You are here: Home / Sea of Cortez Sailing Adventures / Sea of Cortez Bareboat and International License Course
Sail The Greek Islands Sept 2026 May 2026 La Paz to Loreto Sailing Adventure

Sea of Cortez Bareboat & International License Course

Earn your Bareboat Charter Master Rank, Catamaran Endorsement, and gain your SLC Mediterranean Sailing License on the stunning Sea of Cortez

– Isla San Francisco

International Sailing License (SLC), Bareboat Charter Master Certification, & Optional 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 Costa Baja 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.

ASK ABOUT – SET DATES

  • Set dates for your family or group
  • Take a cabin on a scheduled certification cruise when available
  • Ask questions about the training and voyage
Get_Info-Set_Dates

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

  • Dream Yacht Charter base

  • WindwardPassage

  • Windward beat up the San Jose Channel

  • The Big Chair at Ensenada Candelero

  • WindyDay!

  • SLC Exam

    Students taking the SLC International License exam while on vacation on the Sea of Cortez

  • BahiaAguaVerde

  • The fishing village on Isla Coyote

  • Hmmm….can we stay for a while?

12345678910

What’s Included:
Cost includes your single (or shared) cabin on a cruising catamaran or monohull, USCG Licensed captain and instructor, dinghy and outboard, and – 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

Prerequisites:
NauticEd Skipper Large Keelboat Rank with verified practical competency; US Sailing Basic Cruising Certification; ASA 103 Certification; or, equivalent experience. Participants should be in good physical condition. Get started with a Trip Application. Please Contact Us if you have questions.

Pricing – $USD

Your Group – Private Training

  • $2,500 Instructor Fee + vessel charter price
  • Catamaran or monohull charter price varies by boat and season (The Moorings)
  • 3-4 or fewer can join on the school’s monohull.
  • Contact us for a quote.

Take a Cabin on a Scheduled Training Cruise

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 days prior to departure date.

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 days prior to departure date.

Payment Options and Cancellation

Travel Planning

  • Generally, a direct flight on Alaska Airlines from Los Angeles (LAX) to La Paz (LAP) is easier.
  • If you fly in to Cabo San Lucas (SJD), EcoBaja Tours provides low cost comfortable shuttle round trip to and from the Cabo airport and La Paz – see the Travel Details page.
  • The Hotel Indigo and the Marriott Courtyard La Paz are two very nice hotels right at the Marina. AirBnB and other hotels are plentiful in La Paz.
  • 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 days prior to departure date. Please see Payment Options.
  • Please see our Cancellation Policy. By paying for your class, you agree to this Cancellation Policy.

Registration

Step One in applying to participate in a Santana Sailing training trip is to fill out the Sailing Adventure Online Application. This will help us to better determine your needs, qualifications, and compatibility with Santana Sailing and its mission. We will contact you after reviewing your application to discuss and confirm your sail training objectives, travel arrangements, and the next steps including your deposit for the trip.

Fill out a Trip Application

Contact us with questions…

Fill out the form below or contact us directly at SetSail@SantanaSailing.com or 949-939-8123

Course Registration Form
First
Last