Frequently Asked Questions
Adventure Voyages to Mexico’s Sea of Cortés
Aboard the Sailing Schooner SEAWARD

What do the Adventure Voyages include?

Your per-person cost includes a private berth, all meals that are served on board, wine and beer with dinner, sunset margaritas, all ship’s expenses and fuel costs, on-board instruction from our professional crew, and use of ship’s equipment, shore boats, safety gear, etc. (Note: each voyage is different and some will include the option to dine ashore at your own expense.)

Can you describe the SEAWARD?

SEAWARD, the flagship of Call of the Sea, is an 82-foot, US Coast Guard-inspected vessel with a sturdy steel hull and beautiful wooden decks. Built in 1988 to the highest standards and equipped for ocean use, she is safe, comfortable and a nimble ship underway. Thanks to her powerful and versatile staysail schooner rig, she moves easily under all points of sail. Her thick and sturdy steel hull cleaves the water gracefully. And her interior has the classic elegance of a wooden yacht with a roomy navigator’s cabin, comfortable main salon, and large single berths with privacy curtains. SEAWARD is certified for 21 people overnight, however, we will normally be operating with ten participants (maximum 12) and four crew.

Who makes up the crew?

Our crew is comprised of professional sailors and experienced educators who have joined because of their love and knowledge of the sea and their ability to share their experiences. Each expedition will have a Captain, First Mate, Deckhand, and Deckhand/Chef.

Leading this year’s Adventure Voyages is Captain Alan Olson, who has been involved with Call of the Sea for over 20 years and has led many voyages to Baja California, in addition to expeditions in the Atlantic Ocean, throughout the Pacific, as far away as China. This will be his 11th journey to Mexico. Alan holds a US Coast Guard 100-ton Master’s License. Our First Mates are USCG licensed captains as well.

What about safety?

Safe voyaging is a priority for our Adventure Voyages, and we adhere to the highest safety standards. Although nobody can eliminate risk, we can and do manage it properly with careful planning, training and emergency drills that include: Man Overboard rescue, life raft operation, pumping systems, firefighting, EPIRB operation, and safe on-deck procedures. The schooner SEAWARD meets and exceeds all US Coast Guard requirements for offshore vessels. We will never compromise on safety.

What’s it like to live aboard SEAWARD?

When we’re underway, the ship and crew are operating “24/7”, and we encourage participants to join the crew as your experience and abilities allow. Whether you’re a novice or expert sailor, we encourage you to join us in sailing the ship, navigating, studying marine life we encounter, and even sharing your culinary skills. While our cook will prepare delicious and wholesome meals, your help is always welcomed in the galley. As this is not a charter boat or cruise ship; we all pull together to make this a truly great and memorable experience. Galley cleanup is shared by all, as are daily cleaning duties above and below decks.

Everyone on board is encouraged to get the most out of every day, whether sailing offshore or hiking on a remote island. Once aboard, participants are assigned a berth and offered to join a watch; on coastal passages, watches can consist of three to four people. While on watch, participants are invited to share in the ship’s duties, including steering, navigating, sail handling and ship’s system checks. Off watch, your time is your own, unless extra help is needed on deck.

How firm is the itinerary for each voyage?

Schedules and destinations are a general guideline and are always subject to safe weather and local conditions. We keep a flexible attitude about our destinations and the Captain will usually provide you with several alternatives, depending on the interests of the participants.

Can I bring my own food or alcoholic beverages?

Yes. If you have special dietary preferences or favorite spirits, we will be happy to stow them in the galley for your personal consumption. Please note that we enforce a strict no inebriation policy on board the SEAWARD. Anyone breaking this rule will be put ashore at the nearest desert island. (!)

What’s the climate like?

The climate in the Sea of Cortes is arid and very agreeable in the winter. This unique climate is the result of mix of dry desert heat that’s complemented by a cool sea breeze. In Baja, even the winter temperatures range from the high-70’s to low-90’s.