The Sea of Cortez is widely regarded as one of the world's most productive marine environments. Jacques Cousteau called it the 'world's aquarium', and the name has stuck for good reason. Nutrient-rich waters support an extraordinary concentration of marine life, from the smallest reef fish to some of the largest animals on the planet. For scuba divers who want to experience this region with a small group and a flexible schedule, the Nautilus Westerly liveaboard offers a private charter experience designed to follow the wildlife rather than a fixed itinerary.
The Nautilus Westerly is a 55-foot (16.7m) pocket liveaboard originally designed for rugged service and rebuilt for heavy-duty expedition work. The fiberglass vessel carries a limited load of 10 guests, a deliberate choice that keeps the experience intimate and the diving uncomplicated. Originally built for 25, the reduced capacity means more space on deck and a better ratio of crew to guests. Nautilus Westerly is equipped with new engines, a genset, air conditioning, a watermaker, and a dive compressor, all backed by a full-length keel that provides stability in open water. Safety systems include full sprinklers and a dual fire and smoke detection system.
Accommodation on the Nautilus Westerly is straightforward and functional. The boat features dorm-style bunks with bright, open spaces below decks and double exits at both ends of the sleeping area. A newly converted aft deck lounge offers a comfortable place to eat breakfast or relax between dives, with full cover and open sides to take in the sea air. This is not a luxury yacht, but a working expedition vessel designed for divers who prioritise access to the water over cabin frills. The focus is on getting you into the Sea of Cortez and keeping you comfortable while you are there.
The private charter rate for the Nautilus Westerly liveaboard includes the use of adventure gear including beach walks, kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkelling equipment. The crew, led by a captain, chef, and naturalist guide, are experienced in the region and adapt the itinerary to real-time conditions, following the wildlife rather than a fixed schedule. The Sea of Cortez offers encounters with California sea lions, bottlenose dolphins, seasonal whale sharks, mobula rays, and several whale species, including humpback and blue whales. The operator's long-standing commitment to safety and guest experience is reflected in their diver to guide ratio of 5:1, the detailed pre-trip information, dive insurance requirements, and the availability of a satellite phone for emergencies.
The Nautilus Westerly is operated by a company with a proven track record in liveaboard diving, with over 30 years of experience running expeditions to Socorro, Cocos Island, and throughout the Sea of Cortez. Their approach to wildlife encounters is based on respect and restraint: the animals choose to interact on their own terms. This is not a boat that chases sightings; it is a platform for observing marine life in a natural and unhurried way. For divers looking to explore one of the world's most productive marine environments with a small group and a flexible itinerary, the Nautilus Westerly liveaboard is a practical and reliable choice.
The Nautilus Westerly features dormitory-style bunk bed accommodation, located below decks, with a total of 12 berths (10 used per charter). There are double exits at both ends of the sleeping area. Guests use shared bathrooms with showers.
All the cabins have:
- Air conditioning
- Toiletries and towels
- Housekeeping
- 2 flat pin sockets for 110V electricity
- Bedding
- Fire alarms, life jackets, and fire extinguishers
No. of bathrooms / showers - 2 / 2 - hot water
Sea of Cortez Adventure (private charter only) (6 Days / 5 Nights - 4 Dives)
Trip highlights: hammerhead sharks, shark action, dolphins, manta rays, seals/sea lions, schooling fish & big pelagics, non diving activities
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, drift diving, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: Cerralvo Island, Las Animas, La Reina, Espiritu Santo, Salvatierra wreck, Fang Ming, San Jose. Kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming, hike into the hills, whatever you want. Photographic workshop at SeeCreatures.
Day 1
Check in at the SeeCreatures office in Cabo San Lucas during the afternoon. Complete any paperwork, sort out rental gear, and join a short underwater photography workshop (a useful opportunity to get camera settings dialled in before the action starts). A coach transfer takes you to La Paz, where you board the Nautilus Westerly liveaboard. Settle into your cabin, complete the safety briefing and orientation, then enjoy dinner as the vessel heads out into the Sea of Cortez.
Core Days
Bear in mind that the following outline is a sample only, intended to give a sense of the typical experiences available in the Sea of Cortez. The Nautilus Westerly operates flexible private charters: you are welcome to join and leave on any day of the week, and you may stay for as long as you like. This is not a fixed itinerary; it is a responsive expedition that adapts to weather, wildlife, and guest preferences. The Sea of Cortez rewards patience and flexibility. Your captain and crew draw on decades of local knowledge, adjusting the route based on recent sightings and conditions. The Nautilus Westerly liveaboard carries just 10 guests, which means decisions can be made on the fly, and you are never competing for space on a dive site.
The diving with the Nautilus Westerly liveaboard spans a remarkable range of environments. At La Reina, a small islet north of Cerralvo Island, summer brings epic baitballs, dense, moving masses of fish that attract predators from across the region. Sea lions, turtles, and moray eels weave through volcanic crevices, while giant mantas sometimes glide through from July to August. El Bajo is a series of seamounts where hammerhead sharks and silky sharks patrol the deeper water, alongside tuna, marlin, and impressive colonies of green Panamic moray eels. At Las Animas, the volcanic topography plunges straight into deep water, and schooling hammerheads pass through from June to November. The walls hold jacks, rays, turtles, and tuna, while California sea lions and the rarer Guadalupe fur seals share the shallower boulder gardens. At Los Islotes, the world-famous sea lion colony provides some of the most playful interactions you will find anywhere. The pups are curious, acrobatic, and utterly unbothered by divers. Hammerheads have also been sighted recently at the deep western section.
The Nautilus Westerly offers a genuinely flexible experience. Kayaks and paddleboards are carried onboard, ready for exploring calm shorelines or sheltered coves. When conditions allow, the crew finds landing spots for beach walks - bare feet on sand, a chance to stretch legs and take in the rugged Baja coast. The itinerary includes time ashore, with guided nature walks into the hills led by a naturalist.
Day 6
Disembark in La Paz after a final breakfast onboard. A transfer takes you back to Cabo San Lucas or directly to San José del Cabo Airport for onward flights.
[Information is best estimate in ideal circumstances and subject to changes beyond our control. The itinerary is a guide only and may be adapted to best suit the weather, tides, currents, availability and other prevailing events. Price is for the cruise, not for an exact number of dives].
The captain and naturalist guide on the Nautilus Westerly liveaboard set the day's plan based on weather, sea conditions, and recent wildlife sightings, so flexibility is built into the experience. The day begins early, with coffee served before the first activity. Breakfast follows, providing a solid start before the morning dive, snorkel with sea lions, or kayak along a desert shoreline. The pace is unhurried, allowing time to appreciate the surroundings and prepare for whatever the day offers. Meals are often enjoyed on shore, with the Nautilus Westerly serving as a mothership for beach-based expeditions. Lunch is served after the morning's adventures, and the afternoon brings more wildlife encounters or time to rest.
The cuisine on the Nautilus Westerly is tailored to guest preferences. The chef works with the group's requests, using fresh regional seafood and international ingredients to create dishes that match the group's tastes. Past meals have featured fresh-caught fish, Mexican-inspired dishes, and lighter options such as salads and grilled vegetables. Complimentary snacks are served in the late afternoon, with non-alcoholic drinks, including boxed juices, soft drinks, tea, and coffee, available throughout the day. Alcoholic drinks are not included but can be stocked in advance if requested by the group. Special beach BBQs can be arranged upon request, but these are custom extras and need to be planned well before departure. Dietary requirements, including allergies, non-spicy options, and specific needs, are accommodated when provided on the pre-trip forms.
Dinner is often enjoyed on shore under the Baja sky, followed by stargazing or quiet time in the lounge. Life on the Nautilus Westerly is defined by its flexibility and focus on the guest experience. The crew handles the logistics, leaving you free to enjoy the Sea of Cortez on your own terms.
MORE TRIP DETAILS
Notes: Mexico is a popular scuba destination with limited spaces available. We recommend you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Dive experience: All certified divers are welcome to dive with the Nautilus Westerly liveaboard.
Cruise price per person includes: Cabin accommodation, breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, drinking water, soft drinks, hot drinks, max. 4 dives per trip, 2 experienced English-speaking divemasters, complimentary photography workshop, standard 12 liter tanks, weights and weight belts, snorkel gear, end of trip DVD.
Cruise price per person excludes (mandatory, unless customer provides own): 5% sales tax, scuba equipment rental (USD 255 per week), dive computer (USD 50 per week), dive insurance, port fee per cruise (USD 35). Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival (Visa, MasterCard or cash MXN or USD).
Optional extras: Alcoholic drinks, nitrox fills for enriched air divers (USD 20 per day). Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival. Note: prices of items purchased onboard are subject to change.
How to get there: Your Nautilus Westerly liveaboard adventure begins with a flight into Los Cabos International Airport (SJD). From the airport, travel approximately 45 minutes to Cabo San Lucas and make your way to SeeCreatures, Calle Miguel Hidalgo 10, Centro, for check-in.
Your package includes a free photo workshop at 1 pm at the SeeCreatures base. The in-house photography team can offer guidance on underwater shooting techniques, help with camera setup and maintenance, and assist with rental equipment. You are welcome to drop off your luggage and complete the check-in process whenever it suits you, but please ensure you arrive by 4:30 pm at the latest to join the complimentary coach transfer to La Paz for boarding.
The final dive of the trip takes place around 9 am on the penultimate day. We recommend a surface interval of at least 18 hours before any flight. Disembarkation is at approximately 8 am on the last morning, followed by the return coach transfer to Cabo San Lucas. For flights departing on that day, we suggest booking no earlier than 2 pm.
For additional details, including airline options and further travel information for the Sea of Cortez, please visit our dedicated Mexico tourist information page.
Non-diver rate: None.
Single supplement (if you do not want to share accommodation): None.
Dive clubs and group discounts: None.
Whole boat charter rate (per night): All cruises are private charters. See prices in the trip schedule.
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