Ocean Safari: Whales, Mobulas, Orcas and more!

The Sea of Cortez is a magical and wonderful place teeming with marine creatures of all sizes. Our guests encounter and interact year-round with friendly California sea lions and mega pods of bottlenose dolphins. If we are lucky, we might also encounter spinner and Risso's dolphins. Mobula rays are present year-round and aggregate in enormous schools from March through July. Colossal fin whales (second in size only to blue whales), sperm whales, rays, and whale sharks are present year-round and migrate seasonally up and down the Sea of Cortez. Pilot whales, pseudo orcas, and minke whales are also known to migrate in the area, although they are less commonly seen.

Trip Details

Total Reviews

202

Average Rating

4.8 ★

Overall

4.7

Cuisine

4.8

Animals

4.7

Crew

4.9

Cleanliness

4.9

Snorkeling

4.4

Guest Reviews

Marlowe Geramanis

Nautilus Gallant Lady

July 26, 2025

Review

YOU ARE ALL SO INCREDIBLE

Staff standout

Yes!!!! The crew is outstanding and truly made the trip special. Not only did they take great care of us but anticipated our needs. They were kind and caring, made our safety their top priority. The food was incredible, the dives were unforgettable. I will recommend this trip to anyone who has the opportunity

RACHEL LAURIA

Nautilus Under Sea

July 20, 2025

Review

The trip was a trip of a lifetime and I understand we were so so lucky. I am so grateful to the crew and team for making it so magical. We felt so welcomed. My only thing would be that with newer divers the dive guides be a bit more attentive. We addressed this after the first dive and they were able to help out and after that it was wonderful. the crews willingness to listen to us and make our trip amazing was excellent. I am so thankful to you all.

Richard Vasvary

Nautilus Under Sea

July 13, 2025

Review

great operation!

Staff standout

all of them were superb and i really enjoyed Pascal´s demeanor and humor.

Charles Bursiel

Nautilus Gallant Lady

July 12, 2025

Review

Thank you and see you again soon!

Jessica Bowen

Nautilus Gallant Lady

July 12, 2025

Review

Thank you so much to all of the crew for making my first liveaboard a success and first time diving with orcas such an amazing experience!

Staff standout

It's hard to point out only one person from this crew, because they each shine in their own way! They work in unison to make each part of the day incredible and make us feel well cared for!

Rebecca Cimino

Nautilus Gallant Lady

May 10, 2025

Review

The accommodations and food were well above my expectations

Staff standout

Laura was an exceptional host. But honestly, all of the crew helped make my experience unforgettable\ Very friendly and competent.

Chelsea Meier

Nautilus Gallant Lady

July 6, 2024

Review

Thank you for the trip of a lifetime!

Staff standout

The entire crew was extraordinary it is hard to pin point just one. Everyone was so kind, professional, and caring throughout my time aboard. They all made it a welcoming, fun and safe environment.

Gina Gardner

Nautilus Under Sea

July 4, 2024

Review

Great trip! Spectacular crew!!! This is my 2nd trip this year and they have both been such an incredible experience!

Staff standout

All of them.

Gina Gardner

Nautilus Under Sea

July 4, 2024

Review

A briefing about the wildlife and what to expect regarding different species and their behavior and what in-water encounters might look like for each species would help keep expectations aligned with possibilities.

Staff standout

All went out of their way to make this trip as good as can be. Very professional and friendly.

Hannah Dudley

Nautilus Under Sea

July 4, 2024

Review

i will be back next year!

Staff standout

The crew was amazing! so helpful and enjoyable to share my vacation with.

Trip Details Dates & Rates

Ultimate Whale Sharks in the Sea of Cortez

Total Reviews

302

Average Rating

4.8 ★

Overall 4.7

Crew 4.9

Cuisine 4.6

Cleanliness 4.7

Animals 4.5

Read Reviews Dates & Rates

Sea of Cortez 6 day - 5 nt getaway

Total Reviews

184

Average Rating

4.9 ★

Overall 4.9

Crew 4.9

Cuisine 4.9

Cleanliness 4.9

Animals 4.6

Read Reviews Dates & Rates

Sea of Cortez 8 day - 7 nt favourites

Total Reviews

Average Rating

4.8 ★

Overall 4.7

Crew 4.9

Cuisine 4.7

Cleanliness 4.8

Animals 4.3

Read Reviews Dates & Rates

Load More Trips

Have Questions? We're Here to Help

If you'd like more details or help with booking, our team is ready to guide you. We're always happy to hear from you.