Ocean Safari + Glamping on Jacques Cousteau (Cerralvo) Island

Your airport options:

Los Cabos International Airport (San José del Cabo Airport – SJD) is well connected with flights from 15 US cities, most of Mexico, and some direct overseas routes. It’s just a 45-minute drive from SeeCreatures Cabo, our sister company in downtown Cabo San Lucas, where you can check in before the complimentary transfer to La Paz (approximately 2 hour 30 minute drive) to start your adventure.

La Paz International Airport (LAP) has direct flights from Los Angeles, plus a handful of domestic hubs. Flying to LAP is the most direct route into La Paz if you’d rather skip the Cabo transfer. It’s about a 20-minute drive from our Baja Expeditions HQ, where you can check in before the complimentary transfer to start your adventure.

Our concierge team can help arrange transfers or recommend reliable local companies. Note that Uber is not permitted to pick up at SJD.

We recommend flying in at least one day early, as a buffer against flight delays or lost luggage. It also leaves time for a pre-trip dive at Cabo San Lucas, Cabo Pulmo, or Gordo Banks, or any other pre-trip adventures around Baja. That said, it’s totally feasible to fly in on the start date of your trip if you prefer.

12 years old. Please note that all under-18s need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

The Sea of Cortez is big, so spotting marine life can take time. When we spot something, we approach respectfully and our experienced naturalists and captains assess whether in-water encounters are appropriate. Some days you might hop in and out of the water six times. Other days, we might spend hours exploring before the perfect moment presents itself. It can be a day full of wildlife encounters or a relatively chill day with fewer animals to spot—that’s the nature of wildlife safaris.

Spring to fall is prime orca season here in the Sea of Cortez, and we have regular sightings during those months. That said, orcas are travelers, they can cover 100km a day, so one day they’re right here and the next they could be hundreds of kilometers away. Some weeks we see them constantly, other weeks they’re more elusive.

If we encounter them and conditions align, yes. As of August 2025, Mexico’s environmental authority (SEMARNAT) introduced the country’s first regulations for orca encounters. These rules apply to a specific zone covering La Ventana Bay and the Cerralvo Channel, and we have permitted pangas to operate there. Swimming is allowed only when orcas are feeding on small prey such as fish, rays, mobulas, or turtles — not when hunting larger prey, transiting, or resting. Surface swimming only. Our naturalists and captains read their behavior and make the call. If we encounter orcas beyond this zone, we follow the same ethical approach: respectful distance, no chasing, animals dictate the terms. Their well-being over photo opportunities, always.

Most of your day is spent in and around the Sea of Cortez, with time in the water built into ocean safaris, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Each outing is flexible, so you can take part as much or as little as you like.

It will likely be nice warm weather, with daytime temperatures in the low 80s°F (27°C) and generally sunny. Evenings might be a little cooler, often with a gentle breeze. Rain is very unlikely.

Yes, with at least 30 days advance notice — vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free, gluten-free, low-sugar, and quasi-kosher/quasi-halal can be accommodated. More unusual requests may not be possible.

Charging in camp is solar-powered, since generators aren’t permitted on the island due to biosphere reserve regulations. For 24-hour power and standard household electrical outlets, head to the mothership, anchored just offshore, where you can charge phones, laptops, e-readers, and cameras. CPAPs can be accommodated in camp with advance notice. Our vessels use standard North American outlets (110V AC), so if you’re coming from outside the US, bring a travel adapter. For everyone’s safety, unattended charging of lithium-ion batteries is only allowed in designated areas.

Starlink internet is available for an additional fee for the whole trip. It runs on a satellite connection, so it’s great for staying in touch — emails and apps like WhatsApp work well — but not for streaming sites like Netflix or YouTube. Best to pre-download any movies or shows before you travel.

Yes, unlimited hot showers are available on our mothership, anchored just offshore, a short boat ride away. In camp, showers are shared, camp-style setups with more limited water, so we ask everyone to be mindful of water usage.

Dry weather and steady breezes usually keep biting insects to a minimum. Insect repellent is always a good idea, and it’s also wise to keep an eye out for other critters we share this remote, unspoiled island with.

Sunglasses, a hat, and summer wear well suited for a relaxing time at sea and on the beach — plus a sweater or fleece for the evenings. Reef-safe sunscreen, linen, towels, soap, and shampoo are all included with your trip. The sun can be strong out on the water, with reflection off the surface adding to it, so good sun protection is well worth packing.

A 5mm wetsuit with a hooded vest, or a 7mm with a hooded vest. Water is around mid-70s°F (23–24°C).

A mask, snorkel, wetsuit/hood, and fins — freediving fins are ideal, but regular fins work fine. Snorkeling equipment rental is included, but you’re also welcome to bring your own, since familiar gear tends to be the comfiest in the water. Please note that kids’ sizes are limited, so we ask for at least 30 days’ notice on children’s wetsuits to make sure we have the right size ready for you.

All guests traveling from abroad must have a passport valid six months from entry. All non-Mexican guests will need an FMM, Mexico’s entry permit. Visas are required from certain countries, please check your specific requirements online.

Yes. We require all guests to have medical and evacuation insurance. We highly recommend DiveAssure for all your needs.

In addition, we highly recommend the purchase of trip insurance interruption insurance from DiveAssure (some other providers have provided insufficient coverage to previous clients). This gives you peace of mind and financial security in case of named weather events, cancelled flights, medical issues whether your own or other guests, lost bags and much more. If you decline coverage, please note that we do not issue credits or refunds for anything that is beyond our immediate control.

The Sea of Cortez is generally very calm. A scopolamine patch is recommended for anyone prone to seasickness.

All crew are first-aid trained, and several are first responders. Camp is stocked with an AED, emergency oxygen, and an extensive first-aid kit. A contracted medical officer is reachable through our satellite communication system, and if medical evacuation is needed, it’s arranged by boat transfer to shore or, where available, aerial medevac.