Mexico

On the Pacific coast of Mexico, the Sea of Cortez is one of the most stunning cruising grounds in the Americas. The combination of volcanic islands, desert landscapes and limestone cliffs set against brilliant blue waters in the Gulf of California make for a voyage of discovery. One of the most bio-diverse seas on the planet, the waters that fill the Gulf are one of the best places in the world to see marine mammals – particularly dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays, hammerhead sharks and, of course, whales – humpbacks, California greys, killer whales and the blue whale all pass through and put on a fine display for anyone on the water.

This is where the great Olmec, Mayan and Aztec empires flourished; reminders of their astonishing archaeological legacies lie at every anchorage.