“Can I just say this was THE BEST family vacation we have been on.” ~Corrine Smith-Thompson

In this time of COVID-19 we are all taking a hard look at what’s important to us: our loved ones and carving out ways to spend quality time with them. Many of us are missing travel, but not sure how to make it work and where we can safely go.

We at the CTP Group have the perfect “Vacation Bubble” for you – an amazing getaway not far from home! We can easily put together a memorable family or small group vacation package that will allow you to travel safely, social distance, and spend time away from crowds and out in nature!

We did exactly this for the Smith Family – all 17 of them – two grandparents, four kids, and eleven grandkids – ranging in age from 2-17. Three generations traveling together (with Cabo San Lucas as a convenient gateway). It was, essentially, travel in a bubble!

The Smith Family’s itinerary began in Todos Santos, about one hour north of Cabo San Lucas. Originally discovered by the Jesuits in the 1700s, the little oasis flourished and prospered for nearly two centuries, thanks to its underground aquifer and lush tropical setting. It’s a surfer’s paradise with a kitschy, artsy vibe, great dining venues and plenty of US expats! The Smiths had a variety of activities to choose from: cooking classes, local cuisine with singing and dancing, optional surfing lessons or horseback riding, sightseeing and shopping in the local town (replete with colonial buildings and red tile roofs), or an afternoon of volunteering at a local school.

It’s a few hundred miles (about 5 hours driving in a comfy van) to Magdalena Bay – that’s where the Smiths headed next. But consider the journey of the Gray Whales*, who have traveled 5,000 miles from Alaska to get here! The journey is totally worth the drive – as these warm waters are where they give birth. The boat captains are skilled at maneuvering the boats next to these gentle giants – although more often than not, the whales come to you!

The next morning they returned to the bay for more Gray Whale interactions with some cows bringing their calves right up to the boats for a scratch and a pet!  Then they followed it up with a scenic drive south through the desert to La Paz for dinner and an evening stroll along the esplanade.

More excitement the following day when the family suited up in wetsuits (yes, even the tiniest of Smiths had wetsuits that fit!) and snorkeling gear to explore the Sea of Cortez – spotting Blue-Footed Boobies, Frigate birds, and Cormorants along he way. Keeping an eye out for dolphins, mantas, and sea turtles, too!

The highlight for the family was snorkeling with magnificent whale sharks – the largest fish in the world – who come to feed in the plankton rich waters! 

The next destination was the Sea Lion colony at Los Islotes, where young and old enjoyed the opportunity to snorkel with these playful and agile marine mammals. Followed by a custom-prepared lunch at the UNESCO-protected private island of Isla Espiritu Santo.

And, speaking of Espritu Santo…

How about spending a couple of nights on your own private island with your closest friends and family? We can do that!

Camp Cecil can be reserved exclusively for your group – eight luxury “glamping” tents – all yours! The uninhabited Isla Espiritu Santo is in a National Marine Park. Jacques Cousteau called the Sea of Cortez the “world’s aquarium.” It is one of the world’s best destinations for viewing marine life and a terrific range of bird species including Blue-footed Boobies, Reddish Egrets, Great Blue Herons, and Yellow-Footed Gulls.

Spend lazy days doing exactly what pleases you – kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, swimming with sea lions, stand-up paddle boarding, bird watching, and exploring hidden lagoons and desert beaches. Napping, reading trashy novels and sipping margaritas are also highly encouraged.

This beautiful, private island paradise can be a stand-alone destination or incorporated into a complete Mexican get-away including the Magdalena Bay experience. Every creature comfort is taken care of and included in your package: sports equipment, transportation, bi-lingual naturalist-guides, cooks, housekeeping staff, special diets, alcohol. You name it, we can create it! And, your custom package will include bells & whistles that will surprise and delight – hallmarks of the CTP Group and WOW! Travel Club.

We have escorted three separate WOW! Trips to this amazing destination – it’s one of our favorites and we have received rave reviews time after time. To get a feel for this amazing destination, read Marilyn’s blog post “There’s a Place.”

Life may be a bit uncertain at the moment, but Mexico is open and happily accepting guests (no current travel restrictions by air). There is no better time to enjoy your own private “Vacation Bubble” – isolated, exclusive, experiential, and unforgettable! Let us know if you’re interested (gabriel@thectpgroup.com) and we’ll create a custom package just for you.

.*Note: The best time to see the cows and their calves is January through March.