Nautilus Under Sea

Location: Mexico

Rating: 4.5/5 (186 reviews)

About Nautilus Under Sea

Embark on an extraordinary journey to Mexico's vibrant underwater world aboard the Nautilus Under Sea, an ex-research vessel with a storied past. This liveaboard offers unparalleled encounters with magnificent pelagic species in the Socorro Islands.

The waters off Mexico, particularly around the Socorro Islands, are a diver's paradise, renowned for their dramatic volcanic topography and the incredible abundance of large pelagic marine life. Here, divers can immerse themselves in a world where giant Pacific manta rays gracefully glide, often engaging in close, interactive encounters. The nutrient-rich currents attract schooling hammerheads, playful dolphins, and majestic whale sharks, creating an unforgettable spectacle beneath the waves. Exploring these pristine dive sites aboard the Nautilus Under Sea offers a unique opportunity to witness this breathtaking marine biodiversity in comfort and style. Diving from the Nautilus Under Sea is an experience meticulously crafted for underwater enthusiasts. The vessel provides ample space on its dedicated dive deck, ensuring comfortable kitting-up and secure storage for personal gear. Photographers will appreciate the specialized camera setup areas and individual storage, designed to protect valuable equipment. Dives are conducted from sturdy tenders, allowing access to the most remote and rewarding sites. With a focus on intimate group sizes and guided excursions, divers can maximize their time observing the diverse ecosystem, from the smallest reef inhabitants to the largest migratory species. Nitrox is available, extending bottom times and enhancing the overall dive experience. Life aboard the Nautilus Under Sea is designed for relaxation and camaraderie after thrilling days of diving. Guests are accommodated in 9 comfortable, air-conditioned en-suite cabins, ensuring privacy and a restful night's sleep. The vessel features a spacious and inviting indoor saloon, perfect for unwinding, sharing stories, or enjoying the audio and video entertainment. For those seeking sun and fresh air, a large sundeck with loungers provides the ideal spot to soak up the Mexican sun or stargaze. With a nearly 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, personalized service is a hallmark of the Nautilus Under Sea experience. Culinary delights await guests on every journey, with a full-board meal plan that caters to diverse tastes. The dining experience includes a buffet-style spread featuring both Western and local cuisine, ensuring a satisfying array of flavors. Special dietary requirements, such as vegetarian and vegan options, are readily accommodated upon request. Throughout the day, complimentary soft drinks, tea, and coffee are available, along with snacks to keep energy levels high. For those who enjoy a celebratory drink, beer and a selection of fine wines are offered, complementing the welcome cocktails that kick off each trip. Originally built in 1968, the Nautilus Under Sea, formerly known as the Under Sea Hunter, boasts a fascinating history, having served as a research vessel and even a support boat for a James Bond film. She was thoughtfully renovated in 2016 to enhance guest comfort and diving functionality. Measuring 105 feet (32 meters) in length with a 24-foot (7.3 meters) beam, she offers generous space for just 19 guests across 9 cabins. Powered by twin Caterpillar 240 hp engines, she cruises at 9 knots with a top speed of 9.5 knots, ensuring efficient travel to remote dive sites. Her substantial fuel and water capacities, along with a freshwater maker, guarantee self-sufficiency during longer expeditions. For those seeking an unparalleled encounter with Mexico's most iconic marine giants, the Nautilus Under Sea is an ideal choice. Whether you're a seasoned pelagic enthusiast or an underwater photographer, this vessel provides a comfortable and well-equipped platform for exploring the extraordinary underwater landscapes of the Socorro Islands and beyond.

Vessel Specifications

Length: 32m
Guest capacity: 19
Year built: 1968
Nitrox: Available
WiFi: Available

Cabins

Premium Suite (sleeps 2) — Double — Indulge in the comfort of a Premium Suite, featuring a plush double bed for a restful night's sleep. These suites offer a private en-suite bathroom and are fully air-conditioned for your convenience.
Triple Stateroom (sleeps 3) — Twin — Ideal for small groups or families, the Triple Stateroom offers three comfortable twin beds. Each room is air-conditioned and features a private en-suite bathroom for convenience and privacy.
Stateroom (sleeps 2) — Twin — The comfortable Staterooms are equipped with twin beds, perfect for individual travelers or friends. Each stateroom includes a private en-suite bathroom and is air-conditioned for optimal comfort.

Itineraries

Sea of Cortez Get-Aways (Cabo - Cabo)

Duration: 5 nights

Embarkation: Cabo, Mexico

Embark on an exciting liveaboard adventure in the Sea of Cortez, exploring the vibrant underwater world between Cabo and La Paz. This trip offers a mix of exhilarating dives, snorkeling, and land-based activities around iconic sites like Cerralvo Island, La Reyna, and Espiritu Santo. With generally calm seas, good visibility, and comfortable water temperatures, it's an ideal setting to encounter a rich diversity of marine life, including sea lions, various fish species, and potentially manta ray

Ultimate Combo - Mobulas, Orcas and Whale Sharks (Cabo - La Paz)

Duration: 10 nights

Embarkation: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

This unique liveaboard adventure explores the rich waters of the Sea of Cortez, offering unparalleled encounters with diverse marine life. Guests will have the chance to interact year-round with friendly California sea lions and large pods of bottlenose dolphins. Seasonal highlights include mobula rays, orcas, and whale sharks, providing incredible photographic opportunities. The expedition is designed for those seeking a close-up experience with the ocean's most charismatic creatures.

Sea of Cortez Expeditions (San Jose del Cabo - San Jose del Cabo)

Duration: 7 nights

Embarkation: San Jose del Cabo, Mexico

This expedition showcases the best diving in the Sea of Cortez, an area known for its rich biodiversity. The trip explores a loop from La Paz up to Loreto, visiting both classic and newly discovered dive sites. Guests can expect a mix of day and night dives, with opportunities to engage in shore excursions and enjoy the stunning Mexican night sky. The itinerary emphasizes exploration, adapting to conditions to maximize marine life sightings.

Sea of Cortez - 6 Night Get-Away

Duration: 5 nights

Embarkation: Cabo San Lucas

A voyage through the Sea of Cortez offers divers encounters with a remarkable diversity of marine life, from playful sea lions and schooling fish to various ray species. This itinerary explores the rich waters around Cabo Pulmo and Isla Cerralvo, known for their vibrant coral reefs and abundant pelagic action. Expect a mix of reef dives, drift opportunities, and the chance to witness larger marine animals that thrive in these nutrient-rich waters. The comfortable conditions of the Sea of Cortez

Sea of Cortez Diving La Paz - Loreto Great Circle (Cabo San Lucas - Cabo San Lucas)

Duration: 7 nights

Embarkation: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Explore the vibrant Sea of Cortez, an area Jacques Cousteau famously dubbed "the aquarium of the world." This journey offers an average of four dives daily, including night dives, alongside opportunities for shore excursions, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Divers can look forward to encounters with a rich diversity of marine life, from whale sharks and giant manta rays to various shark species, California sea lions, and captivating shipwrecks. The trip provides an immersive experience in one of M

Mexico Sardine Run / Magdalena Bay (Cabo - Cabo)

Duration: 8 nights

Embarkation: Cabo, Mexico

This expedition offers a thrilling opportunity to witness the spectacular sardine run in Magdalena Bay. From mid-October to December, vast numbers of predators gather in the nutrient-rich waters for this annual event. The itinerary focuses primarily on snorkeling and freediving experiences with the sardine bait balls, providing intimate encounters with abundant marine life. A dedicated day also allows for scuba diving and exploration of Margarita Island's impressive sand dunes.

Ocean Safari: Mobulas, Whales, and even Orcas (Cabo San Lucas - La Paz)

Duration: 7N

Embarkation: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Embark on an extraordinary ocean safari from Cabo San Lucas to La Paz, exploring the rich waters of the Sea of Cortez. This journey focuses on encounters with diverse pelagic species, including mobula rays, whales, and even orcas. With a strong emphasis on snorkeling and freediving, the trip offers a unique perspective on marine life in this vibrant ecosystem. Guests will have opportunities to witness spectacular phenomena like mobula feeding frenzies while benefiting from expert guidance and a

Sea of Cortez - 6 Night Get-Away

Duration: 6 nights

Embarkation: Cabo San Lucas

Socorro Combo - Mag Bay Sardine Run and Soccoro giant mantas, sharks and dolphins

Duration: 13N

Embarkation: Cabo San Lucas

Sea of Cortez Get-Aways (Cabo San Lucas - La Paz)

Duration: 6 nights

Embarkation: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Embark on an exhilarating liveaboard journey through the Sea of Cortez, commencing in Cabo San Lucas and concluding in La Paz. This adventure offers a comprehensive exploration of the region's diverse underwater ecosystems. Guests will enjoy multiple daily dives, with opportunities for exciting night dives. The itinerary is designed to showcase the rich marine biodiversity that has earned the Sea of Cortez its reputation as the 'Aquarium of the World'.