Quino del Mar Liveaboard

diver photographing school of yellowfin tuna socorro

Destination: Mexico

Socorro Islands (9 Nights) and Sea of Cortez (7 - 12 nights)| From $385++/night

Quino del Mar Quick Pitch

Launching in July 2025, the Quino del Mar is one owned by one of the top dive operators specializing in trips to the Sea of Cortez and Socorro Islands in Mexico. This 118-foot liveaboard yacht offers 10 cabins for up to 20 divers.

Quino del mar's key features

What excites us about the Quino del Mar liveaboard is that it will have the same knowledgeable and friendly dive staff as Rocio del Mar, with exceptional stability for navigating the often rough waters to the Socorro Islands, mouthwatering Mexican cuisine, and ample space designed for underwater photographers to set up their gear. This liveaboard is shaping up to be a dream for avid divers and underwater photographers eager to explore Socorro and the Sea of Cortez!

Location

Embarkation from San José Del Cabo (SJD) for Socorro and Puerto Penasco for the Sea of Cortez.

Dive Overview

Excellent big animal diving in Socorro with giant mantas, lots of sharks, humpback whales, and whale sharks. The Sea of Cortez is great for mammals and macro with large biomass of aquatic life.

Learn more on the diving in Socorro Islands and Sea of Cortez

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Accommodations

Types of Cabins, Amenities and Photos

Quino del Mar Cabin Overview

10 comfortable guest staterooms on two decks. All have private bathrooms with hot shower stalls, western-style toilets, lavatories and ample storage. Each cabin is carpeted and air-conditioned.

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Quino del Mar Cabin Details

The upper deck comprises Cabins 1-8, with Cabins 1-6 featuring two XL twin beds arranged perpendicularly to maximize space. Cabins 7 and 8 are slightly larger, each offering one queen bed and one XL twin. Below deck, Cabins 9 and 10 provide extra-large accommodations, each furnished with one queen bed and one XL twin for enhanced comfort.

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General Facilities

Quino del Mar Boat Features

Air-conditioning
Carpets
Storage space
En-suite bathrooms
Salon
Sundeck
Spacious dining area
Bar
Lounge area
Outdoor kitchen

Quino del Mar Dive Facilities

DIN Adaptors
Nitrox
Camera table
Wet gear storage

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Food & Drinks Aboard Quino del Mar

Each day begins with a continental breakfast featuring fresh fruit, cereals, bagels, yogurt, breads, and freshly brewed coffee. Following the first dive, guests are treated to a plated, made-to-order breakfast. After the second dive, a hot homemade soup and a hot plated lunch are served. In the afternoon, a substantial snack is offered, often including sandwiches, ceviche, fruit, cheeses, and more. Dinner consists of a three-course, plated meal featuring a salad, entrée, and homemade dessert. Hot and cold beverages, including canned soft drinks, are available throughout the day.

Divers can also enjoy complimentary beer and wine after their final dive of the day.

Most special dietary needs, including gluten-free and vegan, can be accommodated.

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Deck Plan

Schedule, RATES & Availability

Quino del Mar Liveaboard Schedule & Rates

Contact us for upcoming trips, schedule, availability and pricing. Email us at info@bluewaterdivetravel.com or call us at +1-310-915-6677 and we will gladly help you plan your dream dive vacation!

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Dive Information & Itineraries

Socorro Islands Itinerary

November through May

The Revillagigedo Islands (also Revillagigedo Archipelago) are a group of four volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean, known for their unique ecosystem. The islands are home to many endemic plant and animal species. Socorro island is the most diverse in flora, fauna, and topography.

The islands lie 250 miles off Baja Mexico's southern shore. When embarking on a trip to the Socorro Islands, we plan to dive the islands of San Benedicto, Socorro, and Roca Partida. Due to the distance to Clarion, this is only dived on longer expeditions.

These islands are a spectacular magnet for the largest ocean pelagic animals in the world. Animals include schooling hammerhead sharks, tiger sharks, friendly bottlenose dolphins, silky sharks, Galapagos sharks, clouds of jacks and barracuda, tuna, wahoo, oceanic white tip sharks, whale sharks, and manta rays.

Manta Rays are the claim to fame for Socorro Islands. The island where they predominately congregate is San Benedicto. The magical dive site called "The Boiler" is a submerged sea mount and cleaning station. More than a half dozen mantas frequent this pinnacle regularly. The mantas in the Revillagigedo Islands are friendly and enjoy the presence of humans. This is truly an exceptional place to experience the manta magic.

Humpback whales visit during the winter months of mid-February through mid-April. We often hear the sounds of the singing mating males as they provide escort underwater. Surface sightings are common during this time.

Whale sharks can be seen during November, December, and May. May is also a time when we can see giant bait balls and pods of false orcas.

This destination can only be dived by a liveaboard dive vessel. It takes approximately 26-28 hours one-way to reach the islands. This is an excellent dive destination for large pelagics due to the islands' open ocean nature, which sometimes includes currents and choppy conditions. The underwater topography consists of rocky outcroppings, boulders, and some incredible walls. There is not much in the way of coral, as this is a cooler water destination.

Sample Itinerary | 10 Days / 9 Nights / 6 Days of Diving

Day 1 - Embark in San José del Cabo / Dinner and departure at approximately 7 pm
Day 2 - At Sea
Day 3 - Isla San Benedicto / 4 dives
Day 4 - Isla Roca Partida / 3 dives
Day 5 - Isla Roca Partida / 3 dives
Day 6 - Isla Socorro / 3 dives / Check-in with the Naval Station
Day 7 - Isla Socorro / 4 dives
Day 8 - Isla San Benedicto / 3 dives
Day 9 - At Sea
Day 10 - Arrival in San Jose del Cabo and disembark at 8:30 am

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Sea of Cortez | Midriff Islands

July through September

Did you know you can fly to Phoenix and within four hours be boarding a boat to one of the most remote places in the world? A world with no planes, very few boats, clear skies, and amazing sunsets. Under the surface lie deep waters and abundant sea life.

The Sea of Cortez, known as the Gulf of California, is a breathtaking destination for scuba diving, snorkeling, and exploration. Legendary diver Jacques Cousteau described the Sea of Cortez as the "world's aquarium". Dive on untouched walls and reefs abounding in marine life. Encounter large and small whale species, snorkel with whale sharks, dive with playful sea lion colonies, and see countless eels, octopus, fish, and jumping mobula rays. It's a macro photographer's dream with nudibranchs, colorful blennies, dancing jawfish, and sea horses.

Between dives, you can hike and explore remote uninhabited islets. At night you can gaze at the Milky Way. Give us one week and we will help you create a lifetime of memories while forging new friendships. You will dine on incredible cuisine and enjoy the friendly service that has made many of our guests come diving with us again and again.

This itinerary is excellent for snorkelers.

Sample Itinerary | 8 Days / 7 Nights / 6 Days of Diving

Below is the scheduled diving itinerary. Weather and sea conditions may alter this itinerary, and if unique animal sightings arise, we may suggest options to divers.
Day 1 - Embark at 5 pm in Puerto Peñasco / Dinner and departure at approximately 7 pm
Day 2 - Isla Ángel de la Guarda / 3 dives / Sunset cruise with sea lions
Day 3 - Isla Ángel de la Guarda / 3 dives and a night dive
Day 4 - Isla San Pedro Mártir / 3-4 dives
Day 5 - Isla San Pedro Mártir / 3-4 dives
Day 6 - Isla Salsipuedes / Isla Las Ánimas / 3 dives and a night dive
Day 7 - Bahía de los Ángeles / 2 dives / Snorkel with whale sharks
Day 8 - Arrive in Puerto Peñasco and disembark at 7:30 am

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Sea of Cortez | Explore Baja

September and October

Explore over 700 miles of the Sea of Cortez, starting at one end of Baja and ending at the other. Experience the magic of the Midriff Islands combined with the clear, warm waters of the south. We never know what will come our way on this adventure!

Each day you will awake to a fantastic sunrise amongst some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, with clear skies, deep blue seas, and terrain only millions of years could create. Enjoy three to four dives daily as we move from island to island. Dive on untouched walls and reefs abounding in marine life. The north is a macro photographer's dream with nudibranchs, colorful blennies, dancing jawfish, and sea horses. Encounter large and small whale species, snorkel with whale sharks, see jumping mobula rays, dive with playful sea lion colonies and countless eels, octopus, fish, and jumping mobula rays.

The biodiversity between the northern and southern Sea of Cortez is incredible, and diving the entire Baja is spectacular! The sea life we witness on the surface from the boat, pangas, or snorkeling is fantastic. We can see dolphins, sea lions, pilot whales, humpback whales, fin whales, sperm whales, orcas, and mobula rays. We also have incredible birds, including blue and brown-footed boobie birds, cormorants, frigate birds, and the endemic yellow-footed gulls.

In the south, we dive the national park in Loreto and dive with beautiful tropical fish. If you wish to hike the remote islands during surface intervals, a panga is always available to take you to shore. We also have kayaks to take a serene cruise around the islands. Between activities, get spoiled with excellent meals and the best crew in the industry.

This itinerary is excellent for snorkelers.

Sample Itinerary | 13 days / 12 nights / 11 Days of Diving | Puerto Peñasco to San José del Cabo

Below is the scheduled diving itinerary. Weather and sea conditions may alter this itinerary, and if unique animal sightings arise, we may suggest options to divers.
Day 1 - Embark at 5 pm in Puerto Peñasco / Dinner and departure at approximately 7 pm
Day 2 - Isla Ángel de la Guarda / 3 dives / Sunset cruise with sea lions
Day 3 - Bahía de los Ángeles / 2 dives / Snorkel with whale sharks
Day 4 - Isla Salsipuedes / Isla Las Ánimas / 3-4 dives
Day 5 - Isla San Pedro Mártir / 3-4 dives
Day 6 - Isla San Ildefonso / 3-4 dives
Day 7 - Isla Coronado / 4 dives
Day 8 - Isla Danzante / 3 dives / Afternoon hike at Honeymoon Beach
Day 9 - Isla Las Ánimas / 3-4 dives
Day 10 - Isla Espiritu Santo / 3 dives and night dive with mobula rays
Day 11 - Isla Espiritu Santo and wrecks Salvaterra and Fang Ming / 3-4 dives
Day 12 - Isla Cerralvo, also known as Jacques Cousteau Island / 3-4 dives
Day 13 - Arrive in San José del Cabo and disembark at 8:30 am

Sample Itinerary | 13 days / 12 nights / 11 Days of Diving | San José del Cabo to Puerto Peñasco

Below is the scheduled diving itinerary. Weather and sea conditions may alter this itinerary, and if unique animal sightings arise, we may suggest options to divers.
Day 1 - Embark in San José del Cabo / Dinner and departure at approximately 7 pm
Day 2 - Isla Cerralvo, also known as Jacques Cousteau Island / 3-4 dives
Day 3 - Isla Espiritu Santo and wrecks Salvaterra and Fang Ming / 3-4 dives
Day 4 - Isla Espiritu Santo / 3 dives and night dive with mobula rays
Day 5 - Isla Las Ánimas / 3-4 dives
Day 6 - Isla Danzante / 3 dives and an afternoon hike at Honeymoon Beach
Day 7 - Isla Coronado / 4 dives
Day 8 - Isla San Ildefonso / 3-4 dives
Day 9 - Isla San Pedro Mártir / 3-4 dives
Day 10 - Isla Salsipuedes / Isla Las Ánimas
Day 11 - Isla Ángel de la Guarda / 3 dives with a sunset cruise with sea lions
Day 12 - Bahía de los Ángeles / 2 dives / Snorkel with whale sharks
Day 13 - Disembark at 8:30 am in Puerto Peñasco

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Sea of Cortez - Southern Safari

September / October / December

The Sea of Cortez, also known as the Gulf of California is a strip of water separated from the Pacific Ocean by the Baja Peninsula. This isolation, on land and underwater, provides a unique series of contrasting ecosystems from the vast solitude of the desert to the rich underwater realms and black coral gardens.

Let the crews of Rocio del Mar and Quino el Guardian spoil you as we travel throughout the warm and clear waters of the southern Sea of Cortez. Enjoy six days of diving where we can see countless tropical fish, schools of mobula rays, eels, octopuses, turtles, rays, giant pods of dolphins, and whales. We will explore Isla el Bajo and Isla Los Islotes, where you will encounter a massive colony of friendly sea lions. We will dive Isla Espiritu Santo and wrecks Fang Ming and Salvaterra, Isla Las Animas, Isla Los Islotes, and Isla Cerralvo, known as Jacques Cousteau Island. We'll also do a night dive with mobula rays.

This itinerary is excellent for snorkelers.

Sample Itinerary | 8 Days / 7 Nights / 6 Days of Diving

Day 1 - Embark in San José del Cabo / Dinner and departure at approximately 7 pm
Day 2 - Isla Espiritu Santo and mobula ray night dive / 3-4 dives
Day 3 - Isla Las Ánimas / 3-4 dives
Day 4 - Isla Danzante and Isla San Francisquito
Day 5 - Isla El Bajo Seco and Isla San Francisquito / 3-4 dives
Day 6 - Isla Los Islotes and wrecks Salvaterra and Fang / 3-4 dives
Day 7 - Isla Cerralvo, also known as Jacques Cousteau Island / 3-4 dives
Day 8 - Arrival in San Jose del Cabo and disembark at 8:30 am

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Other Information

Boat Specifications

Year built: 2010
Year renovated: 2014
Length: 110'
Top speed: 10 knots
Cruising speed: 8.5 knots
Engines: 2 x Perkins
Max guests: 20
Number of cabins: 10
Number of bathrooms: 11
Tenders: 2 x Yamaha 75hp
Water capacity: 40000lts
Fuel capacity: 60000 lts
Freshwater maker: 7000 lts per day

Practical Information

Time Zone: UTC-6
Local Currency: MXN (Mexican Peso)
Language Spoken: English & Spanish
Electricity: 110 V
Payment Onboard: US, Mexican and European currency, Traveler’s checks and Credit Cards

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