End the year sailing the Sea of Cortez!

Swap crowded city finales for a sunset-sailed goodbye to 2025: imagine ringing in the new year aboard a comfortable yacht, anchored in turquoise bays off the Baja California Peninsula, with cool breezes, fresh seafood, and star-filled skies overhead. A sailing holiday in Mexico offers relaxed days reef-snorkeling, exploring deserted islands, and evenings afloat under lantern light — all without the winter chill. The Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California) pairs easy cruising distances with dramatic desert-meets-ocean scenery, making it an ideal place to close out the year with adventure, comfort, and unforgettable marine encounters.

Between December 20 and January 4, 2026. Short, flexible itineraries (minimum 5 days / 4 nights) aboard a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 44i — a comfortable, well‑equipped cruising yacht with three private cabins (each cabin with its own head and shower). Trips are offered as full‑boat charters (not cabin charters). Routes and daily plans are weather‑dependent and will be adapted for safety and best sailing conditions.

This holiday is perfect for families with small children: accommodation and activities are safe and child-friendly, with plenty of space for little ones to play, easy stroller access around the property, and short, manageable distances between attractions so you won’t need long transfers. Meals and facilities cater to young tastes and schedules, and staff (or nearby services) can recommend age-appropriate excursions and quiet spots for naps. If you want practical tips on traveling with toddlers—what to pack, how to plan days, and how to keep routines intact—see our full post on family travel with small children.

When to sail

• Available between December 20, 2025 and January 4, 2026.
• Minimum charter: 5 days / 4 nights. Flexible durations offered.

Late December in the Sea of Cortez brings very pleasant sailing conditions: daytime temperatures commonly sit in the low to mid 20s °C (mid-70s °F), cooling to comfortable evenings, and the sun is reliably present with low humidity. Winds are typically gentle to moderate — morning light airs often build into steady sea breezes in the afternoon of 8–18 knots, making for relaxed, predictable sailing that suits both coastal hops and longer passages.

This season is outstanding for wildlife: winter is prime for spotting large numbers of marine mammals — migrating humpback whales and their calves, playful California sea lions, and frequent pods of dolphins. The Sea of Cortez is also one of the richest marine ecosystems on Earth, so you can expect abundant birdlife, colorful reef fish during snorkels, and, with luck, encounters with manta rays and orcas whales as they move through feeding and migratory routes. Together the mild climate, reliable breezes, and exceptional wildlife viewing make late-December sailing in the Sea of Cortez both comfortable and memorably wild.

Vessel & life onboard

Spend the holidays aboard a high‑performance, well‑equipped yacht (modern hull, responsive rigging and comfortable three‑cabin layout) chosen for its balance of stability, speed and onboard comfort. The yacht features two ergonomic helm stations, spacious cockpit for practical drills, a fully appointed galley and a cozy saloon for classroom sessions and debriefs. Accommodations are double cabins with shared heads, providing comfortable rest between practical days on deck. Starlink internet keeps you connected for weather briefings and communications.

• Yacht: Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 44i
• Accommodation: A maximum of 6 passengers in 3 double cabins, each with a private head and shower. If cook is hired, we recommend booking for a maximum of 4 passengers.
• Saloon, well‑equipped galley, cockpit with comfortable seating
• Navigation and safety: chartplotter, VHF, AIS, lifejackets, safety gear
• Crew options: captain required; cook/chef available as an optional extra
• Fuel, port fees, basic safety equipment included (see booking terms for full list)

Have a bigger group or prefer a Sailing Holiday on a Catamaran? Spread your group out on several boats or opt for a Catamaran. We’ll be happy to provide you with additional monohull options (Beneteau, Jeanneau and Dufour) as well as catamarans (Fountaine Pajot, Bali and Lagoon); simply send us an email and let us know the details of your group and preferred dates.

Not sure what’s best for your guests? Have a look at this at our blogpost on the pros and cons of monohulls and catamarans.

Possible Itineraries

We use the Sea of Cortez for its sheltered anchorages, clear snorkeling sites and variable sailing conditions ideal for cruising: Ensenada Grande, Balandra, Caleta Partida, El Candelero, Los Islotes and select northern anchorages like San Francisquito, San José and Los Gatos when weather permits. All itineraries are flexible and adjusted to wind, currents and guest preferences. Below are some route options depending on trip length.

5 days / 4 nights — Quick highlights Day 1: Embark at La Paz marina after safety briefing; sail toward Espiritu Santo; anchor in a protected bay for evening. Days 2–4: Short sails between islets for snorkeling, coastal hikes, wildlife viewing and beach time (Espiritu Santo / Partida). Day 5: Return to La Paz; disembark in the afternoon arrival.

7 days / 6 nights — In‑depth exploration Day 1: Embark and set sail; overnight in a protected bay. Days 2–6: More time to reach quieter anchorages, longer coastal hikes, night watches if desired and expanded snorkeling/fishing opportunities around Espiritu Santo, Partida and San Francisco. Day 7: Return to La Paz for afternoon arrival and disembarkation.

Activities included / available

• Sailing as primary mode of transit when conditions allow; guests welcome to participate in sail handling and basic navigation under crew supervision (no prior experience required).
• Daily snorkeling with provided basic snorkel sets (masks and fins) — guests may bring personal gear.
• Kayak and stand-up paddleboard.
• Tender excursions to beaches, short coastal treks and wildlife watching (sea lions, birds, possible cetacean sightings depending on season).
• Optional sports fishing, scuba diving, and onboard informal sailing lessons.
• Optional chef/catered meals or self‑catering with provisioning.

See what make Sail in Mexico’s sailing holidays different from those of most other sailing tour operators here.

Gourmet liveaboard experience

With our “All Inclusive” alternative, meals and non-alcoholic beverages are included throughout the trip. Our onboard cook prepares daily breakfasts, snacks, lunches and dinners using fresh, locally sourced ingredients where possible. Expect energizing breakfasts (fruit, bread, eggs or chilaquiles), light lunches (ceviche, salads, grilled fish) and hearty dinners (seafood pastas, fish en papillote, regional specialties). Guests may bring their own alcoholic drinks or request provisioning at extra cost. The culinary program supports nutrition for active learning and fosters crew cohesion; read more in our Catered Sailing Holidays post for menu examples and our approach to sourcing and sustainability.

Safety, equipment & inclusions

Included: yacht charter, captain/instructors, fuel, snorkel gear, stand-up paddle, kayak, beach shade, Starlink internet, national park access permits, gratuities and VAT.

Safety equipment includes lifejackets, jacklines, liferaft, EPIRB and a comprehensive medical kit. The engine remains available as backup; safety decisions always override sailing ambitions.

What to bring

Sun protection (reef‑safe sunscreen), hat, polarized sunglasses, non‑marking deck shoes, light layers and a windproof jacket for cooler evenings, gloves, swimwear, personal toiletries, medications and soft‑sided luggage. Bring your own mask and fins if preferred. Checkout these Pro Tips on what and how to pack.

How to book

Tell us preferred dates between Dec 20 and Jan 4, desired duration (5–8 days), number of guests and whether you want a cook/meal plan. We’ll check availability, confirm final price and send the booking agreement.

Celebrate this holiday season with an unforgettable family adventure: a Christmas and New Year sailing trip in the calm waters of the Sea of Cortez. Swap crowded airports and busy resorts for days of snorkeling, beach picnics, dolphin sightings and cozy nights under the stars — all with kid-friendly safety, hands‑on learning and flexible itineraries designed for families. Perfect for babies through teens, our holiday voyages blend festive meals, playful lessons and plenty of downtime so everyone returns refreshed and connected. Read the full post to see how sailing benefits children, our safety practices, age‑appropriate lessons and practical tips to prepare for a happy family voyage.