October 31, 2025|Author: Nirupam N|Reading time: 5 mins
Sharks, Whales, Mantas & more
Discover exclusive 2025 Baja and Pacific specials hand-picked by Bluewater Travel, featuring whale encounters, Sardine Run action, mobulas, whale sharks, and more. Our expert dive travel team has personally curated and tested each trip to deliver the best boats, guides, and value for your next ocean adventure.
Don’t miss our Black Friday Sale! We’re offering exclusive deals you’ll only find at Bluewater Travel, with standout savings on liveaboards and resorts across the Maldives, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Fiji. If you’re planning your next great scuba adventure, these limited Black Friday offers are too good to pass up. Scroll down to grab your dream dive trip.
Beginner’s Guide to Swimming with Whales & Whale Sharks
Worldwide
Swimming with whales or whale sharks is a breathtaking, bucket-list experience—and yes, it's accessible even to beginners! This guide will prepare you with everything you need to know before jumping in.
Looking to start your scuba diving journey in the Caribbean? This guide highlights the region’s best beginner-friendly dive sites—calm waters, vibrant marine life, and easy access make them perfect for first-time divers.
We're thrilled to announce that Bluewater Travel has been recognized as one of the Best Dive Travel Agencies in Scuba Diving Magazine's 2025 Reader's Choice Awards. This award celebrates our commitment to providing divers unforgettable experiences, from tropical coral reefs to frigid polar diving. We owe this honor to our wonderful clients, who voted for us based on our dedication to serving them with the utmost expertise and passion.
Belize is one of the Caribbean’s best dive destinations — but should you explore its reefs from a shore-based resort or a liveaboard? This guide compares both options to help you choose the perfect dive holiday in Belize.
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.
When is the best time to dive Raja Ampat?
This Indonesian paradise offers world-class diving year-round, but conditions can vary depending on the season. From manta ray migrations to peak visibility and quiet off-season months, this guide breaks down what to expect month by month — so you can plan your perfect trip to Raja Ampat.
Thinking of diving the Maldives but not sure whether to stay at a luxury resort or book a liveaboard?
With its warm waters, vibrant coral reefs, and world-famous marine life — from manta rays to whale sharks — the Maldives offers some of the best diving on Earth. But how you experience it can vary hugely depending on your choice of accommodation. This guide compares Maldives dive resorts and liveaboards to help you decide which is best for your dive style, travel preferences, and budget.
Explore 12 hand-picked whale and dive adventures across Baja and the Mexican Pacific — including San Ignacio gray whales, Sea of Cortez diving, Magdalena Bay sardine action, whale sharks, Socorro’s giant mantas, and more.
Book with Bluewater: Every itinerary is curated, priced, and supported by Bluewater Travel. We help you pick the right trip, find the best dates, and handle all the logistics from the first email to your flight home.
Flagship Baja whale and dive itineraries — all bookable directly through Bluewater Travel.
The Ultimate Whale Safari
Destination:
San Ignacio, Cabo, Isla Espíritu Santo, Todos Santos Dates: Mid Jan – Mid Apr Price: From $5,825 View Full Itinerary
The Best of Baja flagship. Blue, fin & humpback whales, sea lion snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and San Ignacio gray whale glamping—plus your choice of Cerritos surf retreat or Espíritu Santo beach camp
Destination:
San Ignacio, Isla Espíritu Santo, Loreto, La Paz Dates: Feb – Apr Price: From $5,095 View Full Itinerary
Peak-season combo. Humpback watching in Cabo, sea lions at Espíritu Santo, a 3-night expedition yacht to Loreto for blue & humpback whales (with spotter plane), and a private fly-in stay at San Ignacio for gray whales.
Destination: Socorro Islands Dates: Nov 16 to 24, 2026 Price: From $3,618 View Full Itinerary
8-night Bluewater guided group liveaboard trip during prime whale shark season, and encounters with friendly giant manta rays, hammerhead, Galapagos sharks, and dolphins.
Destination:
Socorro, San Ignacio Dates: Mid Jan – Mid Apr Price: From $6,290 View Full Itinerary
The best of both worlds. Dive with giant mantas, dolphins & sharks in Socorro, then fly to San Ignacio Lagoon for intimate gray whale encounters and desert glamping.
Destination: Sea of Cortez, Magdalena Bay
Dates: Oct – Nov
Price: From $5,390 View Full Itinerary
Two-part epic. Striped marlin & bait-ball action at Mag Bay with spotter plane, then a classic Sea of Cortez dive circuit (manta sites, wrecks, sea lions).
Destination:
San Ignacio, Isla Espíritu Santo, La Paz
Dates: Feb – Apr Price: From $4,000 View Full Itinerary
Romantic, active sailing during peak whale season with airplane-assisted spotting, sea lion snorkeling, beaches & paddling—plus a fly-in San Ignacio gray whale finale.
Link whales, sharks, manta rays, and Sea of Cortez diving into one seamless trip. Bluewater handles all timing, flights, and transfers.
Sea of Cortez Sail & Whale Encounter
Feb–Apr • 8D/7N Sailing yacht & San Ignacio
Romantic and active mix of luxury sailing during peak whale season in the Sea of Cortez, followed by a fly-in stay at San Ignacio Lagoon for gray whale encounters.
The best of Socorro’s big-animal diving — giant mantas, sharks, dolphins — paired with a fly-in gray whale camp at San Ignacio Lagoon for a truly bucket-list expedition.
Expert curation: We work with these operators every season and know which departures, cabins, and camps are actually worth it — and which to avoid.
End-to-end planning: Bluewater handles flights, transfers, extensions, and add-ons so your Baja trip feels seamless, not stitched together.
Same trip, better support: You get Bluewater’s guidance and backup at no extra cost compared with booking direct, plus access to select-date specials where available.
Itineraries
The Ultimate Baja Whale Safari
DAY 1: Naturalist-guided humpback whale watching in Cabo. Transfer to La Paz for 4 nights at a centrally located hotel near the Malecón. Accommodation.
DAY 2–4: Daily naturalist-led adventures. Explore UNESCO Isla Espíritu Santo, snorkel with sea lions, kayak through mangroves (panga-supported), visit Balandra Beach with lunch, kayaks, and paddleboards. Accommodation.
DAY 5–6 (Option 1): Stay at Cerritos Beach near Todos Santos for surf lessons or beach relaxation. Accommodation.
DAY 5–6 (Option 2): Camp at UNESCO Isla Espíritu Santo for kayaking, snorkeling, paddleboarding, nature walks, or scuba diving. Accommodation.
DAY 7–8: Ocean safaris supported by observation airplane searching for blue, fin, and humpback whales, dolphins, and mobula rays (based in Loreto or La Paz depending on season). Accommodation.
DAY 9: Flight to San Ignacio. Champagne welcome, brunch, briefing, and first gray whale encounters. Evening cocktails and naturalist presentation. Accommodation.
DAY 10–11: Scheduled gray whale encounters (90 min sessions) at San Ignacio Lagoon. Optional kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, birdwatching, or visiting a local turtle conservation project. Evenings with cocktails, sunset, and presentations. Accommodation.
DAY 12: Morning whale-watching (weather permitting). Breakfast and return flight to Los Cabos (arriving 1:30 pm). Recommended onward flights after 3:30 pm. End of program.
DAY 1: Naturalist-guided humpback whale watching in Cabo. Afternoon transfer to a boutique beach hotel in La Paz. Accommodation.
DAY 2–4: Snorkel with sea lions and explore UNESCO Isla Espíritu Santo. Board a 116 ft expedition yacht to Loreto National Park for blue, humpback, and fin whale encounters, supported by an observation airplane. Optional kayaking, nature walks, and sunset beach cocktails. Accommodation.
DAY 5: Flight to San Ignacio. Champagne welcome, brunch, briefing, and first gray whale encounters. Evening cocktails and naturalist presentation. Accommodation.
DAY 6–7: Scheduled gray whale encounters (90 min sessions) at San Ignacio Lagoon. Optional kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, birdwatching, or visiting a local turtle conservation project. Evenings with cocktails, sunset, and presentations. Accommodation.
DAY 8: Morning whale-watching (weather permitting). Breakfast and return flight to Los Cabos (arriving 1:30 pm). Recommended onward flights after 3:30 pm. End of program.
DAY 1: Naturalist-guided humpback whale watching in Cabo. Transfer to La Paz and board your sailing yacht to begin exploring the Sea of Cortez. Accommodation on board.
DAY 2–4: Three full days of sailing during peak whale season with airplane-supported whale spotting. Explore UNESCO Isla Espíritu Santo, snorkel with sea lions, kayak, paddleboard, enjoy beach walks, and daily whale encounters. Accommodation on board.
DAY 5: Flight to San Ignacio. Champagne welcome, brunch, briefing, and first gray whale encounters. Evening cocktails and naturalist presentation. Accommodation.
DAY 6–7: Scheduled gray whale encounters (90 min sessions) at San Ignacio Lagoon. Optional kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, birdwatching, or visiting a local turtle conservation project. Evenings with cocktails, sunset, and presentations. Accommodation.
DAY 8: Morning whale-watching (weather permitting). Breakfast and return flight to Los Cabos (arriving 1:30 pm). Recommended onward flights after 3:30 pm. End of program.
DAY 2: Travel to Socorro Islands at sea; cocktail hour and sunset. Arrive San Benedicto Island evening.
DAY 3–7: Five full dive days at sites including El Canyon, Red Rocks, Roca Partida, and more. 3–4 dives/day (weather and regulations permitting). Expect giant mantas, dolphins, sharks, and abundant fish. Optional kayaking, paddleboarding, or hot tub relaxation.
DAY 8: Return voyage to Cabo San Lucas; relax, review photos/videos, connect with fellow travelers.
DAY 9: Disembark at 8:30 am; private transfer to FBO and fly to San Ignacio Lagoon; welcome with champagne.
DAY 10–11: Scheduled gray whale encounters (90 min panga sessions). Optional kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, birdwatching, or turtle conservation visits. Evenings with cocktails, sunset, and presentations. Accommodation.
DAY 12: Morning whale-watching (weather permitting). Breakfast and return flight to Los Cabos (arriving 1:30 pm). End of program.
DAY 1: Naturalist-guided humpback whale watching in Cabo. Transfer to La Paz for 4 nights at a centrally located hotel near the Malecón. Accommodation.
DAY 2–4: Daily naturalist-led adventures. Explore UNESCO Isla Espíritu Santo, snorkel with sea lions, kayak through mangroves (panga-supported), and visit Balandra Beach with lunch, kayaks, and paddleboards. Accommodation.
DAY 5: Morning flight to San Ignacio. Champagne welcome at camp. Brunch, briefing, and first gray whale encounters in the lagoon. Evening cocktails by the fire pit, dinner, and naturalist presentation. Accommodation.
DAY 6–7: Scheduled gray whale encounters (90 min per session) at San Ignacio Lagoon. Optional kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, birdwatching, or visiting local village turtle conservation project. Evenings with cocktails, sunset, billiards, and presentations. Accommodation.
DAY 8: Morning whale-watching (weather permitting). Breakfast and return flight to Los Cabos (arriving 1:30 pm). Recommended onward flights after 3:30 pm. End of program.
DAY 1: Meet in Cabo at 5 pm and board the ship; sail into the Sea of Cortez with sunset drinks and dinner.
DAY 2: Warm-up dive at Cerralvo Island, explore La Reyna for giant manta rays; non-divers can snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, swim, or try discover scuba.
DAY 2–7: Flexible itinerary based on wildlife sightings: dolphins, orcas, sperm whales. Visits to Isla Las Animas (sea lions, hammerhead sharks), Espiritu Santo National Park, wreck dives, beach hikes, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming. Divers can do up to 4 dives/day. Explore Loreto National Park and nearby islands (Coronado, Danzante, Carmen).
DAY 8: Morning breakfast, disembark at La Paz at 8:30 am; transfer to SeeCreatures Cabo or SJD Airport.
DAY 1: Meet in Cabo; drop off bags, local dives. Coach transfer to La Paz by 4:30 pm. Accommodation.
DAY 2: First day at sea; warm-up dive at Cerralvo Island, explore La Reyna for giant manta rays, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, or discover scuba for non-divers.
DAY 3–7: Flexible itinerary based on wildlife sightings: dolphins, orcas, sperm whales. Visits to Isla Las Animas (sea lions, hammerhead sharks), Espiritu Santo National Park, wreck dives, beach hikes, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming. Divers can do up to 4 dives/day. Explore Loreto National Park and nearby islands (Coronado, Danzante, Carmen).
DAY 8: Disembark at La Paz, transfer to Cabo or SJD Airport. Optional extensions: Cabo Pulmo day adventure, local hotel stay, or Gordo Banks dives for divers. End of program.
DAY 1: Naturalist-guided humpback whale watching in Cabo; afternoon coach transfer to La Paz, 4-night beachfront boutique hotel.
DAY 2–4: Whale shark adventure by panga; visit UNESCO Isla Espíritu Santo, swim with sea lions, beach lunches, and free time to explore La Paz.
DAY 5: Fly to San Ignacio Lagoon; welcome with champagne, brunch, briefing, and first gray whale encounters. Evening cocktails, sunset, and naturalist presentation. Accommodation.
DAY 6–7: Scheduled gray whale encounters (90 min panga sessions); optional kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, birdwatching, mountain biking, turtle conservation visits, or relaxation at camp. Evenings with cocktails, sunset, and presentations. Accommodation.
DAY 8: Morning whale watching (weather permitting), breakfast, and return flight to Los Cabos (arriving 1:30 pm). End of program.
DAY 1: Meet in Cabo by 5 pm; transfer and board ship. Set sail up Baja coast toward Magdalena Bay (approx. 15 hr). Calm anchoring inside bays and barrier islands overnight.
DAY 2: Arrive late morning at Magdalena Bay; warm-up snorkel and freedive at south end of Margarita Island. Opportunity to snorkel with sea lions and dive on historic wrecks (200+ year-old ship and WW1 submarine).
DAY 3–5: Peak season sardine run adventures with observation airplane support. Snorkel and freedive with bait balls; watch striped marlin, Bryde whales, turtles, sea lions, sharks, and seabirds. Cooperative eco-tourism program with local pangas.
DAY 6: Spare day for bait balls or optional scuba diving and exploring sand dunes on Margarita Island. Afternoon return toward Cabo.
DAY 7: Breakfast and disembark in Cabo by 8:30 am. Explore the city. Accommodation (NOT INCLUDED).
DAY 8: Free day to explore. Accommodation (NOT INCLUDED).
DAY 9: Free day to explore. Accommodation (NOT INCLUDED).
DAY 10: Check-in by 4:30 pm for coach transfer to La Paz. Welcome drinks on deck; optional hot tub under the stars.
DAY 11–14: Daily adventures at sea with experienced captain and crew. Highlights include Cerralvo Island warm-up dive, tornadoes of fish at La Reyna, giant manta rays, dolphins, orcas, Isla Las Animas (sea lions, hammerhead sharks), UNESCO Espiritu Santo (wreck dives, hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding, whale encounters). Divers can enjoy up to 4 dives/day.
DAY 15: Breakfast, disembark at 8:30 am in La Paz, and complimentary transfer to SeeCreatures Cabo or SJD Airport. Optional Cabo Pulmo or Gordo Banks diving before departure.
DAY 2: Travel to Socorro Islands at sea; cocktail hour and sunset. Arrive San Benedicto Island evening.
DAYS 3–7: Five full dive days at sites including El Canyon, Red Rocks, Roca Partida, and more. 3–4 dives/day (weather and regulations permitting). Expect giant mantas, dolphins, sharks, and abundant fish. Optional kayaking, paddleboarding, or hot tub relaxation.
DAY 8: Return voyage to Cabo San Lucas; relax, review photos/videos, connect with fellow travelers.
DAY 9: Disembark at 8:30 am. Enjoy the city. Check-in by 4:30 pm for coach transfer to La Paz, greeted with margaritas and champagne. Snorkeling and freediving-focused trip; gear available for diving if desired.
DAYS 10–15: Daily wildlife adventures with expert crew guidance. Snorkel and freedive with mobula rays, blue whales and calves, humpbacks, whale sharks, cow-nose rays, and dolphins. Use RHIB/skiffs for small-group excursions. Afternoons and evenings include more water activities, kayaking, paddleboarding, hot tub, and optional night snorkeling or diving with plankton-attracted mobulas. Orca sightings possible. Ship always nearby for breaks and relaxation.
DAY 16: Morning breakfast, disembark at 8:30 am in La Paz, and transfer back to Cabo or SJD Airport.
Oct–May • 8D/7N
La Paz • Todos Santos • Cabo Pulmo
Fun, safe, and educational week for families: Espíritu Santo sea lions and beaches, kayaking through mangroves, surf camp near Todos Santos, and snorkeling or diving Cabo Pulmo’s marine park.
Classic Sea of Cortez circuit linking two towns and diverse underwater ecosystems, with chances for dolphins, orcas, sperm whales, sea lions, wrecks, and warm-water reef diving.
Mega-fauna odyssey: Socorro’s giant mantas, sharks, and dolphins followed by mobula rays, whale sharks, blue whales, humpbacks, and possible orcas in the Sea of Cortez.
