"Let us go...into the Sea of Cortez, realizing that we will become forever a part of it."
In spring 2027, the Western Flyer is returning to Mexico’s Gulf of California—and you’re invited to be part of the journey.
Following the success of our 2025 voyage with UnCruise Adventures’ Safari Voyager, supporters of the Western Flyer Foundation are invited to join a rare ten-night expedition—traveling alongside the Western Flyer as it revisits the waters and sites of the 1940 journey.
Guests will experience the Gulf not simply as travelers, but as participants in an unfolding expedition—observing science in action and spending time with the team carrying forward the Western Flyer’s legacy of discovery.
Spend your days exploring the Gulf—tidepooling, snorkeling, hiking, or reading on deck—and your evenings unwinding with a drink in hand as the sun sets over the Western Flyer among remote island anchorages.
Throughout the journey, guests will have opportunities to:
- Explore tidepools and coastal ecosystems alongside marine scientists, echoing the work of Ed Ricketts and John Steinbeck.
- Choose from daily UnCruise expedition activities, including hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, skiff excursions, paddle boarding, guided coastal exploration, and more.
- Gather for daily readings and reflections of The Log from the Sea of Cortez, led by Steinbeck scholar Susan Shillinglaw, experienced in the very waters that inspired it
- Attend evening talks that weave together the day’s discoveries, the Gulf’s natural and cultural history, and the enduring legacy of Steinbeck, Ricketts, and the Western Flyer
- Experience the richness of the Gulf’s wildlife, with whales, dolphins, seabirds, and other marine life encountered throughout the journey
As the Safari Voyager travels through the islands and wild coastlines of the Gulf of California, the Western Flyer will sail alongside, actively conducting research. Guests will have repeated opportunities to step aboard, meet the scientists and crew, and witness ocean exploration in action—bringing the spirit of discovery to life aboard one of the world’s most storied research vessels.
Built in Tacoma in 1937, the Western Flyer became part of literary and scientific history during the 1940 expedition that inspired The Log from the Sea of Cortez.
After decades as a working fishing vessel—and even two sinkings—it was rescued and meticulously restored. Today, it serves once again as a floating platform for marine science research and education.
The Western Flyer Foundation now stewards the vessel, bringing scientists, students, and coastal communities together through research expeditions, hands-on education, and public programs.
“The return voyage of the Western Flyer in tandem with Uncruise was a life altering experience with no regrets...It will remain a cherished memory taking a top place in a lifetime of travel and exploration.”
“Fulfillment of a lifelong wish to experience the Sea of Cortez in the spirit of the original expedition. Everything came together on the voyage to honor that quest and fill us with joy.”
“It was a trip of a lifetime; this trip was on my bucket list for more than ten years. I'm so glad I got to do it.”
Support the Western Flyer Foundation
Participation in this voyage helps power the Western Flyer’s research and education programs, supporting work that connects science, history, and community.
Your participation helps support:
- Hands-on ocean science education for students in Mexico and the United States
- Marine science research in the Gulf of California
- The ongoing operation, maintenance, and care of the historic Western Flyer
- New collaborations among scientists, educators, and coastal communities
How Participation Works
Participation requires two steps.
1) Donation to the Western Flyer Foundation
This donation secures participation in the Western Flyer-Safari Voyager expedition program.
- $10,000 per cabin (double occupancy)
- $7,500 per cabin (single occupancy)
2) Reserve Your Cabin with UnCruise Adventures
Guests also reserve a cabin aboard the expedition vessel Safari Voyager.
Cabin fares range from approximately:
- $7,000 – $18,900 per person
(depending on cabin category)
Cabin fares are paid directly to UnCruise Adventures and are not tax-deductible.
Reserve Your Place
Space is limited!
Step 1
Make your Western Flyer Foundation reservation donation online, or by check, donor-advised fund (DAF), stock transfer, or other method.
Questions about the donation? Contact:
Sherry Flumerfelt
Western Flyer Foundation
sherry@westernflyer.org
(831) 200-8259
Step 2
Contact UnCruise Adventures to select your cabin.
Aline Burchfield
UnCruise Adventures
alineb@uncruise.com
(206) 737-5703
