Study Voyage: Baja California and the Gulf of California
With French elegance and a true spirit of discovery
Interested in this voyage?
Personal advice, no call centre - a reply within 24 hours.
Baja California & Sea of Cortez from/to Cabo San Lucas
Ten nights on Le Bellot, in partnership with Smithsonian Journeys, through Baja California between Pacific and Gulf of California. The route starts and ends at Cabo San Lucas and combines whale-watching lagoons, mission history and desert islands. Smithsonian speakers enrich the on-board programme with contributions on geology, marine biology and the Spanish missionary era. Zodiacs, the marina platform and the Blue Eye lounge in the bow open up water and coast.
Route highlights
- Cabo San Lucas: Pacific gateway with the El Arco rock arch at the threshold of the Gulf of California.
- Bahía Magdalena: Lagoon on the Pacific side, where grey whales calve and nurse from January to March.
- Loreto: First Spanish mission on the peninsula, founded in 1697, with the Plaza Cívica and the Misión San Javier in the sierra.
- Coronado Island: Volcanic island in the Gulf of California with eroded coves.
- Isla los Islotes: Rock island north of La Paz with a year-round sea lion colony.
- La Paz: Capital of Baja California Sur on the bay of the same name, with its Malecón promenade.
Early booking advantage: Voyages in 2027 fill quickly - premium cabins are often reserved 18-24 months in advance. An early booking enquiry is non-binding and secures your preferred cabin category.
The Route
Cabo San Lucas
10 nights
La Paz
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Cabo San Lucas · Embarkation
Cabo San Lucas sits at the southern tip of Mexico's Baja California peninsula, where the striking rock formation El Arco rises from the sea. Lively beaches and a sheltered marina define the town.
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At sea
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Guerrero Negro
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At sea
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Magdalena-Bucht
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Nationalpark Cabo Pulmo
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Nationalpark Loreto Bay
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Loreto
Loreto sits on the Gulf of California on the eastern coast of Baja California Sur and is considered the cradle of Spanish missionary work in the Californias. Its offshore marine park is one of the most species-rich waters on earth.
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Coronado Island
Coronado Island lies in the Gulf of California off the coast of Mexico's Baja California Sur and is part of Loreto National Park. Volcanic beaches, clear water and rich marine life make the island a popular anchorage.
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Los Islotes
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La Paz (Pichilingue)
La Paz is the capital of Mexico's Baja California Sur, set on a sweeping bay on the Gulf of California. The Malecon promenade, beaches and swimming with whale sharks make the town a popular destination.
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Cabo San Lucas · Disembarkation
Climate & best time to sail
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 31 | 31 | 32 | 31 | 30 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
| Sea °C | 25 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 23 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 23 | 24 |
| Rain mm | 200 | 250 | 270 | 180 | 60 | 20 | 10 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 20 | 80 |
| Season | wet | wet | wet | wet | dry | dry | dry | dry | dry | dry | dry | wet |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Pacific coast / Galápagos (Guayaquil)
Le Bellot
Le Bellot is the sixth and final ship of the Explorer class - the completion of a concept that makes expedition and luxury inseparable. 184 guests, Blue Eye Lounge, Zodiac fleet, French cuisine.
Along the east coast of North America, Le Bellot sails through the Gulf of St. Lawrence and along the coast of New England - autumn foliage, whales and fishing villages.
The Ship
Cabins
Owner's Suite
The most exclusive suite on board, located on Deck 6. Separate bedroom, balneo bathtub, panoramic views, butler service and personalised attention from the crew.
Cabin layout
Prestige Suite with Balcony
Elegant suites on Decks 5 and 6. Separate living and sleeping areas, two dressing rooms, generous balcony. Round-the-clock butler service.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Suite with Balcony
Spacious suites on Deck 6 with a separate bathtub and shower, sitting area and a private balcony. Butler service included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin
Outside cabin with a large panoramic window on Deck 3. Ideal for solo travellers or couples. All on-board amenities included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin with Balcony
Comfortable outside cabins on Decks 3 and 4 with a private balcony. Convertible twin or double beds, shower bathroom.
Cabin layout
Prestige Cabin with Balcony
The most popular category: premium cabins on Decks 4-6 with a private balcony, sitting area and convertible beds. Unobstructed views of the destination.
Cabin layout
Deck plan · Le Bellot
Cabin prices
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Stateroom | € 10.390 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 | € 11.980 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 | € 13.120 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 | € 13.800 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 | € 18.800 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 | € 18.800 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 | € 18.800 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 | € 18.800 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Suite Deck 5 | € 24.810 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Suite Deck 6 | € 26.060 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 | € 27.310 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 | € 27.310 | On request | Enquire |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 | € 29.930 | Available | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - | € 31.400 | Available | Enquire |
Prices as of: 14.08.2026
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Full board in gourmet and À-la-carte restaurants
- Afternoon tea and pastries
- Open bar: water, soft drinks, wines, champagne, spirits, beers, coffee and tea
- Minibar in cabin, regularly refilled
- 24-hour cabin service
- All gratuities for crew and service staff
- Complimentary WiFi onboard (standard usage)
- Butler service (in higher suite categories on select ships)
- Zodiac excursions with experienced guides (on Expedition voyages)
- Expert lectures by scientists, marine biologists and historians
- Water sports equipment: kayaks, stand-up paddling, snorkelling gear (subject to weather and region)
Not included
- Flights
- Travel to/from ship (transfers, pre- or post-programmes)
- Some special shore excursions
- Spa treatments
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this voyage?
Send us a non-binding enquiry via the form on this page. Our team replies personally within 24 hours with availability, cabin options and a tailored offer. No enquiry fee, no upfront payment.
What is included in the price?
The base price per person (twin cabin) includes the cabin in your chosen category, full board, all port fees and the onboard programme. Flights and transfers are quoted separately. 10 nights from EUR 10.020 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Le Bellot?
A maximum of 184 guests - extraordinarily intimate compared to standard cruise ships. The high crew-to-guest ratio ensures personal attention throughout the voyage.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes - all itineraries are subject to weather, port availability and the captain's decisions. This is part of the charm of small-ship cruising: flexibility allows for unexpected discoveries.
Are there specials for early bookers or solo travellers?
Yes. Early bookers receive discounts for timely booking. Solo travellers often benefit from a reduced or waived single supplement. Simply mention your preferences in the enquiry.
Is my booking protected?
Yes. As a German tour operator, ivent-sailing provides a travel protection certificate (Reisesicherungsschein) under German law. Your payment is fully insured.
What about flights and transfers?
We arrange flights and transfers on request as part of your personal offer. This allows us to find the best connections for your specific departure date and home airport.
Are there shore excursions?
Yes. All cruise lines offer shore excursions - from guided cultural tours to nature experiences. The concepts vary by fleet. We are happy to provide details on available excursions for your chosen voyage.
What water sports and activities are available?
Depending on the ship and route: snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, diving, and Zodiac landings (on expedition voyages). Many ships have a marina platform for direct access to the water. We will be happy to tell you exactly what is available on your voyage.
When is the best time to sail this voyage?
The best time to sail this route is May to December (dry season).
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
