Uncruise is unrushed, uncrowded and unlike any cruise I've ever taken before.

December was spent on a wellness cruise with UnCruise Adventures in the Sea of Cortez. To get there, we left Sacramento on Saturday and it was an easy flight to Cabo and then a bus for a few hours to La Paz where we met the boat. The staff greeted us with cocktails and appetizers and we slowly settled in.

Things to note: 

• Everything is included: Cocktails, excursions, 30-minute massage, dinner. And it's all amazing. 

• No keys. We did't lock our stateroom the entire time, even when we were in it!  It was a bit of a shock at first, but it's nice to be that trusting and really there wasn't anything to worry about. 

• Free 30-minute massage for everyone! And it was awesome. 

Let's UnPlug

Sailing with 85 people is a dream. On and off the boat is easy and efficient. The ship can get close to shore and go places other boats cannot. Plus, we’re basically the only ship on the entire Sea of Cortez. It’s us and a few sailboats. It gives you what a vacation should be: time to unplug, connect and be present. 

​Day 1

Sunday began with 6:45 am yoga, breakfast and then a chance to go do something amazing: snorkel with sea otters. Yes, actually get in the water and frolic with the playful pups. The Sea of Cortez is beautiful. The mountains were burnt orange and we saw blue and brown footed boobies, turkey vultures and gulls. UnCruise provides the wetsuits, fins and masks. You just show up and have fun. 

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Day 2
We spent the morning at yoga and then it was kayaking and tide pooling. The kayak was quite a few miles and it felt good to be sore from the work. We saw so many birds and fish and the calm glassy ocean was a rare gift. Tide pooling was a treat as we were able to see healthy coral that was actually thriving. We saw the little hermit crabs and learned that when a hermit crab meets another for the first time their custom is to trade shells. So cute. We saw urchins and anemones and starfish. It was this thriving ecosystem that was healthy and vibrant and it was hopeful to see how quickly nature can restore itself when left alone and protected.

Day 3  What day is it anyway?

I’ve long thought that the sign of a great vacation is losing your days, and if that’s true, then this is indeed a great vacation. Today we hiked up a trail that was mild in elevation and mileage, but big in views. We saw osprey nests and ocotillo and cactus. We meandered through salt flats and enjoyed sweeping views. It wasn’t difficult, by any means, but it was beautiful. I should also note that every evening we gather before dinner for  cocktail hour and mingle with the other travelers. Everything is included, even the smokey Mezcal used in my Frida Kahlo cocktail. I've taken three naps, made new friends and I honestly am not sure what day it is.

Day ? Let's Hike

The thing I love about UnCruise is that there's always a choice of what to do. Hard hike, easy hike, swim with sea lions, hang out in the skiff. Today we opted for the hard hike. We hiked up an arroyo that was challenging from a footing standpoint, but not mileage. It was fun though to climb big boulders and check out the shells that were 500 feet away from water. We saw agave and cordone and tiny little cactuses that you could drink if you found yourself without enough water. 

At one point my iTunes turned on and Sign of the Times by Harry Styles came on and everyone sang. It was odd too because when we returned to the ship and walked in to the dining that song was playing on the speakers. Now every time i hear it i can picture that hike and the view and the people we were with.
After the cocktail hour, they turned the lights on to illuminate the ocean.  We saw sea turtles and sea otters feasting on the fish that were attracted to our lights. It was amazing. Dinner was a great selection of rack of lamb or shrimp. Delish. I feel spoiled. 

Day ? Let's hang

Today was supposed to be a hike but i decided to goof around instead. I got up early and did morning yoga. I walked 2 miles around the ship and then grabbed a video from the library and watched the Life of Pi. UnCruise did a beach party complete with bar tender, food and beach chairs, so I went to the beach and read my book. There were pelicans in the water and everyone was snorkeling. It was super chill. ​

Whale Sharks? Maybe next time. 

Today we were suppose to swim with the whale sharks, but mother nature decided to kick up the wind. Instead we spent the day walking around the fun little city of La Paz. There’s a lot of street art and it’s super clean. We bought jewelry and gifts to take home. It was really fun to just walk the streets and see a little of Mexico and practice a little bit of Spanish. There was a lot of street art and restaurants and it was apparently the place where Queen Elizabeth got her most favorite pearl necklace. We didn't buy any pearls, but I think we found a gem. This cruise was unbelievable.