and seasonal kitesurfing and windsurfing from mid-October to late April.
La Ventana
Isla Espíritu Santo
Isla Espíritu Santo, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and protected national park, offers hidden coves, secluded beaches, dramatic cliffs, and rich marine life. Explore by kayak, paddleboard, or snorkel, with opportunities to swim with sea lions, spot whales, dolphins, rays and turtles, and hike along the coastline.
Baja California Sur
Isla San Francisquito
Hiking trails criss-cross the island of Isla San Francisquito that will lead you to discover different areas of it. For unparalleled views, climb up the hills to see Baja to the West and the Sea of Cortez to the East.
Baja California Sur
Isla Santa Catalina
A true natural sanctuary, Isla Santa Catalina captivates with its remote beauty and remarkable ecosystem. Home to rare endemic species, dramatic desert scenery, and towering barrel cacti, the island offers a unique blend of wilderness and tranquillity. Beneath the surface, pristine waters teem with colourful marine life, making it an exceptional destination for snorkelling and exploration
Baja California Sur
La Paz
As the capital of Baja California Sur, La Paz offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Framed by pristine beaches and colonial architecture, the city is renowned for its spectacular sunsets and vibrant culinary scene. Nearby, the charming town of Todos Santos invites visitors to browse art galleries, artisan boutiques, and local cafés.
Baja California Sur
Lover’s Beach (Playa del Amor)
Lover’s Beach is a secluded cove at the tip of the Baja California Peninsula, accessible only by boat or tender. Its golden sands and dramatic rock formations make it a beautiful spot for a private escape.
Cabo San Lucas
Lumbre
Lumbre, César Pita’s stylish San José del Cabo restaurant, showcases creative live-fire Mexican cuisine with global influences, reimagined classics and bold flavour combinations, all complemented by warm and attentive service.
San Jose del Cabo
MANTA
Conceived by Michelin-starred Mexican Chef Enrique Olvera, MANTA is a contemporary oceanfront restaurant at The Cape, a Thompson Hotel, overlooking Cabo’s iconic Arch. Its cuisine blends contemporary Mexican flavours with Peruvian influences and Japanese sensibility, celebrating sustainable, locally sourced Baja ingredients.
Cabo San Lucas
Mezcal
Mezcal is Montage Los Cabos resort’s signature dining destination, and features generations-old family recipes with an authentic ode to Mexico’s culinary scene and culture.
Cabo San Lucas
NEMI
Renowned for its creative Mexican cuisine, NEMI sources local ingredients to craft mouthwatering plates like miso-marinated grilled shrimp and slow-roasted pork picanha.
La Paz
Playa Balandra
Balandra Beach is a secluded paradise known for its white sands, crystal-clear turquoise waters and striking desert landscape. With visitor numbers limited daily, it offers a peaceful escape surrounded by Baja California Sur’s natural beauty.
La Paz
Playa el Médano
Playa El Médano is Cabo San Lucas’s most popular swimming beach, with calm Sea of Cortez waters sheltered by the natural formation of Land’s End.
Cabo San Lucas
Playa El Saltito
Playa El Saltito is a 2 km-long beach south of La Paz, known for its beautiful coral reef, peaceful atmosphere and spectacular sunsets.
La Paz
Playa El Tesoro (Treasure Beach)
Playa El Tesoro is a laid-back spot ideal for paddleboarding, swimming or simply relaxing with a book and soaking up the sun.
La Paz
Playa La Bonanza
Playa La Bonanza is the largest beach on Isla Espíritu Santo, known for its red cliffs, abundant marine life and excellent snorkelling and scuba diving within a UNESCO-protected area.
Isla Espíritu Santo
Playa Los Frailes
A quiet, secluded crescent bay located about 6 miles south of the Cabo Pulmo National Park. The beach offers a long, protected stretch of light sand and calm, clear turquoise water ideal for wading and swimming.
Baja California Sur
Playa Tecolote
Playa Tecolote is a beautiful, expansive beach known for its clear turquoise waters, soft sand and stunning views of Isla Espíritu Santo. Perfect for swimming, relaxing in the sun or enjoying water sports.
La Paz
Punta Colorada
Punta Colorada is one of the most striking anchorages in the entire gulf. Serene coastal area known for its desert landscapes, offering quiet beaches, clear waters and an unspoiled atmosphere.
San José Island
Punta Gorda
Punta Gorda is the northernmost trail in La Ventana, offering sweeping views over the Sea of Cortez and the dramatic coastline that hugs Cerralvo Island.
La Ventana
Punta Salinas
Located on the southwest coast of Isla San José, Punta Salinas is a remote anchorage with the remains of an abandoned mid-20th-century salt mine. Discover a fascinating piece of the island’s history while enjoying its rugged landscapes and peaceful surroundings.
Isla San José
Swanee Reef
Swanee Reef is a shallow, beginner-friendly natural dive site located south of Espíritu Santo Island. The Salvatierra wreck lies just beyond Swanee Reef on a sandy bottom at roughly 60 feet. After running aground on a reef in 1976, this cargo ferry sank and has since transformed into a thriving underwater sanctuary, adorned with colourful coral growth and inhabited by schools of triggerfish, king angelfish, moray eels, and turtles.
San Lorenzo Channel
Swim with California Sea Lions
Snorkel or scuba dive alongside playful California sea lions in their natural habitat. Los Islotes is home to more than 800 sea lions, with colourful marine life adding to the experience. Guided tours are required in this protected area, with September to May offering ideal conditions.
Los Islotes
The Hook
The Hook, Isla San Francisquito, is a popular sheltered anchorage in the Sea of Cortez, offering crystal-clear turquoise waters, a dramatic rocky coastline and stunning views of the surrounding desert mountains. It’s an ideal spot to anchor, swim, snorkel and enjoy the island’s natural beauty.
Isla San FrancisquitoNew to charter?
Whether you are looking for a 70m motor private yacht to cruise St Lucia or have your heart set on a fun-filled Grecian sailing charter, we are on hand to guide you every step of the way.Frequently asked questions
I’ve never chartered before, where do I start?
To get started, one of our brokers will ask you questions, like how many people you want to bring aboard, whether you know where you want to go and what you want to do. From sailing to motor, catamaran to explorer – we’ll shortlist yachts of a style, size and capability that match your preferences and suggest bucket-list cruising grounds.
How many guests can be on board?
The majority of yachts can cruise with 8-12 guests, depending on their length. For bigger parties, some yachts built to the Passenger Yacht Code (PYC) can carry up to 36 guests – these yachts are usually above 80m (260ft) long. For events, yachts can have more people on board provided they stay in port.
Why do I need a charter broker? Why can’t I book direct?
Planning the perfect charter requires specialist knowledge, trusted contacts on board and on the ground, as well as first-hand knowledge of yachts, crews and locations, as well as legal contracts and local regulations to build an experience that suits you perfectly. Another reason to choose a broker is that sometimes there can be unforeseen issues with yachts or destinations and having an experienced broker to protect your interests and build a plan B is hugely reassuring.
Creating the unforgettable is what we do at Burgess. It’s what our knowledge, experience and passion are all about. We take all the hassle out of the planning so you can just turn up and have the best holiday ever.
I have a few allergies, how can I let the yacht know about these and also about my preferences?
A few weeks before your charter starts, we’ll send you a detailed questionnaire that lets us know the preferences and special requirements of everyone in your party. It will cover dietary and medical requirements, allergies and any special requests, birthdays or entertainment, for instance. This helps us and the crew of your yacht make sure your charter will be everything you hope it will be.
