SEA OF CORTEZ / EXPLORE BAJA
September and October
Explore over 700 miles of the Sea of Cortez, starting at one end of Baja and ending at the other. Experience the magic of the Midriff Islands combined with the clear, warm waters of the south. We never know what will come our way on this adventure!
Each day you will awake to a fantastic sunrise amongst some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, with clear skies, deep blue seas, and terrain only millions of years could create. Enjoy three to four dives daily as we move from island to island. Dive on untouched walls and reefs abounding in marine life. The north is a macro photographer's dream with nudibranchs, colorful blennies, dancing jawfish, and sea horses. Encounter large and small whale species, snorkel with whale sharks, see jumping mobula rays, dive with playful sea lion colonies and countless eels, octopus, fish, and jumping mobula rays.
The biodiversity between the northern and southern Sea of Cortez is incredible, and diving the entire Baja is spectacular! The sea life we witness on the surface from the boat, pangas, or snorkeling is fantastic. We can see dolphins, sea lions, pilot whales, humpback whales, fin whales, sperm whales, orcas, and mobula rays. We also have incredible birds, including blue and brown-footed boobie birds, cormorants, frigate birds, and the endemic yellow-footed gulls.
In the south, we dive the national park in Loreto and dive with beautiful tropical fish. If you wish to hike the remote islands during surface intervals, a panga is always available to take you to shore. We also have kayaks to take a serene cruise around the islands. Between activities, get spoiled with excellent meals and the best crew in the industry.
This itinerary is excellent for snorkelers.
ITINERARY
Our Explore Baja destination truly is an exploration. The below itinerary is a guideline only as, truly, anything can happen and flexibility will help you to enjoy this adventure to its fullest. We always want to be open-minded so that we can take advantage of what nature brings our way!
Puerto Peñasco to San José del Cabo
13 days / 12 nights / 11 Days of Diving
Below is our scheduled diving itinerary. Weather and sea conditions may alter this itinerary, and if unique animal sightings arise, we may suggest options to divers.
Day 1 - Embark at 5 pm in Puerto Peñasco / Dinner and departure at approximately 7 pm
Day 2 - Isla Ángel de la Guarda / 3 dives / Sunset cruise with sea lions
Day 3 - Bahía de los Ángeles / 2 dives / Snorkel with whale sharks
Day 4 - Isla Salsipuedes / Isla Las Ánimas / 3-4 dives
Day 5 - Isla San Pedro Mártir / 3-4 dives
Day 6 - Isla San Ildefonso / 3-4 dives
Day 7 - Isla Coronado / 4 dives
Day 8 - Isla Danzante / 3 dives / Afternoon hike at Honeymoon Beach
Day 9 - Isla Las Ánimas / 3-4 dives
Day 10 - Isla Espiritu Santo / 3 dives and night dive with mobula rays
Day 11 - Isla Espiritu Santo and wrecks Salvaterra and Fang / 3-4 dives
Day 12 - Isla Cerralvo, also known as Jacques Cousteau Island / 3-4 dives
Day 13 - Arrive in San José del Cabo and disembark at 8:30 am
San José del Cabo to Puerto Peñasco
13 days / 12 nights / 11 Days of Diving
Below is our scheduled diving itinerary. Weather and sea conditions may alter this itinerary, and if unique animal sightings arise, we may suggest options to divers.
Day 1 - Embark in San José del Cabo / Dinner and departure at approximately 7 pm
Day 2 - Isla Cerralvo, also known as Jacques Cousteau Island / 3-4 dives
Day 3 - Isla Espiritu Santo and wrecks Salvaterra and Fang / 3-4 dives
Day 4 - Isla Espiritu Santo / 3 dives and night dive with mobula rays
Day 5 - Isla Las Ánimas / 3-4 dives
Day 6 - Isla Danzante / 3 dives and an afternoon hike at Honeymoon Beach
Day 7 - Isla Coronado / 4 dives
Day 8 - Isla San Ildefonso / 3-4 dives
Day 9 - Isla San Pedro Mártir / 3-4 dives
Day 10 - Isla Salsipuedes / Isla Las Ánimas
Day 11 - Isla Ángel de la Guarda / 3 dives with a sunset cruise with sea lions
Day 12 - Bahía de los Ángeles / 2 dives / Snorkel with whale sharks
Day 13 - Disembark at 8:30 am in Puerto Peñasco
AVERAGE WATER TEMPERATURES
One of the most popular questions we receive is about water temperature!
The Sea of Cortez is a very seasonal sea which means it changes rapidly based on the seasons. For trips in September, temperatures range from 76-78 degrees Fahrenheit in the north and warms as we go south. In October, the south remains in the low 80's and the northern temperatures can go as low as 72-24.
The Sea of Cortez has vertical thermoclines! You can see the water shimmer before you feel it. There are cool as well as warm currents. During a single dive, experiencing a temperature difference of 10 degrees is quite normal. But don't worry, the cool thermoclines don't usually last long.
RATES
2024
Rocio del Mar / $4695 per person, double occupancy
Quino el Guardian / $3795 per person, quad occupancy
2025 / 2026
Rocio del Mar / $4895 per person, double occupancy
Quino el Guardian / $3895 per person, quad occupancy
Prices include all taxes, port fees, meals, beverages, tanks, weights, and complimentary beer and wine. The only things not included are:
National Park Fee - 100 pesos per day of diving*
Nitrox Fee - $140
Transfers to and from the boat
Crew gratuity (typically 10%-15% of the fare)
*Park fee is subject to change without notice