Blog  |  Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Island Exploration on a Chartered Yacht: What You Should Know

Whether you’re chartering a yacht in the East Cape or own one, there’s a wealth of wild islands to visit as you sail the Sea of Cortez. The East Cape is a hot spot for an island cruise, as a new marina offers the accommodations affluent travelers expect when planning yacht travel.

If you and your family are ready to explore the islands in the Sea of Cortez, here’s what you should know:

• Pick the ideal starting point

  When you and your captain plot out the perfect itinerary, your travels all center around your starting location. East Cape, a quiet town east of Cabo, is quickly becoming a preferred anchor point for trips that explore nearby islands.

  With a newly developed marina inside the luxurious Costa Palmas that can accommodate mega yachts up to 250 feet long, it’s the ideal place to drop anchor, rest, and plot your course.

  Enjoy the Marina Village before you set sail, complete with world-class dining, outdoor lounges, nightclubs, and elegant boutiques. Peruse the shops to ensure you have everything you need for your trip.

  If you’d like to make East Cape a more permanent part of your yachting adventures, Beachfront Yacht Villas, complete with a view of the Sea of Cortez, a private 100-foot dock, and captain’s quarters, make East Cape an attractive home.

• Add extra days to the front and back of your trip

  Likely, you’ll fly into your destination before cruising through a chain of islands. Rather than flying all day and hopping on a boat the next, give yourself a little extra time on the front and back end of your trip. If you can, give yourself two to three days on each side.

  By doing so, you’ll be able to adjust to your new surroundings or changes in time zone. You can pick up last-minute items or even leisurely explore the port city.

  With a few days’ cushion, your trip won’t feel rushed, and you’re more likely to feel rested and ready for your island adventure.

• Consider your island options

  With a starting point pinned down, look at the nearby islands. Which ones are you drawn to? As you weigh your choices, consider the available docking structure, what you can do while on the island, and whether or not it has any accommodations. Your captain will likely put together an itinerary for you, but you should be part of the planning process, too.

  If you’re chartering a yacht in East Cape, you have a plethora of islands to visit. Costa Palmas has even created itineraries for you to explore. Here’s a look at some possibilities:

  • Cruise to Isla Cerralvo: Enjoy a two-day, one-night cruise to Isla Cerralvo. Known for its unique currents and abundant marine life, Isla Cerralvo is a great place to snorkel, scuba dive, or fish.
  • Cruise to Isla San Francisco: Enjoy a four-day, three-night cruise that leaves Costa Palmas for Balandra Cove on your first day, followed by a stop to Isla Espiritu Santo and Isla Partida on your second and third day. Top it off with a visit to Isla San Francisco on your fourth day. You’ll sleep at anchor each night, enjoy your meals on board the yacht, and have access to jet skis and other water toys.

• Lean on the captain and crew

  If you have questions or need something to make your trip more enjoyable, chat with the crew. They’re happy to help you in any way they can. Chartering a yacht in East Cape is an experience, and your crew will ensure it is full of great memories.

  Often, the charter’s crew will send pre-boarding questions to your family to determine your likes and dislikes to ensure they purchase the foods, drinks, and snacks you’d like to enjoy onboard.

  Remember to be courteous, though. Be respectful, gratuitous, and appreciative of their efforts. If you have guests onboard, remind them to follow the same etiquette.

• Swimming skills aren’t required

  While you’ll spend plenty of time on the water, it’s okay if you don’t know how to swim. When you explore an island, you can grab life jackets from the yacht to jet ski around the land or use other flotation devices offered by group tour guides.

  Your ability to swim, or lack thereof, shouldn’t stop you from enjoying your trip. Just use good judgment and take advantage of life jackets when they’re offered.

• Plan for direct sunlight

  It goes without saying that you should wear sunblock. Ideally, you’ll use eco-friendly sunblock, too, to help protect the coral reefs and marine life you’ll encounter. Still, it’s so easy to get sunburnt when you’re out on the open water.

  Apply sunblock to those little-thought-of areas like your scalp, tips of your ears, and feet. Wear a hat and sunglasses, consider swimsuits with sun-protecting coverage, and stock up on aloe or after-burn care.

• Hydrate, and hydrate some more

  Anytime you’re outdoors, you should focus on hydration, but it’s even more important when you’re in the ocean. Between the sun’s warm rays, your excitement to try new activities, and the strong possibility of swallowing a little salt water as you snorkel or jet ski, hydration is very important.

  Take water with you and take breaks to grab a drink. Help kids follow suit.

  Don’t underestimate the impact of dehydration. Without the proper water intake, you’ll feel ill and won’t be able to enjoy your trip as you’d like.

  It’s a good idea to stay away from alcohol, too. While it’s tempting to have a midday margarita, alcohol makes you dehydrated, so save those festivities for the evening once you’re back on board.

• Consider motion sickness pills

  If you’re chartering a yacht in East Cape for the first time, consider taking motion sickness pills. While a yacht provides a smooth ride, your equilibrium might not immediately adjust to traveling through water.

  Even sailors and anglers on the water might find yachting a bit different, and you don’t want to ruin your trip with constant feelings of nausea. Be sure to pack some meds with you, or ask the crew if you forget.

Interested in learning more about East Cape and its attractive yachting features? Explore the amenities offered at the Costa Palmas Yacht Club and review the pre-planned overnight charters you can book today.