Mexico has pelagics like hammerhead sharks, giant mantas, and humpback whales, and the epic marine life is some of, if not the best in the Pacific ocean.
When you depart from Cabo San Lucas or San Jose Del Cabo you will be instantly blown away by The Sea of Cortez and its crystal clear waters.
Sandwiched by the Pacific coast and the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, Mexico is peppered with enviable scuba diving opportunities and awesome liveaboard itineraries.
Because of its geography, many of the best diving locations are only accessible by liveaboard trip. Mexicos liveaboards offer a unique chance to explore as much of gorgeous waters and islands as you can!
Most liveaboard diving is around the Pacific, from the Socorro Islands to the Guadalupe Islands and The Sea of Cortez. Mexico’s liveaboards are the best opportunity to explore unparalleled waters.
Keen to hop on board?
We’ll tell you all about the best diving liveaboards Mexico has to offer you. Whether you are a very experienced diver or just starting out the warm waters of Mexico have something for everyone.
Table of Contents
At OtterAquatics, our ultimate goal is to help you book your dream liveaboard. We’ve assembled a team of PADI, SSI, and Molchanovs instructors, as well as liveaboard cruise directors to research all available options.
How We Pick
In order to create our best liveaboard lists, the OtterAquatics team starts off by researching the liveaboard landscape for a particular region of world, listing out all of the highest-rated choices.
Unfortunately it’s not possible to go on every single liveaboard, but we go on the ones we can.
Next, we identify 3-5 liveaboards per region that are distinct best choices for different scenarios. For example, on a list, we may suggest budget options, luxury options, or a liveaboard that exclusively hits a certain dive site.
How We Review
The OtterAquatics team reviews the liveaboards on our lists by researching information on liveaboard booking websites, review websites, and our social media communities of divers.
We also contact each liveaboard mentioned on our lists ensuring the information is accurate.
Our Team of Writers
Want to learn more about who our writers are? Head over to the OtterAquatics About Page.
At OtterAquatics, our ultimate goal is to help you book your dream liveaboard. We’ve assembled a team of PADI, SSI, and Molchanovs instructors, as well as liveaboard cruise directors to research all available options.
How We Pick
In order to create our best liveaboard lists, the OtterAquatics team starts off by researching the liveaboard landscape for a particular region of world, listing out all of the highest-rated choices.
Unfortunately it’s not possible to go on every single liveaboard, but we go on the ones we can.
Next, we identify 3-5 liveaboards per region that are distinct best choices for different scenarios. For example, on a list, we may suggest budget options, luxury options, or a liveaboard that exclusively hits a certain dive site.
How We Review
The OtterAquatics team reviews the liveaboards on our lists by researching information on liveaboard booking websites, review websites, and our social media communities of divers.
We also contact each liveaboard mentioned on our lists ensuring the information is accurate.
Our Team of Writers
Want to learn more about who our writers are? Head over to the OtterAquatics About Page.
Best Mexico Liveaboards
Nautilus Belle Amie
- Best rating for price
- New vessel
- Highest Saftey Levels
- Alcohol not included
- More guests
- Wi-Fi extra
The Nautilus Belle Amie is an epic scuba diving vessel. There are 17 modern staterooms of all different shapes and styles for up to 32 guests. From standard to premium and superior suites, plus triples rooms for best friends trying to save some money.
They’re all air-conditioned with en-suites. Some guests have said the rooms are so big, you may forget you’re not in a hotel, the amenities and services are comparable to a 5 and some say 5-star boutique hotel.
It’s sister to the Nautilus Explorer and built to accommodate the needs and safety of divers at the highest levels. It’s even soundproofed so you can get a good nap in between long days of scuba diving or a long night of beverages.
In between scuba diving, you can hang out on the dive deck in the shade of the bar and lounge, or get your tan started on the sun deck. Inside, you can meet others in the bar area, and enjoy many delicious meals and snacks.
The welcoming staff of the Nautilus Belle Amie will help you have the diving experience of your life! Jump aboard the Nautilus Belle Amie to explore Guadalupe or the Socorro Islands.
Liveaboard Specs:
- Max number of Guests/ Divers: 30 guests /divers
- Number of Dives: up to 4 dives per day
- Number of cabins: 16
- Trip Length: 8 days / 7 nights
- Wifi: Available for an additional cost
- Nitrox: Available for an additional cost
- Drinks: Complimentary beer and wine Port: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
- Onshore Excursions: Yes, available upon request for an additional cost
- Route/ Itinerary: Socorro Islands
- Camera Station: Yes, with charging points and storage shelves.
Rocio Del Mar
- Three epic itineraries
- Good set-up for those prone to sea-sickness
- Alcoholic beverages included
- National Park fees can add up
- No Wi-Fi
- Must have specific dive insurance
The Rocio Del Mar also known as the “little Galapagos” is a gorgeous liveaboard that cruises around the Revillagigedo archipelago over three different times of the year. This grand vessel has 10 spacious rooms for 20 guests and over two decks for space to unwind to keep to yourself.
Every stateroom is air-conditioned with comfortable carpets, windows, and even en-suite bathrooms. When you’re not scuba diving, relax on the sun deck or chill at the deck salon. This vessel is designed with minimizing sea sickness in mind com in at almost 90 Ft (27m).
The big old dining area is conveniently located on the lower forward deck, so the movement of the ocean is felt as little as possible when you’re eating your meals not to say that the other dive deck would get you seasick, just to be safe than sorry.
The best thing about the Rocio Del Mar is the three epic itineraries you can choose from. Although they’re all so awesome, it might be hard to decide. I’d ask the company or us what you are looking for and we will be able to sort you out.
Take your pick from tours on the west coast to Socorro Islands, Baja California, or Cabo Pulmo. There’s even the option to do a shark observation night dive! The professional divemasters will make sure you get to see all that this southern spot has to offer.
For the marine conservationists out there, Rocio Del Mar even has ‘Citizen Scientist’ itineraries. On these, you can spend time alongside experienced marine biologists during your whale, manta, and shark encounters.
Liveaboard Specs:
- Max number of Guests/ Divers: 20 guests / 4 crew
- Number of Dives: 3-4 dives per day
- Number of cabins: 10 cabins Trip
- Length: 8-10 nights
- Wifi: Not available
- Nitrox: Available
- Drinks: Complimentary beer and wine with dinner
- Port: Puerto Penasco, Sonora
- Onshore Excursions:
- Not available Route/ Itinerary: Sea of Cortez, Socorro Islands
- Camera Station: Camera table and rinse tank available.
Valentina
- Night dives
- Lots of alcohol and food choices
- Wi-Fi
- Extra chamber fees
- Nitrox is an extra
- No jacuzzi
Go scuba diving in the Baja California Peninsular aboard the MV Valentina Liveaboard Mexico!
On this liveaboard, you’ll be comfortable and live a high life. The Valentina Liveaboard was re-kitted out in 2013 and is now 125 ft (38m), so it’s pretty modern and plush. It has 10 cabins with air conditioning and en-suites.
For the foodies out there, there’s everything from Mexican to Asian and European cuisines so there is something for everyone to ganache on. Plus, for those that like to imbibe, there’s a sizable open bar with everything from beer to cocktails and liquors again from all over the world. The wine’s included with meals, and there are of course soft drinks for everyone.
Between your many scuba dives, chill out on the sun deck in the shade or in the rays. At night time, you can watch the stars too.
The crew of the Valentina Liveaboard will look after you and make your trip one to remember. Diving is not only the first class thing you will experience on this dive trip.
Depending on the time of year you wish to travel, you could go to the Sea of Cortez or the Socorro Islands from the Baja California Peninsular.
Liveaboard Specs:
- Max number of Guests/ Divers: 12 guests/ 10 divers
- Number of Dives: Up to 4 dives per day
- Number of cabins: 5 cabins
- Trip Length: 8 days/ 7 nights
- Wifi: Available for an additional fee
- Nitrox: Available for an additional fee
- Drinks: Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included
- Port: Puerto Morelos, Mexico
- Onshore Excursions: Upon Request
- Route/ Itinerary: Visits various dive sites around Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, and Banco Chinchorro
- Camera Station: Camera table and rinse tank available for use
Solmar V
- Self Propelled Ocean Cage (SPOC) experience available
- Built especially for divers
- Specific Camera areas
- Nitrox extra
- Cooler water temps
The M/V Solmar V is a high-end liveaboard that runs year-round diving in Mexico to Socorro Islands and Guadalupe Island. This liveaboard has one of the most seasoned dive crews in that area. Unlike other boats that were converted to dive boats, the M/V Solmar was designed specifically for diving and can hold up to 22 divers in its 12 cabins.
This boat offers superior, standard, and single-cabin options for solo travelers. Each room has
climate control and a private bathroom with a shower. The boat has a salon that provides comfortable seating, a large-screen television, and a full entertainment system. If you want to hang out in the sun or watch the stars, the solarium is partially covered for you to relax.
The Solmar V dive itinerary is second to none and you can dive with the world’s largest pelagics which includes cage diving with great white sharks at Guadalupe Island. You will also could scuba dive with humpback whales, 10 shark species, playful dolphins, and if you are lucky orcas, Socorro Island is the rip of a lifetime. The routes that go through the Revillagigedo Archipelago offer all the big-fish encounters you could ever want.
As for the food and beverage you can enjoy complimentary beer and wine with dinner. The boat is full-board so all the snack and food is included. If you have any dietary restrictions or are vegan or vegetarian just let the boat know ahead of time and they can cater to your needs. The chefs are world-class and cook amazing meals daily.
Liveaboard Specs:
- Max number of Guests/ Divers: 22 divers
- Number of Dives: 3-4 dives per day
- Number of cabins: 12
- Trip Length: 8-10 days
- Wifi: available for purchase
- Nitrox: available for purchase
- Drinks: non-alcoholic beverages included, beer and wine available for purchase
- Port: Cabo San Lucas
- Onshore Excursions: possible shore excursions, depending on the itinerary
- Route/ Itinerary: varies, including Socorro Islands, Guadalupe, and Sea of Cortez
- Camera Station: yes
Cassiopeia
- Shark cage diving
- Extra dives and dive courses are optional extras
- Amazing for photographers
- Dive with giant Pacific Manta Rays, Dolphins
- Paid internet
- Extra for nitrox, but worth it for the sharks
- Extra fees for national park, port and visas
The Cassiopeia Liveaboard, formerly known as the Socorro Aggressor, the Cassiopeia has 13 staterooms (Master and Deluxe), the Cassiopea is one of the larger boats, hosting up to 26 guests may seem like a lot but aren’t with the size of the ship.
Master staterooms are equipped with grand queen beds, while the Deluxe has two single beds, for every combination of guests!
All rooms come with en-suites, plus towels, hairdryers, and bathrooms. This is a high-class boat! The rooms also have individual climate controls and media players.
Kickback on the sun deck is a beautiful spot to relax between scuba diving adventures. The experienced staff and divemasters are known around for taking the highest care of the guests. The indoor dining room is found on the main deck and is a place where you can expect to be fed like queens and kings with master chefs cooking up all sorts of different dishes to meet whatever you are in the mood for.
From a big breakfast to local delicacies like tacos and tortillas throughout the day.
The Cassiopeia visits the Socorro Islands of Guadalupe. Here you can go cage diving with great white sharks.
The incredibly clear waters of Guadalupe mean great white sightings are reliable. You’ll be in a high chance of sharing some moments with one of the apex predators of the ocean.
There are three surface cages plus one submersible cage, so guests can rotate every 30 minutes to maximize their shark sighting and maybe even see a bull shark or two.
Liveaboard Specs:
- Number of Divers Guests: 26
- Number of Dives: Around Around 20
- Cabins: 13
- Length: 7 to 9 days
- Nitrox: Extra
- Drinks: Yes
- Onshore Excursions: Upon Request
- Port: San Jose Del Cabo
- Route/ Itinerary: San Benedicto Island, 3 dives at El Cañon, The Boiler, Cabo Pearce. Check-in with the Mexican Navy outpost, El Acuario or Roca O’Neal, Roca Partida
When To Go To On a Mexican Liveaboard
Mexico is one of the most spectacular places in the world that you can visit all year round for diving, food, and on-land excursions.
The time of year that’s best to scuba dive in Mexico depends on your liveaboard and whether you want water temperatures higher or lower and what you want to see. . But here is a basic rundown of time frames.
Heads up if you’re used to diving in the tropics, be prepared for colder water temperatures similar to those in San Diego and the west coast of the US. Water can dip from 28 in November to the very low 65 F (20 C) during February and March. All experienced divers will know it is worth packing a few extra layers of neoprene for those months! In most areas, you will be able to buy or rent extra gear, but check first, also see if they are using USD or Pesos as well.
If you’re keen on great whites, you want to visit from July to November when it’s time for sharks to snack on elephant seals! The best visibility runs from August to October, though temperatures can drop to the high 60sF (high teens C) around Guadalupe.
Marine Life In Mexico
Socorro Island and the Revillagigedos are part of an archipelago 250 miles from Cabo San Lucas on the tip of the Baja peninsula.
Its most famous dive site is The Boiler, which was recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site and a hot spot for big pelagics. You have the possibility to see hammerheads, whale sharks, great white sharks, bull sharks, manta rays, giant mantas, mobula rays, orcas, and humpback whales to name some.
This isn’t a dive site for the faint-hearted or those that are not experienced divers, it’s recommended for advanced divers only. The Sea of Cortez is found between the Baja California Peninsula and Mexico’s mainland. While dive masters and instructors will be there you still have to be knowledgeable.
The top spots to visit here are Los Islotes (home to hundreds of sea lions!) and La Reina (manta city).
There are even grey whales and during winter, our favorite big spotty fish, the whale shark. These sites are much easier to dive into.
Generally, The Sea of Cortez is beginner-friendly. A few miles kilometers off the Baja Peninsula is Isla Guadalupe.
One of the best great white shark diving locations in the world. The best thing is that even beginners can get involved by snorkeling from surface cages and no experience is required!
If you want to have your cake and eat it, hit up Cabo San Lucas. At the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, you’ll find Gordo Banks and Pelican Rock. These are world-famous dive sites for their schooling Mobula rays, whales, sharks, seals, and dolphins.
Dive Locations in Mexico
Socorro Island and the Revillagigedos are part of an archipelago 250 miles from Cabo San Lucas on the tip of the Baja peninsula.
Its most famous dive site is The Boiler, which was recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site and a hot spot for big pelagics!
This isn’t a dive site for the faint-hearted it’s recommended for advanced divers only. The Sea of Cortez is found between the Baja California Peninsula and Mexico’s mainland.
The top spots to visit here are Los Islotes (home to hundreds of sea lions!) and La Reina (manta city).
There are even grey whales and during winter, our favorite big spotty fish, the whale shark. These sites are much easier to dive into.
Generally, The Sea of Cortez is beginner-friendly. A few miles kilometers off the Baja Peninsula is Isla Guadalupe.
One of the best great white shark diving locations in the world. The best thing is that even beginners can get involved by doing snorkeling from surface cages and no experience is required!
If you want to have your cake and eat it, hit up Cabo San Lucas. At the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, you’ll find Gordo Banks and Pelican Rock. These are world-famous dive sites for their schooling Mobula rays, whales, sharks, seals, snd dolphins.
Conclusion
Liveaboard trips in Mexico offer world-class diving offer an epic way to escape the real world! The liveaboards have great port towns as well and San Diego you can get down to Cozumel or Ensenada easily.
Explore untouched landscapes, watch surreal sunsets, and get to know otherworldly creatures.
On these five luxury liveaboards, you’ll be able to do some of the best scuba diving in the world!
What’re you waiting for?
