BAJA • MAY 16-23, 2026

Eat. Sleep. Dive. Rinse. Repeat.

Nope.

Seasick’s 2026 Baja package is not a typical dive trip. Nor is it a traditional snorkel trip. It is a unique combination of both. Envision an “ocean safari focused on interacting with large pelagic animals in the Sea of Cortez during peak Orcinus orca (killer whale) season.” How peak? Hard to say. Wildlife behaviors change annually (hence the ‘wild’), but based on previous seasons and extensive scientific research, the most activity and in-water encounters with “Sea Pandas” occur in May and June (securing these coveted dates required reservations three years in advance). To clarify, guests will dive (probably every day), and they will snorkel (likely hours upon hours), but the construct of this adventure is to explore the Sea of Cortez, wait, watch, and then take advantage of whatever Mother Nature presents. And there is so much she can gift: large congregations of mobula rays, orcas, sperm whales, humpback whales, blue whales, fin whales, whale sharks, dolphins, sea lions, blah blah blah. Wanna see nudibranchs and frogfish? This ain’t the gig. Dives will be conducted at popular sites from Loreto down to Cabo Pulmo. Snorkeling will be wherever something mega is nearby. The itinerary is day-by-day and hour-by-hour. Nothing is set in stone.

In full transparency, swimming with orcas is not 100% promised (wanna establish expectations and avoid resentments). The odds are good but not guaranteed. With that said, there is no better place in the world to swim with orcas in temperate waters (Norway has better odds but it is cold, actually it is literally freezing).

Where does everyone reside? Well, not at a land-based resort because that would then require long daily commutes in small boats to access the “action”. Nah, that doesn’t sound like fun. How ‘bout some old skanky liveaboard with bunk beds that can accommodate 20+ people? No thank you. Neither are Seasick’s style. Rather, home for the week is the Gallant Lady — the ideal vessel for this undertaking. She is 116' in length accommodating 12 guests max, all in six suites. Perfect.

Now for the magic. Imagine combing through 62,000 sq miles (twice the size of Panama) of Mexican sea in an attempt to find something only 30' in length. Impossible. Almost. Introducing the most valuable tool in an exercise like this: the spotter plane. The Gallant Lady cruises at sea level (obviously) while the spotter plane flies high above (better vantage point) and can cover hundreds of miles per day. Voilà. Problem solved.

Go back to the Caribbean for the nth time…or roll the dice and potentially swim with something from the top of the food chain?

LA PAZ

Guests will embark and disembark the Gallant Lady in La Paz, the capital city of Baja California Sur. With over 485 years of history, the city is rich with culture and diversity. The people of La Paz (“Pacenos”) set the city apart from many of its neighboring destinations. They are helpful, caring, friendly folks who are quick to smile and define what the city is all about. La Paz, or the "City of Peace," has a tranquil vibe that is reflected from the sea and adjacent mountains. This isn’t Cabo. This isn’t Cancun. This is a quiet historical destination that is famous for its diving and snorkeling opportunities. The quaint city features a Malecón boardwalk lined with bronze sculptures, boutique restaurants, and a variety of small watering holes. There are no mega clubs such as Señor Frog's or Papas & Beer. Those that want epic nightlife and unforgettable hangovers should venture elsewhere.

The crown jewel of the area is not on land, rather, it is offshore. It is a body of water known as the Sea of Cortez or Gulf of California and extends from the Colorado River in the north to Los Cabos on the southern tip of the peninsula. “Stunning, breathtaking, pristine” are all words that describe the natural beauty created by geographic contrasts and the immeasurable biodiversity that made Jacques Cousteau refer to this true sanctuary as “the world's aquarium.” Immeasurable biodiversity? Let’s put it this way, the Sea of Cortez has almost half of the world’s marine mammals, a third of the world’s marine cetacean species (whales and dolphins), and almost 900 species of fish, making it the richest body of water on the planet, biologically speaking. Facts.

Continent: North America • Country: Mexico • State: Baja California Sur • Municipality: La Paz • Year Founded: 1535 • Climate: Tropical desert • Population: 290,000 (2020) • Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN) • Elevation: 89' • Time: UTC-7 • Official Languages: Spanish • Industries: Eco-tourism, silver mining, agriculture, and fishing • Electricity: 120V (same as USA) • Nickname: Aquarium of the World (Cousteau)

SEA OF CORTEZ

The body of water’s official name is the Gulf of California but nobody in the dive community uses it. Rather, the Sea of Cortez is the name of choice. It is a large inlet on the eastern Pacific Ocean along the northwestern coast of Mexico (see below). It is enclosed by the Mexican mainland to the east and by the mountainous peninsula of Baja California to the west. In 1532 the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés led an expedition believing that modern-day Baja California was an island. He was wrong. Seven years later (1539), the Spanish explorer Francisco de Ulloa proved that Baja California was a peninsula rather than an island, and he named the gulf Mar Bermejo (Vermilion Sea) because of the water’s red plankton. Vermillion, by the way, is a brilliant red pigment. Nevertheless, the myth that the gulf was an island perpetuated into the 18th century (all of them should’ve asked Siri).

Warm subtropical waters combined with abundant upwellings that bring deep-sea nutrients and oxygen to the surface create one of the most productive and diverse seas on the planet. So productive that almost half of Mexico’s total fisheries production comes from the region. So rich in plankton and other marine life is the Sea of Cortez, that populations of two species of migratory great whales appear to have forsaken their ancestral migratory instinct and taken up permanent residence there - sperm whale and fin whale. Sperm whales are the largest of all the toothed whales (up to 60') and are among the deepest divers in the ocean, routinely reaching depths of 3000'+; their major prey, the Humboldt squid can weigh more than one hundred pounds. Jumbo squid have become so abundant in the Sea of Cortez, that these days on a good night local fishermen may pull in 10,000 pounds or so, in one locality. Seven marine reptiles inhabit the Sea of Cortez: five threatened/endangered sea turtles, one sea snake, and one crocodile.

Nickname: Gulf of California • Country: Mexico • Bordering States: Baja California, Baja California Sur, Sonora, Sinaloa • River Sources: Colorado, Fuerte, Mayo, Sinaloa, Sonora, Yaqui • Coastline: 2,500 mi • Max Length: 700 mi • Max Width: 30-150 mi • Size: 62,000 mi • Max Depth: 2,684' • Islands: 37 • Wildlife Species: 170 sea bird, 32 marine mammal, 875 fish, 3000+ invertebrate • World Heritage Site: Yes

WEATHER AND CLIMATE

La Paz has a desert-like climate with very little rain. Unlike other areas of Mexico, La Paz does not have distinct rainy and dry seasons; instead, it has two traditional seasons — summer and winter. The summer begins in June and starts to “cool” down in September (still muy caliente). Winter begins in December and lasts until March during which the temperatures can drop below 59°F at night (cold for those who aren’t prepared). The La Paz Bay provides breezes year-round that moderate the temperature and acts as a barrier against seasonal storms in the Sea of Cortez. The climate in La Paz during May can be summarized as hot, virtually dry with no rainfall, and gradually warms into June.

May Averages - High Temp: 93°F • Low Temp: 62°F • Sea Water Temp: 73°F • Daylight Hours: 13.5 • Sunshine Hours: 12 • Rainy Days: 0 • Precipitation Totals: 0.0 in

MOBULA RAY

Mini mantas? Not exactly. Manta rays and devil rays (no, they don’t have horns or a pitchfork), known collectively as mobulids, are some of the most beautiful, fascinating, and cryptic creatures in the sea. These cartilaginous, filter-feeding fish are closely related to all sharks and rays. Found throughout tropical and sub-tropical oceans, devil rays must keep water flowing over their gills to respire — they can never ever ever stop moving (that’s crazy). Their daily and seasonal movements are dictated by the ocean currents and the planktonic food upon which they depend.

Scientists know (relatively) little about manta rays. Scientists know even less about devil rays. Since these lil’ shy and elusive fellas are always on the move, studying them is incredibly difficult. It is only recently that the dive industry has been able to predict the “mobula season” in the Sea of Cortez.

Devil rays are the manta’s smaller and less popular relatives. But what they lack in size, they make up for in acrobatic enthusiasm. Delivering one of the ocean’s greatest spectacles, the pygmy devil ray species (particularly Mobula munkiana) are seen flying out of the water during courting events. These species, known to aggregate in vast shoals that number in the thousands will start leaping higher and higher as a shoal gets bigger, some individual rays reaching heights of over six feet (jumpin’ like Jordan). As they bellyflop back into the ocean with a nice slap, more and more join in over time, until the air is filled with an aerial show of vaulting rays. The reason for this behavior is unclear, but scientists believe the most likely purpose is communication, the louder the splash the bigger the “manhood”. Even though the biggest “splash” entices more mates the smaller rays still join in the excitement creating a cacophony of fun and enjoyment both above and below the surface.

Global Population: Unknown • Average Wingspan: 3.6' • Max Wingspan: 4.25' • Mass: 55 lbs • Lifespan: Unknown • Gestation: 12 months est • Family: Mobulidae • Genus: Mobula • Species: M. munkiana

ORCA

Orca. Killer Whale. Sea Panda. Blackfish. Sea wolf.

Different intimidating names, same amazing creature. Killer whales are marine mammals, belonging to the order Cetacea, which includes all whales and dolphins (but these bad boys are the biggest). This means they breathe air, give birth to live young, and nurse their calves. They are a toothed whale and the largest member of the oceanic dolphin family. Their black-and-white patterned body is unmistakable. And there is no escape as they swim fast (recorded at over 33 mph), can cover over 100 miles in a single day foraging, and they range from pole to pole and every ocean in between. Orcas are apex predators with a diverse diet. Individual populations often specialize in particular types of prey. This includes a variety of fish, sharks, rays, and marine mammals such as seals and other dolphins and whales. The sophisticated hunting techniques and vocal behaviors, often like packs of wolves, are passed along from generation to generation. They are highly social; some populations are composed of highly stable matrilineal family groups (pods). These mammals are beautiful, imaginative and highly intelligent.

Listen up swimmers! Orcas are not usually a threat to humans, and no fatal attack has ever been documented in their natural habitat. There have been cases of captive orcas killing or injuring their handlers at marine theme parks (but that was warranted).

Global Population: 50,000 est • Average Size Male: 20'-26' (32' max) • Average Size Female: 16'-19' (28' max) • Mass: >22,000 lbs • Lifespan: 30-90 years • Gestation: 17 months (517 days) • Dorsal: 6'+ tall

GALLANT LADY

The Gallant Lady is a 116' steel vessel owned and operated by Nautilus Adventures (aka Nautilus Liveaboards). In 2018, Nautilus converted a private yacht into a commercial liveaboard dive vessel. The yacht features a main lounge and dining room with wrap-around view, large water level platform, sky lounge, sun deck and even a crow’s nest. With 1700 horsepower Caterpillar engines and hydraulic stabilizers, the Gallant Lady combines speed and comfort. For those wondering, the outfitting included installation of an additional escape hatch, a modern fire protection system in all of the vessel’s spaces, a night-watch monitoring system, and an International Safety Management (ISM) certification. When it comes to safety, Nautilus doesn’t joke around.

Gallant Lady has a total of three decks (lower, main, and upper). A lounge, dining room and camera station are located on the main deck. The lounge features an entertainment center, bar and all the facilities to make one’s stay most comfortable. Photographers and videographers will appreciate the well-appointed camera station, complete with storage and charging stations.

At the rear of the vessel is a large dive deck that can accommodate up to 12 divers, providing plenty of space to move around (however all diving and snorkeling is conducted from the 32', high-speed ‘zodiac style’ skiff aka RHIB). The upper deck features an outdoor lounge with plenty of space to chill. The vessel has a very well-equipped wheelhouse, from up-to-date navigation equipment to advanced communication systems, life rafts, life vests, and an EPIRB.

Type: Motor Yacht (M/Y) • Year Built: 1982 • Renovated: 2018 • Length: 116' (35.3m) • Beam: 22' (6.7m) • Hull: Steel • Decks: 3 • Passengers: 12 • Crew: 7 • Massages: Nada • Hot Tub: Yes • Internet: Available

ACCOMMODATIONS

SUPERIOR SUITE
Two on the Main Deck (Rosario, Nautilus) and three on the lower deck (Inde, Swell, Dofleini). Featuring en-suite bathrooms (sizes vary). Available with either one king size bed or two twin beds.

PREMIUM SUITE
One on the lower deck (Emerald). Featuring an en-suite bathroom. Available with either one king size bed or two twin beds.

SPOTTER PLANE

Using a plane to find big animal action in the vast ocean is half cheating, half brilliant. It’s a revolutionary way to improve marine life encounters. Nautilus Adventures agrees. They have a plane. Not just any plane. They have a Citabria — a light single-engine, two-seat airplane designed for flight training, utility and personal use which is capable of performing aerobatic maneuvers (keep dreamin’). Its name, "airbatic" backwards, is homage to its abilities (clever people out there). Aptly named Nautilus Scout, the craft is perfect for this mission. Scout can fly as low as an ultralight (for enhanced observation) and has speed to hunt north to Loreto Bay National Park and south to Cabo San Lucas (over 200 miles), providing extensive coverage.

Crew: 2 (pilot + co-pilot/naturalist) • Days: Up to 6 per week • Missions: 2 per day • Maximum Speed: 110-132 mph • Maximum Elevation: 11,500'-17,000' • Maximum Range: 550-685 mi • Rad: most definitely

RHIB

All dives + snorkeling are conducted from Nautilus Adventures’ 32' high-speed ‘zodiac style’ skiff aka RHIB (rigid-hulled inflatable boat). The boat has enough space for all 12 guests, is high-performance, and is fast. Very fast. The RHIB isn’t intended for comfort (that’s what Gallant Lady is for) so there is no head (bathroom) and limited shade (bring that face gaiter and sunglasses).

Crew: Up to 3 (captain + guides) • Days: 6 per week • Missions: Unlimited • Maximum Speed: Mario Andretti • Maximum Elevation: 0' (sea level) • Maximum Range: Enough • Rad: definitely

DIVING

LA PAZ: Within the scuba industry, La Paz is known for its in-water big animal encounters. Sure, there are shrimp, crabs, nudis, and other small denizens but divers here tend to seek the larger “entertainment”. Most of the superior diving is conducted about 16 miles from the city of La Paz around Isla Espíritu Santo and its sister island Isla Partida. These two islands combine to be roughly the same size as Florida’s Walt Disney World. This natural amusement park is made up of volcanic ash and lava from earthquakes and volcanic activity. The area is so special that UNESCO declared the islands a Biosphere Reserve in 1995 keeping them uninhabited and free of any development. The islands’ beautiful mountains and bluffs are covered in a vast maze of saguaro cactus, but it is the underwater world surrounding these islands which are the true treasures. One of the greatest treasures in all of Mexico.

Jacques Cousteau declared this area “the world's aquarium” for a reason. These reefs are home to parrotfish, angelfish, trumpetfish, Moorish idols, rainbow wrasse, rays, turtles, dolphins, and even whales. Yes, there are large varieties of single reef dwelling fish, but it is important to note that there are also huge schools of fish. As in walls of fish. As in groups of fish so big and so dense that they block out the sun. And even with that said, the real stars of the “show” are the California Sea Lions, and their “stage” is the world-famous dive site known as Los Islotes. The site is located off the northern tip of Isla Espíritu Santo and is home to the largest sea lion colony in the Sea of Cortez, with over 600 individuals on and around the island. That is not a typo, 600 sea lions residing in an area the size of a soccer field. It is noisy. It is frenetic. It is amazing.

CABO PULMO NATIONAL PARK: Is a small village located on the east coast of the Baja California Sur peninsula in Mexico, known for its stunningly beautiful coral reef and pristine beaches. The Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, which encompasses the reef and surrounding waters, is one of the most important marine reserves in the Gulf of California and the entire eastern Pacific region. The coral reef at Cabo Pulmo is estimated to be around 20,000 years old, making it one of the oldest and most unique coral reefs in the world. The reef is home to over 800 species of marine animals and plants, including several endangered and endemic species, such as the Cortez angelfish, the black skipjack, and the green sea turtle. In 1995, the Mexican government designated Cabo Pulmo as a protected area, and since then, the local community has been actively involved in the conservation and management of the marine park. Fishing, diving, and other activities are carefully regulated to ensure the long-term sustainability of the ecosystem and its biodiversity.

Note: Seasick’s dates were selected for peak mobula and orca season, not peak dive season. Expect reduced/limited water visibility + cool/temperate water temperatures.

Depth: 10'-130'+ • Visibility: 30'-50'+ • Currents: Minimal • Skill Level: Beginner - Intermediate (nothing Advanced) • Water Temp: 73-76°F • Dive Sites: 15+ • Peak Season: September - November

WHAT MAY BE SEEN

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Dive and snorkel sites visited are subject to weather conditions and local seasonal knowledge. Final route taken is at the absolute discretion of the captain and cruise director.

FLIGHTS + TRANSFERS

SAMPLE ITINERARY AS OF DECEMBER 10, 2024

TIJUANA - LA PAZ
DEPARTING: SATURDAY, MAY 16 • RETURNING: SATURDAY, MAY 23
ESTIMATED COST: $325

ORANGE COUNTY - CABO SAN LUCAS
DEPARTING: SATURDAY, MAY 16 • RETURNING: SATURDAY, MAY 23
ESTIMATED COST: $625

LOS ANGELES - CABO SAN LUCAS
DEPARTING: SATURDAY, MAY 16 • RETURNING: SATURDAY, MAY 23
ESTIMATED COST: $590

LA PAZ HOTEL

Seven Crown La Paz Malecón Hotel
Inbound: Check In Friday, May 15 • Check Out Saturday, May 16
Outbound: Check In Saturday, May 23 • Check Out Sunday, May 24

Room types: Standard (≈$110), Jr Suite (≈$160), and Master Suite (≈$210)

Room reservations do not include breakfast or airport transfers. Hotel is located directly in front of Gallant Lady dock.

CABO HOTEL

Solmar Resort Cabo San Lucas
Inbound: Check In Friday, May 15 • Check Out Saturday, May 16
Outbound: Check In Saturday, May 23 • Check Out Sunday, May 24

Room types: King Studio (≈$175) and Deluxe Suite (≈$210)

The property only offers 1 King bed + 1 soda bed accommodations. 2 Twin beds are not available.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

DEFINITIONS: “Company” is defined as Underwater Exposures, Inc. dba Seasick Productions, incorporated in terms of the laws of California, United States of America. "Company Affiliated Parties" is defined as the Company, its directors, members, partners, employees, agents, consultants, suppliers, and contractors. “Guest” is defined as any person or persons placing a booking (whether provisional or confirmed) with the Company and who contracts with the Company for any of the Services together with his/her spouse, dependents and companions. “Services” is defined as the provision of accommodation, transport, transfers, scuba diving and snorkeling activities, tours or any other activities or services provided by the Company and the procurement by the Company of the provision of accommodation, transport, transfers, scuba diving and snorkeling activities, tours or any other activities or services by any Third-Party Contractors.

GENERAL: Price based on double occupancy group rate. Single supplement, extensions, additional services, and all other items not listed in itinerary are not included. All prices subject to change without notice. A $2,000.00 deposit per person is required with each Guest reservation. Company reserves the right, without advance notice, to make changes or cancellations, in part or in whole, as circumstances dictate. Any deposit or payment made to Company or any representative of Company shows acceptance and acknowledgement of the terms and conditions as stated herein.

CHANGES TO RESERVATIONS: Any request by Guest to amend or change a booking once it has been confirmed, may be accommodated by Company subject to availability. If Company is able to assist, a reasonable administrative fee may be charged. Any such administrative fees shall be invoiced to the Guest and must be settled as per the standard terms applicable to the booking. If the invoice is not paid within such time, Company may construe such non-payment as an act of cancellation on the part of the Guest and the provisions of the cancellation clause shall apply. All reservations, confirmed bookings, and Company’s services are non-transferable.

CANCELLATIONS TO RESERVATIONS: Refund (less cancellation fee) may be issued if reservation is cancelled four months prior to departure date and if another Guest can fill the vacancy. All authorized refunds will be assessed a $1,000.00 cancellation fee. No refund or credit will be made for Services not utilized by Guest. No cancellations shall be accepted within 30 days of trip departure.

FORCE MAJEURE: “Force Majeure Event” is defined as any event which is beyond the control of the Company, including, but not limited to a national strike, act of war, armed conflict, insurrection, civil commotion, terrorism or the threat of terrorism; any act of God including but not limited to epidemic, pandemic, lightning, earthquake, flooding, fire, cyclone, hurricane, typhoon, tidal wave, storm, volcanic eruption and other unusual and extreme adverse weather or environmental conditions; any event which falls within any of these categories that is suffered by Third-Party Contractors of the Company, who are involved in the receipt or provision of the Services; and or any other cause or contingency beyond the control of the Company. The Company shall not be deemed to be in breach of any of its obligations to Guest due to any Force Majeure Event. If the Company is affected by a Force Majeure Event, it may in its sole and absolute discretion, amend or cancel any of the Services or the remainder thereof, or to make any alteration in route, accommodation, transportation or arrangement in the event of the Services or any part thereof being rendered impossible, illegal or inadvisable.

GUEST INSURANCE: If scuba diving is a Service used by Guest, Company requires Guest to possess a dive accident insurance policy prior to using any of Company’s Services. If scuba diving is not a Service used by Guest, Company requires Guest to possess an international accident and medical evacuation insurance policy prior to using any of Company’s Services. Information on dive accident insurance can be found at the Divers Alert Network’s website: www.diversalertnetwork.org. In addition, Company recommends trip insurance in the event a Guest must cancel the trip. Information on trip insurance can be found at the Divers Alert Network’s website: www.diversalertnetwork.org or the DiveAssure website: www.diveassure.com.

RESPONSIBILITY: Company acts only as agents for the Third-Party Contractors providing transportation, accommodations, diving and other Services. All tickets and vouchers issued constitute the sole contract between the Guest and Company. Company or its representatives shall not at any time be responsible in any way for loss, injury, or damage arising from any Force Majeure Event, act of government, theft, sickness, customs regulations, delay, cancellation error, or any cause beyond its control. Company or its representatives accepts no liability for the consequences of the personal activities of any Guest who is personally responsible for decisions concerning health, safety, fitness for diving and snorkeling, or any other circumstances beyond its control.