The cruise to keep summer year-round

From swimming with sea lions to lazing on deserted beaches, small ship cruising through Baja California, Mexico, feels like an endless summer.

Arid desert expanses, verdant vineyards and glittering bays; the landscapes of Baja are as diverse as the wonderful communities that populate the narrow Mexican peninsula, from Tijuana at California’s border right through to Los Cabos. It’s an easy-going state, best explored in an easy-going manner. Sit back and relax as you sail these remote bays aboard UnCruise Adventures‘s 66-guest small ship, the Safari Voyager.

This all-inclusive (think everything from meals and beverages, including alcohol, to excursions), intimate, off-the-radar cruise immerses you in the real and raw Baja.

Though it’s just the country’s 12th-largest state by area, the breadth of experiences you can have while exploring Baja with UnCruise is endless. Fly into Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) in San José del Cabo, with an included transfer to La Paz where your cruise begins.

1. Isla San Francisco

Characterised by steep red bluffs and a sweeping, white sand bay, Isla San Francisco in the Sea of Cortez is a nature-lover’s paradise. It’s arid, wild and uninhabited, making it a prime location for outdoor activity. Lace up your hiking boots and take to the ridges for unparalleled views of the island and ocean beyond. Keep an eye out for the endemic Isla San Francisco whiptail lizard while you’re there.

If you’d prefer, stick to the coastline for water-based activities. Beneath the surface, you’ll find needlefish, starfish and angelfish; above it, you can try your hand at kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Or just relax on the beach, soaking up that glorious sunshine and year-round 30-something degree weather.

Hike the ridges for breathtaking ocean views.

2. Bahía Agua Verde

Though it’s a bay known for its abundant sea life, one of the highlights of dropping anchor in Bahía Agua Verde is meeting a local ranchero and taking a mule ride through the surrounding green-hemmed mountains and canyons of the ‘real Baja’. Exploring them otherwise proves quite tricky, with many of the roads in this area just rough tracks that are more easily managed on a donkey – or on foot – than they are drivable. You’ll be led along the tracks and beaches in single file, where you might encounter native reptiles.

Explore the coastline by skiff (the ship’s more manoeuvrable tender boats), and you might see dolphins, sea lions (and their adorable pups) and whales. The good news for birders is that whichever route you choose, you’re likely to spot plenty of avian life.

Glide along the coast on a skiff adventure.

3. Honeymoon Cove

If you haven’t yet been snorkelling, Honeymoon Cove is the place to do it. As clear as pool water and the colour of jade, this tiny bay on Isla Danzante – accessible only by boat – is teeming with sea life.

Stick to exploring the protected rocky edges or, if you’re a strong swimmer, venture further to the reef off the northern entrance to see sergeant majors and king angelfish swimming by. If you’re not so keen on deeper water, paddling just off the beach is the perfect way to cool off after a short hike up to one of the hilltops. Different routes suit different fitness levels, so pick the best path for you.

Snorkel in Honeymoon Cove’s jade waters.

4. Los Islotes

The wildlife highlight of the cruise is in Los Islotes, home to a colony of more than 400 playful California sea lions. Pull your flippers on and slip into the water with the curious juvenile pups, who’ll happily dart about and interact with you. They’re most active towards the surface of the water, so there’s no need for anything more than snorkelling gear.

Though this rocky outcrop is, understandably, a popular spot for boats to pull in, an early morning mooring time means your swim is accompanied by more sea lions than tourists. Don’t forget to bring a waterproof camera: close-up, snout-first photos of curious pups are the best memento of your experience.

Take an early dip with curious sea lions.

5. Isla Partida

A summery cruise leads to plenty of beach time, but hiking is also aplenty on UnCruise’s Baja California itinerary. Take to the trails through the mangroves and tidal flats of Isla Partida to see unique landscapes and flora or wander through desert expanses dotted with cacti and fruiting desert thorn. The island is part of the Gulf of California UNESCO World Heritage Site, designated in 1993, so expect plenty of untamed beauty and wildlife as you walk – including migrating humpback whales between February and April.

If you’d prefer to stay by the coast, pull a kayak out onto the water and go for a paddle, or simply lounge about on the beach for the ultimate afternoon of relaxation. The bays here are paradisical, the colour of the sand and water giving the Maldives a good run for its money.

Push off and paddle into paradise.

6. Thoughtful meals

UnCruise’s Baja California itinerary is all-inclusive, with all activities and meals on the seven-night adventure included in the up-front booking price. And while cruising a country with such a vibrant culture and cuisine, it only makes sense for that culture and cuisine to be reflected on board, too.

Expect dishes like churro pancakes – served with scrambled eggs, bacon and potatoes – for breakfast, with fresh tuna poke for lunch. Come dinner time, the menu consists of carefully crafted, farm-to-table meals that showcase the freshest in-season produce from local partner farmers and fishermen. Think poached grouper and squash flowers stuffed with goat cheese, accompanied by a roja rice pilaf. Each dinner is the perfect end to a truly memorable day.

Book your endless summer small-ship cruise through Baja California with Uncruise at uncruise.com.