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Dive the World’s Aquarium in the Sea of Cortez
Join Dan’s Dive Shop from October 3 – 15, 2027 as we embark on a 13-day odyssey, 700-mile exploration of the Sea of Cortez. Jacques Cousteau’s legendary “world’s aquarium.”
This isn’t just a dive trip; it’s an immersion into a realm of unparalleled marine biodiversity. An adventure that will resonate with you long after you’ve returned to dry land.
About the Sea of Cortez
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.
This is a true expedition, as we dive from one end of the Sea of Cortez from North to South. Descend into the nutrient-rich waters, where pristine walls explode with colour and masssive schools of fish, rays, turtles and playful sea lions.
Stop at Bahia de Los Angeles to snorkel alongside whale sharks, these gentle filter feeders, as they glide effortlessly through the water.
Explore the ghostly remains of two shipwrecks, now vibrant artificial reefs teeming with life. Night dive, where powerful lights attract swarms of mobula rays, creating an unforgettable spectacle.
We’ll also dive with sea lions at remarkable sites like Los Islotes, and if we are lucky, we can witness the awe-inspiring sight of schooling hammerhead sharks. The remote islands offer opportunities for hikes between surface intervals, with spectacular views of the rugged coastline.
When you’re not exploring these underwater wonders, you’ll be doing so in comfort aboard Quino del Mar, features 10 cabins, accommodating 20 divers, each with the privacy of an ensuite bathroom. And between dives, you’ll savor delicious cuisine prepared with fresh, local ingredients, adding another layer of enjoyment to your adventure.
Join us for this unforgettable 13-day exploration and discover the magic of the Sea of Cortez for yourself.
Explore Baja Trip Itinerary
Departing from Puerto Peñasco and arriving in San José del Cabo.
13 days / 12 nights / 11 Days of Diving
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 Ming / 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
Diving in the Sea of Cortez
Divers can expect to do up to 3-4 dives per day including night dives. Diving is from two 18′ Achilles inflatable pangas with sturdy, easy-to-use ladders. Entries are backwards roll and you remove your gear before boarding. The boat’s crew will assist you with exiting the water and cameras and dive guides are provided inwater in small groups.
Diving can be challenging, and we suggest that all divers be in good health, dive regularly, have good buoyancy and have been diving recently before the trip.
Minimum Advanced certification and 30 logged dives recommended.
Included are 80 cubic ft. aluminum tanks that are both DIN & yoke compatible, as well as weights and belts.
The dive deck is well-organized. Each diver gets assigned a dive station and there is a spacious camera table with many power outlets and compressed air.
WATER TEMPERATURES you can expect temperatures between 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. 3mm – 5mm wetsuit recommended.
Quino Del Mar Liveaboard
Newly built in 2025, the Quino Del Mar is a 118’ liveaboard with built-in stabilizers and is designed for divers. It can comfortably hold 20 divers in 10 Private Staterooms each with ensuite bathrooms.
MAIN DECK has a dining room, spacious salon and large dive deck with fully-equipped camera table plus two bathrooms and freshwater showers. UPPER DECK has 8 of the cabins plus a shaded patio area for relaxing. TOP DECK has a shaded sundeck with deck chairs for relaxing between dives.
MEALS are included and prepared fresh onboard by talented chefs. This boat is known for its fantastic culinary delights. Every day include continental breakfast followed by a post dive hot breakfast. Hot lunches and snacks every afternoon. And for dinner guests enjoy a three-course, plated meal with a salad, entrée, and homemade dessert. Hot and cold beverages are always available, including canned soft drinks. Divers also enjoy complimentary beer and wine after their last dive of the day.
On board chefs can accommodate most special dietary needs, including gluten-free and vegan, with a wonderful variety of delicious options.
Flights & Logistics
This trip starts at the northern part of the Sea of Cortez and ends on the tip of the Baja Pennisula.
To arrive in Puerto Penasco first fly into Phoenix, Arizona Sky Harbor Airport (airport code PHX). A private shuttle company picks up everyone at 1 pm at the airport. They have large, 12-passenger, air-conditioned vans with trailers for the luggage. The shuttle gets you to the boat by 5:30 pm. They are experienced in crossing the border and assisting guests throughout the process. The price for this is $115 per person, one-way.
To depart from San José Del Cabo book you flight home out of Los Cobos International Airport (airport code SJD). Or spend an extra couple days at one of the many beaches and resorts in famous Cabo San Lucas.
Assistance booking airfare, transfers and resort stays available from our agent.
QUESTIONS? Read the complete Know Before You Go Guide here.
TRIP DETAILS:
ITINERARY: Explore Baja
DEPARTURE: Sunday, October 03, 2027 from Puerto Peñasco, Mexico.
ARRIVAL: Friday, October 15, 2027 in San José Del Cabo.
LIVEABOARD: Quino Del Mar
COST: $5095 USD, double occupancy
PAYMENTS:
At Booking: $1275 USD
Feb 1, 2027: $1275 USD
July 1, 2027: $2545 USD
INCLUDES: 13 days / 12 nights / 11 days of diving aboard Quino Del Mar including meals, beverage, tanks, weights, complimentary beer and wine and all taxes.
NOT INCLUDED: Airfare and transfers to and from the boat. Crew gratuity (10%-15% of the trip price is customary). National Park Fee, Rental Gear (if applicable) & Nitrox (optional)
FUEL SURCHARGE: El Guardian LLC. has the right to implement a fuel surcharge on all trips in the event the cost of fuel surpasses 20 pesos a litre. Should this occur, all guests will be notified prior to boarding
DIVER: Minimum Advanced Certification. Every diver is required to have a dive computer, a safety sausage (SMB) and a whistle. Proof of diving certification and dive insurance is required. This itinerary is excellent for snorkelers, single divers and couples.
CANCELLATION POLICY: 25% of the full rate will be forfeited for cancellations made by February 1, 2027. 50% of the full rate will be forfeited for cancellations made by July 1, 2027. No refunds for cancellations after July 1, 2027.
All payments are transferable to a new guest at any time. If you need to cancel we will do our best to try and sell your spot.
TRAVEL & DIVER INSURANCE
Diver Insurance is mandatory and Travel Insurance is strongly advised to protect your self.
Please fill out the Insurance Quote Request for Emergency Medical, Trip Cancellation and/or Interruption insurance quote.
Please visit Dive Assure to purchase Diver Insurance online.
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS BY
Fawn Messer, Envoyage Dive Travel Consultant
Phone: 905-984-2160 or 1-800-268-DANS
Email: [email protected]
CPBC #2790 | TICO#50016384