Prepare weeks in advance for your boat expedition on the Sea of Cortez. According to Baja Peninsula travel guide Carlos Fiesta, "Jumping into a boat and heading into the Sea of Cortez without a plan may sound romantic, [but] in reality a successful trip along the east side of the Baja Peninsula should include a significant amount of preparation before the hull ever hits the water." Once you are on the water, there are not many places to stock up on supplies.
Brush up on boat safety by taking a seminar in boat safety or researching about living on a boat at sea. Learn about the Sea of Cortez and the area surrounding it so if anything catastrophic does occur, you will be ready. Ensure your boat has life jackets, rope and other survival supplies before setting out.
Plan stops along the way into your travel itinerary. Some ports to consider are the following: "La Paz, Loreto, Mulege, Santa Rosalia, Bahia de los Angeles and San Felipe, Isla Espiritos Santos, Agua Verde, Puerto Escondido, Punta San Basilio, Punta San Francisquito, Las Animas and Puertecitos," according to Baja Expo. These stops are sparse, so it's a good idea to always have a weeks' worth of food and fuel on the boat for safety. If you can, however, try to stop at a port every week, depending on how long you want to live on the boat.
Consider the weather before embarking on your journey. From June through November, temperatures can soar as high as 100 degrees, while December through March host temperatures in the 70s. Hurricanes can strike the Sea of Cortez from June through November.
Gather as much water as the boat will possibly hold. Living on a boat in the Sea of Cortez mandates a huge water supply as the Baja Peninsula is in a desert climate.
Keep extra food supplies or pack equipment to fish for your own food. Good foods to bring are whole grains, like granola bars for quick snacking that will keep you feeling full. Bring easily prepared food like cans of soup and non-perishable food items. Pack food in waterproof containers, and store it in a safe place on the boat. Bring extra fishing line and hooks with you so you have a sustainable food supply should things go awry on the Sea of Cortez.
Create a shade source as the sun will beat down on you in this desert climate. The water will reflect the sun and make conditions harsher. Pack lots of sunscreen. Bring a tarp or extra clothes to make shade for yourself.
