TRIP COSTS
COST PER PERSON – $5975 (MONOHULL) & $6975 (CATAMARAN)

This all inclusive price covers the cost of a private cabin onboard the sailboat, and 3 meals per day (apart from two evening meals ashore in La Paz). Also covered in the cost are all textbooks, international logbook, formal ASA certification, and a 90-day ASA membership. Airfare is not included. A discount of $600 is offered to couples that book the owner’s cabin. A 50% non-refundable deposit is due at the time of booking. Remaining payment is due 60 days prior to the trip.

 

special OFFERS ON Sea of Cortez, Mexico

$600

Couples Discount

Couples booking together will save $300 each, a further $600 off their combined fees!

Please fill this out and let us help you embark on a lifetime of adventure.
AVAILABILITY

 

 

We can book a monohull or catamaran course for almost any date you want! We run courses in the Sea of Cortez from October through the end of May (summertime is hurricane season in the area, it’s hotter than blazes, and there is no wind!).

All of our courses run from Saturday to Saturday.

Courses are filling up VERY quickly at the moment so plan your trip well in advance!

Simply contact us by email or call (800) 680-7902 to check availability and we’ll put together the best trip option for you.

 

Why Future Captains Choose Nautilus
  • Sail the newest sailboats in production
  • Experience the world’s most award-winning ASA instructors
  • Learn to sail AND have an amazing vacation!
  • Join the Nautilus family for global alumni trips, flotillas, sailing adventures and deliveries
  • Benefit from using Dream Yacht Charters‘ official sailing school
Earn Your ASA Badges

ABOUT THIS DESTINATION

SAILING LESSONS IN MEXICO: IN THE SEA OF CORTEZ

Sailing Lessons In MexicoJacques Cousteau called the Sea of Cortez “The Aquarium of the World”. And he’s rarely wrong. Do deserted coves teeming with marine life and a lack of crowds sound good to you? If so, then make the Sea of Cortez your next destination. It is one of our favorite places to learn how to sail. Spend a week aboard a beautiful monohull or catamaran, and gain the skills, experience and certifications needed to charter sailboats in exotic destinations worldwide. Upon successful completion of this course, participants will earn American Sailing Association 101-104 Certifications (Basic Keelboat, Basic Coastal Cruising, and Bareboat Charter) on our monohull courses, and the additional ASA 114 (Cruising Catamaran cert) on our catamaran courses.

 

 

LEARN TO SAIL IN THE SEA OF CORTEZ, IT’S BREATHTAKING

Fantastic sailing conditions, and breathtaking marine life, make this an amazing place to conduct our sailing lessons and courses. Watch whales and giant manta rays glide by the boat, snorkel with playful sea lions, and catch Mahi Mahi, Yellowfin Tuna, Grouper and Snapper for your evening meal. A spectacular setting for an ASA sailing school!

EXAMPLE ITINERARY & MAP

 SATURDAY

Fly from home into the area, and catch a taxi to the marina. Explore the boat, stash your gear, and head out to get acquainted with the city of La Paz. Wander the Malecon (the ocean boardwalk) and grab some fresh local seafood at an outdoor restaurant. First night onboard!

SUNDAY

Do a charter briefing, finding out about sailing conditions in the area and information about all of our destinations. First sailing class; boat familiarization, systems overview, docking and anchoring. We set sail for Espiritu Santo Island, and a wealth of scenic coves. Arrive early to spend time snorkelling and exploring the area.

MONDAY

Morning sailing class; boat systems, sail theory, points of sail and sail trim. Spend day morning sailing and getting the feel for our boat. Set sail for Ensenada Grande, our anchorage for the evening and a beautiful cove. Head ashore and stroll through the cactus forest and enjoy the deserted beach.

TUESDAY

Set sail for Los Islotes, a rock outcropping teeming with playful seals. Snorkel and enjoy their impressive underwater antics.Introduction to navigation, chart reading, GPS, and chartplotters. Chart a course and set off on your first ocean passage. We’ll sail up the coast of Espiritu Santo, to the island of San Francisco and the famous “Hook” anchorage. We’ll continue with our sailing lessons, and everyone will have a chance to captain the boat. Fishing techniques for cruisers will be introduced, and hopefully we’ll catch fresh fish for dinner! Today is our first test, the ASA 101 test. When finished, go for a hike to a scenic viewpoint high above the anchorage or just relax on the white sand beach.

WEDNESDAY

Todays challenge is to circumnavigate Isla San Francisco! Put your navigation and sailing skills to the test, sailing every point of sail to see how fast you can sail around the entire island.  We will also practice man overboard drills, reefing, heaving to and heavy weather sailing along the way. Take the second test, ASA 103 today and then head out to snorkel the “boulder garden” a cool jumble of car size boulders with tons of fish!

THURSDAY

As confident sailors now, you’ll captain the boat for the passage back to Espiritu Santo, practicing your navigation, chart plotting, sailing, and fishing skills along the way. Explore more of Espiritu Santo Island, finding a new cove to anchor in for lunch and for the evening. Today is the hardest test of the week, the ASA 104 test!

FRIDAY

Sail to beautiful Balandra Bay and explore the stunning beaches around “Mushroom Rock”. If you are on a catamaran course you’ll take the final ASA 114 exam! Return to the marina in La Paz for docking practice.  and head out to celebrate passing the sailing course!

SATURDAY

Pack up bags, and catch the shuttle to the airport for your morning flight home … Or, stay on a couple of days and explore the area further!

BOATS USED IN THE Sea of Cortez, Mexico - HIGH SPEC & WELL MAINTAINED
Sea of Cortez, Mexico INSTRUCTORS
OUR TEAM – ALL QUESTIONS ANSWERED

If you need any further information, want to check availability or discuss anything to do with our courses – then please get in touch.

THE WORLD’S FRIENDLIEST SAILING COMMUNITY

Nautilus is like no other sailing company, and our trips are serious fun. Of course you want the certs, but we offer so much more.

We have an ever-growing list of passionate, outward bound, sailing fanatics who just love visiting new places and experiencing adventure. Every year we have several Alumni trips around the globe where past Nautilus graduates, and some of our team get together and just… you know. Sail. And Surf. And Snorkel. And Scuba…

Nautilus Alumni

Testimonials

“I wasn’t very familiar with boating and less with sailing. Learned a lot while still enjoying every minute of it. The Sea of Cortez was an excellent sailing destination. ” G.D., Missouri