SEA OF CORTEZ / MIDRIFF ISLANDS
July through September
Did you know you can fly to Phoenix and within four hours be boarding a boat to one of the most remote places in the world? A world with no planes, very few boats, clear skies, and amazing sunsets. Under the surface lie deep waters and abundant sea life.
The Sea of Cortez, known as the Gulf of California, is a breathtaking destination for scuba diving, snorkeling, and exploration. Legendary diver Jacques Cousteau described the Sea of Cortez as the "world's aquarium". Dive on untouched walls and reefs abounding in marine life. Encounter large and small whale species, snorkel with whale sharks, dive with playful sea lion colonies, and see countless eels, octopus, fish, and jumping mobula rays. It's a macro photographer's dream with nudibranchs, colorful blennies, dancing jawfish, and sea horses.
Between dives, you can hike and explore remote uninhabited islets. At night you can gaze at the Milky Way. Give us one week and we will help you create a lifetime of memories while forging new friendships. You will dine on incredible cuisine and enjoy the friendly service that has made many of our guests come diving with us again and again.
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
2024
Rocio del Mar / $2995 per person, double occupancy
Quino el Guardian / $2400 per person, quad occupancy
2025 / 2026
Rocio del Mar / $3095 per person, double occupancy
Quino el Guardian / $2500 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 - 115 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