SEA OF CORTEZ - Exclusive Scuba Tours Worldwide Charter
14nts Rocio Del Mar liveaboard 05 - 21 October 2012
Sea of Cortez | Rocio Del Mar Liveaboard | Travel Info | Trip Itinerary | Add-ons |
Introduction to the Sea of Cortez
The Sea of Cortez is situated along the west coast of Mexico and is one of the richest bodies of water on the planet. More commonly known as the Gulf of California, the clear, deep blue waters that abound with sea life are surrounded by stark desert scenery, dotted with cacti and rugged cliffs. The Sea of Cortez is a stunning destination for those in search of big marine life and exciting diving.
Legendary diver Jacques Cousteau has described the Sea of Cortez as the "world's aquarium" and the "Galapagos of North America”. This is one of the best places in the world to see whalesharks, snorkel with sperm whales, dive with mantas, mobulas and hammerheads, as well as delight in the company of playful sealions.
We are very pleased to offer our customers an exclusive Sea of Cortez charter trip onboard the Rocio Del Mar liveaboard. Our specially arranged 14 night sailing will give you the opportunity to dive the very best sites of the Midriff Islands, in the Sea of Cortez. Our trip will also include some wonderful land excursions, giving you the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the Mexican landscape and to visit some historic monuments and towns.
Rocio Del Mar Liveaboard
The Rocio Del Mar is a 200 tonne steel vessel purposefully built for divers over a two year period and launched in November 2008. Since then she has gained a tremendous following from guests who have enjoyed the onboard service and stunning diving that the Sea of Cortez has to offer.
The Rocio Del Mar liveaboard takes a maximum of 20 passengers in 10 air-conditioned Staterooms spread over two decks. All cabins have private bathrooms with western style toilets and hot showers. On the main deck are two double cabins and six twin cabins (both lower berths). On the upper deck there are two further cabins with a double lower bed and overhead single bunk. These cabins can be made up as either twin or double accommodation. Every cabin on board the Rocio Del Mar has ample storage space and drawers for personal belongings and clothes and all rooms have windows with privacy curtains.
There is a spacious dining area in the lower forward area of the boat and further seats and sofas at the rear of the second deck, where guests often gather at the end of the day to enjoy a sunset drink after an exciting day’s diving. For sun-lovers there is a large sundeck on top of the boat with sunloungers and chairs. At the rear of the main deck is a large dive area, with ample room to kit up and also to prepare camera equipment. There is a wet gear storage area to hang equipment between dives.
All diving is conducted from two zodiacs and divers are split into two groups of 10 divers, led by experienced Divemasters. Typically, 3-4 dives per day are offered but this can vary on days when land excursions are planned.
Travel & General Information
The Sea of Cortez enjoys fabulous weather all year round, with slight seasonal changes. For our trip in October we expect the weather to be sunny with daytime temperatures of around 28C. Water conditions should be clear with temperatures ranging between 20- 25C. We therefore recommend a full 3mm or 5mm suit, depending on your preference, and to bring a fleece or a long sleeved top for the evenings, as repetitive diving combined with cool offshore sea breezes can make you feel a bit chilly at night.
The Rocio Del Mar liveaboard departs from Puerto Penasco in Mexico, a small harbour town situated at the northern tip of the Sea of Cortez. The closest international airport is Phoenix, Arizona, in the United States of America. Flight time to Phoenix is just 10.5hrs on British Airways non-stop service from London Heathrow. On arrival into Phoenix you will be transferred to the Holiday Inn Hotel for one night’s accommodation and a chance to relax. The next morning you will be collected from the hotel to enjoy a scenic 3hr drive to Puerto Penasco, where you will embark the Rocio Del Mar liveaboard for 14 nightts exciting diving in the Sea of Cortez.
During the cruise there will be opportunities to do some land excursions, including a visit to the historic mining town of Santa Rosalia, the spectacular 300 year old Mission of San Javier, and a stunning hike from Loreto through rugged countryside to see the primitive cave paintings, thought to date back to 1700BC.
Itinerary
Travel on British Airways non-stop service from London Heathrow to Phoenix, Arizona
Fri 05 Oct Depart Heathrow at 1435hrs, arriving Phoenix the same day at 1710hrs. Transfer to Holiday Inn for 1nt
Sat 06 Oct Transfer to Puerto Penasco to board Rocio Del Mar liveaboard for 14nts
Sun 07 Oct Two days diving at Refujio Angel De La Guarda
Tue 09 Oct Diving at Andreas Eagle
Wed 10 Oct Diving at Animas
Thu 11 Oct Diving at Sal Si Puedes
Fri 12 Oct Two days at San Pedro Martir to enjoy snorkelling with sperm whales by day and incredible cage diving with Humbolt Squid at night
Sun 14 Oct Diving at Tortuga
Mon 15 Oct Option to dive or take a land excursion to explore the historic mining town of Santa Rosalia Diving at Isla Coronado in the evening
Tue 16 Oct Diving at Santa Catalina and Monserrate Y Agua Verde and/or option to make a land visit to Loreto
Wed 17 Oct Diving at San Rafael, Lea’s Place
Thu 18 Oct Diving at El Pescador, La Calavera
Fri 19 Oct Full day spotting and snorkelling with whalesharks
Sat 20 Oct Disembark in Puerto Penasco at 0800hrs. Transfer to Phoenix airport for flight to London Heathrow Phoenix / LHR 1925/1305hrs (next day)
Sun 21 Oct Arrive London Heathrow at 1305hrs
Please note the above itinerary is a planned itinerary dependent on weather conditions and captain’s discretion and may be subject to change.
The above trip costs £2698 per person + international flights
Price includes transfers and 1nt’s accommodation in Phoenix at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Hotel in a twin/double share room with breakfast. Price also includes return transfers from Phoenix to Puerto Penasco, 14nts accommodation on board the Rocio Del Mar liveaboard in a twin/double share cabin, all meals, soft drinks and snacks, local beer and wine, all diving (typically 3-4 dives per day) with use of tanks and weights, hiking, kayaking and offered land visits to Santa Rosalia and Loreto.
Excluded: Nitrox at US $100per person/per week. Marine Park Fees US $25pp. US $15 Hyperbaric Chamber Fee. Gratuities. Entrance fees to places of interest during the land excursions.
International Flights from the UK
International flights travelling on British Airways to Phoenix are expected to cost around £365pp plus £307pp taxes.
Visa Requirements
All passengers travelling to the United States are required to complete the on-line ESTA form on the US Embassy website in order to receive authority to travel. It is highly recommended that you take the authority with you as you may need to present it at check-in or immigration on arrival. The ESTA costs approx US $14 and is valid for 2 years.
Please note above price is based on two sharing. Price has been calculated at US Dollar $/£ rate of 1.6 and is subject to rate fluctuation. Accommodation and flights are subject to availability at the time of booking and the price will be confirmed at the time of enquiry.
Add-ons
The Grand Canyon is only a 3.5hr drive from Phoenix and is something everyone should see in their lifetime. With a direct non-stop flight from Las Vegas to Heathrow, this is a fantastic add-on to your Sea of Cortez trip; fly into Phoenix, enjoy 14nts diving in the Sea of Cortez, head up to the Grand Canyon and finish with a stay at Las Vegas ready for your direct flight home! We can help arrange any itinerary you fancy. Please give our sales team a call and they will be happy to help.
