Ultimate Majestic Coastlines of Baja California & West Coast

Your journey into wonder begins as you fly from Los Angeles to Loreto, where the crew of Scenic Eclipse will warmly greet you as you step on board. (D)

The Sea of Cortez, or the Gulf of California, is a legendary body of water embraced by Baja California and Mexico mainland. One of the most biologically diverse marine environments in the world framed with clear, quiet water, lagoons and wetlands, ecological and marine reserves and desert landscapes. Almost a thousand resident and migratory fish swim these waters, with one in ten fish found only in these waters.

There are also a wide range of marine mammals that visit, including fin, humpback, sperm and grey whales. Positioned between two shifting tectonic plates, this remains an area of great interest for global research. Isla Monserrate is an uninhabited island covered in greenery. An exclusion zone for fishing at the north of the island makes it the perfect place for snorkelling excursions. Enjoy the calm, placid ocean and keep your eye out for whales passing by.

Discovery: Partake in daily Scenic Discovery excursions. Cruise on the Zodiacs watching for wildlife, kayak and stand-up paddleboard along the calm turquoise waters, or walk through biological reserves. (B/L/D)

Continue your voyage in the Sea of Cortez. Feel the warm winds flowing in from the desert Isla San Francisco. Explore the island’s salt flats, and kayak and stand-up paddleboard in the clear, turquoise waters. (B/L/D)

Continue cruising the ‘aquarium of the world’ . Boasting white sand, turquoise waters and a rustic back drop, Isla Partida was voted as the home of the most beautiful beach in Mexico. You may even get the chance to snorkel with a nearby sea lion colony (B/L/D)

Renamed in 2009 to ‘Isla Jacques Cousteau’ in honour of the French oceanographer who led several underwater expeditions here, Isla Cerralvo is known for its wide range of exotic fish and incredibly clear ocean waters. Stroll along the coastline admiring the views of the Baja mountain ranges, and swim in the warm, calm waters. (B/L/D)

White beaches, arching stone cliffs and wildlife rich waters, Cabo San Lucas is located on the tip of Baja California and is the perfect combination of great weather and spectacular scenery. Once a hideout for pirates, Cabo San Lucas is known for its great beaches, unlimited shopping options, restaurants and cantinas.

Freechoice: Enjoy sailing on a catamaran and snorkel in the beautiful Chileno Bay, or go horse riding along the beach. Choose to visit the picturesque San Jose del or shop for ingredients at a local market, before preparing traditional Mexican dishes during this cooking experience. (B/L/D)

Bahía Magdalena is a small port city, with waters rich in fish, marshes and swamps. Every winter, grey whales travel here to give birth and raise their calves in the protected, calm lagoons. Discovery: Cruise by Zodiacs in search of whales, or go kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding in the calm lagoons. (B/L/D)

Laguna San Ignacio is an inlet of warm, sparkling, jade-green waters that attracts many kinds of wildlife seeking a warm home for the winter. Dolphins, sea birds and whales routinely congregate in this oasis. With more date palms than residents, San Ignacio is a contrast to the desert scrub and cacti of Baja. Discovery: Go kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding along the sparkling, jade-green waters, or search for wildlife with our on board Discovery Team. (B/L/D)

Enjoy a relaxed day at sea on board Scenic Eclipse. There is ample time to rejuvenate and a plethora of venues to explore. Choose a class in one of the fitness spaces or relax in one of the therapy lounges in the Senses Spa. (B/L/D)

Welcome to San Diego, enjoy a day at your leisure. (B/L/D)

‘Welcome to paradise’ is a fitting expression for those visiting the coastal city of Santa Barbara. Called the American Riviera, Santa Barbara is a place where food, art, history, fashion and sunshine mix to create a delightful and refreshing experience. The Santa Ynez Mountains create a stunning backdrop, while the colonial buildings with a Spanish influence give the city a Mediterranean feel.

Santa Barbara offers urban wineries for the wine aficionados, an abundance of wildlife at the national parks for the naturalists, and a rich cultural legacy from America's first settlers for the culture enthusiasts. Freechoice: See the street art on a guided tour, or taste the wine of the local region. If you’re feeling active, choose to join a bike tour. (B/L/D)

Set foot on the dramatic coastline of Monterrey featuring Staggering cliffs, coastal views and Spanish Colonial architecture. It’s jaw-dropping beauty has been featured in films and captured the heart of John Steinbeck, who framed landscape in many of his novels. Monterey is renowned for its overflowing wildlife, catch a glimpse at Harbour seals, sea otters and pelicans that flock to the National marine sanctuary at Monterey Bay.

Freechoice: Walk through Old Monterey and taste the local delicacies, or join a kayaking tour of the bay. Alternatively, a guided tour will reveal local highlights. (B/L/D)

Sitting between the Pacific Ocean and the Sierra Nevada mountains, laid-back San Francisco is ‘The City by the Bay’ and is home to an eclectic mix of cultures. Steep Hills, iconic cable cars and vibrant Victorian homes are the essence of San Francisco’s spirit, all back lit by the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge. From cultural revolutions of the counterculture movement to the manic gold rush of the 1848, San Francisco has shaped it all. Freechoice: Visit one of the world’s most notorious prisons, Alcatraz, or choose a wine tour in the Napa Valley, or join a photography tour. (B/L/D)

Eureka is the largest deep-water port between San Francisco and Coos Bay. Eureka once played a major role in the historic west coast lumber trade and is home to hundreds of significant Victorian-era homes, including the nationally recognised, ‘grandest Victorian home in America’, the Carson Mansion. Eureka is nestled between towering mountains and is bordered by the Humboldt Bay, providing access to imposing coastal redwoods. Some of the world's tallest trees are featured in Redwood National & State Parks.

Freechoice: Get an insight into Victorian craftsmanship at the Blue Ox Millworks Historic Park, or join an oyster tour while in the ‘Oyster Capital of California’. Alternatively, choose a guided hike through Headwaters Forest Reserve. (B/L/D)

Today, relax on board. With so many luxurious amenities on board, you will be surprised how quickly time passes. (B/L/D)

With Victorian-era homes etched into the hills overlooking the Columbia River, this picturesque settlement (the oldest west of the Rockies) is a port city with a Scandinavian flavour. Astoria is home to the Lewis and Clark National Historical park, not only offering an abundance of Wildlife, untouched rainforests and stunning vista but also uncovering the history of America's most famous explorers. Freechoice: Learn the history of the Maritimes, or take a city tour of Astoria. If you’re feeling active, join a walk along the river or a biking tour. (B/L/D)

Seattle, a city on Puget Sound, is surrounded by water, mountains and evergreen forests, and home to thousands of acres of parkland. It is no wonder Seattle is known as the “Emerald City” due to the year-round greenery. Seattle has much to offer, from major sports teams, arts and culture to the thriving metropolitan skyline accented by the iconic Space Needle, a symbol of innovation.

Freechoice: Take the opportunity to visit the Boeing Future of Flight Aviation Centre, or set off for the Pike Place Market for a tasting tour. Alternatively, discover the highlights of Seattle on a guided tour. (B/L/D)

Victoria may be many kilometres from Great Britain, but it has the most British vibe. Between visiting flower gardens and castles and stopping at pubs, one could easily forget about the Pacific Ocean lapping the other side of Vancouver Island. The influence of the First Nations culture is also strong, with totem poles taking a front-and-centre position on the Inner Harbour. Freechoice: Visit the beautiful Butchart Gardens, or join a tour of the local breweries. Alternatively, head out on a whale watching tour. (B/L/D)

Your cruise ends this morning in Vancouver as you say farewell to your crew. Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight homeward. The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the tour will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. (B)