Romancing the Sea of Cortez

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.