Sea of Cortez Discovery Voyage
September 15-22, 2012

Join us for our annual voyage through the spectacular Sea of Cortez.  Traveling from San Felipe to the Midriff Islands aboard the Tony Reyes, we'll stop each day to explore a different island in this fascinating chain.  This is a unique opportunity to discover the abundant marine wildlife and experience the majestic beauty of the uninhabited islands off the rugged east coast of Baja California.  Six 22' skiffs will take us ashore for beachcombing, snorkeling or hiking, or offshore for fishing and watching whales, dolphins, sea lions, turtles and the thousands of birds which abound in the Sea of Cortez--truly a nature lover's paradise!

Islands such as Angel de la Guardia, La Raza, Animas, San Lorenzo and Salsipuedes offer exciting opportunities for exploring deserted beaches and hidden coves, climbing isolated peaks and discovering exotic plants and birds. Explore crystal clear underwater worlds with mask and snorkel, or skim along the surface in a kayak.  22-foot "pangas" with outboard motors and Mexican guides will be available to take us to any part of an island or to off-shore reefs and open water to fish for cabrilla, snapper, yellowtail, sierra and a variety of other species.

Accommodation is aboard the Tony Reyes, operated by Tony Reyes Fishing Tours, named for the founder Tony Reyes, Sr. It is 107 feet long and is quite seaworthy, but has no "frills" (it does have radar, sonar and life rafts). Cabins are all air conditioned sleeping 2, 3 or 4 persons each—linens provided.  Other facilities for the 27 passengers (men and women, couples and singles, eighteen and older) include fresh water showers, flush toilets, and a galley/lounge.

Crew members are capable and friendly, and enjoy practicing English or helping you with Spanish. They provide all meals, preparing fresh seafood dishes from our daily catch, as well as a variety of Mexican specialties.  Crew members serve as guides to take us wherever we want to go for exploring, snorkeling or fishing. We will also bring along eight kayaks.

Our itinerary will be flexible to respond to the wind and the sea and to make the most of the fish, sea mammals and other discoveries along the way.  We'll gather in San Felipe (transportation is available from Julian) on Saturday evening, September 15 and stay overnight in a local motel.  The boat will depart around 10:00 a. m. on Sunday and cruise south to the islands, arriving at the first one early Monday morning.  We'll explore a different island each day until the following Friday afternoon when we'll head back to San Felipe, arriving late Friday night, September 21. We will again stay overnight in town and drive home early Saturday morning the 22nd.

The cost, including all meals on the boat, is $1095 per person + $100 for tips to the crew.  Peter and Vicki Bergstrom of Camp Stevens will lead the trip and provide introductions to snorkeling, kayaking and fishing if desired. To reserve your place, send a deposit of $300 (payable to Tony Reyes) with your name, address and phone number to Camp Stevens, P. O. Box 2320, Julian, CA 92036; or phone (760)765-0028 for more information.  Space is limited to 27 persons, so send in your deposit right away to hold a space. Deposits (less $50 processing fee) are refundable only if your space can be filled.