Where to book
Diving on the Nautilus Explorer liveaboard
Choosing the Nautilus Explorer means embarking on an 8-, 9-, or 10-day trip and logging up to 18 dives around world-famous dive sites around Socorro Island, the Sea of Cortez, or legendary Cocos Island.
Diving in Socorro promises exciting encounters with charismatic marine life, including giant mantas, whale sharks, dolphins, and hammerheads, depending on the season. You can even dive with sea lions and may see humpback whales breaching the surface.
The season in Socorro runs from November to June, and because of the strong currents and the advanced dive sites, the Nautilus Explorer only welcomes advanced divers. The dive boat also has the facility and equipment to support technical and rebreather divers.
The Sea of Cortez is not called the “Aquarium of the World” for nothing. The season here runs year-round, and divers may see everything from playful sea lions at Los Islotes to a pod of hunting orcas. Swirling schools of jacks, mantas, mobula rays, sperm whales, and even blue whales visit these waters as well.
Finally, legendary Cocos Island is accessible via the Nautilus Explorer from August through mid-September. This uninhabited—save for rotating national park rangers—tropical paradise gives strong “Jurassic Park” vibes and visitors should not pass up the opportunity for a shore visit. Underwater, expect the greatest hits—huge schools of hammerheads, tiger sharks, marble rays, Galapagos sharks, and more.
The Nautilus Explorer departs and returns to Cabo San Lucas, in Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula for Socorro trips, La Paz for Sea of Cortez trips, and Golfito in Costa Rica for Cocos expeditions.
Highlights:
- Remote, uncrowded dive sites in Cocos
- Tons of pelagic life no matter the destination
- Supports technical and rebreather divers
Onboard the Nautilus Explorer
After your adrenaline-filled dives, relax in any of 13 cabins, designed to accommodate a total of 25 guests. There are eight staterooms and one triple stateroom on the lower deck, all with AC and plenty of storage space. Although all cabins are ensuite, some staterooms have a sink between the beds.
There are three superior suites on the wheelhouse deck. These have a desk, larger windows, and one suite also has a TV. There is also one premium suite with floor-to-ceiling windows, a separate lounge area, and a full-size bathtub.
The main salon is spacious yet cozy with big couches and a wooden bar counter. There are also dedicated computers to edit your photos and videos, a small library, and a video-audio entertainment system. The dining room has big tables where everyone has their meals together.
Exterior spaces include a sun deck with sun loungers and a hot tub on the wheelhouse deck for divers to enjoy while indulging in drinks and snacks service.
The back of the boat has a water-level dive platform for easy entry and exit from the water. The spacious dive deck features benches, storage spaces, and a large camera table, giving all divers plenty of room to get ready.
Other than diving, the Nautilus Explorer also has snorkeling gear, kayaks, and stand up paddleboards.
Highlights:
- Internet available for a surcharge (depending on destination)
- Hot tub on deck
- Dedicated computers to edit photos and videos
- Kayaks and standup paddle boards available
Dining on board the Nautilus Explorer
When it comes to eating on board the Nautilus Explorer, you can expect a fusion of Mexican and American food. Divers with special dietary requirements must give the crew 30-days’ notice to ensure that needs are accommodated.
All meals are either served buffet-style or made to order. The Nautilus Explorer also has a nice selection of alcoholic drinks available at a reasonable price, including Mexican and international liquor..
Highlights:
- A wide variety of food
- Special dietary menus available with 30 days’ notice
- Alcohol available for a surcharge
Things we like:
- Diving with lots of pelagics
- Steel hulled ship certified to the same safety standards as international cruise ships
- Caters to technical and rebreather divers
- WiFi onboard for a surcharge
Things we don't like:
- Nitrox is available but not included
- Some cabins have a sink between the beds
- Port fee not included ($35 per person)
Key Facts
| Year Built | 2000 |
| Max Divers | 25 |
| Price Range | Luxury |
| Trip Length | 8+ Nights |
| Internet | Yes ($) |
| Nitrox | Yes ($) |
| Equipment Rental | Yes ($) |
| Camera Station | Yes |
| Air Conditioning | Yes |
| Min. Logged Dives | 50+ |
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