Slip into turquoise waters as thousands of mobula rays glide and leap around you! Join us for an unforgettable liveaboard expedition through the wildlife-rich waters of the Sea of Cortez, timed to coincide with the annual mobula ray migration, when these graceful “flying” rays gather in extraordinary numbers. Guided by an expert crew and supported by aerial tracking, you’ll spend your days snorkeling and freediving among some of the ocean’s most captivating creatures, from vast schools of mobulas and playful dolphins to humpback and blue whales, whale sharks, cow nose rays, and even the occasional orca pod. Enjoy multiple chances to get in the water from the skiffs, with time to unwind on deck between outings. After sunset, experience the magic of night snorkeling, where swarms of feeding mobulas swirl gracefully beneath the lights. Whether you’re a passionate snorkeler, freediver, or underwater photographer, this voyage promises an unparalleled immersion into the wild beauty and vibrant marine life of the Sea of Cortez, a place Jacques Cousteau once called “the world’s aquarium”.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This adventure was exceptional as far as the tour leader (Scott Davis), venue (Gallant Lady vessel), all crew on the Gallant Lady, food, accommodations, etc. I cannot think of anything that could have been better once we got on board the Gallant Lady! My expectations for the week long trip were fully met and exceeded on day three!” – Genny Anderson |
Itinerary Updated: November 2025
| Date | Description | Lodge | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 22 | Arrival and Embarkation Day. Arrive in Cabo, Mexico. In the early evening, journey to La Paz where you will board the ship. | On board the Gallant Lady | B, L, D |
| May 23–27 | Snorkel in the Sea of Cortez. Spend five days in the water for maximum snorkeling time with mobula ray congregations, and, fingers crossed, orcas. | On board the Gallant Lady | B, L, D |
| May 28 | Final Encounters at Sea. Enjoy one final day in the water with the mobula rays and other wildlife, before sailing back to La Paz | On board the Gallant Lady | B, L, D |
| May 29 | Disembarkation. After breakfast disembark and begin the drive back to Cabo for your flights home. | B |
Scott, co-owner and co-CEO of Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris, is an expert wildlife, nature, and travel photographer. Trained as a wildlife and marine biologist, he's explored all seven continents for research and photography. National Geographic, BBC, Animal Planet, NY Times, and other prestigious publications have featured his inspiring work. Scott's passion for teaching and talent for capturing the essence of his subjects make him a highly sought-after tour leader.
Arrive in Cabo and transfer to the Sea Creatures Dive shop, where you can try on any snorkel gear you want to rent. Then board your bus for the drive to La Paz, where you will board the ship and enjoy a welcome dinner as you set sail.
From March to July, the Sea of Cortez hosts one of the ocean’s most extraordinary natural events, the mobula ray migration. Thousands of these graceful rays gather to feed, mate, and leap spectacularly from the water. Over five incredible days, you’ll spend extended time in the water among vast congregations of mobulas during their peak season. On your first full day at sea, take advantage of a freediving lesson or explore the calm bays by kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Learning to freedive enhances your experience, allowing you to move effortlessly among the rays. For at least two days, aerial support from a spotter plane will guide the ship and skiffs to the most active areas, increasing the chances of encountering not only mobularays but possibly orcas, whale sharks, blue and fin whales, cow nose rays, and large pods of dolphins. Each evening brings another unforgettable opportunity—night snorkeling beneath the lights of the vessel, where feeding mobulas swirl in the illuminated depths, creating a breathtaking underwater ballet.
Spend your last day snorkeling with the mobula rays and possibly other amazing marine wildlife before you sail back to La Paz for your final evening.
Enjoy breakfast on the ship before disembarking and transferring back to Cabo Airport for your flights home
The Gallant Lady is a 116-foot luxury dive yacht built for comfort, safety, and style. She carries just 12 guests, offering an exclusive and intimate liveaboard experience. Her steel hull, sea stabilizers, and ISM certification ensure smooth sailing and top-tier safety standards on every voyage.
This yacht blends the feel of a private retreat with the function of a well-equipped dive vessel. Her thoughtfully designed dive deck supports easy and safe water entry. A 32-foot, high-speed, aluminum-hulled inflatable boat carries up to six divers at a time, allowing flexible and efficient dive operations.
Each cabin includes air conditioning, a private bathroom with a hot shower, and either a window or porthole. Guests can stay connected while at sea thanks to onboard Wi-Fi internet access. The ship's layout provides both privacy and common areas for socializing.
After a full day of diving or exploring, guests unwind in the main lounge and dining area. This cozy space includes soft couches, dining tables, and a fully stocked bar. Evening slide shows, videos, and presentations offer engaging ways to learn and reflect.
Enjoy fresh, handmade cuisine daily. Chefs prepare soups, breads, pastries, and desserts onboard. Guests can choose from multiple entrees and enjoy up to four meals a day. Snacks are always available, ensuring you're never hungry between dives.
After dinner, head to the deck and soak in the outdoor hot tub beneath the stars. Whether you're sharing stories or enjoying quiet time, The Gallant Lady provides a perfect end to your day.
This liveaboard offers a rare combination of elegance, adventure, and personalized service—perfect for exploring the Sea of Cortez in style.
Conservation| Type | Description | Cost Per Person |
|---|---|---|
| Superior Suite | Double occupancy, with one quasi-king-sized bed or two full-sized beds, picture windows, air conditioning, dresser, and private bath. On Main Deck. (Rosario, Nautilus) | $5,550 |
| Superior Suite | Double occupancy, with one quasi-king-sized bed or two full-sized beds (Swell, Dofleini), two twin-sized beds (Indie), porthole windows, air conditioning, wardrobe or dresser, and private bath. On Lower Deck. (Dofleini, Swell, Indie) | $5,550 |
| Premium Suite | Double occupancy, with one quasi-king-sized bed or two full-sized beds, porthole windows, air conditioning, dresser, and private bath. On Lower Deck. (Emerald) | $6,050 |
Costs are per person, depending on cabin type, double occupancy, not including airfare, singles extra. See Included and Not Included sections for more details.
If you are a single traveler, we will try to find a roommate for you, but if we cannot pair you with a roommate, we will not charge you a single supplement. If space is available, some cabins can be booked as a single by adding 90% over the listed cabin cost.
We cannot guarantee a specific cabin number, but if changes occur, we will assign a cabin of equal or greater value.
Payments are due based on the schedule above. All reservations require a deposit to confirm reservation of your space.
Refunds are given depending on the time left before departure according to the following table. Through October 12, 2026, the cancellation fee of $300 per person can be applied toward another trip if reserved within six months of the canceled trip’s departure date. Cancellations are non-transferable.
| Dates | Forfeited Amount per Person |
|---|---|
| On or before October 12, 2026 | $300 (see terms above) |
| October 13 to November 12, 2026 | 10% of trip cost |
| November 13 to December 12, 2026 | 40% of trip cost |
| On or after December 13, 2026 | 100% of trip cost |
May air temperatures, on the Sea of Cortez, range from the mid-80s to 90s°F (26 to 32°C) during the day with island breezes, and can drop to 68 to 75°F (19 to 23°C) or lower at night, depending on wind conditions. Water temperatures average in the mid-70s°F (24°C).
Minimal fitness is required to join this trip, but your fitness and snorkeling ability enrich the experience. Getting in the water is not required, and travelers can still have a wonderful experience watching the wildlife from the ship. At minimum, you need to comfortably and safely move around the ship and embark/disembark from the skiff. To get the most out of this trip, you should be comfortable in the water, snorkeling, and getting in and out of the water via a boat ladder. Please contact us if you don’t have experience snorkeling but would like to join this trip, and plan to spend time swimming at a pool or similar before your trip to make sure you are comfortable in the water. Strong swimming ability and the ability to free dive (i.e., dive underwater without SCUBA tanks) are not required, but will also enrich your experience, especially to let the mobula rays swim around you. Please contact us if you have any health concerns that may make this trip challenging.
Detailed logistical information is included in the Trip Planning Materials we will send you.
Please wait to book your flights until you receive confirmation from your Coordinator that the minimum number of participants has been met to operate the trip. If you choose to book flights before receiving this confirmation, we strongly recommend purchasing flight cancellation insurance to protect your investment.
Flights you book
This is a snorkel-focused trip, so you do not need a SCUBA certification to enjoy lots of time in the water with the mobula rays. If you are certified and are curious about possible dive opportunities, please contact us.
Don’t let a fear of motion sickness keep you away! Even those who have experienced seasickness reported that the incredible wildlife and overall experience were well worth the temporary discomfort. If you are susceptible to seasickness or are concerned that you might be, please come prepared! The key to avoiding seasickness is to act before you experience nausea. Do your own research and consult your doctor before taking any medications. A good night of sleep, eating well, limiting alcohol, and using your favorite seasickness remedy is sufficient for most travelers. Find more information on our Coping with Seasickness webpage (this information is applicable to any form of motion sickness) and contact us if you have any questions.
Our company ethos has always regarded conservation as inseparable from responsible tourism. We struggle with the dilemma that traveling worldwide expends climate-changing carbon. However, we wholeheartedly believe that traveling with us will cultivate your passion for conserving our beautiful world while stimulating each destination’s local economy. We encourage you to explore the various ways in which Cheesemans’ operates within this context:
Together, we can continue exploring and cherishing this planet while working toward its long-term protection. Thank you for being part of this important journey with us.
Read our current Terms and Conditions.
Scott Davis