MEXICO
BAJA CALIFORNIA & SOCORRO
OCEAN PELAGICS, WHALES AND SHARKS
MAR 2023 • 19 DAYS • 11 GUESTS
Travel from one of the richest seas on the planet with some of the ocean's largest marine mammals in the Sea of Cortez to the big-fish action of the Socorro Islands on this diver's dream expedition. Revel in intimate encounters like no other with gray whales in San Ignacio. Scan the abundant Mechudo Corridor for blue, fin and humpback whales. Dive among large pods of dolphins and schooling hammerheads and silky sharks. Glide alongside whale sharks and giant manta rays with monstrous wingspans. Snorkel with playful sea lions off the 'Crown Jewel of the Sea Cortez'. This unique itinerary and private yacht charter is an exclusive experience for a small group of avid travellers.
Swim alongside the biggest fish in the ocean at a whale shark nursery! Observe as they hover and filter plankton. Then, board a privately chartered plane on a flight north across the scenic desert landscape to remote San Ignacio Lagoon. From the comforts of our luxury camp, prepare for a life-altering experience like no other. You have three days to soak in every special moment as gray whales swim to the edge of your boat to be stroked, kissed, and hugged. Each interaction gifted entirely on the whales' terms. Mama whales push their calves closer to be stroked. See the day out with a cocktail in hand, watching the sunset and listening to a wildlife presentation before feasting on a delicious dinner. Finally, retire to your private deck and marvel at the uninterrupted starlit sky.
The Nautilus Gallant Lady is a luxury yacht and the perfect expedition vessel to unlock the mysteries of the Sea of Cortez and the Socorro Islands on a 12-day exclusive charter with a specially designed itinerary for 11 lucky divers.
The island of Espiritu Santo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, referred to as "the Crown Jewel of the Sea of Cortez" because of its high mountains, sheer cliffs and white sandy beaches dotting the coast, is considered one of Baja California's most scenic attractions. Don your gear for an adventurous snorkel with the playful and excitable sea lions.
The Mechudo Corridor is alive with whales this time of year! With the help of a dedicated spotter plane guiding us to the 'action', we hope to get close to blue-, fin- and humpback whales, mega pods of dolphins, whale sharks and possibly Orca, sperm whales, and schools of Mobula rays.
Socorro diving has become one of the world's most famous and sought-after diving destinations. The four Revillagigedo Islands are 390km/250 miles off the Baja Peninsula and offer some of the best diving in Mexico, thanks to the nutrient-rich currents bathing the islands. Interact with the world's largest and friendliest manta rays (up to 7m/20ft wingspans), be surrounded by playful pods of dolphins, witness vast schools of tuna and jacks, and feel the adrenaline rush as you approach a variety of different (up to 10) shark species. This time of year, there's a chance to spot humpback whales, Orca, and false killer whales passing by and witness the feeding frenzy of a bait ball. Spend five full days diving in this wild, remote, and exhilarating archipelago - each dive filled with thrilling and exceptional marine encounters.
Start your adventure with the Pre-Extension to witness the magnificent Monarch Butterfly aggregations in the Zitacuaro Biosphere reserve or participate in the Ultimate Mexican Adventure by combining this expedition with the Mexico - Yucatan Peninsula – Sailfish, Bull Sharks & Cenotes Expedition with the Monarch Butterfly Extension.
HIGHLIGHTS
12-night yacht charter exclusively for our expedition with a specially designed and unique itinerary
Observe the ocean's largest inhabitants; blue, gray, fin and humpback whales
Immerse yourself in the Sea of Cortez's rich and abundant marine life.
Snorkel alongside playful seals and the world's largest fish, the Whale shark.
Spend 3-nights at a luxury beach camp and experience life-changing Gray whale interactions
San Ignacio scenic charter flights and spotter plane to assist in close encounters in the Mechudo Corridor
Dive wild, remote, and exhilarating Socorro archipelago and interact with the world's largest and friendliest Manta rays, pods of playful dolphins, and thrilling encounters with up to 10 species of sharks.
ENQUIRIES
Love this itinerary and wondering when we are returning? Don't hesitate to contact us today.
“Such a special adventure! I loved being part of something so special. There is a certain pleasure in knowing I have seen things and participated in activities that very few have done and seen. Thomas, I must emphasise what an extremely special person you are. I loved every minute… and thank you for that!”
PRE-EXTENSION - Monarch Butterflies
MAR 2023 – 04 DAYS – 13 GUESTS
Complete your Mexican adventure with our Pre-Extension to the magnificent Monarch Butterflies in Zitacuaro. Witness the extraordinary wildlife event of the winter hibernation of the Monarch butterflies. Stroll through the Santuario de la Mariposa Monarca, a World Heritage Site and watch millions of butterflies descend and cluster on the pine and oak forest around you. Feast on authentic Mexican cuisine in a local village before hiking to the summit of Mexico’s fourth highest peak and volcano, Nevado de Toluca. Take in the spectacular and majestic panoramic views that surround you including the large dacitic lava dome that separates two crater lakes, known as the lakes of the Sun and Moon.
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ITINERARY OVERVIEW
PRE-EXTENSION – MONARCH BUTTERFLIES
MAR 2023 – 04 DAYS – 13 GUESTS
Day 01 | Arrive in Mexico City / Welcome dinner
Day 02 | Mexico City Tour / Teotihuacan ruins
Day 03 | Travel to Zitacuaro / Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve
Day 04 | Monarch Butterflies / Nevado de Toluca Volcano / Mexico City
Day 05 | Fly to La Paz for ‘Baja & Socorro Expedition’
MEXICO BAJA & SOCORRO – OCEAN PELAGICS, WHALES & SHARKS
MAR 2023 – 19 DAYS – 11 GUESTS
Day 01 | Depart home / En Route to La Paz, Baja California, Mexico
Day 02 | Arrive in La Paz / Whale shark swim with beach lunch
Day 03 | Charter flight to San Ignacio / Gray whales / Welcome drinks
Day 04/05 | Two full days of Gray whale encounters in San Ignacio
Day 06 | Gray whales / Charter flight to La Paz / Walking tour of La Paz
Day 07 | Espiritu Santo / Snorkel with sea lions / Board Nautilus Gallant Lady
Day 08/09 | Two days of whale watching and mega-fauna in the Mechudo Corridor
Day 10/11 | Travel to Socorro / Dive at La Reina near Cerralvo Island
Day 12-16 | Five full days of diving the Socorro Islands
Day 17 | Return to Cabo San Lucas
Day 18 | Disembark after breakfast / Fly home
Day 19 | Arrive home
NAUTILUS GALLANT LADY
Launched in 1984 and rebuilt in 2018, the US-built Brroward yacht combines the luxury of a yacht with the thoughtful design of an expedition dive vessel. The 116ft Lady caters to only 12 divers in 6 large and comfortable suites. The cabins are located on the lower and main deck. Each cabin features individually controlled AC, a California King or two double beds, ample storage space, and private en-suite bathrooms with hot & cold water. The Lady boasts 2 superior suites on the main deck, 3 suites on the lower deck and 1 spacious Premium Suite on the lower deck.
The Lady has plenty of comfortable social areas to unwind, including the sky-lounge with hot tub on the top deck, which is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail at the end of the day, and the sundeck is a great place to relax in-between dives. The main salon and dining room feature a fully stocked bar and wrap-around views. A fusion of Mexican and West Coast North American cuisine is freshly prepared by the onboard chef, and all dietary requirements can be catered for with advance notice. With 1700 horsepower Caterpillar engines and hydraulic stabilizers, the Lady can sail in great comfort. The wheelhouse is open 24hrs to guests.
The ship has a couple of kayaks and SUP’s available (free of charge); offers dive gear rental & Nitrox (at surcharge); and a fully-stocked extensive bar including single malts, micro brews, and a great selection of wine (extra cost, but very reasonably priced).
SAN IGNACIO LUXURY CAMP
Think of the luxury beach camp as one of the world’s best pop-up hotels. Each tent features an ensuite bathroom, bedroom with a dresser as well as a separate sitting area with a couch and easy chairs – perfect for relaxing after a day of adventure. The tents are windproof, insulated, and heated for maximum comfort, with ensuite bathrooms and showers, hot and cold running water with good pressure, and 24-hour power. Not to mention “real beds” with fine linen.
Enormous thought has gone into every detail, from a fire pit to a fine selection of wine, craft beer, single malt scotches, and fine dining. There is even a bar and lounge tent and Wi-Fi-access throughout the camp. The camp is nestled in the desert, on the edge of the lagoon and surrounded by tall mesas. When not with the whales, or if the seas are too lumpy, explore the stunning cactus-studded desert and dazzling white salt flats in search of coyotes; borrow a mountain bike and go for a ride; enjoy a guided birding walk; or kayak through the nearby mangroves. Daily naturalist presentations and fine dining.
WILD EARTH LEADER
PHOTO CREDIT © Thomas & Natalia Baechtold, Nautilus and Baja Expeditions, Adobe Stock