I Spent a Week in Mexico on a Small Cruise Ship, and This Is What It Was Like

Photo of author
Updated:

Sixty-six guests. That’s all this ship holds, so compared to the mammoth cruise ships that carry several thousand vacationers, I wasn’t sure what to expect. However, the thought of a more intimate sailing was so intriguing my curiosity was piqued, and I wanted to know more.

The Right Decision

Kayaking on ocean water
Image Credit: Karee Blunt

Hands down, spending a week on the Safari Voyager, one of Uncruise Adventures’ sailing vessels, was a smart choice and one worth a lifetime of memories. The keyword here is “adventure,” and really sums up what an expedition cruise is. Want to sleep in till noon, graze the buffets all day, and dance the night away with a few thousand fellow drunk passengers? This is not your ship.

Plan for Adventure

man on boat in ocean
Image Credit: Karee Blunt

However, if you’re up for kayaking, swimming with sea lion pups, whale watching, exploring authentic Mexican towns and eating more gourmet food than a person has a right to, this is your ship. Here are some of the things you’ll experience when you sail on the 7 Night Baja Vacation Cruise to Mexico’s Sea of Cortez.

*We were invited on the Uncruise Adventure’s Baja California Sur cruise as guests. My views and the opinions I share are 100% my own and are reflective of our genuine experiences. (Experiences we truly enjoyed, as you’ll be able to see in the photos!)

Whales, Whales and More Whales

grey whale next to boat
Image Credit: Karee Blunt

Spend an afternoon on a guided whale watching tour and you’re all but guaranteed to see mamma gray whales with their babies!

Gray Whales So Close You Can Almost Touch Them

Uncruise Adventures - Sea of Cortez whale watching 7
Image Credit: Karee Blunt

The whales come right up to your boat, swim around it, under it and between boats. It’s truly incredible to see.

Say Hi!

whale fin
Image Credit: Karee Blunt

This gray whale waved at us.

Sea Life, Up Close and Personal

sea lion pup with divers
Image Credit: Karee Blunt

Swimming with sea lion pups is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. They are so playful and curious…just like puppies!

You Have Options

seal lion pup with diver
Image Credit: Karee Blunt

As with every activity Uncruise Adventures plans, they offer alternatives, so if you don’t want to swim with the sea lions, you can take a photography tour around the island in a skiff. You’ll still see sea lions, but from your boat instead of face-to-face in the water.

Snorkeling

Image Credit: Deposit Photos

Jacques Cousteau called the Sea of Cortez the “world’s aquarium.” Once you go snorkeling there, you’ll understand why!

Snorkeling Gear Provided

snorkeling in ocean
Image Credit: Karee Blunt

Another benefit Uncruise Adventures offers is that they provide wet suits and snorkeling gear, so you don’t have to pack your own. Very convenient. (And yes, the water really is that clear!)

Practically Private Beaches

Seagull on seashore in Mexico
Image Credit: Karee Blunt

A huge advantage small cruise ships have over large ships is being able to navigate small inlets and secluded beaches.

Uninhibited Beauty

Uncruise Adventures - Safari Voyager - beachview
Image Credit: Karee Blunt

Their experienced crew is fabulous at getting guests to and from the shore in skiffs, setting up chairs and even a drink station on the beach so you’ll have everything you need to enjoy your time there.

Herons Along the Shore

Uncruise Adventures - Sea of Cortez wild life -birds
Image Credit: Karee Blunt

Your ship-to-shore excursions will be filled with nature, not shopping malls.

Pelicans in Flight

Uncruise Adventures - Sea of Cortez wild life -birds 1
Image Credit: Karee Blunt

How many different kinds of birds do you see on this beach?

Blue Footed Boobies

blue footed b00bie
Image Credit: Deposit Photos

Perhaps the most popular bird species in Baja California Sur is the adorable Blue Footed Boobie. Its feet can turn more or less vibrant, depending on what food it eats.

Take Your Camera!

Uncruise Adventures - Sea of Cortez wild life -birds 2
Image Credit: Karee Blunt

Did I mention you’ll want to bring your camera everywhere you go?

Fabulous Food, Morning, Noon, and Night

Image Credit: Karee Blunt

With a very experienced chef, sous chef, and pastry chef onboard, you can expect gourmet quality meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Options With Each Meal

Uncruise Adventures - Safari Voyager - dinner
Image Credit: Karee Blunt

You’ll be offered a choice of meat, fish, or vegetarian for almost every meal. Can’t decide? Order half and half so you can try more than one!

Sustainability Matters

Uncruise Adventures - Safari Voyager - lamb dinner
Image Credit: Karee Blunt

Uncruise Adventures sources almost all ingredients locally and takes great pride in limiting food waste. We definitely appreciated the amount of effort that goes into menu planning for the guests and crew.

A Crew That Goes All Out to Take Care of Guests

Uncruise Adventures - Safari Voyager
Image Credit: Karee Blunt

Uncruise Adventures scored big time with the crew it has onboard. They are knowledgeable, experienced, and compassionate. You’ll fall in love with them as much as the adventure itself.

A Chance to Explore Authentic Mexico

Loreto Mexico sign
Image Credit: Karee Blunt

You’ll have the opportunity to visit one of Mexico’s “magical towns” with a guided tour and then on your own. This is a great time to pick up a souvenir of your trip.

A Photographer’s Dream

boat dock over water
Image Credit: Karee Blunt

The opportunity for beautiful photos is endless. Be sure to bring extra SD cards!

Burro Rides

Uncruise Adventures - Safari Voyager - mule rides
Image Credit: Karee Blunt

You’ll meet an authentic Mexican family who raises burros on their land near the beach. These gentle animals will take you on a guided ride along the coast and through the beautiful countryside.

Golden Sunrises

Golden Sunrise
Image Credit: Karee Blunt

Good morning, Sunshine! I took this gorgeous sunrise photo sitting on the bed looking out the cabin window. I could get used to that every day!

And Fiery Sunsets

Uncruise Adventures - Safari Voyager - Sunset over the ocean
Image Credit: Karee Blunt

Of course, sunsets in Baja California Sur are just as breathtaking.

Is This Even Real?

Image Credit: Karee Blunt

Yes, yes it is real. The sky behind this marina in La Paz, Mexico looked like it was on fire!

Comfortable Cabins

Uncruise Adventures - Safari Voyager - cabin
Image Credit: Karee Blunt

Your cabin will have everything you need for a comfortable stay, and the staff is available to take care of any additional requests.

Overall Impression of Uncruise Adventures Safari Voyager

man and woman snorkeling in ocean
Image Credit: Karee Blunt

What’s not to love about a small cruise adventure ship? We enjoyed ourselves every bit as much as we anticipated and are already thinking about other itineraries Uncruise Adventures offers!

Riu Palace Pacifico: Is This All-Inclusive Resort Worth It?

RIU Palace Pacifico Puerta Vallarta
Photo Courtesy: Riu Hotels

Your main job is simply to relax and enjoy your vacation. With everything done for you, all you have to do is eat whenever you want and sit in the sun. At the Riu, you can do that like a boss!

Riu Palace Pacifico: Is This All-Inclusive Resort Worth It?

What to Pack for a Vacation to Mexico: Your Ultimate Packing Guide

happy woman smiling on beach
Image Credit: Deposit Photos

This is the #1 guide you need to plan what to pack for a vacation to Mexico and includes a mega packing list of things not to forget!

What to Pack for a Vacation to Mexico: Your Ultimate Packing Guide

A Cancun Mexico Vacation That Will Blow Your Mind!

Cancun, Mexico
Image Credit: Deposit Photos

There’s no question Cancun is one of Mexico’s best places to visit. Don’t get stuck on thinking it’s the only place with amazing beaches and stunning blue water. Fortunately, there are other places not far from Cancun with even more wow-factor and worth bringing to your attention. 

Pack your bags for an amazing Mexico vacation because these five vacation getaways will blow your mind!

A Cancun Mexico Vacation That Will Blow Your Mind!

Puerto Vallarta Airport Uber: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Puerto Vallarta Airport
Image Credit: Deposit Photos

Getting an Uber is the cheapest way to get to your hotel from the Puerto Vallarta airport. Here’s exactly what you need to know before you go.

Puerto Vallarta Airport Uber: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Lagoons at Ko Olina: Your Ultimate Vacation Guide

girl floating in beautiful blue water at Lagoons at Ko Olina
Photo Credit: Our Woven Journey

Visiting the lagoons at Ko Olina was one of our favorite things about our vacation in Oahu. If you’re considering whether or not to spend time there, I’m here to give you the rundown on why I think you absolutely should!

Maybe.

Lagoons at Ko Olina: Your Ultimate Vacation Guide

This article was produced by Our Woven Journey. Featured Photo: Deposit Photos.

Website | + posts

Karee Blunt is a nationally syndicated travel journalist, focused on discovering destinations and experiences that captivate and inspire others through her writing. She is also the founder of Our Woven Journey, a travel site focused on inspiring others to create memory-making adventures with their loved ones. Karee is passionate about encouraging others to step out of their comfort zone and live the life they dream of. She is the mother of six kids, including four through adoption, and lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest. You can learn more about Karee on her about me page.