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Description
Boat
Nautilus Explorer was designed and constructed back in the fall of 1999, and launched in Vancouver, B.C. in late 2000. It is built and certified to the same exacting international standards as the largest cruise ship, and has earned a SOLAS passenger certificate for short international voyages, which means great comfort & safety during the sailing.
Nautilus Explorer size 35 meters in length and 8 meters in beam, cruise at 10 knots. It has four decks that offers plenty of spaces for every guests on board: On the main deck, there are the relaxing lounge, dining room, equipment rental room, the galley, the dive deck and the forward sundeck:
The dining room is beautifully crafted cherrywood tables with large picture windows. Guests can expect a fusion of Mexican and West Coast North American food with fresh baking, produce and vegetables. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, food allergy options, and quasi kosher menus are available with at least 30 days prior notice.
Tea, coffee, juice, soda are included in your trip price. Onboard, there is a wide variety of alcoholic beverages stashed in our onboard bar including: red wine, white wine, champagne, vodka, gin, tequila, rum, mezcal, brandy, bourbons, single malt scotch and beer (mexican and domestic).
Nautilus Explorer's lounge area is fitted with comfortable couches surrounded by large picture windows as well, equipped with a 42"plasma TV, DVD/CDs, sound system, library, PC and Mac computers, and an indoor bar.
The dive deck is located on the back of the main deck, it is spacious and well equipped with personal gear boxes and an in-place fill station, a camera table, large rinse tanks, and hot/cold freshwater showers. There is a 11 meters long dive skiffs on board that used for diving, and after each dive, the crew will greet you with a warm towel.
On the upper deck, there is a hot tub (Jacuzzi) with fresh sparkling clear water for guest have a relaxing afternoon soak or a glass of wine or frosty cervasa under the evening stars. The top sundeck also have plenty of room & chaise longues to relax, view the scenery, read a book or chat with new friends.
Cabin
Nautilus Explorer has 13 comfortable guest cabins, accommodating up to 25 guests per trip:
All rooms have en-suite bathrooms, windows and/or portholes, and all rooms offer plenty of hooks to hang clothes and store camera equipment, internet via Wi-Fi can be reachble for all area on board.
1 Premium Suite :
Located on the upper deck just behind the wheelhouse. It's the largests cabin onboard, 27sqm in size, it has a separate bedroom and lounge, each with a large flat screen TV, ensuite with full size bathtub and shower.
2 Superior Suites :
Located on the upper deck, each 13 - 14 sqm in size, comes with one king size double bed or two single beds side by side, large windows, desk and wardrobes, doors that open directly outside.
1 Superior Suite :
Located on the upper deck, 13sqm in size, comes with one queen size double bed, large windows, desk and wardrobes, a large flat screen TV.
2 Single Staterooms :
Located on the lower deck, each 8 - 9sqm in size, comes with a double bed and additional storage area, portholes.
6 Double Staterooms :
Located on the lower deck, each 8 - 9sqm in size, comes with one double bed and one single bed side by side, portholes.
1 Triple Staterooms :
Located on the lower deck, 8 - 9sqm in size, comes with two single beds in bunk style and a double bed, portholes.
Diving
Guadalupe Route : Unlimited cage dives
Socorro Route : 3 - 4 dives per diving day
All divers must have a submersible console (SMB).
No dive provided on the day of arrival and departure.
All diving will provide experienced guide to lead the dive.
Both divers and non-divers are welcome for Guadalupe trips.
Divers must reach AOW with at least 50 logged dives for Socorro.
Other Informations
- Nitrox：Available with additional charge
- 15L Tanks：Available with additional charge
- REBREATHER Dive：Available with additional charge
- Technical Dive：Not available at the moment
- Dive Equipment Rental：Available with additional charge
- Dive insurance：Divers must have valid dive insurance
- Wi-Fi Internet ：Available with additional charge
- Laundry Service：Not available at the moment
- Massage Service：Not available at the moment
- Payment on board：By cash only (USD/MXN)
- Crew Number：Unknown, include 3 - 4 dive guides
Itineraries
Socorro Islands - 9D/8N
Meeting point : Meet at the Nautilus Hospitality Suite located in San Jose del Cabo at Hotel El Ganzo. (Blvd. Tiburón s/n, La Playita, 23403 San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico) from 12PM onwards.
Hotel El Ganzo is a 30 minute ride from SJD Airport. For transportation service, you can contact our agent to book for you at an extra rate.
Visibility & Water temperature :
Visibility is variable. It can be as low as 20 feet in volcanic pumice, but is usually 75-125 feet. Water temps range from 23°C / 73°F in February to 30 °C / 86°F in November.
Sample itinerary :
Day 1: Meet at the meeting point from 12PM onwards. Boarding your ship after 8:00 PM, the ship will starts to sail at 9:00 PM. (We generally board at 8:00 PM so please have dinner before boarding the boat. The Hotel El Ganzo has 3 fantastic restaurants to choose from.)
Day 2: Arrive to San Benedicto Island in the evening. While sea conditions are usually fairly benign, it is an open ocean crossing to Socorro. We recommend taking anti- seasickness medication such as “The Patch” (Scopolamine), Gravol or Meclizine before boarding the ship.
Day 3: Diving all day at San Benedicto Island - home to the friendliest giant mantas in the world! 4 dives will be done depending on weather conditions.
Day 4 : Diving all day at Socorro Island. 3 dives will be done + Night snorkel with Silky Sharks.
Day 5 : Diving all day at Socorro Island. 4 dives will be done depending on weather conditions.
Day 6: Diving all day at Roca Partida. 4 dives will be done depending on weather conditions.
Day 7: Diving all day at Roca Partida. 4 dives will be done depending on weather conditions.
Day 8: Sailing back to Los Cabos
Day 9: Disembarkation after breakfast at 8:30AM. We recommend that you book your return ights for 10:00 AM or later
Guadalupe Island great white sharks - 6D/5N
Meeting point - San Diego:
Best Western Plus Island Palms Resort - 2051 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, CA, 92106. Meeting time is from 12:00 PM onwards, free transfer coach leaves at 7:30 PM.
The hotel is 4 miles from the airport. You can take a Taxi. Alternatively, Uber is very good and reliable in San Diego, and usually half the price of a taxi.
Meeting point - Ensenada :
Guests should make thier own way to the Cruiseport Marina in Ensenada before 9:30 PM, the boat will starts sail at 10:00 PM.
As most of guests choose to meet in Ensenada will be fly into Tijuana. From Tijuana airport, you can travel by express coach to Ensenada (90minutes). This runs approximately every hour and travel time is about 1 hour 20 minutes. Alternatively we can help arrange a private car transfer. (Transfer not included)
Upon request (at least 30 days before departure), we can arrange for a Nautilus hospitality suite at the Corona Hotel - Lázaro Cárdenas 1442, Bahia, 22880, Ensenada, B.C., Mexico.
Visibility & Water temperature :
Visibility is almost always 100 - 120 feet, sometimes 150 feet.
Water temps range from 22 °C / 72 °F in July and August to 20 °C / 68 °F in November.
Sample itinerary :
Day 1 : Meet at Best Western Palms Hospitality Suite from 12:00 PM onwards, free transfer by coach att 7:30 PM to board the ship docked in Ensenada.
Day 2 : At the sea, on route to Guadalupe Island. Dinner time arrival at Guadalupe Island with a nice relaxing evening at anchor.
Day 3 : Cage Diving in Guadalupe Island with Great White Sharks. Cages open at 6:30 AM. First submersible dive at 8:00 AM. Dive until dusk!
Day 4 : Cage Diving in Guadalupe Island with Great White Sharks, starting at 6:30 AM. Submersible diving starts at 8:30 AM. Dive until dusk!
Day 5 : Cage Diving in Guadalupe Island with Great White Sharks. Cages open at 6:30 AM, Submersible diving starts at 7:30 AM, Cages close at 5:00 PM.
Day 6 : The ship normally arrives at Ensenada approx. at 2:00PM. Arrival time is always subject weather and may be later. Guests who met us in Ensenada will be be transferred back to Tijuana Airport in Ensenada. Guests who met us in San Diego will be transferred back to Best Western Resort, Ramada Hotel or San Diego Airport. The coach typically arrives in San Diego by 7:00 PM. Please do not book return flights earlier than 9:00 PM.
Schedules & routes
Prices & conditions
Included
- Transfers from airport and/or hotel to the yacht
- Fuel surcharge
- Full-board meal plan (including snacks)
- Dinner ashore the night before disembarkation
- Soft drinks
- Diving activity (incl. tanks, weights, weight belts)
- Dive guide service
- Boat accident insurance
- Cabin cleaning service
Not included
- Domestic flights in destination country
- Marine park fees & Port fees
- Complimentary alcoholic beverage with dinner
- Dive equipment rentals
- Larger tank (15 L)
- Nitrox fills
- Dive courses on board
- Dive insurance (mandatory requirement)
- Travel insurance (trip cancellation insurance)
- Crew gratuity
Useful information
Socorro Islands
Best time for diving
November to May is considered the best time to dive at the Socorro Islands, with the peak season from December to April. During these months, the water conditions are ideal for spotting large pelagic species such as manta rays, whale sharks, and dolphins. Visibility typically ranges from 20 to 40 meters, with strong currents possible, especially around the cleaning stations.
About temperatures
Air : generally ranges between 24°C - 30°C year-round.
Sea : vary from 21°C - 26°C, with cooler waters from December to April and warmer conditions from May to November.
Wetsuit Recommendation
A 5 mm wetsuit is recommended for most of the year. From December to April when water temperatures can be cooler, a combination of a 5 mm full wetsuit with a 3 mm vest may be needed.
Diver requirement
The Socorro Islands are suitable for experienced divers due to the strong currents and difficulties, AOW with 80 - 100 dives and experience with drift diving are recommended. You can find out more information about diving in the Socorro Islands here : Socorro Islands
Embarkation / Disembarkation
Embarkation and disembarkation typically occur in San José del Cabo (SJD), Mexico.
Visa Requirements
Mexico offers a free tourist visa for many nationalities allowing visitors to stay up to 180 days. For a list of eligible countries and further details, you can visit the Mexican Government's visa information. Please note: Immigration officials in Mexico may request proof of onward travel, such as a return or onward ticket, Hotel reservation, itinerary etc.
Vaccinations
Routine vaccinations are recommended. There are no specific vaccination requirements for travelers to Mexico unless coming from regions with yellow fever risk. For up-to-date health advice, please check with the Mexican embassy near you.
Money Matters
The local currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN). While cash payments in USD are often accepted on liveaboards, it’s advisable to have some Pesos for local transactions. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in major cities, but it’s a good idea to carry cash for smaller establishments and remote areas.
Drones
Drone usage is subject to regulations and permits in Mexico. For recreational use, you’ll need to comply with local laws and obtain the necessary permits. For more details, consult Mexican drone regulations for details.
Extending your holiday
We offer a range of hotels/resorts, land-based diving packages, and excursions that can be arranged before or after your liveaboard holiday. Just ask us if you need such service.
Sea of Cortez
Best time for diving
June to November is the prime time for diving in the Sea of Cortez. This period offers the best visibility and a higher chance of encountering diverse marine life. While the Sea of Cortez is diveable year-round, diving conditions are typically more favorable during these months with visibility ranging from 10 to 30 meters and mild to moderate currents.
About temperatures
Air : Generally ranges between 25°C - 35°C year-round.
Sea : range from a low of 21°C in the winter months, to a high of 26°C in the late fall and spring months. But strong current fluctuations mean that there can be cooler water below.
Wetsuit Recommendation
A 3 mm wetsuit is recommended for most of the year. In cooler months, you might consider a 5 mm wetsuit for added comfort.
Diver requirement
Suitable for all levels. For more information about diving in the Sea of Cortez, check out our page: Sea of Cortez
Embarkation / Disembarkation
Embarkation and disembarkation points are typically in La Paz (LAP) or Cabo San Lucas (SJD). Some liveaboard cruises might offer different ports, so please consult with our agents for specific details about your trip.
Visa Requirements
Mexico offers a free tourist visa for many nationalities allowing visitors to stay up to 180 days. For a list of eligible countries and further details, you can visit the Mexican Government's visa information. Please note: Immigration officials in Mexico may request proof of onward travel, such as a return or onward ticket, Hotel reservation, itinerary etc.
Vaccinations
Routine vaccinations are recommended. There are no specific vaccination requirements for travelers to Mexico unless coming from regions with yellow fever risk. For up-to-date health advice, please check with the Mexican embassy near you.
Money Matters
The local currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN). While cash payments in USD are often accepted on liveaboards, it’s advisable to have some Pesos for local transactions. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in major cities, but it’s a good idea to carry cash for smaller establishments and remote areas.
Drones
Drone usage is subject to regulations and permits in Mexico. For recreational use, you’ll need to comply with local laws and obtain the necessary permits. For more details, consult Mexican drone regulations for details.
Extending your holiday
We offer a range of hotels/resorts, land-based diving packages, and excursions that can be arranged before or after your liveaboard holiday. Just ask us if you need such service.
Costa Rica (Cocos Island)
Best time for diving
June to November in the "rainy" season for the most hammerhead sharks, especially August and September when the nutrient upswells bring large amount of plankton that attract manta rays, the occasional whale shark and the most famous visitor to the region - scalloped hammerheads. However, the surface is rougher during this period and visibility drops to within the range of 10 - 20m. The long open ocean crossing is likely to be less comfortable during this time. But during the rainy season, you can see the most hammerhead sharks, although they are seen in huge numbers during most of the year.
December to May for the calmer sea and higher visibility, during these months, the sea typically sees calmer and visibility usually can be over 30m. And you can still expect hammerhead sharks in a great numbers compare to most of the destinations around the world.
About temperatures
Air : equatorial, hot and humid all year round, range between 25°C - 31°C.
Sea : average 25°C to 28°C at the surface but can vary depending on the season and thermoclines, sometimes it can drop to 21°C with cooler thermoclines.
Wetsuit Recommendation
Due to the cooler thermoclines, we recommend a full 5 mm or 3 mm wetsuit with a hood is usually adequate, but an extra hooded wetsuit vest is a good alternative for unexpected cooler water.
Diver requirement
Cocos island is not recommended for inexperienced divers because it is an open ocean destination, also the world’s most remote places that offers organized diving. If a life-threatening emergency arises, it’s a 36-hour boat ride to Puntarenas, and the nearest recompression chamber is in San José. The minimum required level of certification to dive at Cocos is Open Water and we strongly recommend having at least the Specialty of Deep Diver. We also recommend having a minimum of 25 hours of diving experience.
Diving with enriched air nitrox (EANx) will help you get the most out of your trip, given the depth of many sites. All dive vessels offer standard 32 percent EANx. If you are not nitrox certified, you should take a certification class well before your departure date.
At Cocos Island, currents and visibility can be entirely different in just a few hours. Please note, the dive guide will always be the final authority as to whether a guest can do any specific dive.
You can find out more information about diving in Cocos Island here : Cocos Island.
Embarkation / Disembarkation
Guests should fly to San José, Costa Rica (SJO) at least one day before the embarkation. On the embarkation day, guests will be picked up from a set list of San Jose hotels to go down to the yacht in Puntarenas early in the morning. The transfer takes about 2hrs from San José to Puntarenas.
Transportation from the yacht at the end of the cruise is provided back to the San José (SJO) airport or the set hotel, if you plan to leave San José on the same day, the departing flights should be scheduled after 12:30 p.m.
Visa Requirements
Not all people who wish to travel to Costa Rica need a tourist visa, this will depend on your nationality, purpose of visit, country of residence and duration of stay. Please verify all entry requirements according to your nationality via the link : Visas by Nationality, If in doubt we recommend checking with the nearest Costa Rican consulate to see if you will need a visa.
Vaccinations
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you will be traveling to Costa Rica from South America and/or sub-Saharan Africa. The countries considered at risk are: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Guyana and Venezuela. You can travel to Costa Rica ten days after the shot.
Money Matters
The local currency is Costa Rican colón (CRC). International credit cards and US dollars are widely accepted in regions associated with tourism. Hotels and banks will exchange US Dollars for Costa Rican colón. US dollars as well as Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted in most of the tourist places.
Drones
To bring a drone to Costa Rica and fly it, you need to register with the DGAC. And you cannot fly in cities, communities, and crowds unless you have special permission from the DGAC. To register your drone, visit the government’s official website and complete the permit application.
Extending your holiday
While you are in Costa Rica, it is certainly worth the extra time to experience some of the other aspects of our little country that truly make it a natural wonderland. Active volcanoes, white water rafting, zip-line tours, mountain biking, pristine jungles, coffee plantations, horseback riding, visits to craft centers and of course some of the most beautiful beaches in the world are among the activities and destinations available to you here. After all, you’ve come this far! We would be happy to arrange one-day tours or longer trips to more remote areas, at your request. Just ask us if you need such a service.
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