MEXICO

BAJA CALIFORNIA & SOCORRO

GRAY WHALES, SHARKS AND GIANT MANTAS

 26 MAR - 09 APR 2025  • 15 DAYS •  17 GUESTS

Embark on an unforgettable expedition to some of the most vibrant marine ecosystems on the planet, from the rich waters of the Sea of Cortez teeming with magnificent marine mammals to the thrilling big-fish encounters of the Socorro Islands. Delight in intimate encounters with the friendly gray whales of San Ignacio Lagoon, a truly transformative experience. Experience the playful antics of sea lions in Espiritu Santo, hailed as the 'Crown Jewel of the Sea of Cortez'. Snorkel alongside awe-inspiring Whale sharks as they gracefully feed on plankton in these nutrient-rich waters. Encounter up to 10 different species of sharks and glide effortlessly alongside giant manta rays boasting impressive wingspans. This exclusive Wild Earth itinerary with 2 separate private yacht charters promises an unparalleled adventure tailored for a select group of intrepid travellers.

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 energetic sea lions. Swim alongside the biggest fish in the ocean at a whale shark nursery! Observe as they hover and filter plankton.

Depart on a privately chartered plane on a flight north across the scenic desert landscape to remote San Ignacio Lagoon. From the comforts of your luxury camp, prepare for a life-changing experience like no other. Over 3 extraordinary days, soak in every special moment as gray whales swim to the edge of your boat to be stroked, sometimes even kissed, and hugged. Each interaction unfolds entirely on the whales’ terms. Witness mother whales gently guide their calves closer to the boat for interactions. As the day draws to a close, unwind with a cocktail in hand, watching the sunset. Take in a wildlife presentation before feasting on a delicious dinner. Finally, retire to your private deck and marvel at the uninterrupted starlit sky.

The Nautilus UnderSea is a true expedition vessel. Originally commissioned in 1968 as a submarine support vessel for Dr Perry of Perry Oceanographic, this stalwart ship has charted courses through many remote islands and reefs across the globe. Along its storied journey, it has welcomed esteemed Marine Scientists, including the renowned Dr Sylvia Earle, as well as documentary filmmakers seeking to capture the wonders of the deep. The ship was completely refit in 2017 to become a custom dive vessel for the Eastern Pacific, complete with a new superstructure, extended sun deck and upgraded stability system.

Socorro diving has become one of the world's most famous and sought-after scuba diving destinations. The remote 4 Revillagigedo Islands, situated 390km/250miles off the Baja Peninsula, offer some of the best diving in Mexico, thanks to the nutrient-rich currents bathing the islands. On most of your dives, 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 shark species, including Hammerhead, Tiger, Silky, Silvertip, Galapagos, and reef sharks. You may even get lucky and witness a bait ball feeding frenzy. This time of year, there's a good chance to spot Humpback whales, Orca, and false killer whales passing by. From the comforts of our privately chartered legendary expedition vessel, the Nautilus UnderSea, spend 5 full days scuba diving in this wild, remote, and exhilarating archipelago - each dive filled with thrilling and exceptional marine encounters.

Explore the Sea of Cortez on an epic weeklong Pre-Extension.  Feel the adrenaline rush as you jump into the water with Blue and Mako sharks on a pelagic shark safari. Head to Cabo Pulmo National Park, the northernmost coral reef in the Pacific, to swim alongside sea turtles, large groupers, bull sharks, and witness the breathtaking spectacle of massive schools of jacks and snapper. Board the luxurious expedition vessel Nautilus Gallant Lady, to unlock the mysteries of the Mechudo Corridor on a 4-night exclusive charter for 11 lucky guests. 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-, Sperm- and Humpback whales, mega pods of dolphins, whale sharks and possibly Orca hunting Mobula rays.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Immerse yourself in the Sea of Cortez's and Socorro’s rich and abundant marine life.

• Pelagic blue-water shark encounters with Blue and Mako sharks.

• 2 luxury expedition yacht charters with a special bespoke itinerary, exclusively designed for our expedition.

• Dive wild, remote, and exhilarating Socorro archipelago and interact with the world's largest and friendliest Giant manta rays, pods of playful dolphins, and thrilling encounters with up to 10 species of sharks.

• Snorkel alongside playful seals, turtles, and the world's largest fish, the Whale shark.

• Scenic private charter flights across Baja California’s desert and a spotter plane to help find whales and feeding aggregations in the Mechudo Corridor.

• Observe the ocean's largest inhabitants; Blue, Gray, Fin, Sperm, and Humpback whales

• 3-nights at a luxury beach camp with life-changing Gray whale interactions.

RESERVE MY SPACE & ENQUIRIES

You've got that "I don't want to miss out" feeling for a good reason. Our expeditions are life changers and we have a solid following of Wild Earth Explorers who love returning to adventure with us. Don't hesitate to reserve your space today.  

PRE-EXTENSION - Blue Whales & Ocean Pelagics

21 - 27 MAR 2025 – 06 DAYS – 11 GUESTS  

Start your adventure with the Blue Whale and Ocean Pelagics Pre-Extension. Spend a day exploring the Cabo Pulmo National Park, the northernmost coral reef in the Pacific. Dive with bull sharks, sea turtles and large groupers, witness the breathtaking spectacle of massive schools of jacks and snapper, and discover firsthand why Cabo Pulmo is celebrated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Explore the Sea of Cortez onboard a privately chartered yacht in search of the world’s largest animal to have ever existed, the enigmatic Blue whale. The Nautilus Gallant Lady is a luxury yacht and the perfect expedition vessel to unlock the mysteries of the Mechudo Corridor on a 4-night exclusive charter for 11 lucky guests.

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 large aggregations of Mobula rays.

ITINERARY OVERVIEW

PRE-EXTENSION - Blue Whales & Ocean Pelagics

21–27 MAR 2025 – 07 DAYS – 11 GUESTS

Day 01 | Mar 21 Arrive in Cabo San Lucas / Welcome dinner

Day 02 | Mar 22 Pelagic Shark Safari

Day 03 | Mar 23 Cabo Pulmo / Travel to La Paz / Board the Nautilus Gallant Lady

Day 04-06 | Mar 24-26  3 days of whale watching and mega-fauna interactions in the Mechudo Corridor with spotter planes to assist in close encounters

Day 07 | Mar 27 Disembark after breakfast / Join the main expedition for Whale Shark swim in La Paz

MAIN TRIP - MEXICO BAJA & SOCORRO – Gray Whales, Sharks & Giant Mantas

26 MAR – 09 APR 2025 – 15 DAYS – 16 GUESTS

Day 01 | Mar 26 Arrive in La Paz, Baja California, Mexico

Day 02 | Mar 27  Whale shark swim with beach BBQ lunch / Walking tour of La Paz / Welcome Cocktails & special dinner           

Day 03 | Mar 28 Espiritu Santo Island / Snorkel with sea lions, nature walk, birding

Day 04 | Mar 29 Charter flight to San Ignacio / Gray whale interactions

Day 06/07 | Mar 30/31 Gray whale encounters and nature walks in San Ignacio lagoon

Day 07 | Apr 01 Gray whales / Fly to Cabo / Board the Nautilus UnderSea

Day 08 | Apr 02  Travel to Socorro

Day 03/13 | Apr 03/07 5 full days of diving with sharks and giant mantas in the Socorro Islands

Day 14 | Apr 08 Return to Cabo San Lucas

Day 15 | Apr 09 Disembark after breakfast / Fly home

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.

NAUTILUS UNDERSEA

The Nautilus UnderSea is a true embodiment of exploration and comfort, offering legendary underwater experiences while maintaining an intimate and adventurous atmosphere. Originally serving as a submarine support vessel for Dr. Perry of Perry Oceanographic since 1968, this sturdy ship has ventured across remote islands and reefs, hosting esteemed Marine Scientists like Dr. Sylvia Earle as well as many documentary filmmakers. Following a comprehensive refit in 2017, including a new superstructure and extended sun deck, the UnderSea continues to provide unparalleled diving adventures. The ship measures 32 meters (105 ft) in length, 8 meters (26 ft) at beam and cruises at a speed of 10 knots. 

With other dive vessels in Socorro accommodating up to 30 divers, the UnderSea offers the most intimate experience for diving in the Revillagigedo Islands. Guests can unwind in various areas onboard, from the top-level Sun Deck equipped with a hot tub to the air-conditioned dining room and lounge, all while relishing breathtaking vistas and occasional sightings of playful dolphins trailing the yacht's wake. Accommodating up to 18 guests in total, the Nautilus UnderSea's 8 cozy cabins cater to diverse preferences. The lower deck comprises 6 cabins, with 5 featuring a queen-size bed and an optional single upper bunk. Additionally, there is a premium suite situated on the upper deck, boasting a queen-size bed and three portholes that provide an unobstructed view of the surrounding sea. Each stateroom includes thoughtful amenities such as personal hanging lockers, en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, and cozy carpeted floors. Delicious meals await onboard the vessel, where Mexican and West Coast North American cuisine fuse seamlessly to tantalize the taste buds. From pre-dive continental breakfasts to delectable lunchtime offerings and ever-changing dinner menus, guests are treated to a culinary journey that perfectly complements the exhilarating diving adventures experienced throughout the voyage. The ship offers dive gear rental & Nitrox (at a surcharge); a fully stocked bar and a great selection of wine (extra cost, but reasonably priced). 

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).

WILD EARTH LEADERS

PHOTO CREDIT © Thomas Baechtold, Nautilus and Baja Expeditions, Adobe Stock