Sailing the Sea of Cortez: A Family’s Adventure

There’s no better way to explore Baja California’s remote islands than by sailing the Sea of Cortez aboard Mango Wind—a week of diving and ocean adventure. For siblings Julia and Adriel, it was more than just a vacation—it was a chance to connect as a family, develop new skills, and discover the underwater world in an unforgettable way. Here’s their story:

Guest Account by Julia & Adriel

Hi there! We’re Julia and Adriel. This summer, we had the opportunity to experience a mind-blowing scuba diving adventure with our family in Baja California, Mexico. We got to explore the warm waters of the Sea of Cortez, saw amazing wildlife, had perfect diving conditions, and even earned our Open Water diving license!

Sails Up: Charting a Course for Adventure

Our journey started with boarding Mango Wind, a super cool catamaran that would be our home for the week. Straight away the crew made us feel welcome, comfortable, and excited for the adventure ahead. It felt like the perfect base for sailing the Sea of Cortez and learning to dive along the way.

The team was awesome, let’s start with the chef, Johana, who prepared the most delicious meals and kept us well-fuelled for the dives. Some of the most memorable dishes were her famous chocolate clams and an incredible surf and turf BBQ. What a treat!

Then there was our skipper, Juan, a skilled captain who navigated us through the waves and told us all about the wonderful sites we were visiting. Our dive instructor—also named Juan—helped us get ready to dive with patience, support, and loads of fascinating facts about the fish we’d encounter.

Last but not least, there was Willy, who drove the panga (a small, open boat they use to get to and from the dive sites). He shuttled us to the best sites and showed us some breathtaking beaches. Every ride felt like an adventure of its own!

Diving into the Sea of Cortez

When we were diving, the conditions were dream-like—clear skies, warm water (around 30°C / 86°F), and visibility for days. During our trip we explored dive sites around the islands of Espíritu Santo and Las Ánimas, which are known for their rich biodiversity and mesmerising blue water.

On one of our first dives, we came face to face with playful sea lions, one of which got a little too curious and tried to nibble our fins! Next, we encountered massive schools of fish, a pod of dolphins, and even spotted a giant sea turtle on our shipwreck dive. That was definitely a highlight!

We also saw a couple of sting rays, colorful jellyfish, and garden eels poking up from the sand at El Corralito. Every dive had something new to offer and left us feeling more confident and in love with the ocean!

From Newbies to Certified Divers

The coolest part? We got our diving licenses! With the guidance of our instructor, we built up our skills day by day, learning how to dive safely, be a good buddy, and how to protect the ocean environment. Earning our Open Water certifications felt like a huge accomplishment, and we had a lot of fun doing it.

Making Memories While Sailing the Sea of Cortez

When we weren’t diving, the adventure kept going—we got to see so much of Baja, California’s wildlife and unique landscapes whilst sailing, snorkelling and paddleboarding. The combination of fun activities and family time made this one of the best vacations we’ve ever had.

At the end of the week, as we sailed back to shore, we realized just how special this experience had been. We explored a new world, learned something meaningful together, and made memories we’ll never forget.

If you’re dreaming of a sailing and diving adventure that mixes fun, connection, and unforgettable wildlife, put Mango Wind and Baja California on your radar. Sailing the Sea of Cortez will make you fall in love with the ocean, just like we did.

Julia and Adriel’s story is just one example of the memorable experiences waiting for you aboard Mango Wind. Whether it’s your first sailing trip or you’re a seasoned explorer, sailing the Sea of Cortez with us is a wonderful way to discover the stunning islands and waters of Baja California Sur.