SEA OF CORTEZ / SOUTHERN SAFARI
September / October / December
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. The Sea of Cortez, also known as the Gulf of California, is a strip of water separated from the Pacific Ocean by the Baja Peninsula. This isolation, on land and underwater, provides a unique series of contrasting ecosystems, from the vast solitude of the desert to the rich underwater realms and black coral gardens.
Surrender to the allure of the Sea of Cortez, where six days of underwater enchantment await. Lose yourself in vibrant coral gardens teeming with tropical fish, swim alongside graceful mobula rays and playful sea lions, and witness the mesmerizing dance of octopuses and eels. Encounter gentle sea turtles and graceful rays, and be captivated by giant pods of dolphins and breaching whales. Explore hidden coves, dive historic wrecks, and experience the magic of a night dive with mobula rays. This is more than just a dive trip; it's a love affair with the sea, a journey into the heart of a vibrant ecosystem where every moment is filled with wonder and enchantment.
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 Quino del Mar featuring 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.
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 in San José del Cabo / Dinner and departure at approximately 7 pm
Day 2 - Isla Espiritu Santo and mobula ray night dive / 3-4 dives
Day 3 - Isla Las Ánimas / 3-4 dives
Day 4 - Isla Danzante and Isla San Francisquito
Day 5 - Isla El Bajo Seco and Isla San Francisquito / 3-4 dives
Day 6 - Isla Los Islotes and wrecks Salvaterra and Fang / 3-4 dives
Day 7 - Isla Cerralvo, also known as Jacques Cousteau Island / 3-4 dives
Day 8 - Arrival in San Jose del Cabo and disembark at 8:30 am
AVERAGE WATER TEMPERATURES
One of the most popular questions we receive about the Sea of Cortez is about water temperature! We anticipate 85-88 degrees Fahrenheit for trips in September and October. In December, it will be closer to 80 degrees.
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
WHAT THE PRICE INCLUDES & DOES NOT INCLUDE
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