Islands of Loreto to Northern La Paz, Southern Sea of Cortez Dive Expedition 2022

The islands of Loreto and northern La Paz are hidden gems on the Sea of Cortez with peaceful charm and dazzling landscapes. This area is very difficult to reach within the time restraints of a short day trip, which means that this area is rarely visited and remains pristine. The coast is backed by the Sierra de la Giganta mountain range, which limits access to the area from the west coast of Baja. There are only a few, very rugged trails across the mountains.  

Join us for an unforgettable journey in one of the most biodiverse waters in the world, which Jacques Cousteau called “The Aquarium of the World.” The Sea of Cortez is home to 891 reef fish species, 90 of which are found nowhere else in the world. We’ll venture to the most remote islands in the southern Sea of Cortez, such as Isla Coronado, Carmen, Danzante, Monserrate, Catalina, Santa Cruz, San Jose, Las Animas and San Francisco, all of which are teeming with life. You will not believe your eyes when you see the explosion of marine diversity and an astounding density of fish amongst the colorful reefs! We’ve planned our trip for the best season to dive in the Sea of Cortez, when the water temperatures are over 80 degrees Fahrenheit and visibility is over 100 feet! 

We will spend 7 days and 6 nights on the newest member of the Nautilus Liveaboard fleet, the Gallant Lady. This American built, Broward luxury yacht is 116 feet long and hosts just 12 guests, providing a spacious feeling while also allowing crew members to provide an extra personal touch. This vessel is also equipped with a 1700 horsepower Caterpillar engine and hydraulic stabilizers, allowing for a high-speed and comfortable voyage to further distances and hard to reach dive sites. Nautilus will also help us maximize our dive time and minimize our travel time by changing destinations at night. With gourmet meals in a wrap-around view dining hall, spacious dive deck, hot tub, sun deck, crow’s nest (lookout tower), and individually controlled A/C in each suite, this is one of the best diving liveaboard in North America.

 

Expedition Itinerary:

October 2 (Sun): Fly from LAX to Loreto around noon. Board the Nautilus Gallant Lady in the afternoon, depart for Sea of Cortez.
October 3~7 (Mon~Fri): Explore the best of the southern Sea of Cortez, where few people have the opportunity of diving, since they are impossible to get to on a day trip from La Paz or Loreto. Explore the beautiful remote islands of Sea of Cortez with an explosion of marine diversity.
October 7 (Fri): Set sail at 3pm, 150 Nautical Miles back to Cabo San Lucas.
October 8 (Sat): Disembark and say farewell to the Nautilus Gallant Lady and her crews. Fly back to LAX in the evening.

 

Expedition Includes:

- Loreto and Cabo San Lucas airport to harbor transfer
- 7 day, 6 nights liveaboard accommodation aboard the newly renovated Nautilus Gallant Lady - the best diving liveaboard in North America
- Suites include luxurious 600-thread count Egyptian sheets, individually controlled A/C, private bathroom with shower
- Daily room service & towels
- Three gourmet meals each day, along with snacks and non-alcoholic drinks throughout
- 20 dives (3-4 dives daily) off dive skiffs in the beautiful Sea of Cortez guided by in-water divemasters
- Air, tanks and weights
- Hot tub, sun deck, sky lounge, and crow’s nest on board
- Fast speeds with 1700 hp Caterpillar engine
- Mexican 5% IVA tax
- Escort by Ocean Safari professional dive leader/photographer with unparalleled service

Exclusions:

- International airfare
- Onboard satellite Wi-Fi
- Onboard telecommunications
- Onboard alcoholic beverages
- Nitrox
- Port Fee $65
- Travel and dive insurance (see below)
- Crew Gratuities

Costs: (Based on Double Occupancy)

- Premium Suite: $3688 (2 spots)
- Superior Suites: $3168 (10 spots)

 
 

Payment:

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

                 AMOUNT

PAYMENT DUE DATE

1st Deposit

$700 superior, $900 premium

Upon Reservation

2nd Deposit

$1100 superior, $1300 premium

Dec 16, 2021

Final Payment

Balance Remaining

May 16, 2022
*  For credit card payment please add 3%   
 
 

Dive & Travel Insurance: 

Dive insurance is required to participate in this trip. Please use our links to purchase dive insurance from DAN or Dive Assure
Travel insurance is optional. However, over the years, we have seen how valuable and beneficial travel insurance can be. These policies will help cover expenses when your trip is interrupted due to events such as weather, mechanical breakdowns, missed flights/connections, or when someone else has a dive/medical emergency that prevents you from diving.  

We want to help offset the cost of travel insurance and will sponsor 5% of the cost as store credit if you use the links from our website to purchase travel insurance from DAN or Dive Assure. We highly recommend it! 
Here is a quick guide to help you decide if travel insurance from DAN or Dive Assure is best for you. 

 

Cancellation Policy:

Before Dec 16, 2019, 1st deposit forfeited, no refund on first deposit.
After Dec 16, 2019, 1st and 2nd deposit forfeited (unless a replacement can be found then 1st deposit forfeited).
After May 16, 2020, no refund (unless a replacement can be found then 1st deposit forfeited).

 

GO BACK TO TRIP OVERVIEW