Nautilus Explorer, Mexico

Name: Sea of Cortez Diving La Paz - Loreto Great Circle (Cabo San Lucas - Cabo San Lucas)
Start: 2026-09-27
End: 2026-10-04
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

19 Jun

9 Days / 8 Nights

$ 3,245

FULL

27 Jun

9 Days / 8 Nights

$ 3,245

FULL

05 Jul

11 Days / 10 Nights

$ 3,695

FULL

15 Jul

11 Days / 10 Nights

$ 3,695

Select Cabin available

25 Jul

11 Days / 10 Nights

$ 3,695

Select Cabin available

04 Aug

6 Days / 5 Nights

Family Fun in the Sun Adventure.

$ 1,895

FULL

25 Aug

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,795

FULL

30 Aug

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 2,545

FULL

06 Sep

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 2,845

Select Cabin only 3 spaces left

13 Sep

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 1,845

FULL

20 Sep

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 2,795

Select Cabin only 5 spaces left

27 Sep

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 2,645

Select Cabin only 2 spaces left

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 (100-172 USD per day), Port Fees (35 USD).

Optional Extras: Gratuities, Hotel Transfer, Alcoholic Beverages, Nitrox (25-130 USD per trip), Nitrox Course, Private Dive Guide, Rental Gear.

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.

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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

8.0 Very good
Louis M
France

the cabine is too short for two peaople no storage space
good experience but tyred too many dives en a day
Recommended for
the guides. the competence. the food.
22 May, 2026

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
Guylaine L
Canada

If you like pelagic, archipelago de revillagigedo is the place to go!
It is not just the crew that are friendly but also the dolphins and the mantas!! What and incredible expérience!
Recommended for
The diving was amazing! It blow my mind! It was my 2nd Time and it Will not be the last. The crew!! They are friendly, professional and they know they stuff! Thyms up for everybody!. The good was really good! Thank at the chefs!.
18 May, 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
Andrea F
United States

Outstanding
The special moments we got to share with the giant mantas and other sea creatures was truly unique to this area
Recommended for
The diving was incredible, the dive masters and crew were very helpful and the food was great
21 Dec, 2023

9.2 Superb
Viola G
Austria

One of the best diving experiences I ever had!
We got lucky to see all of the big ones and some of them impressively close up, it was just amazing!
Recommended for
The kindness of the whole crew, the under water wildelife and the great food after an exciting dive.
03 Jul, 2023

10 Exceptional
Mauricio de la F
Mexico

Beautiful!
The human team, the facilities of the boat, and the natural environment make this diving trip one of the most beautiful in life
Recommended for
Amiability. Environment. Facilities.
22 Nov, 2024

Translated from Spanish

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

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

10 Exceptional
Kevin D
Mexico

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

98 reviews

8.8 Fabulous
98 Verified Reviews

Sort reviews by:

9.6 Exceptional
Patrick M
Ireland

Great diving, dive masters and team onboard.
The diving was excellent, the reviews about manta interactions and their curiosity was 100% true for my trip. Onboard the team, particularly Laura and Saki were great, very friendly and always happy to help. Our captain - Ramon, made sure we were always safe at sea. It’s worth saying that Socorro is a remote dive site and if you’re going later in the season expect bigger currents so if you’re affected by seas sickness then bring some meds!
Recommended for
1. Giant Mantas 2. Dolphins 3. Sharks
17 Jun, 2023

9.6 Exceptional
Fernando
Mexico

Amazing experience with very friendly and nice crew.
The overall rating for this trip would be 9.5/10. Everything was close to perfect. What I liked the most was the attitude that the dive masters and crew had during the trip. Very nice people always looking to help and make the trip more comfortable. Definitely will return in a couple years. Diving was obviously amazing.
Recommended for
Diving was amazing, dive masters and crew extremely nice and a very good boat.
14 Jan, 2020

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

8.4 Very good
Brooke M
United States

A diving experience I will never forget.
All the fantastic sea creatures we were super lucky to see. Most the dive guides where fantastic. Even though we didn't need any help, I always felt that anything we would have needed was easy to ask for and everyone was more than happy to help.
Recommended for
Diving, Most Crew members, Diving group separation
27 Feb, 2020

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

8.8 Fabulous
Mario G
Germany

Very special dive experience
Good guidance at diving, some great underwater impressions.
Recommended for
Crew, especially Daniela and Felipe. Food variation. Good communication.
05 Jun, 2025

10 Exceptional
Natalie Marika S
Germany

Super Trip mit toller Crew
Tolle Tour mit überaus egagierter, freunlicher Crew. Anmutige Mantas, verspielte Delphine und interessante Tauchplätze. Wäre gerne jetzt wieder dort!
Recommended for
Das Tauchgebiet / Die Crew / Alles
11 Feb, 2019

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

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
Ralf E
Switzerland

Unforgettable experience!
Great organization, great crew, very good food, top guides and fantastic dive sites with unforgettable moments with sharks. The manta rays are so numerous and extremely curious.
Recommended for
dive sites and the critters. Crew. Dining on board.
18 Apr, 2025

Translated from German

9.6 Exceptional
Kale W
United States

Amazing
Amazing trip, great crew. Hope to do it again someday.
Recommended for
Crew, sharks, food
08 Nov, 2017

10 Exceptional
Christian S
Switzerland

Simply completely satisfied!
Great White Shark
Recommended for
Staff, Customers, Great White Shark
13 Sep, 2018

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
Luciana D
United States

Amazing
The crew was amazing! they truly made us feel special! Great food and service ! the cabin was very comfortable and clean. Bathroom could be bigger but it's a boat so no surprises there. The marine life was outstanding ! Loved every minute and can't wait to go back !!!
Recommended for
the crew, the food, the ship
04 Apr, 2023

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

9.2 Superb
Ievgen P
Ukraine

One of the best LiveAboards I have ever had!
Experience with mantas is absolutely amazing!
Recommended for
Dive guides are involved with the see life!
21 Apr, 2021

8.4 Very good
KWANGMIN L
South Korea

Best place to see mantaray
Socorro is a best place where you can easily meet the friendly mantaray. You can see manta every diving, and Mantas are around the divers. That one is enough to come here. And also Crews are so nice and kind. Food is excellent.
Recommended for
Diving, Crews, Food
06 Nov, 2022

8.8 Fabulous
Nancy B
United States

We have been on a lot of dive boats and this was one of the BEST dive teams EVER!
Sharks sharks sharks!
Recommended for
Dive Crew, Dining Room Crew, Great boat
22 Oct, 2021

8.8 Fabulous
Stephanie F
United States

Other worldly experience.
It was amazing to see the giant manta just swimming right in front of you. They were so elegant and majestic. It was also fun to play in a pod of dolphins, and we saw schools of hammerheads. As my first liveaboard experience this trips was absolutely amazing. The dive masters were very experienced and did a great job keeping everyone safe. The crew was exceptional, and always had great food and conversation for us.
Recommended for
Dive masters, staff friendliness, making new friends from all over the world
01 Apr, 2020

9.6 Exceptional
Kris R
United Kingdom

Fantastic crew, great company thanks on board.
We were booked to do Guadaloupe, unfortunately the park was closed. The crew did their best to give us the best trip possible in the sea of Cortez and for that I can’t fault them. Whilst I wouldn’t do the same trip again I really enjoyed it.
Recommended for
The food, the crew ( everyone was excellent) great air fills to 220bar.
05 Aug, 2022