Ultimate Whale Shark & Sea Lion Sea Of Cortez Trip 2028

Planning a liveaboard dive trip? This ultimate 2025 packing list covers everything you’ll need – from must-have dive gear and personal items to handy extras that make life onboard smoother. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned diver, this checklist helps you dive in fully prepared.

There are only a few places in the world where you can spot blue whales, the largest mammals on the planet. Learn where and when to go for guaranteed blue whale sightings!

Swimming with whale sharks is one of the ocean’s most remarkable experiences. These gentle giants—reaching up to 12 m in length—are filter feeders and pose no threat to snorkellers. Whether you’re seeking a classic liveaboard expedition or a day-trip snorkel, this guide helps you choose the right destination, season, and operator for a safe and awe-inspiring encounter.

We've traveled the world and picked our top 7 locations with the best manta ray diving.

2025 report round-ups confirm classics like Komodo, Kona, and Maldives’ Hanifaru Bay still reign supreme for mesmerising manta encounters. Dive operators now weave in citizen-science photo-ID programs and updated season calendars , so you can chase gentle giants responsibly and add to vital conservation efforts

Our travel experts' top 5 picks for the best shark diving destinations in the world. Learn what to see, the best time to dive, and more! We’ve added new liveaboard shark‑diving departures to Cocos Island and expanded our Tiger Beach, Bahamas scuba options, allowing more diving time with tiger sharks and reef species. Explore 2025 itineraries and expert-led departures on our Cocos liveaboards and Tiger Beach shark diving.

There are only a few places in the world where you can safely swim and snorkel with whales. Learn where, and when to go for guaranteed whale sightings!

Our liveaboard whale-swim departures in Tonga (Vava’u) and unique snorkel experiences in Mo’orea continue to offer world-class humpback encounters. Check out our 2025 Mo’orea whale snorkeling trips and Tonga diving departure dates to book your adventure today.

Exploring the underwater world doesn't always require scuba certification or bulky gear as snorkeling provides a simple and equally stunning way to experience marine life in its natural environment. Snorkeling travel is booming in 2025, with high demand for liveaboard snorkel options in the Maldives and Raja Ampat. We've added more itinerary flexibility to help travellers access remote reefs with shallow, clear-water drop-offs.

Our travel advisors and trip leaders are always on the move, exploring the underwater world! Using their firsthand experience and feedback from our valued guests, we've curated a list that showcases the best diving in the world in 2025. Learn when to go, where to stay, top dive sites, and more. 

Join trip leader Nirupam Nigam on an unforgettable February 2025 photo workshop in Socorro, featuring giant mantas, sharks, and expert underwater photography guidance aboard Rocio del Mar.

Read about our unforgettable trip to interact with Pacific gray whales in Baja, Mexico, in February 2025. We experienced the incredible bonding experience of petting mothers and calves as they approached our boat to seek affection.

Discover the Bluewater team's favorite dive sites around the world. From remote corners of Asia and Micronesia to our own doorstep, we've chosen our top 20 dive sites that keep us coming back again and again .

In fall 2024, eighteen divers joined the Rocio Del Mar for Bluewater's Explore Baja trip in the Sea of Cortez. Starting from Puerto Peñasco, the journey featured diverse marine life encounters, including sea lions, whale sharks, and vibrant reefs. Highlights included unique underwater photography opportunities and memorable interactions with sea creatures like mobula rays and humpback whales.

Nirupam Nigam led a captivating 2023 Sea of Cortez photo workshop with Bluewater Travel, showcasing diverse marine life and dynamic underwater landscapes. The Rocio Del Mar provided exceptional amenities and personalized service, enhancing the experience. Participants explored macro wonders like signal blennies and enjoyed thrilling encounters with sea lions and whale sharks.

Discover our top recommended destinations for scuba diving in July. Explore the diversity of diving in Dumaguete, snorkel with whale sharks in Isla Mujeres, and dive into the unique underwater world of Mozambique. Whatever your preferences, we'll build your dream dive trip in July!

The diving trip at Iberostar Resort, led by Paul Vukovich and Mike Chiado, kicked off with a welcoming meet-up to brief guests on the exciting diving schedule and resort amenities. The following days were filled with spectacular dives, featuring unique marine life like Splendid Toadfish and Loggerhead Turtles. The group also enjoyed engaging workshops and the resort's top-notch facilities, culminating in a thrilling photo contest. Read more about our recent Bluewater Underwater Photo Workshop in Cozumel, Mexico.

Discover our top recommended destinations for scuba diving in May. Explore the mindblowing species in the Galapagos, dive Cozumel's renowned reefs, and experience thrilling currents in Komodo. Whatever your preferences, we'll build your dream dive trip in May!

Experience the magic of our February 2024 Socorro Manta & Shark Madness Liveaboard trip. Learn about the liveaboard, the dive sites, and our marine life encounters, with incredible underwater photos.

Baja Ultimate Whale Safari 2024, led by Helen Brierley, thrilled participants with whale encounters starting in Cabo San Lucas. From humpbacks to whale sharks and grey whales, each day brought new marine marvels, including playful sea lions and rare sightings like sperm whales. The journey culminated in luxurious glamping and intimate moments with gentle grey whale mothers and calves, making it an unforgettable expedition.

Read about our unforgettable trip to interact with Pacific gray whales in San Ignacio, Mexico, in March 2024. We experienced the incredible bonding experience of petting mothers and calves as they approached our boat to seek affection.

Bluewater Travel's world-class guided trips and photography workshops are a favorite among customers and staff alike. Fantastic destinations, action-packed diving, expert guidance and tuition, and friendly, like-minded guests make eachscuba diving tripunique and memorable for those lucky enough to attend.