Nautilus Explorer, Mexico

Name: Sea of Cortez Diving La Paz - Loreto Great Circle (Cabo San Lucas - Cabo San Lucas)
Start: 2026-10-18
End: 2026-10-25
Location: Mexico

8.8 Fabulous

Nitrox available
Jacuzzi / Hot Tub
En-Suite bathrooms
Aircon Cabins
Non-Diver (Snorkeler) Friendly
Warm Water Showers

from $ 230 / day Check dates

“The scuba diving was some of the best experiences of our diving lives.”
Giancarlo D, United States

Highlights

Dive with giant mantas and humpback whales in Socorro
Constructed with heavy steel and stabilizers for smooth ocean crossings
Certified by Transport Canada as the first and only SOLAS ISM passenger ship with the same safety certificate as the largest cruise ships in the world

Sister ship to the Nautilus Belle Amie, the 35m Nautilus Explorer Liveaboard was custom built for divers to explore the amazing sites of Guadalupe and the Socorro Islands, Mexico. Built by divers, for divers for stability, comfort, and safety, the Nautilus Explorer liveaboard comprises 13 cabins, ranging from a cost-effective mixed-gender triple occupancy stateroom to a luxurious premium suite. On the lower deck are 8 twin/double cabins and 1 triple cabin. The hot tub deck has 3 superior suites and the premium suite, which features a separate lounge and floor-to-ceiling picture window. All cabins are equipped with individually controlled AC and private en-suite bathrooms.

The Nautilus Explorer has many well-designed social areas. There are two upper-floor sun decks and a hot tub deck where guests can relax with a glass of wine or frosty beer under the evening stars. The main salon has large panoramic windows in front of the dive deck. It has couches, a dedicated PC and Mac computer for video editing, and a 42-inch plasma TV. Onboard dining consists of freshly made dishes, including homemade bread, pastries, and soups combining North American, European, and Mexican flavors.

The Nautilus Explorer schedules itineraries to the incredible sites of the Socorro Islands, famous for manta rays, humpback whales, and vast schools of fish. The back of the boat is home to the dive deck, with a 5-ton hydraulic crane, water-level platform, and reinforced steel deck for film and scientific crews. Nitrox is also available for certified divers, and the Nautilus Explorer is rebreather-friendly.

Book your Nautilus Explorer liveaboard today.

Choose your departure date

Date

Itinerary

Price

Select

15 Jul

11 Days / 10 Nights

$740 OFF! Rates include discount. Valid for a limited time only.

$ 2,955 Deal %

Select Cabin available

25 Jul

11 Days / 10 Nights

Children Special: 20% OFF for ages 12–15. Valid for a limited time only. T&Cs apply.

$ 3,695 Deal %

Select Cabin available

04 Aug

6 Days / 5 Nights

Family Fun in the Sun Adventure.

$ 1,895

FULL

25 Aug

6 Days / 5 Nights

Male Shared Cabin.

$ 1,795

Select Cabin only 1 space left

30 Aug

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 2,545

FULL

06 Sep

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 2,845

Select Cabin only 2 spaces left

13 Sep

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 1,845

FULL

20 Sep

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 2,795

Select Cabin only 3 spaces left

27 Sep

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 2,645

Select Cabin only 1 space left

04 Oct

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 2,645

FULL

11 Oct

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 2,645

FULL

18 Oct

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 2,645

FULL

Included: Drinking Water, Soft drinks, Tea & Coffee, Welcome Cocktails, Full-Board Meal Plan (All meals), Snacks, Special Dinner, Diving Package, Kayaks, Stand Up Paddleboard, Cabin Towels, Complimentary Toiletries, Deck Towels.

Required Extras: 5% VAT, Dive Insurance, National Park Fees (100-192 USD per day), Port Fees (35 USD).

Optional Extras: Travel Insurance, Gratuities, Airport Transfer, Hotel Transfer, Alcoholic Beverages, Nitrox, Nitrox Course, Private Dive Guide, Rental Gear, Scuba Diving Courses, WiFi internet.

Book now, pay later: You can easily place your booking online. We will then hold the spaces for you and you can confirm with a payment later.

* Extra fees are shown per person.

Pay by bank transfer or online with

Best Price Guaranteed

Boat features

Jacuzzi / Hot Tub
En-Suite bathrooms
Aircon Cabins
Non-Diver (Snorkeler) Friendly
Warm Water Showers
Air Conditioned saloon
Sun Deck
Camera Station
Stand Up Paddleboard
Nearly 1:1 Crew-to-Guest Ratio
Kayaks On-Board
Seaview Cabins
Paid Internet
Non-Smoking Rooms
Camera room
Custom built for diving
Charging stations
Indoor Saloon
Laundry Service
Audio & video entertainment
Observation Deck
BBQ Area
Available for Charter
Local & International Crew
Snorkeling Equipment
Outside Showers
Leisure Deck
Daily housekeeping
Bar

Food & Drinks

Fine Cuisine
Vegan Options
Vegetarian Options
Free Soft Drinks
Beer available
Wine Available
Fine Wines Selection
Welcome Cocktails
Snacks All Day
Buffet style
Western Food
Local Food
Set Menu Dinner

If you have any specific dietary requirements whilst on-board your cruise, you can add this to your special requests on step 2 of the booking form. We advise limiting these requests to religious beliefs or food allergies.

Diving

Nitrox available
Shaded Diving Area
DIN Adaptors
Rebreather Support
Rinse Hoses
Dive deck
Tenders for diving
Sidemount Diving

Languages Spoken

The crew speaks English and Spanish.

Gear Rental

Equipment is available for rent on this boat. Please provide your rental needs on the booking form. If the rental gear is not included in the price, you will need to pay for it on board the boat. Show prices

Drawings & Vessel Layouts

Cabin Types

Boat Specifications

Year built: 2000

Year renovated: 2015

Length: 132 feet

Beam: 27 feet

Cruising speed: 11-12 mph

Max guests: 25

Number of cabins: 13

Tenders: 38' skiff

Water capacity: Unlimited with high capacity watermakers

Freshwater maker: 3600 gallons per day

Boat navigation and safety

Radar
Depth Sounder
GPS
Radio VHF/DSC/SSB
Emergency Rafts
Life Vests
Fire Alarm & Fire Extinguishers
First Aid Kits
Satellite & mobile phones
Crew trained in first aid
Emergency flares

Nautilus Explorer Reviews

8.8 Fabulous

Vessel

8.1
Crew

8.9
Food

9.6
Diving

9.3
Value

8.2

10 Exceptional
Kevin D
Mexico

Best dive trip ever
Incredible wildlife, great food, great cabin
Recommended for
Dive masters, Location, Comfort
17 Dec, 2021

8.0 Very good
Nathaniel S
Mexico

Fantastic, highly recommended, a top ten on my list
The islands are fantastic, and the crew make the trip all that much better. The boat is comfortable and has a good back deck for scuba and camera gear
Recommended for
the dive locations. people. food.
17 Mar, 2026

8.4 Very good
Gražina B
Lithuania

Great trip
Good boat although a bit dated, but kept clean. Plenty of food at breakfast and lunch, dinner - not so much:) The cabins were cleaned everyday (beds were made and towels were changed). The staff is very helpful and supportive. The only negative moment was the last day of sailing, when the crew was cleaning all the boat.
Recommended for
Roca Partida dive site. Great breakfast. Friendly staff.
26 Jan, 2026

10 Exceptional
Adam T
United States

Unbelievable in EVERY way
Unbelievable, world-class diving and once-in-a-lifetime pelagic marine life encounters. Great crew and great boat.
Recommended for
the diving and the crew
09 Dec, 2023

10 Exceptional
Kathryn H
United States

The most amazing diving and the friendliest crew!
I had the most amazing dive trip with the Nautilus explorer! The diving in the Socorros Archipelago is world class and by far the best diving I’ve ever done! I am a dive instructor and have dove thousands of dives but this trip topped them all! We saw manta rays on almost ever dive and several times they swirled around me close enough to touch. We saw hammerhead Sharks on almost every dive and several divers including my husband got very close encounters with these amazing animals! I also got a super up close encounter with bottle nose dolphins including a juvenile peeking out toward me from under it’s mother’s belly! The dive boat was immaculate and the care of the staff was above anything I have ever experienced! All the dive masters were so friendly and helpful! One of our Dive masters was a marine biologist and gave nightly presentations on the Pelagic species we were diving with which increased both my knowledge and enjoyment of these encounters. Another Dive master was a underwater photography expert and offered post-dive review and tips and tricks on how to improve my underwater photography and I learned so much from him! The food was also really exceptional. Several of the customers on our trip had been on 5+ live aboards and all commented how good the food was! It was also so amazing to have a hot jacuzzi waiting for us after every dive!
Recommended for
Amazing pelagic encounters, attentive staff, and a rooftop jacuzzi and hot, private showers
21 Apr, 2021

10 Exceptional
Daniela S
Germany

Great Trip!
Everything was just great. The crew was amazing. They helped us whenever possible. Food was very delicious. The dives were great. I felt safe all the time. It was an incredible trip and I completely recommend it. Btw, I was traveling by myself and made new friends easily. If you are considering booking a trip on this boat, just book it!
Recommended for
Sharks, crew, food
26 Sep, 2021

9.6 Exceptional
Véronique J
France

Amazing dive trip!!
Thanks to a very good organization, the dives were easy. Everything was up to what you would expect from this place.
Recommended for
Organization. Communication. Security.
25 Mar, 2025

Translated from French

9.6 Exceptional
Marshall M
United States

Best Liveaboard I've ever done with a crew that I'll stay friends with forever
The crew was so incredibly kind, helpful, and attentive to every little detail and need we had. They went above and beyond on everything we could have ever hoped for!
Recommended for
The crew, the sharks, the food
12 Sep, 2018

10 Exceptional
Jasneet B
Canada

Great crew and food
Mantas, the crew was awesome. Food was fabulous.
Recommended for
Crew, food and the diving group
23 Feb, 2024

10 Exceptional
Julian S
United States

Once in a lifetime dive experience
Absolutely incredible and worth the 240 mile journey to the islands. Mantas almost every dive, and sharks pretty much guaranteed. Humpback whales and dolphins were also on some of the dive sites. Highly recommend.
Recommended for
Mantas, hammerheads, whales
21 Apr, 2021

100 reviews

8.8 Fabulous
100 Verified Reviews

Sort reviews by:

8.8 Fabulous
Kevin S
United States

Socorro - beautiful, unspoiled, remote and totally worth it!
Socorro is a beautiful destination, remote and unspoiled Large animals were plentiful (sharks of several species, giant manta rays, whale shark, dolphins) - exceeded my expectations This trip requires good physical conditioning - diving is not off the platform but rather requires motoring on a small rubber skiff boat to the dive sites, sometimes in choppy waves
Recommended for
Dive guides were focused on safety and comfort of all guests. Cabin was spacious and comfortable (I stayed in the owner's suite). Crew was friendly and courteous.
16 Jun, 2026

9.6 Exceptional
Anne-Sophie M
France

Absolutely fantastic on every aspect
Truly fantastic experience with Nautilus Expert. We had an amazing week which beat expectations across all aspects of the trips and particularly with wild life encounters (whale sharks, hammerheads, tigers, dolphins, mantas on almost every dive). The crew is truly dedicated, friendly and very professional - more than on any liveaboards I’ve been on. The food was a positive too, with high quality products and different, very good recipes every day. I would give all the above a 12/10. The boat is in good condition, however the cabins are very small which can make it a little uncomfortable sharing, and the experience would be even even better if there were more shade areas during the day. But frankly that shouldn’t stop anyone from taking this trip.
Recommended for
The incredible dives. The crew. The food.
22 May, 2026

10 Exceptional
Sanjay K
India

THE DIFFERENCE MAKER
Diving: Mantas (duh!) - have seen many before but the interaction in the sites like El Boiler and Roca Partida are second to none. Dolphins ( all over the place in El Boiler) Hammerheads ( Roca Partida) Tiger Shark and Whale shark ( if you are lucky - in El Bolier) Night Snorkel with Silky sharks Super awesome marine life in all sites Safety: Excellent emphasis given to safety and procedures on the dive. Non Diving: Round the clock service makes the whole diving at sea part a breeze Excellent Food: I am a vegetarian and I slept well fed on burger, steak and all other nights. Round the clock food. Look forward to the hot coco with Baileys post the night snorkel. Brilliant Staff: You are sure to make life long friends on this boat, so be ready to bawl like a baby when you are leaving. I am definitely not done with Soccoro or The Nautilus Fleet. I thought I would move on to the Galapagos or elsewhere, but there would be no reasons given the richness of dive experience that is available in this one package.
Recommended for
The boat ( spacious, very comfortable and easily a home) The staff ( diving and non-diving, easily the best staff I have dived with - so loving, caring and accomodating) The food
07 Jun, 2018

8.4 Very good
Alexander B
Portugal

Nice trip with a very professional crew.
The boat is aged, but the diving operation is professional and organized.
Recommended for
Crew. Organization. Fate.
09 Mar, 2026

Translated from Portuguese

9.2 Superb
Richard W
Austria

Really expensive, but an unforgettable trip
The boat is no longer new, but in perfect condition.... The whole team did an incredible job, and the chef was great and very motivated. The dives themselves were as described by LifeAboard, the absolute highlight were three dives very close to a female humpback whale resting at Roca Partida with her playful baby, who did not let herself be disturbed by the divers - unforgettable!
Recommended for
Dive with Humpback + Baby, countless sharks, and the sight of "Roca Partida"
16 Mar, 2022

Translated from German

8.8 Fabulous
Aldo C
Italy

perfect trip, holiday and dives
This holiday for us was unforgettable, the dives in these pristine places and with no other boats on the dive site is priceless. The whole crew amazed us a lot with their professionalism and versatility. They tried to satisfy our every request and were always very present and kind. Every dive was a highlight. Thanks especially to the commander, Casey and Juan
Recommended for
dive guides, spots, organization
26 Dec, 2019

Translated from Italian

9.6 Exceptional
Matthew B
United States

Most amazing way to celebrate 20th anniversary!
So many Great White sharks of different sizes. We were able to renew of wedding vows on the dive deck and we were surprised by unexpected treats to help us celebrate our 20th anniversary. The Captain is amazing, not only in charge but welcoming and works along side the fantastic crew.
Recommended for
Many Great white sharks, the crew and Captain Lowe
12 Sep, 2018

8.0 Very good
Simon B
Spain

Very good experience, I will come back...
The availability of the cages, plenty of time to enjoy underwater !!
Recommended for
a) cage schedule, b) friendly staff, c) the team...
09 Sep, 2019

10 Exceptional
Brad G
Canada

Go Nautalis Explorer, you won’t be disappointed!
Very seldom do I write a review about an experience when travelling but every so often one comes along that I think deserves recognition. I travelled with my daughter on the trip to Socorros and it was first class from start to finish. The Nautalis Explorer was very well laid out , perfect for diving, the sleeping quarters were very comfortable and the food was great! The best thing about this trip, and I can’t stress this enough, was the crew on the Explorer! From the moment I arrived right up to the moment I left these people were amazing. They worked long hours and went above and beyond to ensure all the guests were happy. On a type of trip like this issues naturally arise and wether it be clients gear or special personal requirement they immediately took care of the situation and rectified the problem in a professional manner well always smiling. There is not one thing I could complain of about anyone on the crew, in fact at times I felt guilty as to how hard they worked well we just dove and relaxed. Thanks again to all the crew for making this trip so memorable! The diving was amazing to say the least, Mantas, Humpback Whales and sharks of all kinds including Hammerheads! Go Nautalis Explorer to Socorros, you won’t be disappointed!!
Recommended for
The crew, the diving & the food
18 Feb, 2022

10 Exceptional
Victoria S
United States

The trip of a lifetime!
What an absolutely amazing dive trip! Great dive sites, love the dive masters, the crew, captain, and of course, the chef!
Recommended for
Dives, food, and crew
19 Jun, 2023

9.2 Superb
Stefan H
United Kingdom

Excellent dive guides
I can’t say that this was the best diving ever, nor the most modern boat, BUT the dive team (Celi, Ima and Feli) were magnificent and really made the trip worthwhile. Swimming with whale sharks was extraordinary; as was playing with sea lions. Well organised and premium service.
Recommended for
Whalesharks. Dive Guides. Sundeck and lounge.
22 Oct, 2024

9.2 Superb
Sebastián A
Costa Rica

An unforgettable experience in terms of abundance and interaction with marine life
Get to know a unique place in the world, well protected and meet people who share your passion. The food and service of the staff excellent, an unforgettable experience.
Recommended for
1. Abundance of marine fauna. 2. Interaction with marine fauna. 3. Excellent food and staff service.
12 Apr, 2024

Translated from Spanish

9.2 Superb
JEESAN O
Canada

My trip and the boat was excellent
My first liveaboard trip and boy it was one for the books. I'll be back.
Recommended for
Diving, crew, food
07 Feb, 2023

9.2 Superb
Joanna B
United States

Fabulous Crew & Diving
I can’t say enough positive things about our crew for the Nautilus Explorer trip departing 27Jun2025 to Socorro. We ended up stuck in a hurricane and the captains kept us safe, appraised of the weather, and even found us a place to dive during the hurricane. Ramundo and Loli were the BEST. They never let us go without a drink in our hand and constantly had a smile on their face. The dive guides were attentive, informative, kept us safe, and led us on some fabulous dives. Chef made amazing meals. The engineer worked overtime to keep everything in order. We had three amazing days of diving and two days with not so good visibility - obviously, not the fault of the crew at all. Even on the two days will lesser viz, the crew found us amazing creatures. Mantas, sharks, dolphins, yellow fin tuna, and fish galore. I will definitely come back with Nautilus to Socorro soon!
Recommended for
Amazing crew. Fabulous pelagic diving. Fabulous dive guided.
07 Jul, 2025

10 Exceptional
Joanna Z
United States

The fun I needed
I just love diving. Plenty of cool people on the boat. They were divers, of course they were cool! Staff did all they could to make it easy for us. Loved it and ready to go back under now.
Recommended for
4 dives/day. The great staff. Excellent food..
06 Oct, 2025

10 Exceptional
Michael B
United States

An outstanding trip
I was one foot from a manta looking at his eye while he looked into mine
Recommended for
The mantas, the sharks, and the food
29 Jan, 2020

8.8 Fabulous
Rowan A
United States

Best Liveaboard Yet!
This was far and away my most highly-anticipated liveaboard yet, and it strongly delivered. So much life for such a remote location, where we were the only boat present most days at every site! The dive crew worked tirelessly to haul our gear after every dive, something I hadn't expected, and they were very knowledgeable about every site and provided amazing guidance underwater. Nobody works harder than these guys! Chef was very attentative to my dietary restrictions, and the hostesses were endlessly accomodating and went above and beyond. Very big plus for me as a solo diver that they were able to provide Wifi (extra charge - don't mind a bit), so that my loved ones back home knew I was okay! My only advice to others is be mindful this boat rocks - as in, in the waves. Had never been seasick before this trip, and was naive not to take meds before the big crossing thinking the boat was going to be more stable than it was. Come armed with dramamine, and you'll be set for a truly unforgettable trip!
Recommended for
Animal life, Dive Service
29 Mar, 2024

8.8 Fabulous
Marc V
France

High expectations, met and exceeded
The manta and dolphin encounters are like nothing on the planet - animals have become used to the respect and love that divers feel for them and will come to play with you. The divemasters are about the best we’ve ever come across; friendly and always ready to help, and attentive to what the dive team was doing. Finally, the service from the hostesses and the chef, was simply amazing.
Recommended for
The animal encounters, the friendly and authentic crew, the awesome location
04 Jun, 2018

9.6 Exceptional
Andrew S
Canada

A great adventure to a remote place for interactions you can’t get anywhere else.
Giant mantas joining divers on safety stops and orbiting until surface time.
Recommended for
The crew, the service, and the freedom to push the limits on all dives.
09 Feb, 2022

9.2 Superb
Vickie B
United States

Hard working & friendly crew made the diving enjoyable; great dive sites.
Excellent overall experience, great dive sites though visibility not always cooperative. Appreciated the photo tips at the dive shop. Dive masters were extremely helpful & crew work very hard!!
Recommended for
Dive team helpfulness. Friendly staff. Great group of staff.
29 Sep, 2025