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Explore Baja South To North Adventure October 2028

Join us in October 2028 for Quino del Mar's best liveaboard diving trip around, sailing the entire length of the Sea of Cortez!

Book this Trip
Book this Trip

Macro Critters

Whale Shark Encounters

Why Join This Trip

  • Unique itinerary sailing the entire length of the Sea of Cortez from south to north

  • See the unexpected in remote locations - dolphins, sea lions, whales, mantas, etc

  • Sail with one of the best liveaboards in the Sea of Cortez, the Quino del Mar

  • Easy travel - fly into San Jose del Cabo to start the trip and fly out from Phoenix, Arizona

  • 25% off rental photo gear from Bluewater Photo

  1. Guided group trips-
  2. Explore Baja South To North Adventure October 2028
Explore Baja South To North Adventure October 2028 - image
Macro
Sep 24, 2028 - Oct 6, 2028

Pelagic Encounters

Photo Group Trip

  • Fully refundable deposit until 18 months from departure

  • Trip overview

    Trip Overview

    Experience what very few people have - a journey where there are no roads, very few people, and almost no boats. At night you hear something splashing. It could be anything - dolphins, marlin, a school of bonitos? Then you hear a huge sound of blowing and water spouting. It's a whale! You can't see him, but he sounds big. At a distance, you hear sea lions and pelicans. What a splendid way to end a magnificent day. 

     

    Video by our guest Dan McGanty on our 2018 Explore Baja Photo Workshop.

    During the day we move from one island to the next, diving 3 to 4 times daily. If you wish to hike the remote islands during surface intervals, there is always a dinghy available to take you to shore. Kayaks are also always available for a serene cruise around the islands.

    Exploring one island to the next is a magical experience - one that will linger in your memory for years to come. The Sea of Cortez remains a secret oasis where the desert meets the sea.

    Read all about our latest Explore Baja trip. 

    Marine Life To Photograph

    The biodiversity between the Northern and Southern Sea of Cortez is incredible. The sea life we witness on the surface from the boat, dinghies or snorkeling is fantastic. There's potential to see dolphins, sea lions, pilot, humpback, blue, fin, sei, orca, and sperm whales. Also, flying mantas, blue and brown-footed boobies, cormorants, frigate birds, and the endemic yellow-footed gull.

    Diving Conditions In October

    Average water temperatures in October are in the low to mid-80s. A full 3mm wetsuit is recommended. Although the conditions in the Sea of Cortez are mostly calm, there are times that the sea is rough. Please be prepared for this type of situation and bring sea sickness medication if necessary.

    Recommended Scuba Gear

    Download our full scuba gear guide to Explore Baja, Bluewater Travel guests receive 10% OFF!


    Sample Itinerary

    This is a sample itinerary from San Jose del Cabo to Puerto Penasco, subject to weather and other conditions.

    • Day 1 - Board the boat at 5 pm. Depart from San Jose del Cabo around 6 pm.
    • Day 2 - Check out dive at Punta Prieta in San Gabriel Bay, part of Espiritu Santo Island, and diving Fang Ming wreck and Salvaterra wreck.
    • Day 3 - Dive at La Reyna, a great spot for sea lions, a school of barracuda, and occasionally oceanic manta rays.
    • Day 4 - Los Islotes, in the northern part of Espiritu Santo Island. Dive with the friendliest sea lion colony in the Sea of Cortez. Depending on weather and ocean conditions (visibility and current), we hope to dive "El Bajo", known for big schools of hammerheads. At night we will do the spectacular mobula night dive!
    • Day 5 - Las Animas, near San José Island. Great dives on the east and north pinnacles and afternoon diving at San Dieguito for a 3pm dive followed by a night dive.
    • Day 6 - Danzante Island, part of Parque Nacional Bahía de Loreto. Dive at Submarino, Silhouette, and the artificial wreck, C-54 Agustin Melgar. Afternoon hike at Honeymoon Beach.
    • Day 7 - Parque Nacional Bahía de Loreto, visiting Coronado Island: macro and sea lions. We do 3 dives and then a nice evening with dinner in Loreto.
    • Day 8 - San Ildelfonso Island where we will do 3 dives. Don't miss the Green Moray City!
    • Day 9 - San Pedro Martir Island. Enjoy fabulous diving with sea lions, incredible black coral fields, and some of the best macro of the Midriff Islands. (3-4 dives).
    • Day 10 - An early dive at San Pedro Martir, followed by whale watching crossing to Sal Si Puedes area. A 3pm dive at Lavadero in Las Animas Island in the chain of San Lorenzo - Las Animas - Sal Si Puedes. Night dive at the same location.
    • Day 11 - Sal Si Puedes: Some of the best macro diving along the Sea of Cortez at El Caballo, Los Cuervos and La Corona.
    • Day 12 - Wake up on the east coast of Baja California and dive El Pescador or Punta Don Juan. After breakfast, snorkeling with Whale Sharks at Bahía de Los Angeles. At 2 pm, the boat will start motoring to Puerto Penasco.
    • Day 13 - Arrive at Puerto Penasco and disembark at 7 am.

     

    Trip Inclusions

    • Three meals per day, snacks, beverages including soft drinks, juice, domestic beer & wine

    • 3-4 dives per day; tanks, weights & weight belts are provided

    • Activities included: Diving, hiking, kayaking, snorkeling & several land excursions exploring small towns & missions

    • 16% Mexican tax

    • Port fees

    Trip Exclusions

    • Airfare

    • Airport transfers - $140 per person for the arranged group shuttle from SJD Airport to Puerto Los Cabos at the start of the trip, around $60 per person for a taxi from Puerto Penasco to PHX Airport at the end of the trip

    • Marine park fees ($140, subject to change)

    • Nitrox ($140)

    • Dive insurance

    • Gratuity

    • Fuel surcharge (Quino del Mar has never charged a fuel surcharge to date but reserves the right to implement a fuel surcharge on all trips in the event the cost of fuel surpasses 20 pesos per liter. Should this occur, all guests will be notified prior to)

    • Travel Insurance - ask us about our preferred partner plan

    Book this Trip

    Accommodation

    About the Quino Del Mar

    Launched 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.

    Exterior of the Quino del Mar

    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!

    Check out our walkthrough video of the Quino del Mar!

    Trip Price

    Trip starts from $5,095 per person.

    Payment Schedule

    • Deposit: $1,000 to book your spot
    • Payment 2: $1,200 due on 1 October 2027 
    • Payment 3: $1,400 due on 1 April 2028 
    • Payment 4: due on 1 July 2028
    Book this Trip

    Extend your trip

    Want to extend your trip? We can help with that! See more of Mexico before or after your trip with Bluewater in Baja. Flying all that way merits a multi-destination vacation! La Paz is an amazing destination nearby that offers a range of additional unique experiences. Here are some examples of packages we can add on to your trip reservation:


    Read More
    Quino del Mar Cabin - image

    Quino del Mar Cabin

    Air Conditioning (AC)

    Toilet

    Shower

    En Suite Bathroom

    Double-occupancy

    $5,095

    per person

    Inquire about this trip

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    and start planning your perfect trip

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    Shaded lounge area
    Indoor dining area
    Twin bed accommodation
    Quino del Mar Cabin - image

    Quino del Mar Cabin

    Air Conditioning (AC)

    Toilet

    Shower

    En Suite Bathroom

    Double-occupancy

    $5,095

    per person