Sep 30 – Oct 12, 2029

SEA OF CORTEZ/EXPLORE BAJA TRIP DESCRIPTION AND ITINERARY

13 days / 12 nights / 11 days of diving Mid-September through October Picture yourself embarking on a 13-day odyssey, a 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. This is a true expedition, a 700-mile journey from one end of this wondrous sea to the other. Imagine yourself descending 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, the adventure continues. Imagine the thrill as a pod of dolphins breaches the surface, their sleek bodies glistening in the sunlight, or the awe-inspiring sight of a whale's powerful fluke rising from the depths. The Captain's keen eye spots these magnificent creatures, from playful dolphins to majestic whales, ensuring you don't miss a moment. You might even encounter the powerful presence of an orca in the distance. And don't forget that we stop at Bahia de Los Angeles to snorkel alongside 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 waters become more tropical in the south, and the colorful fish are even more abundant. Divers will explore the ghostly remains of two shipwrecks, now vibrant artificial reefs teeming with life. We've even planned a special 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. This is a land where the arid desert landscape plunges into the sapphire sea, creating a stark and beautiful contrast. At night, the absence of light pollution reveals a sky ablaze with stars, so close you feel you could reach out and touch them. This unique meeting of two worlds creates an atmosphere of wonder and tranquility. Thirteen days. Thirteen opportunities to witness the magic of the Sea of Cortez. It's more than just a dive trip; it's a transformative experience. And when you're not exploring these underwater wonders, you'll be doing so in comfort aboard Rocio del Mar or Quino del Mar. Our boat features 10 cabins, accommodating 20 divers, each with an en-suite 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 on board. 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 this underwater Eden for yourself. This itinerary is excellent for snorkelers. ITINERARY Puerto Peñasco to San José del Cabo 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 - 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 / 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 For San Jose del Cabo to Puerto Penasco, the itinerary is reversed. AVERAGE WATER TEMPERATURES The Sea of Cortez is a highly seasonal sea, meaning it undergoes rapid changes based on the seasons. Our trips begin in early July, when the temperatures are approximately 74-78°F. They increase by about 2 degrees Fahrenheit per week, peak at around 85 degrees in mid-August, and remain at this temperature until about mid-September. After mid-September, the temperature drops an average of 2°F per week.