New Cruise, Shipping Options Arrive in Sea of Cortez

Two companies are beginning new services in the Sea of Cortez.

Baja Ferries launched a new ferry in La Paz, Baja California Sur the largest ferry of its kind in Latin America to transport up to 200 passengers and 2,715 linear meters of cargo.

Cruise and Maritime Voyages will start operating cruises from Puerto Peñasco to explore the Sea of Cortez on 12-day soft expedition voyages on the 16,144-ton Astoria, a classic ship that carries 550 guests.

Baja Ferries will sail only in the Sea of Cortez, operating the routes that the company covers between Sinaloa and Baja California Sur: La PazTopolobampo and La Paz-Mazatlán.

The investment in the vessel was of US$31.8 million, which was supported by the Mexican development bank.

“Having the largest cargo ship in Latin America, in Mexico, speaks of a major Baja Ferries effort to be a driver of social and economic development in the northwest of the country,” said Mariano Ruano, president of Baja Ferries’ board of directors.

Baja Ferries plans to expand to new destinations. Soon it will operate a new route between the ports of Veracruz and Progreso in Yucatan.

Cruise and Maritime Voyages’ “Treasures of the Sea of Cortez” will operate as an inclusive cruise, with fares including all shipboard gra – tuities, a lecture series, house beer and wine with lunches and dinner onboard.

Departures will be available on select dates in December 2019 and in January and February of 2020, with rates starting at US$1,599 per person.

The cruises will sail round-trip from Puerto Peñasco with ports of call in Sonora, Sinaloa, and Baja California Sur, including Puerto Topolobampo, Mazatlan, Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, Loreto, Santa Rosalia, and Guaymas.

“Our new voyage takes travelers to discover some of the best-kept secret destinations of Mexico from a beautiful seaside town conveniently located just outside Arizona,” said John Dennis, vice president of sales and marketing for CMV USA.