7 Days Cruising the Sea of Cortez on a superyacht

Captain James Cooper_, of 50-metre Trinity Impromptu, available for charter with IYC, reveals an action-packed route through Mexico’s watery wonderland_

Day one

Fly into Loreto International Airport and meet Impromptu at Marina Puerto Escondido, a spectacular natural harbour protected by the peaks of the Sierra de la Giganta. You can either head to the mountains to tour the restored San Javier Mission church (one of the best preserved in Baja) or just settle in on board and get to know the crew while sipping a cocktail.

Early morning, head just off the northern shore of Loreto to Isla Coronado, which has a hidden white sand beach. Grab your snorkel to get your first taste of the incredible marine life that the Sea of Cortez offers. Spot sea lions, dolphins and scores of species of fish, or enjoy a peaceful stand-up paddleboarding session. At sunset, chef Dave White will prepare a five-course al fresco dinner on the aft deck.

Make the short cruise (less than eight nautical miles) to Isla Carmen, the largest island in Loreto Bay National Marine Park. Spend the day circumnavigating the island, either by jet ski or on the small sailing boat carried on board, taking in views of the red-hued basalt rising sharply out of the turquoise sea. Back on board, recline on the sundeck’s ample sunpads to watch a film under the stars on the giant screen.

While you sleep, the yacht will move down the coastline to Isla San José, home to abandoned salt flats and forests of giant cacti to wander through on foot and mangroves to explore by tender. After your adventures, Impromptu will head south to the smaller Isla San Francisco, where there is the perfect anchorage for deploying the slide in the clear waters.

Impromptu will head further south to the uninhabited Isla Espíritu Santo and Isla Partida. Declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1995, the islands are home to sharks, rays, turtles, dolphins and a large colony of sea lions. Snorkel or dive with the sea lions, who will play with you in the water, or take the tender to Ensenada Grande, considered to be one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

After a few days in the wilderness, pay a visit to the city of La Paz, with its vibrant art scene and intriguing international history. Stroll along its Malecón waterfront, which is packed with sculptures created by local artists, or visit the older architecture around the Plaza Constitución, including the 19th-century Our Lady of Peace Cathedral Basilica set in the shady Velasco Garden.

Wake up in the Cabo PuImo National Park, a dream diving destination that’s home to sea turtles and rays. Spend your final day in the water, where you’ll discover why Jacques Cousteau nicknamed this stretch of coastline “the world’s aquarium”. The next morning Impromptu will head to the party beaches of Cabo San Lucas; disembark and fly out from its international airport or enjoy a few days at the One&Only Palmilla.