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Ultimate Whale Shark & Sea Lion Sea Of Cortez Trip 2027

Macro
Aug 22, 2027 - Aug 29, 2027
Encounter sea lions, sperm whales, whale sharks, and more with Bluewater's Photo Workshop aboard the brand new Quino del Mar.
Book this Trip
Book this Trip

Macro Critters

Whale Shark Encounters

Whale Encounters

Free Photo Workshops

Why Join This Trip

  • Big animal sightings like whale sharks, sea lions, dolphins, sperm whales and much more

  • Dive in an area Jacques Cousteau called the Aquarium of the World

  • Easiest liveaboard to access from the US - fly or drive to Phoenix, AZ

  • Huge diversity of marine life - blennies, nudibranchs, octopus, and more on one of Mexico’s newest liveaboards - Quino del Mar

  • FREE optional photo workshop

  • Fully refundable deposit until 12 months from departure

  • The Quino del Mar crew is one of the most experienced sailing in the Sea of Cortez

  • 25% off rental photo gear from Bluewater Photo

Trip overview

This trip offers a great combination of big animals and fascinating macro life. There's always something for everyone. Plus, it's really easy to get to being only a 4-hour drive from Phoenix, AZ.

The Sea of Cortez is home to sea lions, whale sharks, manta and mobula rays, dolphins, and huge schools of fish. Sperm whales, pilot whales, and dolphins are also commonly spotted.

sea of cortez dolphins

It doesn't just stop there as the Sea of Cortez is also a perfect place to practice your macro photography skills. You will get to see nice varieties of nudibranchs, Panamic arrow crabs, Pacific seahorses, jawfish, small and big octopuses, frogfish, and blennies.

sea of cortez whale sharkSignal Blenny Sea of Cortez

Check out this cool video from diving the Sea of Cortez:

Sample Itinerary

The boat will depart from Puerto Peasco at 6 pm on Saturday and then travel for 12 hours to arrive the next morning for a 7 am dive. You will be diving 3-4 times per day on this trip. Here's a sample day-by-day itinerary of this trip:

  • Day 1 - Embark at 5 pm in Puerto Peasco. Depart at 6 pm
  • Day 2 - Wake up at Refugio Bay on Angel Island
    • Potential Dive sites: Angel Rock, La Vela, Lolos Cove, Sunset Zodiak Cruise with Sea Lions
  • Day 3 - Angel Island
    • Potential Dive sites: Andreas Eagle, El Aquario, Las Vivoras, Las Vivoras including a night dive
  • Day 4 - San Pedro Martir 
    • Potential Dive sites: El Arroyo, Punta Martir (Sea Lions), Chayos Cove
  • Day 5 - San Pedro Martir
    • Potential Dive sites: Ravijunco, Xarenis Pinnacle, Coromel, Morrito, in the afternoon we go looking for whales!
  • Day 6 - Salsipuedes & Animas
    • Potential Dive sites: Los Cuervos, El Caballo, In Animas, El Lavadero, El Lavadero including a night dive
  • Day 7 - Baja and Snorkeling with Whale Sharks in Bahia De Los Angeles
    • Potential Dive sites: El Pescador, Baja Ca., start heading back to Puerto Penasco in afternoon
  • Day 8 - Disembark at 7 am

To learn more about what you can expect from this Sea of Cortez trip, check out 2024 Sea of Cortez trip report. Also see the reviews on diving the Sea of Cortez here.

Sea of CortezSea of Cortez DivingSea of Cortez Diving

Recommended Scuba Gear

Download our full scuba gear guide to Sea of Cortez, Bluewater Travel guests receive 10% OFF!


  • 5mm wetsuit and a hooded vest. Browse Wetsuits at Bluewater Photo
  • A good mask and snorkel for whale shark snorkelling. We recommend the Cressi ZS1 & Corsica Snorkeling Package
  • Anti-fog
  • Dive light/torch. We suggest Kraken NR-2000 Dive Light
  • Pointer
  • Travel BCD. Read our Best Travel BCD Article
  • Travel regulator. We suggest Mares Ultra 62X Dive Regulator

Trip Inclusions

  • Three meals per day & snacks

  • Beverages including soft drinks, juice, domestic beer & wine

  • One morning of whale shark snorkeling and several dives with a friendly sea lion colony

  • Tanks, weights, and weight belts

  • Free daily photo workshops and tutorials

Trip Exclusions

  • Transfers from Phoenix Airport ($175 roundtrip)

  • Park fees ($75, subject to change)

  • Fuel Surcharge, if applicable (none currently)

  • Nitrox ($140)

  • Gratuity

  • Mexican Tourist Card: purchased at the border ($36 CASH ONLY)

  • 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 $3,195 per person.

Payment Schedule

  • Deposit: $600 to book your spot
  • Payment 2: $750 due 22 July 2026
  • Payment 3: $750 due 13 January 2027
  • Balance: due 14 April 2027


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. Flying all that way merits a multi-destination vacation! There are amazing destinations nearby that offer a range of additional unique experiences. Here are some examples of packages we can add on to your reservation:

BWT Trip to Sea of Cortez 2019, photo by Bryan Chu Sea of Cortez 2022

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  1. Guided group trips-
  2. Ultimate Whale Shark & Sea Lion Sea Of Cortez Trip 2027
Ultimate Whale Shark & Sea Lion Sea Of Cortez Trip 2027 - image
Quino del Mar Cabin - image

Quino del Mar Cabin

Air Conditioning (AC)

En Suite Bathroom

Hot Water Shower

Camera Room

Double-occupancy

$3,195

per person

Inquire about this 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)

En Suite Bathroom

Hot Water Shower

Camera Room

Double-occupancy

$3,195

per person