Blog | Wednesday, November 22, 2023
7 Yachting Activities in East Cape Visitors Can Try
There’s no experience quite like sailing through the Sea of Cortez. If you don’t own your own vessel, you can charter a yacht through the Costa Palmas Beach and Yacht Club. Visitors can choose from various yachting activities in East Cape that span from simple sunset cruises to multi-day trips filled with water sports, beach combing, hiking, and snorkeling. When you’re not out exploring, you’ll enjoy chef-created meals, signature cocktails, and all the amenities a yacht can offer.
If you’re ready to explore yachting activities in East Cape, here’s a list offered exclusively by the Costa Palmas Beach and Yacht Club:
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1. Morning Snorkel Cruise
Wake up and hang with the fish on this fun, family-friendly snorkel cruise. The captains know all of the good spots and will have you gliding over the coral reef in no time. From roosterfish to yellowtails, you’re sure to see abundant fish and marine life in the deep blue sea.
- Tour time:
- 3 hours
- Best for:
- Families with kids 7+ years of age
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2. Sport Fishing Sunrise and Sunset Tour
Looking to fish while visiting East Cape? Fishing is actually what put the area on the map. Long before celebrities graced the beaches, anglers booked trips at small mom-and-pop motels and spent their time dropping a line into the open waters. Today, sport fishing is still big, with a handful of tournaments attracting big-name anglers.
Whether you’re practicing for a tourney or simply want to spend the day on the water with your family and help your kids reel in a fish or two, this tour is for you. Your guides know the area, understand the strict catch-and-release laws, and can help you understand what fish live where.
- Tour time:
- 4 hours
- Best for:
- Families and kids of all ages
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3. Cabo Pulmo Day
Cabo Pulmo is a must-see on any trip, but the best way to explore it is via a chartered tour. This dreamy location is a national marine park that 800 varieties of fish and 2,000 types of marine vertebrates call home.
To experience this underwater world, you can snorkel or scuba dive. If you’re a first-time diver, you can take training sessions before leaving. Whether you swim the ocean’s surface or dive below it, you will surely see an unforgettable environment below the waves.
- Tour time:
- 5-hours
- Best for:
- Families with children 7+ years old, swimming skills are suggested
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4. Swimming with Whale Sharks in La Paz
Want to swim alongside gentle giants? Schedule a swimming tour with whale sharks. These beautiful creatures can grow up to 41 feet long and weigh as much as 47,000 pounds. While you’re on board, your captain will explain how to swim and snorkel near them while teaching about their habits and habitat.
The tour is seasonal and typically runs from October to April.
- Tour time:
- Full day
- Best for:
- Families with kids of all ages
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5. Spearfishing
If you’re looking for a unique challenge, a spearfishing trip might be just what you need. Aboard this trip, you’ll learn safe diving and hunting techniques before you slide below the surface with a spear in hand. You can spear tuna, marlin, wahoo, or dorado, which is often a thrilling hunt for even the most experienced fisherman.
- Tour time:
- 5 hours
- Best for:
- Adults and teens with fishing experience
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6. Sunset cruise
If you’re looking for a simple excursion, consider a sunset cruise aboard a chartered yacht. You’ll leave from the Costa Palmas marina, head out into the calm, turquoise waters, and watch as the sun dips below the horizon and paints the sky muted pinks, yellows, and oranges.
- Tour time:
- 2-hours
- Best for:
- Adults, teens, children
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7. Overnight yacht charters
If you’re interested in exploring areas a little further out to sea or simply want to take your time sailing, overnight charters are an option. The Costa Palmas Yacht and Beach Club concierge team will organize every detail. From chef-made meals onboard to water activities like snorkeling or paddleboarding, your every whim is taken care of. Here are two overnight charters to consider:
2 days, 1 night
COSTA PALMAS TO ISLA SERRALVOHop aboard a yacht and head to Isla Serralvo, also known as the Isla Jacques Cousteau, a prime spot for snorkeling and fishing. With clear water up to 30 meters deep, you’re sure to see a vibrant world down below.
Take some time to explore the 18-mile island or take out the jet skis or kayaks that are onboard your yacht. Head back to the boat for a catered dinner and drinks. You’ll sleep at anchor, enjoy breakfast on deck in the morning, and head back to Costa Palmas.
4 days, 3 nights
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DAY 1: COSTA PALMAS TO BALANDRA COVE
On your first day, you’ll leave Costa Palmas and head for Balandra Cove. Spend the day on the water with jet skis or kayaks, and return to the yacht for a sunset dinner. You’ll sleep at anchor and leave in the morning for your next destination.
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DAY 2: BALANDRA COVE TO ISLA ESPIRITU SANTO
Your second day takes you to Isla Espiritu Santo, a UNESCO Natural Protected Area with diverse flora, fauna, and archaeological remains. Hike along the island’s colorful volcanic rocks, walk the beach, or go snorkeling in nearby waters.
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DAY 3: ESPIRITU SANTO TO ISLA PARTIDA
You’ll venture to Isla Partida on day three, where you’ll have breakfast on board before heading to the island. You’ll find sea lions to hang out with, beaches to explore, and snorkeling opportunities.
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DAY 4: ISLA PARTIDA TO ISLA SAN FRANCISCO
Day four takes you to the uninhabited Isla San Francisco, which was once home to gold miners and pearl prospectors. Today, you can explore the beach and kayak the waters. You’ll head back to Costa Palmas in the late afternoon.
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Many visitors fall in love with East Cape’s beauty and lifestyle. If you can picture yourself living there, explore the homes available in Costa Palma’s newest neighborhood, Casa Blake. Situated near the Marina Village and steps from a swimmable beach and championship golf course, Casa Blake offers luxe, free-spirited living.
