Activity Level
Q. How physically active is this itinerary?
A. The activity level of this itinerary varies day to day and you can be as active as you are most comfortable with. There are snorkeling, kayaking and nature walks that are included in your cruise however, it is your option if you would like to participate or just relax on the beach. In towns along the way there is some walking required but at a moderate pace.

Q. What activities are available on this itinerary?
A. The Sea of Cortés itinerary offers guests organized snorkeling, kayaking and nature walks throughout the cruise. Equipment and direction will be offered by the ship's crew. Guests will have the choice of participating in these activities or simply relaxing onboard or at the beach.

Q. Are there kayaks, snorkeling gear and wet suits provided?
A. Kayaks, snorkeling gear (fins and masks), and half wet suits are provided aboard the Spirit of Yorktown.

Q. Can I scuba dive?
A. Sorry, scuba diving is not permitted from our ships.

Arrival
Q. How far away is the airport from the hotel or from the hotel to the dock?
A. The ride from the airport to either the airport or the Finisterra Hotel is about 45 minutes to one hour. The ride from the airport to the Posada Real Hotel in San José del Cabo is approximately 20 minutes.

Packing

Q. You say casual, but just how casual do you mean?
A. We believe in traveling in comfort.  Come as you are - jeans and t-shirts are at home during the day and the evening. Even for dinner time, no jackets, ties, or formal dress are required.

Q. What clothes should I pack?
A. Casual clothes - cotton and breathable fabrics. You will need comfortable closed-toe walking shoes and a lightweight jacket for evenings. You will also want to bring your bathing suit and shoes that can get wet.

Passport
Q. Do I need a passport?
A. Yes, all passports must be valid a minimum of six months past your return date of travel. Non-U.S. citizens should check with the consulate in their home country for specific Mexico entry requirements.

Shore Excursions
Q. How do we know if we have time for shore excursions?
A. We coordinate all optional shore excursion offerings with local operators and all offerings are carefully selected to match the itinerary and the time allowed in each port.

Walking
Q. How much walking is involved?
A. This cruise is best enjoyed if you are in good health, fit and able to enjoy comfortably paced, moderate walks over some uneven terrain and on paths and trails, which are sometimes slippery.  Walking distances from the excursion craft to the sites are usually not more than the equivalent of a quarter-mile, and walking around the sites averages from a quarter-mile to a half-mile.  Footwear with good tractions and support is essential.

Weather
Q. What’s the weather going to be like?
A. Temperatures can range from the 80s Fahrenheit , still and hot during the day, to the 50s, cool and breezy in the evening and early morning.

Whales
Q. What is the best time for whales?
A. The migratory schedule of the whales varies from year to year.  Generally, the last week in January through the first week in March is the most active time for whale sightings.

Wheelchairs
Q. Are your ships wheelchair accessible?
A. Cruise West appreciates the differences in accommodation needs of our guests wishing to travel with us. However, the Spirit of Yorktown does not meet all applicable standards of the ADA Accessibility Guidelines for buildings and facilities. Furthermore, guests should be aware that ships and operating conditions can always present challenges to wheelchairs or those with limited mobility and participation may not be possible for some activities and events. Ship interiors often have raised door thresholds, steep stairs and narrow passageways that can prevent wheelchair passage. Gangways between the ship and docks can be steep due to variable tide conditions. Inflatable excursion craft that do not accommodate wheelchairs are sometimes used for shore visits where no docks exist.

Land tours present a variety of physical environments including high altitude, uneven terrain, rocky trails, museums and buildings without elevators and stairways without handrails.

These conditions and guest expectations should be discussed in detail at the time of booking and confirmed in writing to ensure travelers will get the most out of their Cruise West experience.

Wildlife
Q. What is the best time to see wildlife?
A. Often referred to as the "Aquarium of the World," the Sea of Cortés offers some of the most biologically diverse marine wildlife viewing in the world.  Exotic fish and many marine mammals, including sea lions, porpoise and several species of whales are there year round.  Migratory gray whales visit the protected lagoons on the Pacific side of the Baja Peninsula each year to give birth and can typically be visitied on our cruises from the last week in January through the first weeks of March.