Ultimate Whale Shark & Sea Lion Sea Of Cortez Trip 2026

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.

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.

Bluewater Travel’s 2025 Cozumel Photo Workshop at Iberostar featured vibrant reefs, warm water, and expert photo instruction, with highlights including splendid toadfish, turtles, and sharks.

Here at Bluewater Travel, our team has extensive knowledge and first-hand experience of some of the best dive resorts in the world. Here are our top picks.

We've traveled around the world and picked the best places for shark cage diving. Learn what to see, where to stay and much more!

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 .

Discover Bluewater's six favorite destinations for macro photography: Anilao, Lembeh, Dumaguete, Sea of Cortez, Bali, and Raja Ampat. Achieve your "perfect shot" at a dive site known for exceptional macro life, including bucket list critters such as stargazers, paper nautilus, bobbit worms, and the tiniest nudibranchs imaginablee.

Wondering where the best scuba diving in the Caribbean is? It really depends on what you like! Here are our top 12 picks.

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. 

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!

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

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!

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.

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!