Hannah Darrin
Photo Credit: Michael Wu
Join NOLS Alumni for a week of excellent sailing in the open water of Mexico’s Sea of Cortez. We will sail 22-foot Drascombe Longboats, giving us fantastic flexibility and the accessibility to explore tiny coves and remote beaches unreachable with other vessels. Drascombes are outstanding craft for learning to sail but skilled sailors can also challenge themselves with single-handing and other technical skills. Whether you are an experienced sailor or a complete beginner, this trip has adventures waiting for you.
Photo Credit: Chip Henderson
This trip begins with a NOLS organized shuttle from Loreto to Coyote Bay nestled in the Bay of Conception where the NOLS Mexico campus makes its home. At the campus we will have an orientation, touring one of NOLS’ most sustainable locations, and an opportunity to check over gear and introduce participants to our sailing vessels for the next week.
Photo Credit: Michael Wu
Our 22 foot Drascombe Longboats are open cockpit centerboard boats. They are versatile, sail well in a variety of conditions, and are fantastic boats to learn on. Instructors will strive to meet individuals at their skill level and interest in learning sailing skills.
Photo Credit: Michael Wu
This expedition travels with the rhythms of the natural world. Our schedule is dictated by wind patterns and sea state. We may rise bright and early to take advantage of a small weather window or we may sail until dusk to take advantage of a favorable breeze. Some days we will make a passage to a new anchorage while other days may include a layover and skill building while day sailing. We will also seek opportunities to snorkel, fish, hike, and explore tide pools.
Photo Credit: Chip Henderson
This trip highlights the contrasts of Baja California Sur. Sailing small boats forces us to explore the dichotomy between land and sea in depth. The marine waters of the Sea of Cortez teem with life. Colorful reefs, sea lions, sea fans, sea turtles, jellyfish, whales, and more inhabit these waters. In the evenings we will head ashore to remote desert beaches where a whole new landscape begs to be adventured. Baja is an especially arid section of the Sonoran desert but that does not mean it is without life. Its rugged mountains, rocky cliffs, and dry canyons are populated with many types of cacti, each with a unique adaptation for surviving. Small mammals hurry about underfoot and both shore and seabirds fill the skies.
Photo Credit: Chip Henderson
Each day is bookended by incredible sunrises and sunsets but your exploration doesn’t not end there. You will find on this trip that the coastline in the Sea of Cortez is as beautiful at night as it is in the day. Rain is uncommon in this part of the world, so you will typically sleep out under canopies of glowing stars.
After about a week of adventurous sailing this trip concludes back at the NOLS campus with a celebratory dinner before traveling home or onward to other adventures.
Overall Difficulty*:
*Baja's weather can be challenging, but life aboard longboats is generally a relaxed affair.