Liveaboard Diving & Ocean Expeditions

Nautilus Liveaboards operates small-ship expeditions and liveaboard diving trips across Baja California Sur (including the Sea of Cortez and Magdalena Bay), the Revillagigedo Archipelago (Socorro Islands), and Costa Rica, offering guests the chance to explore some of the Pacific's richest marine environments by boat, from multi-day dive trips to non-diving ocean safaris.

In Mexico, trips run to the Revillagigedo Archipelago (Socorro Islands), the Sea of Cortez and Magdalena Bay. In Costa Rica, trips visit Cocos Island and the rainforest coast. Each destination is known for different marine life and seasonal wildlife activity.

It depends on the trip. Socorro and Cocos Island are diving-focused destinations for certified divers. Ocean safaris, by contrast, center on snorkeling and don't require certification, with additional activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and nature walks built in. For whale-watching expeditions, operated by sister company Baja Expeditions, no diving of any kind is involved.

Depending on the destination and season, guests may encounter a wide range of reef and pelagic species such as giant manta rays, mobula rays, sharks, gray whales, blue whales, humpback whales, orcas, whale sharks, sea lions, and dolphins.

Each destination has its own season, shaped by the marine life present at that time of year — for example, gray whales are best seen at San Ignacio Lagoon from January to April, while orca sightings peak from spring to fall in the Sea of Cortez. Oceanic manta rays, dolphins, and sharks can be seen at the Socorro Islands year-round. Full seasonal details and possible marine life sightings are available on each trip's page.

This varies by destination. Some sites, like Cocos Island in Costa Rica, involve currents and open-water conditions suited to more experienced divers, while Sea of Cortez dive sites are generally calmer and more accessible to all levels, including beginners. Each trip page outlines the recommended experience level.

We recommend booking as early as possible. Our trips are seasonal, built around the times of year when specific marine life is most active or conditions are most favorable in each destination, so departure dates and available spots are limited.

Once you've chosen a trip, our Know-Before-You-Go guides cover everything you'll need to prepare — including packing lists, boarding and check-in details, onboard facilities, insurance requirements, dietary accommodations, and trip-specific safety information. You can find and download the guide for your trip on our Pre-Trip Info page.