Snorkel the Sea of Cortez
Mobula Rays and Orcas
May 8 to 15, 2028
Private Trip Available Safari Overview
Witness one of the planet’s greatest marine wildlife spectacles on this unforgettable Sea of Cortez liveaboard expedition. Timed to coincide with the annual mobula ray migration, this immersive Baja adventure places you in the heart of massive schools of mobula rays as they leap, glide, and swirl through the sea and air in breathtaking numbers. Guided by an expert expedition team and supported by aerial spotting, you’ll snorkel and freedive alongside mobula rays, dolphins, sea lions, whale sharks, and enormous bait balls that attract predators such as striped marlin, tuna, and even orcas. Potential seasonal encounters with humpback, blue, and fin whales add to the excitement in one of Mexico’s most wildlife-rich marine ecosystems. After sunset, experience the magic of night snorkeling as feeding mobula rays gather beneath the lights in mesmerizing underwater displays. Between excursions, relax aboard your liveaboard vessel and take in the dramatic desert-meets-ocean landscapes of Baja California Sur. Perfect for snorkelers, freedivers, and wildlife photographers, this Sea of Cortez expedition offers extraordinary encounters with some of the ocean’s most iconic species in what Jacques Cousteau famously called “the world’s aquarium.”
WHY CHOOSE THIS EXPEDITION?
- Peak Mobula Ray Migration Encounters: Spend six unforgettable days snorkeling and freediving among massive schools of mobula rays in the wildlife-rich waters of the Sea of Cortez.
- Aerial-Supported Marine Wildlife Tracking: Maximize opportunities to encounter mobulas, orcas, dolphins, whale sharks, and possibly other seasonal whale species.
- Luxury Baja Liveaboard Experience: Explore the Sea of Cortez aboard the elegant Gallant Lady, featuring comfortable cabins, gourmet cuisine, and inviting sundecks.
- Expert-led Wildlife and Photography Expedition: Travel with an experienced expedition leader and crew passionate about marine conservation, wildlife behavior, snorkeling, and photography.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “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 |
TRIP MAP
NOTABLE EXPERIENCES
Itinerary Updated: November 2025
Ship Info FAQ
| Date | Description | Lodge | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 8 | Arrival and Embarkation Day. Arrive in Los Cabos, Mexico. In the early evening, journey to La Paz where you will board the ship. | On board the Gallant Lady | D |
| May 9–13 | In-Water Wildlife Immersion. Spend five extraordinary 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 14 | Final Encounters at Sea. Enjoy one last 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 15 | Disembarkation. After breakfast, disembark and begin the drive back to Los Cabos for your flights home. | On board the Gallant Lady | B |
Get the Full Daily Itinerary
Our Trip Leaders
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Scott Davis
Scott DavisScott, 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.
Ship Information
The Gallant Lady
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.
More Information
- Cost & Payments
- Included
- Not Included
- FAQ
- Climate
- Fitness Level
- Motion Sickness
- Flights
Conservation- Conditions
Cost & Payments
Costs (in US$)
| 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) | $5,780 |
| 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) | $5,780 |
| 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) | $6,250 |
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.
Payment Schedule
| Payment | Due Date | Amount Per Person |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | Due now to reserve your space | $1,500 |
| Final | November 30, 2027 | Remaining Balance |
Payments are due based on the schedule above. All reservations require a deposit to confirm reservation of your space.
Cancellations
Refunds are given depending on the time left before departure according to the following table. Through September 29, 2027, 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 September 29, 2027 | $300 (see terms above) |
| September 30 to October 29, 2027 | 10% of trip cost |
| October 30 to November 29, 2027 | 40% of trip cost |
| On or after November 30, 2027 | 100% of trip cost |
Included
- Carbon offsets for the duration of this trip.
- All leaders, transport, park entry fees, landing fees, and permits for all activities, unless described as optional or listed in the Not Included section.
- Seven nights on board the Gallant Lady.
- Meals from dinner on May 8 through breakfast on May 15.
- Group transfer on May 8 from Sea Creatures Dive shop to the ship marina in La Paz.
- Group Transfer on May 15 from the ship marina in La Paz to the San Jose Del Cabo Airport.
- Port fee of $35 per participant.
- Non-alcoholic beverages while onboard the Gallant Lady.
- Trip Planning Materials – information about entry requirements, flights, packing, gratuities, etc.
Not Included
- Carbon offsets for your flights to/from this trip.
- All airfare, airport and departure taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Passport and visa fees.
- Transfers from the San Jose Del Cabo Airport to the Sea Creatures Dive shop on arrival.
- Extra hotel nights.
- Gratuities.
- Wetsuit and snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, and snorkel fins). Rental gear is available for an additional cost.
- Mandatory dive insurance or emergency evacuation insurance that covers you for in-water activities.
- Optional trip cancellation insurance.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, medical costs or hospitalization, room service, alcoholic beverages, items not on the regular menu, etc. If you have special dietary needs, please indicate them on your Traveler Form.
Climate
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).
Fitness Level
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 snorkeling experience but would like to join this trip, and plan to spend time swimming in 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.
Flights
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
- Arrive in Los Cabos, Mexico (SJD) by 12:00pm on May 8.
- Depart from Los Cabos, Mexico (SJD) after 2:00pm on May 15.
FAQ
Do I have to be SCUBA certified for this safari?
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.
Are wildlife encounters conducted responsibly?
Yes. The expedition operates in accordance with Mexican federal regulations, marine protected guidelines, and local permitting requirements. The snorkeling and wildlife encounters follow strict ethical wildlife-viewing guidelines designed to minimize disturbance to animals. Encounters are carefully managed by your expedition leader and skiff teams, with attention given to animal behavior, sea conditions, and local regulations. We never chase, corner, touch, or feed wildlife.
Accommodations
Motion Sickness
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.
Transportation
Conservation
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:
- Cheesemans’ Trips are Carbon Neutral.
- Offsetting your Travel to/from our Trip: We ask you to pledge to offset the carbon emissions for your travel to and from our trips. You can purchase offsets with most airlines (Delta includes them automatically), use our handy carbon calculator and donate to Sustainable Travel International, or contribute to your favorite offsetting organization.
- Local Conservation: Check out our Conservation pages to learn how we support conservation efforts through meaningful partnerships and responsible tourism practices.
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.
Conditions
Read our current Terms and Conditions.