Ultimate Whale Shark & Sea Lion Sea Of Cortez Trip 2027
Macro Critters
Whale Shark Encounters
Whale Encounters
Free Photo Workshops
Why Join This Trip
Big animal sightings like whale sharks, sea lions, dolphins, sperm whales and much more
Dive in an area Jacques Cousteau called the Aquarium of the World
Easiest liveaboard to access from the US - fly or drive to Phoenix, AZ
Huge diversity of marine life - blennies, nudibranchs, octopus, and more on one of Mexico’s newest liveaboards - Quino del Mar
FREE optional photo workshop
Fully refundable deposit until 12 months from departure
The Quino del Mar crew is one of the most experienced sailing in the Sea of Cortez
25% off rental photo gear from Bluewater Photo
Trip overview
Trip Overview
This trip offers a great combination of big animals and fascinating macro life. There's always something for everyone. Plus, it's really easy to get to being only a 4-hour drive from Phoenix, AZ.
The Sea of Cortez is home to sea lions, whale sharks, manta and mobula rays, dolphins, and huge schools of fish. Sperm whales, pilot whales, and dolphins are also commonly spotted.
It doesn't just stop there as the Sea of Cortez is also a perfect place to practice your macro photography skills. You will get to see nice varieties of nudibranchs, Panamic arrow crabs, Pacific seahorses, jawfish, small and big octopuses, frogfish, and blennies.
Sample Itinerary
The boat will depart from Puerto Peasco at 6 pm on Saturday and then travel for 12 hours to arrive the next morning for a 7 am dive. You will be diving 3-4 times per day on this trip. Here's a sample day-by-day itinerary of this trip:
- Day 1 - Embark at 5 pm in Puerto Peasco. Depart at 6 pm
- Day 2 - Wake up at Refugio Bay on Angel Island
- Potential Dive sites: Angel Rock, La Vela, Lolos Cove, Sunset Zodiak Cruise with Sea Lions
- Day 3 - Angel Island
- Potential Dive sites: Andreas Eagle, El Aquario, Las Vivoras, Las Vivoras including a night dive
- Day 4 - San Pedro Martir
- Potential Dive sites: El Arroyo, Punta Martir (Sea Lions), Chayos Cove
- Day 5 - San Pedro Martir
- Potential Dive sites: Ravijunco, Xarenis Pinnacle, Coromel, Morrito, in the afternoon we go looking for whales!
- Day 6 - Salsipuedes & Animas
- Potential Dive sites: Los Cuervos, El Caballo, In Animas, El Lavadero, El Lavadero including a night dive
- Day 7 - Baja and Snorkeling with Whale Sharks in Bahia De Los Angeles
- Potential Dive sites: El Pescador, Baja Ca., start heading back to Puerto Penasco in afternoon
- Day 8 - Disembark at 7 am
To learn more about what you can expect from this Sea of Cortez trip, check out 2023 Sea of Cortez trip report. Also see the reviews on diving the Sea of Cortez here.
Recommended Scuba Gear
Download our full scuba gear guide to Sea of Cortez, Bluewater Travel guests receive 10% OFF! Click the image below to download (PDF).
- 5mm wetsuit and a hooded vest. Browse Wetsuits at Bluewater Photo
- A good mask and snorkel for whale shark snorkelling. We recommend the Cressi ZS1 & Corsica Snorkeling Package
- Anti-fog
- Dive light/torch. We suggest Kraken NR-2000 Dive Light
- Pointer
- Travel BCD. Read our Best Travel BCD Article
- Travel regulator. We suggest Mares Ultra 62X Dive Regulator
Trip Inclusions
Three meals per day & snacks
Beverages including soft drinks, juice, domestic beer & wine
One morning of whale shark snorkeling and several dives with a friendly sea lion colony
Tanks, weights, and weight belts
Free daily photo workshops and tutorials
Trip Exclusions
Transfers from Phoenix Airport ($150 roundtrip)
Park fees ($35, subject to change)
Fuel Surcharge, if applicable (none currently)
Nitrox ($140)
Gratuity
Mexican Tourist Card: purchased at the border ($36 CASH ONLY)
Travel Insurance - ask us about our preferred partner plan
Accommodation
About The Quino Del Mar
Launching in July 2025, the Quino del Mar is one owned by one of the top dive operators specializing in trips to the Sea of Cortez and Socorro Islands in Mexico. This 89-foot liveaboard yacht offers 10 cabins for up to 20 divers.
Quino del Mar's Key Features
What excites us about the Quino del Mar liveaboard is the promise of knowledgeable and friendly dive staff, exceptional stability for navigating the often-rough waters to the Socorro Islands, mouthwatering Mexican cuisine, and ample space designed for underwater photographers to set up their gear. This liveaboard is shaping up to be a dream for avid divers and underwater photographers eager to explore Socorro and the Sea of Cortez!
Trip Price
Trip starts from $3,195 per person.
Payment Schedule
- Deposit: $600 to book your spot
- Payment 2: $750 due 22 July 2026
- Payment 3: $750 due 13 January 2027
- Balance: due 14 April 2027
