
A sunset cruise aboard the 80-foot
Turkish schooner Tu Enamorado.
Clearly, this is the class act,” my husband remarked, standing at
the bow of our 80-foot wooden schooner, with a glass of chilled
chardonnay in hand. We were looking at the other sunset cruise
boats, stuffed with passengers squeezed together side by side, also
heading out from the Cabo San Lucas marina, while there were only
five of us on our spacious elegant vessel.
The Tu Enamorado (meaning “Your Lover”) is one of three Turkish
schooners managed by the local Mexican company Barcos que Cantan
the Tu Enamorado and its sister schooner Nova Mia (meaning “My
Girlfriend”) are operated by the Marquis Los Cabos Beach, Golf, Spa
& Casitas Resort. The latest addition to the Marquis’ arsenal
of luxury experiences, the two schooners can be booked for
three-hour snorkel and sunset cruises, four-hour private tours and
24-hour wedding packages.
Built in 2005, the air-conditioned Tu Enamorado has six stylish
polished wood cabins down below, each with en-suite shower and
toilet, open for use by passengers on all tours. On the main deck,
cushioned seating and lounging areas, plus indoor and outdoor
dining rooms with mahogany furniture, offer plenty of space for
relaxing in comfort. You can even walk out on the very front of the
bow jutting out over the sea, just like Kate Winslet in
“Titanic.”
Shortly after motoring out from the marina, we slowly passed by
the majestic natural rock arch and craggy boulder formations rising
out of the water at Land’s End, the tip of the Baja Peninsula. The
last of the sun-seekers could be seen lolling about on the golden
sand of Lover’s Beach and waiting for water taxis to take them back
to town. A couple on a Sea-Doo yelled “Hi!” as they zipped by our
captain waved back, grinning as he explained, “They were married
yesterday here on the boat.”
We also enjoyed great views of the huge sea lions draped over a
couple of rock islets by the arch and barking loudly. Rounding
Land’s End and cruising out into the Pacific, we spotted two orca
whales frolicking in the water as the sun sank slowly below the
horizon. It was the perfect time to be served a selection of
gourmet appetizers on china plates smoked salmon in an orange
sauce, shrimp, spring rolls, sushi and for dessert, mini-French
cakes and raspberry-filled chocolates. More chardonnay and
margaritas were also handed out.
When the orcas moved on, a lone sea lion swam around us. The
crew onboard imitated its barking, and the sea lion, curious, poked
up its head and swam closer to check us out, barking in return.
Once dusk descended, the twinkling lights of Cabo San Lucas’
resorts sparkled in the distance, and the Tu Enamorado returned
quietly back to the marina by the light of the moon, ending our
sunset cruise.
For clients interested in a daytime snorkeling adventure, the
snorkel tour runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. A light lunch is provided
typically Yucatan-style ceviche, shrimp sushi, oysters and
prosciutto and provolone sandwiches, followed by Haagen Dazs ice
cream.
Up to 35 passengers can easily be accommodated on the day
excursions. In addition to the captain, a crew of four including a
Marquis butler and chef provide helpful and friendly service.
Rates are $120 per person (plus tax/service charge) for the
snorkel tours and $200 per person for the sunset excursions and
include all bar drinks, refreshments and use of towels, sea kayaks
and snorkeling and fishing equipment.
The entire schooner can also be booked at a cost of $3,500 for
four hours of seclusion and water-sports activities. And the
Marquis chef will customize an elaborate lunch menu from the
hotel’s signature restaurant selections.
Clients don’t need to stay at the Marquis for you to book them
on one of the schooner tours.
CONTACT
Marquis Los Cabos Beach, Golf, Spa & Casitas
Resort
877-238-9399 (toll-free) www.marquisloscabos.com Commission: 10 percent
WEDDINGS AT SEA
For 24 hours of wedded bliss on the high seas, a bride and groom
can book the wedding package. A ceremony can be performed in the
afternoon aboard the Nova Mia with 35 guests. Afterward, the
newlyweds can host eight overnight guests, sailing through the Sea
of Cortez and arriving near the shore the next morning. Brunch will
be served by a Marquis chef, then the Nova Mia will return to the
marina between 2 and 3 p.m. The cost is $9,500. |