Trip Highlights
Discover Baja’s unique islands and marine habitats, including San Esteban, San Pedro Mártir, Catalina, and Isla Salsipuedes.
Snorkel with whale sharks in Bahia de Los Angeles, swimming beside the ocean’s largest gentle filter-feeders.
Swim alongside sea lions, mobula rays, and a diverse array of colorful reef fish in the region’s pristine underwater habitats.
Search for dolphins and whales from the deck, with the chance to see humpbacks, gray whales, blue whales, and even orcas.
Learn from expert naturalists well-versed in local ecology as you travel by liveaboard, exploring a wider range of marine habitats and enjoying deeper, more authentic experiences than a typical day trip.
About This Trip
Embark on a liveaboard expedition through the Sea of Cortez—Jacques Cousteau’s legendary “Aquarium of the World”—and encounter some of the planet’s most extraordinary marine wildlife. In the calm waters of Bahía de los Ángeles, snorkel alongside juvenile whale sharks (typically 10–25 ft) as they gather seasonally to feed. In this remote and carefully regulated sanctuary, experience the incredible opportunity to observe these gentle giants in an ethical, low-impact, and uncrowded setting.
Snorkel through seas of mobula rays timed with their seasonal migration, and spot sea lions, sea turtles, moray eels, and schools of brilliantly colored reef fish. On the top deck, keep watch for dolphins, migrating whales, and even orcas, which are present year-round with peak activity in the summer months, while seabirds—frigatebirds, herons, and blue- and brown-footed boobies—soar overhead.
This 11-day Baja liveaboard expedition combines unforgettable wildlife encounters with sweeping landscapes: towering cardón cacti, blooming desert flora, sheer cliffs plunging into turquoise waters, and pristine, empty beaches stretching for miles. Guided by expert naturalists, every day blends adventure, exploration, and immersion in one of the world’s most remarkable marine ecosystems.
Conservation Impact
As America’s oldest 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to ocean conservation, Oceanic Society designs each expedition to deepen connections between people and nature while empowering travelers to play a direct role in preserving marine ecosystems. Through the Expedition Impact Program, your participation supports local ocean conservation projects in visited destinations, coral restoration, and plastic pollution offset initiatives.
Dates & Prices
July 11-21, 2027
Book This TripWhat's Included
10 nights onboard the Quino Del Mar, activities, and meals as described, complimentary beer and wine; taxes, port fees, ground transportation from Phoenix to Puerto Penasco, and a dedicated Oceanic Society naturalist.
What's Not Included
Airfare, taxes. and airport transfers, park fees, tourist card (paid at border), additional alcoholic beverages, meals not listed in the itinerary, any activities not described, fuel surcharge if applicable, and gratuities. Hotel accommodation if you arrive one day prior.
For a detailed itinerary, please email expeditions@oceanicsociety.org
Sample Itinerary
Arrive in Phoenix, Arizona, and meet your private shuttle for the drive to Puerto Peñasco. The air-conditioned vans will transport you and your luggage to the liveaboard vessel, where you’ll board in the early evening. After settling into your cabin, the crew will review safety procedures and outline the expedition plan. Enjoy your first sunset at sea as you head toward Baja’s northern islands.
Note: The shuttle departs from Phoenix at 1 pm. Travelers should plan to arrive by 11 am that same day or arrive the night before.
Begin your exploration with a cruise around Isla Refugio, where sea lions are known for their playful energy and curious behavior. Snorkel in the clear waters and watch them glide and twist through the kelp forests. As the sun dips below the horizon, the boat offers an unforgettable sunset view over the Sea of Cortez.
Cross the waters toward the Coronado Islands, located near Bahia de Los Angeles. This region is rich in marine life and dramatic underwater terrain. Snorkel along rocky reefs and kelp beds, where you may encounter schools of fish, rays, and the occasional shark. On deck, keep watch for whales and dolphins moving through the channel.
This is the expedition’s most anticipated day: snorkeling with whale sharks. These gentle giants migrate through Bahia de Los Angeles, feeding in nutrient-rich waters. Under the guidance of the crew, you’ll have the opportunity to swim alongside these filter feeders, experiencing one of the most awe-inspiring wildlife encounters on Earth. The rest of the day may include additional snorkeling or time to relax on the boat while watching for marine mammals.
Explore the underwater caves and dramatic reef walls at El Pescador and Lea’s Cove. These sites offer excellent visibility and vibrant marine life, including colorful reef fish, rays, and octopuses hiding among the rocks. Surface time may reveal dolphins or passing whales as the vessel moves between sites.
Continue south to Isla Las Ánimas and Isla Salsipuedes, two of the Sea of Cortez’s most biodiverse marine environments. Snorkel along coral-lined walls and explore rocky reefs. These islands are also prime habitat for sea turtles and rays, so keep your eyes open for these iconic species. The evenings are perfect for stargazing over the open water.
San Esteban Island is known for its rugged beauty and remote underwater habitats. Snorkel in the nutrient-rich waters around the island, where you may see large schools of fish, black coral forests, and the occasional reef shark. The area is also a hotspot for birdlife, with seabirds circling overhead and nesting along the cliffs.
San Pedro Mártir offers dramatic underwater walls and deep channels that support a high diversity of marine life. Snorkelers may encounter large schools of fish, manta rays, and other pelagic species. Above the water, this island is a significant bird sanctuary, adding a unique natural history element to your expedition.
Isla Catalina is renowned for its clear waters and abundant marine life. Snorkel along rocky reefs and near kelp beds where sea lions often appear. This area is ideal for underwater photography and close-up encounters with reef fish, octopus, and rays. The island’s dramatic coastline also provides stunning views from the boat.
Return to the Coronado Islands for final snorkeling and wildlife viewing. This second visit offers a chance to revisit your favorite sites or explore new areas based on local conditions. Keep your binoculars ready for whales and dolphins, and savor your last full day on the water.
Wake early for a continental breakfast before disembarking in Loreto. From here, you can extend your stay to continue snorkeling and exploring the region, or transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Ship
Quino Del Mar
The Quino Del Mar is a comfortable and stable steel-hulled vessel that was custom-designed and built specifically for divers and snorkelers in 2025. Quino del Mar is Coast Guard-approved and equipped with state-of-the-art electronics and safety equipme…
Naturalist(s)
Your expedition will be led by one or more of the following expert naturalist guides:
Trip Extensions
Extend your adventure with a 5-Day snorkeling expedition in Loreto — where desert mountains meet the dazzling waters of the Sea of Cortez. With secluded coves, dramatic island landscapes, and warm, clear waters, this extension is the perfect way to dive even deeper into Baja’s wild beauty.
