International trips - Sea of Cortez

Come spend eight days with us on the Sea of Cortez!

July 31 - August 7, 2028

 We’ll be spending eight days aboard the Belle Amie for the ultimate whale shark adventure!

Prices: 

• Premium Suite - $4095 per person - double occupancy - must have a roommate for booking - 1 room available with a king bed or 2 singles

• Superior Suite - $3595 per person - double occupancy - must have a roommate for booking - 6 rooms available with a king bed or 2 singles

• Stateroom - $3095 per person - double occupancy - we can help find a roommate if needed - 6 rooms available with a double bed or 2 singles

• Single Stateroom - $3869 per person (room) - single occupancy - 2 rooms available and can be set up with a double bed or 2 singles (you can sleep in a big bed by yourself or sleep in a small bed and use the second bed for storage!)

• Triple Stateroom - $2895 per person - double occupancy - we can help find a roommate if needed - 1 room available with 3 single beds but will only be putting 2 people in this room

$700 non-refundable deposit due to reserve (applied to balance)

Final payment due by January 1st, 2028

Installment payments available and will be split into monthly payments between date of deposit and January 1st, 2028

or

Choose to pay in full rather than installment payments

This adventure combines some of the best diving in the Sea of Cortez with a large seasonal gathering of whale sharks in a deserted bay in the middle of nowhere. This summer gathering of whale sharks is legendary in Baja. Between 80 and 220 whale sharks have been identified during May to October. Bonus is all the other big critters in the Sea of Cortez this time of year. Keep an eye out for orcas, pilot whales, sperm whales and finback whales, as well as going ashore on a desert island with the largest population of blue-footed boobies in the world.

 Includes:  

• Complimentary transfer from SeeCreatures Cabo San Lucas to the boat and to SeeCreatures Cabo San Lucas or SJD Airport at the end of the trip 

• Accommodation aboard a Nautilus liveaboard for the duration of your trip (e.g., 8 days / 7 nights)
• All meals — continental breakfast, lunch, dinner, desserts, and snacks
• Non-alcoholic beverages throughout the trip
• Expert guides for in-water activities, including snorkeling and dive guidance
• Use of onboard facilities such as hot tubs, lounges, towels, and daily room service
• Weights, weight belts, and standard dive gear support for scuba divers (where applicable)
• Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards for additional water activities
• Time in some of the Sea of Cortez’s best diving and wildlife areas, with opportunities to see sea lions, dolphins, hammerheads, finback whales, sperm whales, birding, and more depending on season and conditions
• Up to ~15 dives during the trip for certified divers (with guides in the water)
• Dedicated whale shark snorkeling sessions in Bahia de Los Angeles (seasonal)
• Additional snorkeling with cetaceans such as dolphins, pilot whales, and others (subject to wildlife presence) 

Not included: 

• Airfare/Flights to and from Mexico (e.g., Los Cabos SJD or La Paz)

• Alcoholic beverages and premium drinks (often available for purchase onboard)

• Gratuities/tips for crew, guides, and support staff

• Dive equipment rental (if you choose not to bring your own gear — regulators, BCDs, wetsuit, etc.)

• Travel insurance / trip cancellation insurance (strongly recommended)

• Personal expenses, such as laundry or onboard satellite internet access

• Optional shore excursions or pre-/post-trip activities (e.g., land tours, beach trips, local dive day trips, workshops)

• Park or port fees - $35 USD pp

• Nitrox

The Boat:

 The Nautilus Belle Amie is a spacious, purpose-built luxury liveaboard designed to deliver an exceptionally comfortable and seamless dive experience. Accommodating guests in a range of well-appointed cabins and suites, the vessel offers generous layouts, hotel-style beds, individually controlled air conditioning, and private en-suite bathrooms with hot freshwater showers—creating a quiet, restful retreat between dives. Social spaces are equally inviting, with a large indoor salon, elegant dining area, outdoor lounges, and a sun deck with a hot tub for relaxing and taking in the open ocean. For divers, the Belle Amie truly excels: the expansive dive deck provides ample personal space, individual gear storage, and easy water access, while multiple custom dive skiffs ensure smooth, efficient entries and exits. Onboard Nitrox, camera-friendly setups, and a highly organized crew make dive operations effortless, allowing guests to focus entirely on enjoying their time in the water and unwinding in comfort above it. 

The Rooms:

Premium Suite

 The Premium Suites on the Nautilus Belle Amie represent the pinnacle of onboard comfort and space. Located on the main deck, these two suites are exceptionally roomy and light-filled, featuring large outside windows that bring the sea views right into your cabin. Each suite offers a flexible bed configuration—either a California king bed or two doubles—so you can tailor the space to your needs. Designed to feel like a floating boutique hotel room, the Premium Suites include a comfortable sitting area, flat-screen TV, ample storage, individually controlled air conditioning, and a luxurious ensuite bathroom with double sinks and a shower, making them the perfect retreat after a day of diving or exploring at sea. 

Superior Suites

 The Superior Suites on the Nautilus Belle Amie offer a wonderful balance of comfort, space, and stunning ocean views, making them a favorite choice for guests seeking a relaxing retreat at sea. Situated on the wheelhouse deck, these suites feature large outside windows that fill the room with natural light and showcase the surrounding blue horizon. Designed to feel like a boutique hotel room, each suite includes an ensuite bathroom, individually controlled air conditioning, and generous storage space. The bed can be configured as a California king or as two doubles, allowing flexibility whether you’re sharing with a companion or prefer separate beds. 

Staterooms

 The Staterooms on the Nautilus Belle Amie offer comfortable and well-appointed accommodations ideal for guests who want a cozy, private space to relax between dives. Located on the lower deck, these cabins feature twin beds that can be configured as either a double or two single beds to suit your needs, along with an ensuite bathroom and individually controlled air conditioning for personalized comfort. 

Single Staterooms

 The Single Staterooms on the Nautilus Belle Amie offer a comfortable, private retreat for solo travelers who want all the comforts of a well-appointed liveaboard cabin. Located on the lower deck, these cabins feature a dedicated single bed, an ensuite bathroom, and individually controlled air conditioning, ensuring a restful night’s sleep between dives. Thoughtfully designed to maximize space and comfort, Single Staterooms provide everything you need for a relaxing stay at sea—making them a great choice for divers or adventure seekers traveling alone who don’t want to compromise on comfort. 

Triple Stateroom

 The Triple Stateroom on the Nautilus Belle Amie is a great value option for groups or friends traveling together without sacrificing comfort. Located on the lower deck, this cabin is designed to sleep up to three guests (will only be sleeping 2 people max) with a combination of bunk-style and single beds, offering flexible sleeping arrangements for triple occupancy. Like all accommodations aboard, the Triple Stateroom features an ensuite bathroom, individually controlled air conditioning, and thoughtful storage, making it a practical and inviting choice for divers who want a cozy, friendly cabin to return to after a day of underwater adventure. 

The Diving:

Whale Sharks! - Snorkel

Whale sharks!! Who doesn’t want to swim with whale sharks, especially when there are loads of them to see in a deserted bay and national park deep into the reaches of the Sea of Cortez. Bahia de Los Angles is a very special place with up to 220 friendly and curious whale sharks visiting every season and is best accessed by a liveaboard expedition ship. Friendly and curious whale sharks?? Yes indeed. There are so few boats around that these whale sharks behave very differently around humans than in any other place.

Overview

 The Ultimate Whale Shark Adventure with Nautilus Liveaboards offers an extraordinary mix of diving and snorkeling in the Sea of Cortez, one of the most biologically rich marine regions on Earth. This immersive journey places guests in the heart of dynamic underwater ecosystems, where every day brings new wildlife encounters. Divers can enjoy playful, up-close interactions with sea lions, glide alongside graceful mobula rays, and experience the excitement of encounters with dolphins and schooling hammerhead sharks in open blue water. Between dives, snorkeling opportunities expand the adventure even further, with the chance to observe some of the ocean’s most awe-inspiring giants at the surface, including finback whales, sperm whales, and even orcas when conditions allow. Carefully planned around seasonal wildlife movements and guided by experienced crews, this adventure blends exhilarating in-water encounters with the comfort and expertise Nautilus Liveaboards is known for, delivering a truly unforgettable Sea of Cortez experience. 

What Sets Diving with Nautilus Adventures Apart?!

One of the most exciting advantages of the Ultimate Whale Shark Adventure is our dedicated observation aircraft — a true “eye in the sky” that elevates your Sea of Cortez experience beyond the ordinary. Crewed by a pilot and naturalist who know these waters intimately, the spotter plane patrols the region multiple times a day to locate and track the most remarkable marine life on the planet. 

While most liveaboards rely on chance sightings from sea level, our aerial support dramatically increases the likelihood of unforgettable wildlife encounters. From spotting pods of dolphins and aggregations of whale sharks to tracking the movements of finback and sperm whales — and even orcas when they’re in the area — the plane gives our captains real-time intel that helps guide the ship toward the action. 

This aerial advantage doesn’t just add excitement; it transforms the adventure. You’ll spend less time waiting and more time in the water snorkeling or diving with incredible animals — maximizing every moment of your Sea of Cortez journey. Whether you’re gazing out over the vivid blue from the deck or gearing up for your next swim, the story of your trip is written in sightings the spotter plane makes possible. 

General Itinerary:

Fly into Los Cabos (SJD). No problem to fly in the same day you are boarding your ship or fly in early and take advantage of same day boat adventures or complimentary photo and video workshop. This is a GREAT time of year to dive Gordo Banks.

Day 1 – Boarding Day!

Please check in at SeeCreatures Cabo by 4:30 pm for your coach transfer to La Paz, where our hosties will be waiting for you on the back deck with trays of margaritas and champagne, dinner on the stove and departure for the Sea of Cortez.

Days 2 – 7

Every day will be different, and your captain and dive guides will update your itinerary to maximize animal and diving encounters and minimize any challenges with weather. This is a stunning time of year to dive the Sea of Cortez with water temps typically in the high 70’s and 80s.

One of the nicest things about this time of year is that the seas are generally very calm without any motion aboard our heavy steel stabilized ships. You can expect to visit Las Animas, Isla San Ildefonso, San Pedro Martir, and Bahia de Los Angeles.

We will spend the last day at sea exploring our secret hot spot near Mulegé, where pilot whales, dolphins, and other incredible marine life are often encountered.

Day 8 – Last Day

Morning breakfast. Disembark at 8:30 am in La Paz. A complimentary transfer back to either SeeCreatures Cabo San Lucas or SJD Airport.

 Add Ons:

Interested in adding a certification? Call us, we are happy to help!

Cancellation policy:

Cancel by August 1, 2027 - 50% Refund of Total Paid - Deposit

Cancel by December 1, 2027 - 25% Refund of Total Paid - Deposit

Cancel after February 1, 2028 - No Refund

Policy only applies to payments made in full or installments made per arrangement. Violation of agreement will lead to forfeiture of deposit paid and loss of reservation. 

Full Terms, Conditions and Policies can be found here:

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