Sea Lions, Mobulas and Whale Sharks, Baja July 23-August 2, 2028

During this unique voyage 11-day “Explore Baja itinerary we’ll cover over 450 miles of stunning landscapes and unparalleled biodiversity in the Sea of Cortez, from the smallest of gobies and nudibranchs to the largest fish in the world, whale sharks!

This itinerary was expressly designed for optimum snorkeling.  We’ll be delighted by encounters with playful sea lions, turtles, octopus, countless schools of fish, and graceful mobula rays.
The Sea of Cortez is home to large and small cetaceans.  During the voyage keep your eyes out for sightings dolphins, orcas, fin whales, blue whales and humpbacks.  Jacques Cousteau called the Sea of Cortez “the world’s aquarium” because of its immense diversity. Who knows who we might meet during our 11-day adventure!

So much of Baja is pristine and undeveloped.  It’s so special to start the morning on the top deck, coffee in hand and take in the drama of the Sea of Cortez.
Towering cardon cacti reach upward to 60 feet tall, plants bloom unexpectantly, desert cliffs plunge straight into brilliant blue water and empty beaches stretch for miles. The stark beauty of the desert feels like you are at the edge of world.
While on deck, scan the horizon for dolphins and whales. There is also incredible bird life in Baja, including blue and brown footed boobie birds, cormorants, frigate birds and the endemic yellow footed gulls.
During the day we move from one island to the next, snorkeling up to 3 times a day. We’ll have time to hike through gorgeous desert landscapes. Between activities we’ll indulge with amazing meals!

July 23, 2027 Our trip begins with a meet up in Phoenix, Arizona. If you are flying in a day early, I can recommend the Drury Airport hotel. Friendly service, free airport transfers and free snacks and drinks in the evening!
https://www.druryhotels.com/locations/phoenix-az/drury-inn-and-suites-phoenix-airport
The group will depart Phoenix at 1:00pm on our private shuttle to Puerto Peñasco. The journey takes about 4 ½ hours. It’s actually a very pretty drive! Along the way the shuttle stops at a convenience store for a restroom and snack break.
Around 5:30pm the group will board the Quino del Mar in time to settle in and have dinner on board.
And our adventure at sea begins!

The day to day itinerary will remain flexible for our safety and comfort. Below is the proposed outline:

Day 2 — Angel Island – Los Nidos (Lolos Cove) and Lavella or Angel Rock
After breakfast a day of underwater explorations begin.  In the evening we will board pangas for a sunset cruise to see sea lion babies.

Day 3 — Coronado Islands and Bahía de Los Ángeles
A morning snorkel and then we continue to Bahia de Los Angeles to snorkel with whale sharks!
These gentle giants migrate through Bahia de Los Angeles, feeding in nutrient-rich waters. You’ll have the opportunity to swim alongside these filter feeders and enjoy a wonderful wildlife encounter.  The rest of the day may include additional snorkeling or time to relax on the boat while watching for marine mammals.

Day 4 — El Pescador & Lea’s Cove
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.

Day 5 — Isla Las Ánimas & Isla Salsipuedes
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.

Day 6 — San Esteban
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. We can go for a hike and look for the endemic San Esteban Chuckwalla, a large herbivorous reptile known for its mottled yellow-brown coloration.

Day 7 — San Pedro Mártir
San Pedro Mártir offers dramatic underwater walls and deep channels that support a high diversity of marine life. We may encounter large schools of fish, mobula rays, and other pelagic species. Above the water, this island is known for the blue-footed boobie. 7,000 sea lions call this island home.
Personally, I can’t get enough of the playful sea lions. It’s so much fun to interact with them, especially the young pups who twist and twirl around in acrobatic antics all around you!

Day 8 — Isla Delfonso
Isla Delfonso is renowned for its clear waters and abundant marine life. Snorkel along rocky reefs. 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.

Day 9 — Coronado Islands
Another spectacular location for snorkeling and wildlife viewing.  Keep your binoculars ready for whales and dolphins!

Day 10 – Isla Danzante
A morining of snorkeling and a hike at Honeymoon Beach

August 2, 2028
Our voyage ends in Loreto. Loreto is a charming, seaside town. This colonial city is officially designated as a Pueblos Magicos or Magical Village. Loreto is home to ancient cave paintings and two 17th century mission churches.
We’ll have an early continental breakfast before disembarking at 8:30am. You are free to fly out any time of day OR you may choose to extend your stay a few days early to enjoy the art, architecture and excellent restaurants of the area.

Our voyage will take place on the new Quino del Mar.
The Quino del Mar has an experienced and friendly crew, a wonderful chef who can cater to any special meal requests. We’ll be accompanied in the water with snorkel guides. I’m arranging to have a naturalist join our voyage. We’ll be treated to presentations about marine life and the environment.

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 equipment.
All interior areas are fully air-conditioned, including cabins, lounge, galley, and hallways.

All Cabins on board are en-suite and have air-conditioning.
Cabins 1-6 on the upper deck, feature extra-large twin bunk beds.
Cabins 7-8, on the upper deck feature 2 twins that can be made into a king.
Cabins 9&10, below deck are large cabins with 2 queen beds

EXPLORATIONS OF THE SEA OF CORTEZ:
$5995.00 per person based on Double Occupancy in a bunk-bedded cabin.
$6295 for a queen or king bedded cabin
$3295 additional for single supplement.

PRICE INCLUDES:
♦ 10 Nights on board the Quino Del Mar
♦ Taxes & port fees
♦ All meals, snacks, and beverages including canned soft drinks
♦ Complimentary local beer and wine served with dinner
♦ Group bus transfer from Phoenix to Puerto Penasco
♦ Weights, and weight belts

NOT INCLUDED:
♦ Airfare
♦ National Park Fee – as of June 2026, 240 pesos/day, approx $15/day.
Park fees are subject to change and will be collected on the final payment invoice.
♦ Mexican Tourist Card
♦ Airport transfers
♦ Crew Gratuity
♦ Fuel Surcharge if applicable

I hope you will be able to join me on this special voyage to experience the beauty and wonders of the Sea of Cortez!
For more information contact:  Wendy@SnorkelingEtc.com

Wendy Simon
Snorkeling Etc. Inc.
CEO/and Fellow Snorkel Addict
Santa Cruz, CA.
831 254-5001