Los Islotes – Sea Lion’s Video, Sea of Cortez (Video Link)

Mobula Diving Video, Sea of Cortez (Video Link)

If you would like to dive with sea lions and have the chance to see Mobula Rays, Scalloped Hammerheads and other sharks, huge schools of Jacks and bait balls, as well at Tuna, Wahoo, Eels, Jawfish, many Dolphins; then this trip is for you!  This is the Sea of Cortez, between the Baja California Peninsula and mainland Mexico.  Some of you joined us in the Midriff Island area in the Sea of Cortez a few years ago.  This is farther south with a special itinerary departing from La Paz.  In January 2020, a few of us went on a land based dive excursion from La Paz, and dove with the Sea Lions at Los Islotes.  It was one of my best dives ever!  We are going back to dive with the Sea Lions again and see much more from the comfort of a great live aboard!  AND in October we can see the BABY SEA LIONS, born in the summer months!  Water temps are warmer (between 79 – 81 degrees F) and air temps are in the mid 80’s during the day.  This is also the time of year the Mobula and Cow Rays migrate, we are almost guaranteed to see schools of them!  Beautiful!!

We’ll be diving from the MV Valentina Live Aboard,  a 135’ long live-aboard dive vessel based in La Paz.  She has a “superb” rating, 15 years of experience, a professional and experienced crew, delicious meals, photographer friendly, built for diving, cabins with private bathrooms, showers, and A/C.  She departs from La Paz, a 2 hour transfer from Cabo (SJD airport).  It is very easy to fly to Cabo, Mexico!

Itinerary:

• Day 1  Arrive and Board in the early evening
• Day 2  Swanee Reef and La Reina – Paradise for fish
• Day 3  El Bajo – Known fro schooling Hammerheads!
• Day 4  Sea Lion Point and Night Dive with Mobula Rays!
• Day 5  San Francisquito – out of the way place for Sea Lions
• Day 6  Sea Lion Point and Night Dive with Mobula Rays!
• Day 7  Diving around the Salvatierra Wreck…  Many schooling fish including large Angelfish

This itinerary not only has Sea Lions, Rays, and Hammerheads, but it also includes schools of Skip Jacks, Mexican Barracuda, Sardines, cool Signal Blennies, Giant Blue Spotted Jawfish, Gobies, Sea Slugs, and if King Neptune is happy — a Whale Shark!  Dive Sites

I have ALWAYS wanted to return to this area, as it reminds me of Galapagos, but not as pricey!  The Sea of Cortez is a diver’s paradise.  A unique ecosystem and overall natural beauty, it has earned status as a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Come see firsthand why this sea is called the “Aquarium of the World” with all of its natural wonders!

Here is What is Included:

• 7 Days, 6 Nights on board the live-aboard, MV Valentina
• 10 Cabins Total (Ship Layout)
• 3 – 4 dives daily, except the last day (2 dives), tanks, and weights (weather and site dependent)
• Three delicious meals per day (beginning on day 2), snacks, beverages including water, soft drinks, coffee, tea (local beer included, post diving) 1 glass of wine with dinner, other drinks available for purchase, you may BYOB
• Complete Digital Photo Facility including PC for downloads
• Internet Communications are limited.  Ask for details on a SIM Card.  Satellite Phone available for emergency use.
• Divemasters for all dives from dive tenders.  Informative, detailed dive briefings!
• Group T-Shirt memento
• Group Leader from Dive & Travel Adventures, Heather Bloom, Owner

Not Included:

• Marine Park Fees $5 per dive day, Fuel Surcharge of $20 per day, paid on site (subject to change)
• Nitrox available at $20 per day for regular tanks, $40 per day for 100 cf tanks (limited)
• Divemaster and Crew Gratuities
• Airfare to San Jose del Cabo (Very Reasonable) or La Paz
• Transfer from Cabo to La Paz (2 hours), cost dependent on number of guests
• Dive Emergency Insurance is mandatory, such as DAN (Divers Alert Network)
• Overnight Accommodations before or after the live-aboard (double or single occ.)

Please Click Here for “Know Before You Go”

Please Note:  Divers need to be either Advanced Certified with 30 Dives OR be an experienced diver due to potential stronger currents on some dives!