These mixed diving and snorkelling liveaboards have been created to expose you to some of the widest variety of ocean giants and scuba highlights in the Sea of Cortez. For Ocean Giants, the onboard team set their sights on seasonal opportunities to snorkel with huge aggregations of Mobula Rays; plus chances to swim with Orcas and Whale Sharks. A spotter plane is used to help enhance our chances.
Cerralvo Island is one of these voyage's first targets, where seasonal 'swarms' of Mobula Rays amass between April and early July. The most iconic species of Mobula Ray is the Munk's Pygmy Devil Ray, which can gather in tight schools of tens of thousands of individuals. They often swim close to the surface, as well as leaping acrobatically high out of the water, giving them the nickname "flying rays".
Whale Sharks migrate into Bahia de Los Angeles (the Bay of Angels), aggregating in numbers of between 80 - 200. This bay is a Biosphere Reserve where Orcas, or Killer Whales, often come to feed off an abundance of prey which seasonally accumulates in these waters. If chances present themselves, we will try to snorkel with them.
Other marine life you might see includes California Sealions, Bottlenose Dolphins, Spinner Dolphins and Risso's Dolphins.
Whilst scuba diving, we hope to encounter some huge schools of fish; as well as Hammerhead Sharks, which are making a comeback following 20 years of fishing restrictions. You will also be able to wreck dive in Loreto National Park. This is one of the best dive sites in the Sea of Cortez thanks to upwelling currents which bring nutrients from deeper waters.
| From 27th July - 6th Aug, 2025, one of these trips will be hosted by Aqua-Firma Marine Scientist, Charlotte Caffrey, & photographer Ralph Pannell. |
Itinerary
Sea of Cortez Dive & Snorkel Liveaboards
Please note that these itineraries are subject to change without notice due to seasonal changes, last minute weather conditions and the decision of marine park authorities.
11 day itineraries are able to include an additional day in search of Mobula Rays & Orcas
Day 1 - Embarkation in La Paz
You will board your yacht in La Paz, setting sail in the afternoon and having a sunset dinner onboard.
Day 2 - In Search of Mobula Ray Aggregations
The yacht will be at Cerralvo Island in the morning, on the lookout for Mobula Rays, best from 9 to 10 am. In the afternoon, you will have snorkelling at La Reyna.
Day 3 - Espiritu Santo UNESCO World Heritage site
Today will be spent at Espiritu Santo UNESCO World Heritage site, home to Isla Espiritu Santo. This island is uninhabited and around 26 km (16 miles) wide which is great for sea kayaking around. The waters of this island have reef habitats, home to many tropical fish, sharks and some whales. A Sealion colony is also present on the northern tip of the island.
Day 4 - In Search of Hammerhead Sharks & Sealions
Diving or snorkelling at Las Animas will take up the majority of the day. Here is the best place on the trip to see Hammerhead Sharks. Sealions are most likely to be present too.
Day 5 - Loreto National Park
You will be in Loreto National Park to have a wreck dive or snorkel; and visit some great sites for wildlife around Carmen Island. The spotter aeroplane will be in contact with us in case any marine megafauna is nearby.
Days 6 & 7 - Isla San Pedro Martir
These days are planned to be at Isla San Pedro Martir, where you can see black coral and Sealions in the waters around this desert island. We will also get a rare chance to go ashore.
Day 8 - Whales Sharks? of Bahia Los Angeles
Today will be your best chance to swim with Whale Sharks on this trip. For this, we will be in Bahia de Los Angeles. There are also diving opportunities here for those interested.
Day 9 - Home in Search of Whales
Your transit home will begin, visiting a particularly productive area where upwellings bring a large diversity of life. With help from the spotter aeroplane, we may see Sperm and Pilot Whales today.
Day 10 - Disembark
You will disembark the ship by 8:30 am after breakfast onboard and transfer back to the airport.
Dates
from US$ 3,830
hosted by Aqua-Firma Marine Scientist, Charlotte Caffrey and Aqua-Firma photographer, Ralph Pannell
What's included
5% Mexican Sales Tax
Transport as per itinerary
Accommodation onboard yacht
All activities in itinerary
All meals & snacks
Non-alcoholic beverages
Internet access
Permits where needed
Excluded
Alcoholic beverages
Tips & gratuities (recommended $300-400 pp)
International flights
Travel & diving insurance
