Cruising Baja by Superyacht: 5 Must-See Spots

Traveling through the serene Sea of Cortez is an experience you do not want to miss. The sunrises and sunsets hit the water each day creating magical tropical colors and backdrops. Meanwhile, mystical creatures emerge from the world below, adding to the immersive experience during a yacht excursion.  For more insight into cruising Baja by superyacht to discover its hidden gems, we interviewed Kent Harrington, founder of the concierge travel agency BookBaja. The company caters to high-end travelers to the Baja Peninsula and Sea of Cortez.  Below are the top five must see spots.

Isla Partida (below) is a short, 25-mile cruise from the busy hub of La Paz but feels a world away. This charming island sits right next to the identical Isla Espíritu Santo. However, it provides much more privacy from the busy tourist beaches of Espirtu Santo. Carve out some time to spend on Ensenada Grande beach, located on Isla Partida. It was recently voted the most beautiful beach in Mexico and holds up to the hype. With its pearly white sand, clear, turquoise waters, and beautiful surrounding backdrops, it makes Isla Partida a can’t miss on your trip.

Agua Verde may take two hours to reach by land, but cruising Baja by superyacht means pulling up to the beach is a breeze. It couldn’t be more breathtaking, with red-rock mountains framing the most stunning, bright turquoise waters. Agua Verde boasts a beautiful hiking spot on the north side, so definitely take advantage of it when on land. Whale sharks are a common sighting in this cove during the right time of year, too. Many cruising guests get lucky enough to enjoy a few sightings per visit!

Isla Coronado (below) is seven miles from Loreto Mariana, where blue meets blue. Using PWCs isn’t allowed in the area due to the sheer number of wildlife the space harbors. Instead, explore what may become your favorite island, plus see birds, rainbow-colored fish flipping through the air, sea lions, and dozens of dolphins hanging around every turn. It is also home to one of the best island hikes in all of Baja. While it’s only a little more than three miles, the trail is rocky and the last section is steep. Therefore, it’s not for the faint of heart.

San Basilio Bay is one of Baja’s best-kept secrets. North of Loreto, its waters and estuaries have earned it renown. Although this cove is great for snorkeling, sea turtles frequent the area and use it as safe space during hatching seasons, So, be mindful of the turtles, and as a courtesy don’t use PWCs. This cove is also known for visitations by whale sharks, dolphins, and schools of many other fish species through during the year. I’ve even seen a pod of orcas come in before.

Bahia De Los Angeles (top) is home to miles of perfect prime waters for all kinds of aquatic activities. Enjoy windsurfing, for example, along with kayaking, whale-watching, and fishing. Fishing is one of the major attractions at Bahia De Los Angeles, in fact. Additionally, whale sharks are plentiful during the summer and early fall. If you have a helicopter onboard, I highly suggest doing a scenic flight around the bay and having lunch on top of the volcano on Isla Smith. There is even a short flight to one of the original missions of the El Camino Real, San Borja. Built in the 1700s and still in amazing shape, it’s a real piece of history to see.

For those bitten by the Baja bug, BookBaja offers standout yacht charter options. Rule No. 1, for example, is a newly refitted 130-footer whose program takes luxury to the most desolate parts of the peninsula. Guests can enjoy the spoils of fishing, off-roading, and much more. Returning in 2024, meanwhile, the 252-foot La Datcha was designed with major expeditions in mind, from the Arctic to the Antarctic. She’s equally at home in any tropical paradise. Guests can watch whales breaching mere meters away from their front-row seat in the Observation Lounge. Alternately, jump into one of three tenders (above) for an even closer encounter. 

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