Experience what very few people have - a journey where there are no roads, very few people, and almost no boats. At night you hear something splashing. It could be anything - dolphins, marlin, a school of bonitos? Then you hear a huge sound of blowing and water spouting. It's a whale! You can't see him, but he sounds big. At a distance, you hear sea lions and pelicans. What a splendid way to end a magnificent day.
During the day we move from one island to the next, diving 3 to 4 times daily. If you wish to hike the remote islands during surface intervals, there is always a dinghy available to take you to shore. Kayaks are also always available for a serene cruise around the islands.
Exploring one island to the next is a magical experience - one that will linger in your memory for years to come. The Sea of Cortez remains a secret oasis where the desert meets the sea.
The biodiversity between the Northern and Southern Sea of Cortez is incredible. The sea life we witness on the surface from the boat, dinghies or snorkeling is fantastic. There's potential to see dolphins, sea lions, pilot, humpback, blue, fin, sei, orca, and sperm whales. Also, flying mantas, blue and brown-footed boobies, cormorants, frigate birds, and the endemic yellow-footed gull.
Diving Conditions In October
Average water temperatures in October are in the low to mid-80s. A full 3mm wetsuit is recommended. Although the conditions in the Sea of Cortez are mostly calm, there are times that the sea is rough. Please be prepared for this type of situation and bring sea sickness medication if necessary.
Three meals per day, snacks, beverages including soft drinks, juice, domestic beer & wine
3-4 dives per day; tanks, weights & weight belts are provided
Activities included: Diving, hiking, kayaking, snorkeling & several land excursions exploring small towns & missions
16% Mexican tax
Port fees
Exclusions
Airfare
Airport transfers - $140 per person for the arranged group shuttle from Puerto Penasco to PHX Airport at the start of the trip, around $60 per person for a taxi from SJD Airport to Puerto Los Cabos at the end of the trip
Marine park fees ($140, subject to change)
Nitrox ($140)
Dive insurance
Gratuity
Fuel surcharge. Rocio has never charged a fuel surcharge to date but reserves the right to implement a fuel surcharge on all trips in the event the cost of fuel surpasses 20 pesos per liter. Should this occur, all guests will be notified prior to boarding.
This trip is a DIVE TRIP WITH PHOTO SUPPORT. It will be led by an experienced photographer who is available to provide ad hoc guidance on all elements of your photography, as needed. While this trip will provide an abundance of photo opportunities, there are no planned tutorials or instructional workshops. If you would like more formal photography instruction, check out our Photography Workshops. Our Dive Trips with Photo Support are a great option for photographers and non-photographers, alike.
Download our full scuba gear guide to Baja, Bluewater Travel guests receive 10% OFF! Click the image below to download (PDF).
Sample Itinerary
This is a sample itinerary from Puerto Penasco to San Jose del Cabo, subject to weather and other conditions.
Day 1 - Board the boat at 5 pm. Depart from San Jose del Cabo around 6 pm.
Day 2 - Check out dive at Punta Prieta in San Gabriel Bay, part of Espiritu Santo Island, and diving Fang Ming wreck and Salvaterra wreck.
Day 3 - Dive at La Reyna, a great spot for sea lions, a school of barracuda, and occasionally oceanic manta rays.
Day 4 - Los Islotes, in the northern part of Espiritu Santo Island. Dive with the friendliest sea lion colony in the Sea of Cortez. Depending on weather and ocean conditions (visibility and current), we hope to dive "El Bajo", known for big schools of hammerheads. At night we will do the spectacular mobula night dive!
Day 5 - Las Animas, near San José Island. Great dives on the east and north pinnacles and afternoon diving at San Dieguito for a 3pm dive followed by a night dive.
Day 6 - Danzante Island, part of Parque Nacional Bahía de Loreto. Dive at Submarino, Silhouette, and the artificial wreck, C-54 Agustin Melgar. Afternoon hike at Honeymoon Beach.
Day 7 - Parque Nacional Bahía de Loreto, visiting Coronado Island: macro and sea lions. We do 3 dives and then a nice evening with dinner in Loreto.
Day 8 - San Ildelfonso Island where we will do 3 dives. Don't miss the Green Moray City!
Day 9 - San Pedro Martir Island. Enjoy fabulous diving with sea lions, incredible black coral fields, and some of the best macro of the Midriff Islands. (3-4 dives).
Day 10 - An early dive at San Pedro Martir, followed by whale watching crossing to Sal Si Puedes area. A 3pm dive at Lavadero in Las Animas Island in the chain of San Lorenzo - Las Animas - Sal Si Puedes. Night dive at the same location.
Day 11 - Sal Si Puedes: Some of the best macro diving along the Sea of Cortez at El Caballo, Los Cuervos and La Corona.
Day 12 - Wake up on the east coast of Baja California and dive El Pescador or Punta Don Juan. After breakfast, snorkeling with Whale Sharks at Bahía de Los Angeles. At 2 pm, the boat will start motoring to Puerto Penasco.
Day 13 - Arrive at Puerto Penasco and disembark at 7 am.
Launching in July 2025, the Quino del Mar is one owned by one of the top dive operators specializing in trips to the Sea of Cortez and Socorro Islands in Mexico. This 89-foot liveaboard yacht offers 10 cabins for up to 20 divers.
Quino del Mar's Key Features
What excites us about the Quino del Mar liveaboard is the promise of knowledgeable and friendly dive staff, exceptional stability for navigating the often-rough waters to the Socorro Islands, mouthwatering Mexican cuisine, and ample space designed for underwater photographers to set up their gear. This liveaboard is shaping up to be a dream for avid divers and underwater photographers eager to explore Socorro and the Sea of Cortez!
Check out our walkthrough video of the Quino del Mar!
Guests on this trip will need to fly into San Jose del Cabo Airport (code SJD) and take a taxi to the Marina Puerto Los Cabos. The boat is located by the Hotel El Ganzo. Boarding time is at 5 pm.
Note: Guests arriving early may avail of day passes at Hotel El Ganzo, where they can spend time before boarding at 5 pm. There's an area for storing luggage and restrooms for changing. First come, first served, but guests can email the hotel before arriving.
Rooftop Pool - 1000 pesos, guests can use up to 750 pesos as a food and beverage credit
Beach Club - 750 pesos, guests can use the whole amount as a food and beverage credit
RETURN:
Explore Baja South to North trips will end in Puerto Penasco. The boat returns to the Marina during the evening and a continental breakfast will be provided the last morning of the trip - guests must disembark by 7 am. The closest airport for departure flights is in Phoenix, Arizona and a shuttle will take guests from the boat to the airport. The shuttle ride is approximately 4 hours and costs $140 one-way. Book return flights any time after 1 pm.
Head Out To Rocky Point offers a shuttle service between the boat and Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. It takes approximately 3.5-4 hours. The cost is $140 per person, one way. On disembarkation day the shuttle departs the boat at 7am. We recommend you book your flight no earlier than 2pm if flying on the same day.
Book the one-way Head Out to Rocky Point Shuttle - Click Here
Flight Package
Our group trips attract guests from all over the globe and many of our customers prefer to book their own flights to take advantage of mileage points or credit card discounts. For these reasons, flights are not included in our group trip packages.
However, we are more than happy to work with you to find the best travel itinerary for your trip and will gladly give suggestions and advice, even if you make the final booking. We will check through your travel reservations at any time to ensure they fit with the trip schedule and can give recommendations on transit hotels and day tours where needed.
If you would like us to book flights and transit hotels for domestic and/or international travel on your behalf, we are also happy to arrange this. Please be advised that there is a ticketing fee for this service. Contact Us for more information.
We can help with that! See more of Mexico before or after your trip with Bluewater in Baja. Flying all that way merits a multi-destination vacation! La Paz is an amazing destination nearby that offers a range of additional unique experiences. Here are some examples of packages we can add on to your trip reservation.
*Rates are subject to change at any time; please contact us for the most updated pricing.
7 Nights at the 5 Star Costa Baja Resort & Spa
Prices start at $2,087 per person based upon double occupancy.
The Hotel CostaBaja Resort & Spa is the first and only luxury hotel & spa in the city of La Paz. This boutique hotel offers a selection of ocean, mountain and marina views. North of the hotel is Espiritu Santo Island, where you will find the greatest marine life in the world and the best sport fishing within Baja Sur.
7 nights in a king or twin room
Full buffet breakfasts
5 days of 3 tank dives
Lunches & drinks on the boat
National park permit fees
Roundtrip Cabo transfers
Free WiFi: Yes
Swimming Pool: Yes
Costa Baja Resort & Spa
7 Nights at the 3 Star La Concha Beach Resort
Prices start at $1,803 per person based upon double occupancy.
A beach resort offering a peaceful and mellow atmosphere on the Sea of Cortez. Over a hundred sea view rooms are featured in La Concha Beach Resort. Located in front of the ocean and with full view to the beach and pool, the accommodations include from essential details to luxury amenities.
7 nights in a king or twin sea view room
Full American breakfasts
5 days of 3 tank dives
Lunches & drinks on the boat
National park permit fees
Roundtrip Cabo transfers
Free WiFi: Yes
Swimming Pool: Yes
La Concha Beach Resort
7 Nights at the 4 Star Hotel Catedral
Prices start at $1,670 per person based upon double occupancy.
Hotel Catedral La Paz is a new concept of accommodation to suit the needs of today's travelers. It is part of the historic center of the city, surrounded by major attractions next to Our Cathedral Lady of La Paz. With its sophisticated contemporary modernist architecture, Hotel Catedral La Paz it focuses on every detail to offer its guests an excellent service and quality, both in the rooms and its gourmet restaurant.
Experience what very few people have - a journey where there are no roads, very few people, and almost no boats. At night you hear something splashing. It could be anything - dolphins, marlin, a school of bonitos? Then you hear a huge sound of blowing and water spouting. It's a whale! You can't see him, but he sounds big. At a distance, you hear sea lions and pelicans. What a splendid way to end a magnificent day.
During the day we move from one island to the next, diving 3 to 4 times daily. If you wish to hike the remote islands during surface intervals, there is always a dinghy available to take you to shore. Kayaks are also always available for a serene cruise around the islands.
Exploring one island to the next is a magical experience - one that will linger in your memory for years to come. The Sea of Cortez remains a secret oasis where the desert meets the sea.
The biodiversity between the Northern and Southern Sea of Cortez is incredible. The sea life we witness on the surface from the boat, dinghies or snorkeling is fantastic. There's potential to see dolphins, sea lions, pilot, humpback, blue, fin, sei, orca, and sperm whales. Also, flying mantas, blue and brown-footed boobies, cormorants, frigate birds, and the endemic yellow-footed gull.
Diving Conditions In October
Average water temperatures in October are in the low to mid-80s. A full 3mm wetsuit is recommended. Although the conditions in the Sea of Cortez are mostly calm, there are times that the sea is rough. Please be prepared for this type of situation and bring sea sickness medication if necessary.
Three meals per day, snacks, beverages including soft drinks, juice, domestic beer & wine
3-4 dives per day; tanks, weights & weight belts are provided
Activities included: Diving, hiking, kayaking, snorkeling & several land excursions exploring small towns & missions
16% Mexican tax
Port fees
Exclusions
Airfare
Airport transfers - $140 per person for the arranged group shuttle from Puerto Penasco to PHX Airport at the start of the trip, around $60 per person for a taxi from SJD Airport to Puerto Los Cabos at the end of the trip
Marine park fees ($140, subject to change)
Nitrox ($140)
Dive insurance
Gratuity
Fuel surcharge. Rocio has never charged a fuel surcharge to date but reserves the right to implement a fuel surcharge on all trips in the event the cost of fuel surpasses 20 pesos per liter. Should this occur, all guests will be notified prior to boarding.
This trip is a DIVE TRIP WITH PHOTO SUPPORT. It will be led by an experienced photographer who is available to provide ad hoc guidance on all elements of your photography, as needed. While this trip will provide an abundance of photo opportunities, there are no planned tutorials or instructional workshops. If you would like more formal photography instruction, check out our Photography Workshops. Our Dive Trips with Photo Support are a great option for photographers and non-photographers, alike.
Download our full scuba gear guide to Baja, Bluewater Travel guests receive 10% OFF! Click the image below to download (PDF).
Sample Itinerary
This is a sample itinerary from Puerto Penasco to San Jose del Cabo, subject to weather and other conditions.
Day 1 - Board the boat at 5 pm. Depart from San Jose del Cabo around 6 pm.
Day 2 - Check out dive at Punta Prieta in San Gabriel Bay, part of Espiritu Santo Island, and diving Fang Ming wreck and Salvaterra wreck.
Day 3 - Dive at La Reyna, a great spot for sea lions, a school of barracuda, and occasionally oceanic manta rays.
Day 4 - Los Islotes, in the northern part of Espiritu Santo Island. Dive with the friendliest sea lion colony in the Sea of Cortez. Depending on weather and ocean conditions (visibility and current), we hope to dive "El Bajo", known for big schools of hammerheads. At night we will do the spectacular mobula night dive!
Day 5 - Las Animas, near San José Island. Great dives on the east and north pinnacles and afternoon diving at San Dieguito for a 3pm dive followed by a night dive.
Day 6 - Danzante Island, part of Parque Nacional Bahía de Loreto. Dive at Submarino, Silhouette, and the artificial wreck, C-54 Agustin Melgar. Afternoon hike at Honeymoon Beach.
Day 7 - Parque Nacional Bahía de Loreto, visiting Coronado Island: macro and sea lions. We do 3 dives and then a nice evening with dinner in Loreto.
Day 8 - San Ildelfonso Island where we will do 3 dives. Don't miss the Green Moray City!
Day 9 - San Pedro Martir Island. Enjoy fabulous diving with sea lions, incredible black coral fields, and some of the best macro of the Midriff Islands. (3-4 dives).
Day 10 - An early dive at San Pedro Martir, followed by whale watching crossing to Sal Si Puedes area. A 3pm dive at Lavadero in Las Animas Island in the chain of San Lorenzo - Las Animas - Sal Si Puedes. Night dive at the same location.
Day 11 - Sal Si Puedes: Some of the best macro diving along the Sea of Cortez at El Caballo, Los Cuervos and La Corona.
Day 12 - Wake up on the east coast of Baja California and dive El Pescador or Punta Don Juan. After breakfast, snorkeling with Whale Sharks at Bahía de Los Angeles. At 2 pm, the boat will start motoring to Puerto Penasco.
Day 13 - Arrive at Puerto Penasco and disembark at 7 am.
Launching in July 2025, the Quino del Mar is one owned by one of the top dive operators specializing in trips to the Sea of Cortez and Socorro Islands in Mexico. This 89-foot liveaboard yacht offers 10 cabins for up to 20 divers.
Quino del Mar's Key Features
What excites us about the Quino del Mar liveaboard is the promise of knowledgeable and friendly dive staff, exceptional stability for navigating the often-rough waters to the Socorro Islands, mouthwatering Mexican cuisine, and ample space designed for underwater photographers to set up their gear. This liveaboard is shaping up to be a dream for avid divers and underwater photographers eager to explore Socorro and the Sea of Cortez!
Check out our walkthrough video of the Quino del Mar!
Guests on this trip will need to fly into San Jose del Cabo Airport (code SJD) and take a taxi to the Marina Puerto Los Cabos. The boat is located by the Hotel El Ganzo. Boarding time is at 5 pm.
Note: Guests arriving early may avail of day passes at Hotel El Ganzo, where they can spend time before boarding at 5 pm. There's an area for storing luggage and restrooms for changing. First come, first served, but guests can email the hotel before arriving.
Rooftop Pool - 1000 pesos, guests can use up to 750 pesos as a food and beverage credit
Beach Club - 750 pesos, guests can use the whole amount as a food and beverage credit
RETURN:
Explore Baja South to North trips will end in Puerto Penasco. The boat returns to the Marina during the evening and a continental breakfast will be provided the last morning of the trip - guests must disembark by 7 am. The closest airport for departure flights is in Phoenix, Arizona and a shuttle will take guests from the boat to the airport. The shuttle ride is approximately 4 hours and costs $140 one-way. Book return flights any time after 1 pm.
Head Out To Rocky Point offers a shuttle service between the boat and Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. It takes approximately 3.5-4 hours. The cost is $140 per person, one way. On disembarkation day the shuttle departs the boat at 7am. We recommend you book your flight no earlier than 2pm if flying on the same day.
Book the one-way Head Out to Rocky Point Shuttle - Click Here
Flight Package
Our group trips attract guests from all over the globe and many of our customers prefer to book their own flights to take advantage of mileage points or credit card discounts. For these reasons, flights are not included in our group trip packages.
However, we are more than happy to work with you to find the best travel itinerary for your trip and will gladly give suggestions and advice, even if you make the final booking. We will check through your travel reservations at any time to ensure they fit with the trip schedule and can give recommendations on transit hotels and day tours where needed.
If you would like us to book flights and transit hotels for domestic and/or international travel on your behalf, we are also happy to arrange this. Please be advised that there is a ticketing fee for this service. Contact Us for more information.
We can help with that! See more of Mexico before or after your trip with Bluewater in Baja. Flying all that way merits a multi-destination vacation! La Paz is an amazing destination nearby that offers a range of additional unique experiences. Here are some examples of packages we can add on to your trip reservation.
*Rates are subject to change at any time; please contact us for the most updated pricing.
7 Nights at the 5 Star Costa Baja Resort & Spa
Prices start at $2,087 per person based upon double occupancy.
The Hotel CostaBaja Resort & Spa is the first and only luxury hotel & spa in the city of La Paz. This boutique hotel offers a selection of ocean, mountain and marina views. North of the hotel is Espiritu Santo Island, where you will find the greatest marine life in the world and the best sport fishing within Baja Sur.
7 nights in a king or twin room
Full buffet breakfasts
5 days of 3 tank dives
Lunches & drinks on the boat
National park permit fees
Roundtrip Cabo transfers
Free WiFi: Yes
Swimming Pool: Yes
Costa Baja Resort & Spa
7 Nights at the 3 Star La Concha Beach Resort
Prices start at $1,803 per person based upon double occupancy.
A beach resort offering a peaceful and mellow atmosphere on the Sea of Cortez. Over a hundred sea view rooms are featured in La Concha Beach Resort. Located in front of the ocean and with full view to the beach and pool, the accommodations include from essential details to luxury amenities.
7 nights in a king or twin sea view room
Full American breakfasts
5 days of 3 tank dives
Lunches & drinks on the boat
National park permit fees
Roundtrip Cabo transfers
Free WiFi: Yes
Swimming Pool: Yes
La Concha Beach Resort
7 Nights at the 4 Star Hotel Catedral
Prices start at $1,670 per person based upon double occupancy.
Hotel Catedral La Paz is a new concept of accommodation to suit the needs of today's travelers. It is part of the historic center of the city, surrounded by major attractions next to Our Cathedral Lady of La Paz. With its sophisticated contemporary modernist architecture, Hotel Catedral La Paz it focuses on every detail to offer its guests an excellent service and quality, both in the rooms and its gourmet restaurant.
