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Diving on the Nautilus Belle Amie liveaboard
Nautilus Belle Amie itineraries are carefully planned to offer divers the best interactions with big marine life around Baja California, Mexico. You can expect to see dolphins, giant manta rays, and many species of sharks, including whale sharks, hammerheads, Galapagos sharks, and silky sharks.
Depending on the time of year, Nautilus Belle Amie has different itineraries—the most popular focuses on Socorro Island. This remote, uninhabited island is only accessible via liveaboard between November and May, making this dive stop all the more appealing. It’s no surprise that it’s also one of the best dive spots in Mexico.
Other itineraries focus around Magdalena Bay and the Sea of Cortez, where you can experience Mexico’s Sardine Run (October through January), swim with sea lions, and enjoy some of the planet’s best human-whale interactions.
To dive with Nautilus Belle Amie, you need to be an advanced diver comfortable diving in strong currents. Most dive sites are 82 feet (25 m) or deeper. Nitrox is available at an extra cost. The Nautilus Belle Amie is also rebreather-friendly.
Because the waters are not very warm (70 to 80 F/ 21 to 26 C), divers will likely want a 5 mm wetsuit and should carry an SMB. Should you not have the right equipment or wish to travel light, you can rent gear onboard.
Highlights:
- Pelagic encounters
- Strong currents
- Deep dives
Onboard the Nautilus Belle Amie
The Nautilus Belle Amie features four spacious decks with 17 en-suite, air-conditioned staterooms and suites to accommodate a total of 32 people.
On the lower deck, there are eight staterooms with side-by-side beds. There is also one triple stateroom.
On the main deck, there are two premium suites with extra living space, large windows, TVs, and double sinks in the bathroom. Beds can be configured as either California kings or two doubles.
On the wheelhouse deck, there are six superior suites with large windows and the comforts of a 5-star hotel with extra thoughtful touches, like decorative cushions and throws, to make guests feel welcome. These suites can also be configured with a California king or two doubles, depending on your preference.
Interior spaces are minimalist and carefully decorated, with several areas to relax before and after every dive. WiFi is available for an extra fee if you must stay connected.
On the main deck you’ll find the air-conditioned salon, bar, and dining room. There’s also a small library and a TV to watch films or documentaries. Outside, kick back on the sun deck, complete with sun loungers, a hot tub, and a bar with high chairs.
As for the dive deck, the one on Nautilus Belle Amie is spacious and shady, with benches and storage space for your diving equipment, including a camera table with charging stations.
The large, water-level dive platform makes entries and exits easy. There are also tenders to take divers from and to the dive sites.
Highlights:
- One triple stateroom
- Hot tub on sun deck
- Huge water-level dive platform
- Tenders available for easy dive site access
Dining onboard the Nautilus Belle Amie
The food onboard the Nautilus Belle Amie is a fusion of Mexican and West Coast North American food.
Special dietary requirements, like vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy options, can be accommodated with at least 30 days’ notice.
Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style and include delicious breads and pastries baked on board. You can expect eggs to order, sandwiches, pizza, tacos, quesadillas, and more.
In between dives there is also a delicious selection of snacks, such as homemade cookies, sushi, cheese and cracker plates, chicken wings, assorted cakes, nachos, and ice cream.
Dinner is served plated, buffet-, or family-style. Dishes include tacos, roast beef, salmon teriyaki, clam alfredo, steak, and more.
While tea, coffee, water, juice, and soda are included in the price, alcoholic beverages cost extra. The Nautilus Belle Amie has a well-stocked bar with domestic and international wines, beers, and spirits.
Highlights:
- Mexican and international food
- Caters to special dietary requirements
- Alcoholic beverages not included
Things we like:
- Big marine-life encounters
- Huge dive deck and platform
- Modern, luxurious interior
- Rebreather-friendly
- Fusion of Mexican and international food
Things we don't like:
- Alcoholic beverages not included
- Required extras like port fees, national marine park fees, and 5% Mexican VAT not included
Key Facts
| Year Built | 2015 |
| Max Divers | 32 |
| Price Range | Mid-range |
| Trip Length | 5-7 Nights |
| Internet | Yes ($) |
| Nitrox | Yes ($) |
| Equipment Rental | Yes ($) |
| Camera Station | Yes |
| Air Conditioning | Yes |
| Min. Logged Dives | No minimum |
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