SEA OF CORTEZ / MIDRIFF ISLANDS
8 days / 7 nights / 6 days of diving
Imagine yourself immersed in a world teeming with life, a vibrant underwater ballet unfolding before your eyes. This isn't a dream; it's the Sea of Cortez, a place Jacques Cousteau famously dubbed the "world's aquarium." Adventure awaits beneath the surface in the warm embrace of the Mexican sun.
Picture this: You descend into the nutrient-rich waters, where pristine walls explode with color. See the regal king angelfish, the endemic Cortez angelfish, dozens of triggerfish, and the schools of other fish as they shimmer and swirl, a kaleidoscope of marine diversity. Fields of black coral create an ethereal and otherworldly landscape. Playful sea lions, with their curious eyes and acrobatic antics, invite you to share their underwater playground. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the many rays and eels while octopuses, masters of disguise, blend into the rocks upon which they sit.
On the surface, stay alert for mobula rays leaping from the water in a breathtaking aerial display, a dance of nature you won't soon forget. The Captain stays alert to tell you when we come across giant pods of dolphins, fin, sperm, or pilot whales. You may even see the powerful dorsal fin of an orca in the distance. And don't forget that we stop at Bahia de Los Angeles to snorkel with whale sharks, these gentle filter feeders, as they glide effortlessly through the water.
But the magic of the Sea of Cortez isn't just about the big encounters. It's in the details, too.
For macro photographers, the Sea of Cortez is a paradise. Vibrant nudibranchs crawl across the reef in a rainbow of hues while colorful blennies peek out from their rocky homes. Watch closely; you might spot dancing jawfish or the elusive seahorse clinging delicately to a swaying strand of seaweed.
The Sea of Cortez is more than just a dive destination; it's an experience that awakens your senses and connects you with the wonders of the natural world. It is where the desert meets the sea, where the stars seem so close at night you can touch them. Enjoy all this and more in comfort aboard one of our two vessels, Rocio del Mar and Quino del Mar. Both boats feature ten cabins, accommodating 20 divers, each with an ensuite bathroom. Our expert crew is dedicated to ensuring a safe and fun experience, from providing top-notch dive guidance to creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere onboard. And between dives, you'll savor delicious cuisine prepared with fresh, local ingredients, adding another layer of enjoyment to your adventure.
Join us and discover the magic of this underwater Eden for yourself.
This itinerary is excellent for snorkelers.
ITINERARY
8 Days / 7 Nights / 6 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 - Isla Ángel de la Guarda / 3 dives and a night dive
Day 4 - Isla San Pedro Mártir / 3-4 dives
Day 5 - Isla San Pedro Mártir / 3-4 dives
Day 6 - Isla Salsipuedes / Isla Las Ánimas / 3 dives and a night dive
Day 7 - Bahía de los Ángeles / 2 dives / Snorkel with whale sharks
Day 8 - Arrive in Puerto Peñasco and disembark at 7:30 am
AVERAGE WATER TEMPERATURES
One of the most popular questions we receive about the Sea of Cortez is about water temperature!
The Sea of Cortez is a very seasonal sea which means it changes rapidly based on the seasons. Our trips begin in early July where the temperatures are approximately 74-78 degrees Fahrenheit. It increases by about 2 degrees Fahrenheit every week and tops off at about 85 degrees mid-August and remains there until about mid-September. After mid-September, the temperatures drop an average of 2 degrees Fahrenheit every week.
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 last long.
RATES
2025 / 2026
Rocio del Mar & Quino del Mar
$3095 per person, double occupancy
2027 / 2028
Rocio del Mar & Quino del Mar
$3195 per person, double 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 - 230 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