“Sea of Cortez Expedition”

V7818 • September 30 • 12 Days
As an intimate group of curious explorers we set sail, soaking up Mother Earth’s spectacle, marvelling with appreciation at our ever-changing environment. From a night out on the town in LA to the ruins of ancient Aztecs and Mexico’s fascinating tide pools. We voyage through the vast Pacific into a cradle of aqua waters known as the Sea of Cortez. Named for the Spanish conqueror Hernán Cortés, the sea is one of the most diverse marine environments in the world. Like an exquisite painting full of texture and vibrance, coral reefs burst with a multitude of brilliantly coloured sea life. Amidst this natural aquarium, witness the interworkings of one of the richest ecosystems on earth.

Day 1 – Los Angeles, United States
Embark the Prince Albert II and depart on your exciting 12-day Silversea Expedition – “Sea of Cortez Expedition”. This evening, you will be introduced to your Expedition Leaders and receive a Zodiac briefing.

Days 2-3 – At Sea
As we make way into the deep blue Pacific, meet some of your fellow explorers as you become acquainted with the luxurious amenities found onboard the Prince Albert II.

Gather in the Theatre to hear fascinating tales of adventure or to learn about the region’s endemic wildlife and remarkable nature. Knowledgeable experts in a variety of scientific fields present lectures and seminars. Photographer Richard Harker will host photography workshops filled with tips and techniques for every experience level. Other onboard diversions may include spa treatments, a workout in the Fitness Centre, and, of course, exquisite dining experiences. Our first night at sea, we invite you to attend a special Welcome Aboard cocktail party whereat the Captain will introduce his senior officers and various members of the Prince Albert II crew.

Day 4 – Cruise & Explore Bahía Magdalena, Mexico
Bahía Magdalena serves as a refuge for migratory birds stopping over to refuel before continuing on to destinations beyond. In just one day, we might see as many as 40 different types of birds including the Magnificent frigate bird, pelicans, cormorants, terns, Great blue herons, ibis, whimbrels and willets. Via kayak and Zodiac we discover the winding canals of the dense mangrove swamps, marshes and inlets of Bahía Magdalena where many of these birds dwell.

DAY 5 – Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Cabo San Lucas lies at the southernmost tip of the 800-mile-long (1,287-km-long) Baja Peninsula. The town fronts a small harbour facing a rocky peninsula that forms “Land’s End”. Today we will have the opportunity to explore Cabo San Lucas on our own, or participate in cruise aboard the tall ship Talofa. This one-of-a-kind schooner was originally built in 1928 to retrieve sunken treasure lost amongst the coral reefs of the South Pacific Islands, a mission never completed due to limited funds. The Talofa is now completely restored and refitted, and is recognised as one of the “strongest, toughest, private sailboats constructed in the 20th century in America”. During our time onboard, the captain and crew will instruct us in the techniques for sailing a tall ship and then allow us to gain first-hand experience! Enjoy magnificent views of San José Bay and keep a look out for whales, as the Talofa sails quietly into the Sea of Cortez. Weather permitting, we will also explore by Zodiac the distinctive arched rock formation known as El Arco and savour some time relaxing on a nearby beach.

Day 6 – Cruise & Explore  Baja California, Mexico
Restricted only by weather and tides, freedom best describes our days exploring Baja California.

We drop anchor in sheltered bays and shimmering waters with scattered isolated islands perfect for reef snorkelling, beachcombing, and bird watching. We search for the Blue-footed booby, the Brown booby, Turkey vultures, porpoises, squid, anemones, dorado, wahoo, tuna, and sailfish to name just a few.

In the true spirit of adventure cruising, our Captain and Expedition Leaders determine our best course to make the most of our flexible schedule. Here are a few of the places we hope to visit:

• Los Islotes – At two tiny uninhabited islands just North of Isla Partida, we are guests at the sea lion rookery of Los Islotes. The sea lions’ shimmering gold to dark brown hues contrast nicely against the steep pink cliffs that crumble into a serene turquoise sea. If conditions permit, swimming or snorkelling among the sea lions might be possible, although they seem to thoroughly enjoy lazing on the rocky shores. Simply watching them interact from our specially designed see-through kayaks is a nice alternative. Other notable inhabitants include humpback whales, manta rays and endangered leatherback turtles.

• Isla Partida – This northern tip of Espiritu Santo has rugged canyons and rock walls that lure us in. Here we hike, or explore via Zodiac or kayak. A less strenuous option might be to simply relax on a magnificent unspoiled stretch of sand like Ensenada Grande beach.

• Espiritu Santo – On the island’s western side, there are rocky ridges speckled with cacti and sheltered inlets with long sandy beaches. To the east, looming mountains dive directly into the crystal clear water. As visitors in one of the most biologically diverse marine areas in the world, exploration of tide pools, beaches, flora and fauna is a must. Our natural history staff, together with local guides leads us in our discoveries. Teaming with tropical fish, the sea beckons us and our snorkels. Opportunities abound for catching glimpses of crabs; limpets; brittlestars; molluscs, sea cucumbers, a variety of starfish, ruffle-edged flatworms and other coral reef inhabitants, plus countless seabirds including the Yellow-legged gull. Other resident species include the Black-tailed jackrabbit, ground squirrel, and sea lions.

• Isla San Francisco and Isla San José – Punctuating the idyllic sea with stretches of white sand beaches, protected coves filled with dolphins, canyons and mangrove channels strewn with shorebirds and waders. Blue and Fin whales feed in the waters off the shore of Isla San José. As snorkelers, and if the wind is agreeable, kayakers we marvel at wave upon wave of brightly coloured fish weaving in and out of the rocks.

Day 7  – Topolobampo, Mexico
We arrive in port early this morning allowing guests to participate in an optional Overland Adventure to Copper Canyon. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, this 2-day/1-night excursion travels through the breathtaking scenery of Copper Canyon with an overnight stay at the famous cliffside Mirador Hotel, perched on the rim of the canyon.

Departing pier side at 5:30 am, a two-hour drive by motor coach brings you to the town of El Fuerte. Here you will board the “El Chepe” train on the historic Chihuahua al Pacífico Railroad. Enjoy breakfast and a leisurely morning onboard the train whilst you traverse the magnificent Sierra Madre Mountain range and enter Copper Canyon, actually an immense series of verdant canyons and ridges covering 25,000 square miles (64,750 square km) of rugged territory. Observe a landscape of steep-walled gorges, sheer cliff-tops, giant cactus, and fields of wildflowers as this approximately six-hour rail journey winds through tunnels and over bridges, climbing from sea level to 7,200 feet (2,195 metres).

Following your arrival at the Posada Barrancas station, lunch will be served at the Mirador Hotel. Admire the dramatic and vast views of Copper Canyon from your room’s private balcony or hotel terrace. Tonight, enjoy cocktails and live Mexican music before adjourning to dinner in the main dining room.

In the morning, enjoy a full breakfast at the hotel with further opportunities to explore the area before re-boarding the train. The return journey to El Fuerte will follow along the same route, considered by many to be one of the most scenic rail routes in the world. From El Fuerte, travel by motor coach to the awaiting Prince Albert II.

This Overland Adventure requires advance booking at Silversea.com by TBA, 2008. Cancellations received after this deadline will incur penalty charges of up to 100 percent to be billed to your shipboard account. Operation of this tour is subject to minimum participation. Meals are as outlined above, including beverages with lunch and dinner. Transportation is by coach and the Chihuahua al Pacífico Railroad. Packing should be limited to overnight essentials, with comfortable and casual clothing. Bring a coat due to the elevation and possible weather systems moving through. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as terrain is uneven at the stops. Single occupancy subject to availability; rate provided upon request. The train cars are not wheelchair accessible. Guests who have a heart condition or respiratory difficulties should note that the tour gains over 7,000 feet (2,134 metres) in elevation in a short period of time.

For guests not joining the optional tour to Copper Canyon, we travel to a native Mayo Indian village where we will meet members of the Mayo tribe, related to the Apache and Navajo tribes. We will learn about their traditional arts of pottery and other crafts, and watch as they perform one of their ancient dances. We continue next to El Fuerte, a colonial city with lovely architectural highlights. A walking tour around town will transport us back to the elegance and charm of the Spanish colonial era.  

Here we will visit an 18th-century Spanish church, the Municipal Palace, the main plaza, the fort museum and lookout point, and various old houses that recall an era of opulence. At the famous Hotel Posada del Hidalgo, a historic mansion built in the 1880s where Don Diego de la Vega, “el Zorro”, is said to have been born, we will enjoy lunch followed by a folkloric show and a presentation on the “Legend of Zorro”. We return to Topolobampo and the Prince Albert II in the late afternoon.

DayS 8-9 – Cruise & Explore Baja California, Mexico
Refer to Day 6 for itinerary highlights. In the evening of Day 8, the Prince Albert II will return to Topolobampo to pick up guests participating in the Copper Canyon Overland Adventure.

DAY 10 – Mazatlán, Mexico
Mazatlán is the Aztec word for “place of the deer”, and long ago its islands and shores sheltered far more deer than humans. Nowadays, visitors will discover a popular beach resort that retains much of its history and native culture. We will first explore Old Mazatlán, visiting the majestic, 19th-century cathedral. Next, we will watch as The Papantla Flyers perform a traditional religious ceremony dating back 1,500 years. One priest and four dancers representing air, fire, water and earth elements climb an 80- or 90-foot pole (24- or 27-metre). Once atop the pole, the priest starts dancing on a small platform whilst playing a flute and drum, and the four dancers throw themselves backwards tied to the pole by the ankles. They slowly start their descent, making exactly 13 revolutions around the pole, thus representing the 52 years time span of the pre-Hispanic cosmic cycle, after which a new sun is born and life begins again.

We will also visit a turtle conservation camp. A local marine biologist will provide a fascinating lecture on the world of the sea turtles whilst we visit the camp nursery. We hope to be able to participate in a release programme, before returning to the Prince Albert II.

Day 11 – Puerta Vallarta, Mexico
Located in the centre of Mexico's Pacific coast, Puerto Vallarta is renowned for its white sand beaches and a climate that is consistently warm and sunny. Yet, our destination today takes us into the cool shade of the hills that encircle Puerto Vallarta – the Sierra Madre Mountains, alive with colour and abounding in wildlife.

From the private Hacienda Doña Engracia, the more adventurous guests will enjoy a hike through the tropical deciduous forest with a knowledgeable eco-guide, well versed in the flora and fauna of the region that can answer any questions and point out highlights along the way. Stop at a secluded volcanic hot water spring for a soothing dip and wonderful views before returning either by horseback or walking to the Hacienda for refreshments. For the less energetic, will have the opportunity to learn how to prepare a traditional Mexican meal, and afterwards sample your work along with some tequila, Mexico’s national drink. Before returning to the Prince Albert II, we will take in some of Puerto Vallarta’s sights.

Day 12 – At Sea
Today we cruise southward along Southwest Mexico’s Pacific coast toward Acapulco. Can you hear those festive Mexican melodies calling us across the warm ocean breezes? Dubbed “the jewel of the Mexican Riveriera”, Acapulco’s unmistakable aura of rest and relaxation already seems to consume the horizon. Binoculars in hand, watch for seabirds and whales or swap prized photos and seafaring tales with new-found friends.

Enjoy the finest cigars and cognacs at The Humidor or indulge in any of the other special amenities offered aboard Prince Albert II. Relax on deck or peruse an array of titles and topics in the well-stocked Library. Before turning in, take a stroll on deck and enjoy the solitude and splendour of a vast velvet sky strewn with shimmering stars.

Day 13 – Acapulco, Mexico
The Prince Albert II will arrive at Acapulco, Mexico during the evening hours on the 12th of October. After breakfast the following morning, disembark Prince Albert II