Updated September 28th, 2021
Guests flying back to the US from Mexico are now required to have a negative test for COVID-19. To ensure this doesn’t impact your trip, we are working with the local hospital to provide testing on the boat prior to disembarking. We will cover the costs of this test, and results will be available within two hours, ensuring no delays in you getting home. You can find more information about the testing process below.
If you require a PCR test instead of the antigen test, we will cover the cost up to the amount of the antigen test and are happy to book everything for you. Your safety comes paramount and we have strict COVID-19 precautions in place to ensure you can travel safely, and happily.
We look forward to welcoming you soon!
COVID-19 Testing Process
Our complimentary pre-boarding COVID testing clinic is located close to the SeeCreatures dive centre in downtown Cabo San Lucas. The testing clinic will be open all day for your convenience. Please let them know you are a Nautilus guest. Drop by our SeeCreatures dive centre to have them point out where to go! Please arrive by 4 pm to get tested as all test results must be received 2 hours before boarding time. As the situation with COVID-19 evolves, we will continue to adapt and improve the measures we are taking. Our goal is to get divers back in the water in a way that maximizes safety and minimizes contagion.
FAQs
Are guests still required to get a test 7 days before boarding?
Yes, PCR or antigen test is required within 7 days of boarding your trip. We will be providing complimentary antigen testing before boarding. This is required for your safety and that of our crew. If you test positive in Cabo, we will arrange for a medical diagnosis and if the virus is active, you are required by law to go into 14 day quarantine.
Do I need to take a Covid Test if I have been vaccinated?
Yes! A PCR or antigen test is required within 7 days of boarding your trip as well as the antigen test provided by us before boarding, regardless of whether you are vaccinated or not. This is mandatory to provide an extra layer of safety for you, our crew, and everyone on board.
What happens if a guest tests positive before boarding?
If you test positive for Covid, please get an immediate medical evaluation and diagnosis. You will not be permitted to board the vessel, or the chartered airplane for San Ignacio trips.
If you test positive prior to your departure and you provide us with a medical evaluation, we will transfer your monies paid to a trip within 1 year from the original departure date. Guests will be responsible for their own medical and quarantine costs. Medical and travel insurance is highly recommended.
Is post-trip testing mandatory?
Post-trip testing is not mandatory. For liveaboard guests who need or would like to be tested after the trip, we offer complimentary antigen testing with a 2 hour turnaround as an additional service at our expense. PCR testing can be arranged at a subsidized cost.
We are not permitted to do the testing at the airport FBO on incoming flights from the lagoon. those clients will find it easiest to attend the test lab at terminal 2.
Can I take a PCR test instead of an antigen test prior to boarding?
PCR tests typically take 36-48 hours to receive the results. We recommend taking a PCR test before leaving home, but we are only conducting antigen tests prior to the trip as results come back within 2 hours.
Where are we taking the test before boarding?
Our complimentary pre-boarding COVID testing clinic is located close to the SeeCreatures dive centre in downtown Cabo San Lucas. The testing clinic will be open all day for your convenience. Please let them know you are a Nautilus guest. Drop by our SeeCreatures dive centre to have them point out where to go! Please arrive by 4 pm to get tested as all test results must be received 2 hours before boarding time.
Where do we take the test after the trip?
Medical staff will attend liveaboards at 8 am on the morning of arrival in port to conduct testing for those guests who want it. For San Ignacio guests, testing is available at the airport.
The Covid-19 testing site at the airport is a small building to the right of terminal 2. Private lab. US $25 (MXN $450) for international passengers., with a 30 minute turnaround. You can pre-register here.
Mexico is open. Flights into Cabo San Lucas are open. Socorro Island, the Sea of Cortez and San Ignacio Lagoon are open. We are open and operating with extreme caution during the virus crisis.
Our approach has been collaborative with government including parks, port captain and the Mexican navy. We have heavily invested in crew training, equipment and measures to keep everyone onboard as safe as possible which includes the development of a 60 page virus protocol document that we have trained on and shared with government officials along with our ideas on processes and procedures. That type of thinking and understanding of our commitment to everyone’s safety is what led to the decision of the local port captain to issue our departure clearances.
Our guests can expect that life onboard is different than it was before on many levels. But we still want to have fun and go diving!! Our top priority is to keep everyone safe and healthy. Please call or email for more detailed information.
Take care
Image credit: Scott Davis