2023 - 2024 BBCM/SLC Schedule

December 9-16, 2023
February 3-10, 2024
April 6-13, 2024 (Solar Eclipse on 4/8/24)

Please contact us to schedule & book your trip. Trips usually run Saturday to Saturday beginning in November through the end of May.

INTERNATIONAL SAILING LICENSE (SLC), BAREBOAT CHARTER MASTER CERTIFICATION, & CATAMARAN ENDORSEMENT

If you are planning on cruising in Europe or the Mediterranean, you need an international sailing license to charter. I would bet that you’ve been thinking about it. The good news is, getting your practical assessment for the SLC and BBCM on the Sea of Cortez is the most fun and interesting way you could choose to get it done.

These are some of the most stunning cruising grounds in north America. And, it’s a little more challenging on the Sea of Cortez - once away from the marina there are no moorings, no grocery stores or beach bars, and no boat boys looking to sell you stuff. No crowds either. And you know what? That’s just a part of the beauty. Take a look at this video from PostandFly to get a taste of what this area has to offer: Sea of Cortez from Above

We depart from the beautiful CostaBaja Marina in La Paz and explore the Parque Nacional islands of Espirtu Santo, Isla Partida, Los Islotes and Isla San Francisco, and sometimes stop in at the mangrove lagoon on Isla San Jose. Sailing Skills Endorsements will also be awarded to successful grads including Heavy Weather Experience (depending on conditions), Anchoring, Maneuvering Under Power, and Crew Overboard Rescue. Each day includes time for snorkeling, kayaking and exploring ashore. Students provision the boat with guidance from the instructor.

Windy Day!

Dream Yacht Charter base

The Big Chair at Ensenada Candelero

SLC Exam

Windward beat up the San Jose Channel

Hmmm….can we stay for a while?

SLC and Bareboat Charter Master Certification
Cruise Package Pricing

Catamaran

  • Private Cabin - $4,900 (Up to 2 persons per cabin)

  • 5% Loyalty discount for Santana Sailing School grads and past cruise participants

  • Deposit is 60% at the time of booking, balance due 60 day prior. Please see Payment Options

  • Please see our Cancellation Policy. By paying for your sailing adventure, you agree to this Cancellation Policy.

Monohull

  • Private Cabin - $3,995 (Up to 2 persons per cabin)

  • 5% Loyalty discount for Santana Sailing School grads and past cruise participants

  • Deposit is 60% at the time of booking, balance due 60 day prior. Please see Payment Options

  • Please see our Cancellation Policy. By paying for your sailing adventure, you agree to this Cancellation Policy.

What’s Included

  • Your single private or shared cabin on a cruising catamaran or monohull

  • Professional USCG Licensed captain as your instructor

  • Dinghy and outboard

  • Bedding, towels, and snorkeling gear

What’s Not Included

  • Airfare and transportation to and from the marina

  • Hotel stays and meals ashore before or after the cruise, and alcohol

  • Meal planning and provisioning - a shared expense, completed by crew as part of the practical assessment

  • Refueling the vessel at the end of the cruise

  • NauticEd Bareboat Charter Master Bundle of courses, chart, and navigation tools are sold separately.

Travel Planning, Dates, Times, Deposit

  • Generally, a flight to Cabo San Lucas (SJD) is easier than attempting to fly to La Paz (which usually involves connecting thru Mexico City).

  • EcoBaja Tours provides low cost comfortable shuttle round trip to and from the Cabo airport and La Paz - see the Travel Details page.

  • The CostaBaja Resort and the Hyatt Place La Paz are two very nice hotels right at the Marina.

  • The trip begins with boarding the boat at CostaBaja Marina, beginning 5 PM the first day, usually a Saturday; enjoy a welcome with no-host sundown cocktails and a get-acquainted dinner together in the harbor; spend the first night on the boat in the harbor.

  • We depart the Marina by 10:00 AM Sunday, spend 6 days cruising the islands, and return to the Marina by about 4 PM on Friday. Off the boat by 10 AM Saturday.

  • See the Travel Details page for complete information.

  • Deposit is 60% at the time of booking, balance due 60 day prior. Please see Payment Options

  • Please see our Cancellation Policy. By paying for your sailing adventure, you agree to this Cancellation Policy.

Amazing sunsets at Isla San Francisco

DESIGNED FOR:

Intermediate to advanced sailors who want to train and test through the Practical Competency Verification for the Bareboat Charter Master Rank and/or SLC

Ensenada Candelero

PREREQUISITES:

NauticEd Skipper rank, ASA 103, US Sailing Basic Cruising Cert, or equivalent experience. Participants should be in good physical condition. Not ready for this step? Take one of our Slow Cruises to check things out and build confidence.

The fishing village on Isla Coyote

APPLY FOR THIS TRIP:

To apply for participation on this trip please fill out the ONLINE APPLICATION FORM. Once your application is reviewed we will contact you for the next steps.