Quino el Guardian, Mexico

8.9 Fabulous

Nitrox available
Aircon Cabins
Non-Diver (Snorkeler) Friendly
Warm Water Showers

Check dates

“The dive guides are all amazing with a great knowledge of the area. ”
Benjamin T, United Kingdom

Highlights

Choice of 3 incredible itineraries
Dive with the world’s friendliest mantas at the Socorro Islands
Custom-built for scuba diving and scientific research

Join the Quino el Guardian for an unforgettable diving vacation in Pacific Mexico. Custom built for scuba diving and scientific research, she easily caters to 16 divers with 4 quad cabins (two upper bunks and two lower bunks) and 1 double cabin (one upper bunk and one lower bunk), each assigned by gender. All bunks have a privacy curtain and a storage drawer for each guest. There are 4 spacious community bathrooms equipped with full-size showers (also assigned by gender).

Social areas include the indoor salon with comfortable sofas, a TV, and a computer table. Meals are served in the dining room, starting with an American Breakfast to fuel the morning and ending with homemade soups, salads, and fresh local dishes. Beers and wines are included. In between dives, guests can relax on the large, partially shaded sundeck with lawn chairs.

The Quino el Guardian liveaboard offers divers the choice of four itineraries depending on the time of year. The Socorro Islands are known for being home to the world's friendliest manta rays and seven 7-species of sharks, including schooling hammerheads, friendly bottlenose dolphins, whale sharks, and humpback whales. The Sea of Cortez/Midriff Islands, where you can dive through untouched walls with abundant marine life, play with sea lions, and snorkel with whale sharks. Sea of Cortez/Explore Baja, where divers experience over 700 miles of the Sea of Cortez, and Southern Safari, where divers are in the right place at the right time for Mobula rays, wrecks, whales, and more. Divemasters lead all dives, and the diving takes place from two pangas with their captains and sturdy, easy-to-use ladders. The huge dive deck is well-organized for gear storage and has a spacious camera table.

Book online today to reserve your space aboard the Quino el Guardian liveaboard.

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This liveaboard does not currently have availability online. Please contact us to check availability and rates or browse other liveaboards worldwide

2026

2027

2028

Included: VAT, Alcoholic Beverages, Drinking Water, Soft drinks, Tea & Coffee, Wine with Dinner, Full-Board Meal Plan (All meals), Snacks, Diving Package, Kayaks, Cabin Towels, Complimentary Toiletries, Deck Towels.

Required Extras: National Park Fees (3,688 MXN / day).

Optional Extras: Gratuities, Nitrox (140 USD), Nitrox Course (200 USD), 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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Boat features

Aircon Cabins
Non-Diver (Snorkeler) Friendly
Warm Water Showers
Air Conditioned saloon
Sun Deck
Camera Station
Kayaks On-Board
Naturalist Itineraries
Non-Smoking Rooms
Custom built for diving
Charging stations
Indoor Saloon
Library
Outdoor Dining
Audio & video entertainment
Observation Deck
BBQ Area
Local & International Crew
Separate Rinse for u/w Camera
Outside Showers
Leisure Deck
Daily housekeeping

Food & Drinks

Free Wine w/Dinner
Fine Cuisine
Al Fresco Dining
Vegan Options
Vegetarian Options
Free Soft Drinks
Beer available
Wine Available
Full-board Option
Welcome Cocktails
Snacks All Day
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
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: 1980

Year renovated: 2015

Length: 82ft

Top speed: 10 knots

Cruising speed: 7.5 knots

Engines: 1 x Perkins

Max guests: 16

Number of cabins: 5

Number of bathrooms: 4

Tenders: 2 x Yamaha 75hp

Water capacity: 25000 liters

Fuel capacity: 40000 liters

Freshwater maker: 7000 lts per day

Boat navigation and safety

Radar
Depth Sounder
GPS
Radio VHF/DSC/SSB
E.P.I.R.B. Distress System
Emergency Rafts
Life Vests
Fire Alarm & Fire Extinguishers
Oxygen
First Aid Kits
Fishfinder
Satellite & mobile phones
Search light
Engine room CCTV
Crew trained in first aid

Quino el Guardian Reviews

8.9 Fabulous

Vessel

6.8
Crew

9.7
Food

9.9
Diving

9.3
Value

8.6

10 Exceptional
Linus N
Sweden

Amazing
Small cabins amazing value top quality diving great crew amazing food great relaxed vibe safe boat clean no fumes or diesel smells great tenders small groups personal attention when needed would come back
Recommended for
Diving, food, crew
27 Mar, 2019

9.2 Superb
Daniel H
Germany

Amazing Trip to Socorro Islands
It was an amazing Trip to the Socorro Islands. We saw so many sharks, Manta Rays and Dolphins
Recommended for
Dive Sites. Crew. Foos.
10 Mar, 2026

9.2 Superb
Peter S
Germany

It was a blast!
A great crew made everything to make it a fantastic experience for all guest and they did an outstanding job! The boat is a bit ‘aged’…
Recommended for
Diving, Crew, Food
10 Feb, 2024

9.2 Superb
Benjamin T
United Kingdom

Incredible crew
While the boat itself is a bit dated, this is easily made up for by the crew and the overall experience. The dive guides are all amazing with a great knowledge of the area. I was really surprised by how good the food was and the whole atmosphere on the boat was great. I would thoroughly recommend this trip to anyone.
Recommended for
The crew, the food and the diving
10 Feb, 2024

8.4 Very good
cristiana R
Italy

Best way to see wild marine fauna
It was a wonderful cruise and a great experience to see all that wild marine fauna. The crew was splendid and amazingly kind
Recommended for
Fauna. Crew. Navigation.
29 Mar, 2025

9.6 Exceptional
emily B
United States

Super Amazing Trip
A great eclectic mix of divers. Excellent energy on board from the crew. Dive guides were very knowledgeable about the dive sites and very helpful with fixing gear pproblems. Amazing food and so beautifully presented.
Recommended for
knowledgeable dive guides. amazing food. Great group of divers.
07 Jan, 2025

8.8 Fabulous
Pier-Luc D
Canada

Great experience
Dive sites were all incredible, I had great time diving Socorro and strongly recommend any divers who like big pelagic animals to go there. The dive we had at El Canon with dolphins was the best of all.
Recommended for
diving sites quality, scientists sharing their works, food on board
13 Dec, 2016

9.2 Superb
Gregory M
United States

Amazing diving, crew, and food
Seeing manta rays, so many different species of sharks, and dolphins was amazing. Food was some of the best I've ever had on a dive trip and the crew was super enthusiastic and great as well.
Recommended for
Big pelagics, crew, food
17 Nov, 2021

8.8 Fabulous
Philippe G
France

Super cruise with sea lions and whale sharks
- Scuba Diving and Playing with Sea Lions- Diving with Whale Shark- Nice Crewe
Recommended for
- Diving with Sea Lions / Mexican Party on the boatroof / The MexicansIslands
26 Aug, 2019

Translated from German

7.2 Good
salvatore A
United States

All the good stuff was above 20 feet or snorkeling
Sperm whales, whale sharks, sea lions and dolphins And Joshua the chef. He was extraordinary
Recommended for
The chef, the crew and of course the sperm whales
08 Oct, 2019

55 reviews

8.9 Fabulous
55 Verified Reviews

Sort reviews by:

8.4 Very good
Robert K
South Africa

Unique and amazing
Snorkeling with Whale Sharks, diving with the Sea Lions, WOW memories for me
Recommended for
1. Definately the food. We had dietary requirements the Chef and assistant staff bent over backwards to accommodate us. 2. Captain and crew all excellent and friendly. 3. Panga trips to the dive sites these guys made sure we stayed safe
13 Sep, 2019

9.6 Exceptional
Alessandro R
Italy

Amazing Socorro
It was a fantastic trip - everything and everyone on the boat were fantastic, great crew and group. Dive sites are incredible - challenging sometimes but highly rewarding!
Recommended for
Amazing dive sites. Dive guides have been incredible. Food on the boat.
13 May, 2025

9.6 Exceptional
serge V
France

Extraordinary
Very rich dives at El Canon San Benedicto, other remarkable sites. A big congratulations to Roman for guiding me underwater and to the great Cinco and Puncho for the excellent food and the joie de vivre. This rather spartan boat without any luxury is conducive to excellent human relationships, these are the ones I prefer and favor. Well done!
Recommended for
The tremendous sympathy of the whole crew, extraordinary dives
28 Mar, 2024

Translated from French

8.4 Very good
Glen R
Canada

I found the trip to be enchanting.
The fauna was the highlight. The crew was very friendly and helpful. Food very good.
Recommended for
The dive location itself.. The crew was very attentive.. Well organized and accommodating..
01 Jul, 2025

7.6 Good
Pat F
Canada

Absolutely amazing
I recently returned from an unforgettable liveaboard dive trip aboard the Quino El Guardian to the Revillagigedo Archipelago. While the vessel may show its age, the crew turned the trip into an epic adventure that far exceeded my expectations. From thrilling encounters with marine wildlife—including multiple shark species, schools of hammerheads, and majestic mantas all day long—to the tireless efforts of the crew, every moment was exceptional. Divemasters Sabastian and Jerson ensured we saw it all while keeping us safe and supported. Jaime and Antonio, our expert panga drivers, handled the rough seas with skill, and even the captain and engineer pitched in with smiles and enthusiasm to assist divers. Even with the fatigue that comes from repetitive dives, the dive masters kept our spirits high. Their energy was infectious—they blasted music, danced on deck, and turned every break into a moment of fun and laughter, making sure we were ready to jump back in for more. Chef Joshua kept us fueled with outstanding meals, and Manuel, a graduate of the inspiring Heroes Del Mar program, was proof of the meaningful opportunities this crew provides. Our group of divers, spanning ages 25 to 78 and representing countries from around the world, all agreed: the Quino El Guardian crew set the standard for hospitality, professionalism, and camaraderie. This wasn’t just a dive trip—it was a remarkable journey filled with lifelong memories and connections. If you’re looking for a liveaboard adventure, I can’t recommend the Quino El Guardian enough. It’s so much more than a vacation—it’s an experience of a lifetime.
Recommended for
The marine life. The crew. The amazing crew.
24 Mar, 2025

10 Exceptional
Sabine P
United Kingdom

Absolutely phenomenal: the diving, the crew & the food <3
Mantas, sharks, dolphins, whales, lobsters, tuna, octopus, schools of fish, boobies, great food, connections and laughter with other divers and the crew
Recommended for
Dancing with the mantas, watching the whales from the boat, chatting and laughing with the other divers and the crew
28 Feb, 2024

10 Exceptional
Camille B
United States

Diving With "Beasts of the Sea."
Impressionable and in awe, this was my first liveaboard experience; the sheer magnificence and beauty of the rock formations, sea and innumerable giant creatures were jaw-dropping! Seeming to love their jobs, the staff was exceptionally cheerful, creating a family like atmosphere. Dives, presentations and meals were well planned. My diving confidence increased exponentially as a result of the attentive training.
Recommended for
Crew was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and entertaining. Flirty and playful, tens of dolphins encircled us and put on a show! A whale shark made a cameo appearence.
23 Jan, 2023

10 Exceptional
Ben W
United Kingdom

Perfect diving and crew
Great diving with an amazing crew, incredible value for money.
Recommended for
Crew. Diving. Company.
19 Mar, 2025

9.6 Exceptional
Kohtaro S
Japan

Perfect!!
Everything good about stuff , food and diving. If there is one thing , that is narrow bed , but if you don't mind that , you can spend great time with wonderful experience. I could see and get very close to dolphins at San Benedict. It was very excited!!!
Recommended for
Good Diving , Good Service , Good Foods.
14 Dec, 2022

Translated from Japanese

8.0 Very good
Daniela H
Germany

Very nice Staff and the best cook ever
Nice boat, nice diving,
Recommended for
Roca batida, Mantas, miguel the cook
04 Mar, 2020

8.4 Very good
Barbara L
Switzerland

Incredible experience
Everyone was so friendly and helpful.The trip was perfectly organised, the food delicious, the diving fantastic. I couldn't ask for more.
Recommended for
Dolphins, Mantas and Sharks
08 May, 2019

7.6 Good
Vladislav P
Germany

Great diving, poor boat
The mantas are really close, a real interaction, and we saw them almost every dive. Lots of shy sharks (white tips, silver points, silky, galapagos, hammerheads, sometimes solitary, sometimes a school). Jacks, tuna... A lot of flexibility in diving, but the group was superb (8 instructors among the 17 divers), so the DPs trusted, we were very free, very appreciable. The water between 21° and 24°, nice view. Roca Partida is an exceptional site, happy to have done 6 dives there!
Recommended for
Giant mantas. Sharks. Magical sites
04 Mar, 2020

9.6 Exceptional
Erin M
United States

Tight cabins but amazing food and crew
I was the only vegetarian on the boat and the chef made special vegetarian entrees for me for every meal--not just the side dish platter vegetarians get used to. The food was consistently excellent. Thanks Alphonso! The dive masters and staff were all very friendly and diving was top notch. Would do it again.
Recommended for
Mantas, sharks, and dolphins
11 Apr, 2024

10 Exceptional
Albora S
Spain

Unforgettable
All
Recommended for
Friendliness and professionalism of the staff
07 Dec, 2019

Translated from Spanish

8.8 Fabulous
miguel L
Argentina

Excellent
Giant Mantas
Recommended for
Dive, crew, food
27 Feb, 2017

8.8 Fabulous
Louis P
Canada

Liveaboard to do
Super nice trip. A very large quantity of manta rays and several species of sharks
Recommended for
Likeability member crew. Quantity of fish. Small number of divers.
29 Apr, 2025

8.8 Fabulous
Simona W
France

Amazing diving and crew
Absolutely amazing diving and the crew are wonderful. The cabins are v small and cannot imagine them work with 4 people/cabin.
Recommended for
Diving, crew, food&drinks
16 Mar, 2022

9.2 Superb
Andrew G
United States

Diversity of marine environments, creatures huge and small
Whale sharks, dolphins, sea lions, jawfish, incredible photo opportunities. Thank you for an amazing experience I will never forget Photos from the trip here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/77218808@N08/albums/72177720311226393
Recommended for
Marine life, food, divemasters
16 Sep, 2023

8.8 Fabulous
Mingyu W
United States

Great crew and fantastic dives
food and services are really great, the crew did all they could to make sure we had a great time. Diving is great, lots of sharks, mantas, fish and first time for me to dive with dolphins. The boat is a bit beaten up, very noisy and hard to get a good sleep. But the crew is really great at helping us to get everyone enjoy the trip.
Recommended for
Best Crew, Great Dives, Best food
11 Jan, 2022

9.6 Exceptional
Matthew L
United States

Trips with wonderful underwater surprises.
Each dive surprised us with Mantas, School of sharks: Hammerheads, Silky, Tiger, dolphins. Huge morays, sea lions, and friendly dolphins swimming around us for a long time. There are also many species that are appreciated when there is little current. During the sunrise and sunset, we can still be enjoying the dolphins and sharks from the deck of the boat. The food was really nice and a lot all day. I really liked the diving operation, the whole crew taking care of us.
Recommended for
Safety / Crew - Warm Atmosphere - Wildlife
30 Dec, 2019