Nautilus Gallant Lady Liveaboard overview

By
Elena Vivaldo
Contributor at DIVEIN.com
Traveller. PADI scuba diving instructor. SEO copywriter working with many clients across different time zones since 2018. Elena has been hooked on diving since she was...
Rebecca Strauss
Editor at DIVEIN.com
Rebecca has been an avid traveler and scuba diver for many years. She began her editorial career by updating travel guides, which took her all over...

Known for its immense biodiversity, the Sea of Cortez enjoys the nickname “the aquarium of the world,” thanks to Jacques Cousteau. Ever since Cousteau visited the area, divers from all over the world have been drawn to the beauty of this Mexican diving hotspot. True to the adventurous spirit of Jaques Cousteau, the Nautilus Gallant Lady takes divers to some of the best dive sites in Mexico, where they can see whales, sea lions, sharks, corals, and many other marine species.

Built in the United States, the Nautilus Gallant Lady is a luxurious yacht measuring 116 feet (35 m), which caters to small groups of 12 people for a more intimate and relaxed diving experience.

Traveling on this liveaboard is so comfortable and stylish that it almost feels like a private yacht, so keep reading as we dive into our review of Nautilus Gallant Lady.

About this review

To help you find a that will fit your needs, we’ve tested, researched, and reviewed the best ones available today.
We test both in the water, diving in various conditions - and in our lab - so we can give you accurate answers on quality, performance, and the overall value.

Read about our test of s

Things we like:

  • Small groups (12 guests)
  • Rebreather-friendly
  • Calm waters with exciting marine encounters
  • WiFi onboard (surcharge)

Things we don't like:

  • Port fee not included ($35pp)
  • National park fees not included
  • Mexican 5% VAT not included
  • Alcoholic drinks not included
  • Nitrox surcharge

Diving on the Nautilus Gallant Lady liveaboard

Based in the Sea of Cortez, Mexico, the Nautilus Gallant lady sails year round, offering two diving itineraries.

Between May and October, dive trips are centered in the marine reserve of Bahia de Los Angeles. During this time of year, there is the annual whale shark aggregation. Plus, there are playful sea lion colonies.

Between September and December, the Nautilus Gallant Lady is in Cabo Plumo and La Paz National Park. Together with sea lions, you’ll also find mobula rays, bull sharks, hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, and even humpback whales.

As one of the healthiest reef ecosystems in the region, diving in the Sea of Cortez promises a diving adventure to suit divers of all levels—from shallow reefs to deep and more challenging dive sites. Generally, however, the waters are calm and warm.

Plankton draws in the marine species and pelagics you’re there to see, but that also means visibility can be low. So, staying close to your buddy, bright-colored gear, and a dive light definitely help. The Nautilus Gallant Lady also has rental gear onboard should you wish to pack light.

 Highlights:

  • Year-round diving in the Sea of Cortez
  • Healthy ecosystem
  • Suitable for divers of all levels

Onboard the Nautilus Gallant Lady

With six large cabins, the Nautilus Gallant Lady comfortably accommodates 12 guests. All rooms have individually controlled AC, ample storage space, and the bed can be configured in either a California king bed or two doubles.

On the lower deck, there are three superior suites and one premium suite, which boasts extra room, storage space, a full-size bathtub, and even a microwave and a wine fridge. On the main deck, there are two superior suites, which have large windows with stunning ocean views. Some bathrooms also have two sinks.

As for social spaces, on the main deck, the Nautilus Gallant Lady has a dining room/salon. Large windows let in the natural light while maintaining the privacy of a luxury yacht. There is also a TV and a fully-stocked bar.

At the bow of the Nautilus Gallant Lady, relax in the hot tub overlooking the calm waters of the Sea of Cortez. On the upper deck, the sun deck features sun loungers, cushioned benches, and a sky lounge. For the curious traveler, the wheelhouse is open 24 hours for tours.

The dive deck is big enough for divers to get kitted up, and the water-level dive deck makes entries and exits easy. There is also nitrox (surcharge), and the Nautilus Gallant Lady is rebreather-friendly.

In between dives, the Nautilus Gallant Lady also has kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. If you want to stay connected, there is also optional WIFI onboard for a surcharge.

Highlights:

  • Small groups (12 people)
  • The premium suite features a bathtub, wine fridge, sink, and microwave
  • Wheelhouse open 24 hours
  • Rebreather-friendly

Dining onboard the Nautilus Gallant Lady

Menus on the Nautilus Gallant Lady feature a fusion of Mexican and West Coast North American food. Every meal, served buffet-style, is a treat.

There’s a pre-dive breakfast, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and plenty of snacks. Meals include fresh-baked goods, deli-style sandwiches, homemade pizza, lasagna, tacos, quesadillas, street tacos, and more.

Guests with special dietary requirements (vegan, gluten-free, food allergies, etc.) can place their requests with 30-days’ notice.

Sodas, juices, tea, and coffee are complimentary, while there’s a surcharge for alcoholic drinks onboard. Nonetheless, there is a wide selection to choose from, including wine, vodka, gin, champagne, brandy, bourbon, scotch, and beer (Mexican and domestic).

 Highlights:

  • Mexican and international food
  • Special dietary menus available upon request
  • Alcoholic beverages not included

Things we like:

  • Small groups (12 guests)
  • Rebreather-friendly
  • Calm waters with exciting marine encounters
  • WiFi onboard (surcharge)

Things we don't like:

  • Port fee not included ($35pp)
  • National park fees not included
  • Mexican 5% VAT not included
  • Alcoholic drinks not included
  • Nitrox surcharge
Key Facts
Year Built 1982
Max Divers 12
Price Range Mid-range
Trip Length 5-7 Nights
Internet Yes ($)
Nitrox Yes ($)
Equipment Rental Yes ($)
Camera Station Yes
Air Conditioning Yes
Min. Logged Dives No minimum
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