Liveaboards · Mexico
Dive Liveaboards Mexico
A Mexico liveaboard takes you between remote Pacific dive areas, with 8 boats offering trips from Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, La Paz or Puerto Peñasco. Trips range from six nights upwards, with three or four dives a day and often a night dive. Depending on the route, you may see giant manta rays, sea lions, whale sharks, mobula rays, dolphins and sharks. Prices start from £2,007$2,683€2,397 per person for the most common trip length.
Mexico liveaboard routes
The table counts departures on sale over the next twelve months, route by route, using the name of each itinerary. It shows the lowest price at the most common length, with figures refreshed every night.
| Route | Departure ports | Most common length | From | Departures | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Socorro | Cabo San Lucas or San José del Cabo | 8 nights | £2,457$3,285€2,935 | 21 | Advanced Open Water, 30 or 50 dives depending on the boat |
| Magdalena Bay | Cabo San Lucas | 6 nights | £2,457$3,285€2,935 | 9 | Open Water, subject to the boat's terms |
| Sea of Cortez | Cabo San Lucas or La Paz | 7 nights | £2,007$2,683€2,397 | 100 | Open Water, subject to the boat's terms |
Price is per person, excluding flights and costs on board.
Socorro liveaboards for pelagics
The Revillagigedo Islands lie about a day's sailing from Cabo San Lucas or San José del Cabo, with itineraries around Socorro and Roca Partida. Expect open-ocean diving, giant manta rays circling divers, dolphins and sharks. This is a demanding route, and Advanced Open Water with solid experience is expected. Trips last seven nights or more, with the boat's page setting the precise requirements. Check the transfer arrangements for your chosen departure port.
Magdalena Bay liveaboards and the sardine run
Magdalena Bay trips follow the sardine run off the Pacific coast of Baja California. There are fewer departures here, so compare the available itineraries carefully. The route is a good fit if the sardine run is the main reason you are booking a Mexico liveaboard. Check the departure details for the port, length and required certification.
Sea of Cortez liveaboards from Baja California
The Sea of Cortez has the widest choice of Mexico liveaboard departures, sailing from La Paz, Cabo San Lucas or Puerto Peñasco. Itineraries in the Midriff Islands can include sea lions, whale sharks and mobula rays, as named in the route details. Most trips run for seven nights, although the table shows each boat's actual length. A briefing comes before every dive, and some boats offer a night dive. Check transfers carefully when booking from your chosen port.
The boats
Where these boats go
Questions about Mexico liveaboards
When should I book a Mexico liveaboard?
Book as soon as your dates are reasonably firm, particularly for the smaller selection of Magdalena Bay trips. Compare the liveaboard departures and route details, then check the boat's booking and transfer terms.
Which Mexico liveaboard route suits me?
Choose Socorro for open-ocean diving, giant manta rays, dolphins and sharks, with Advanced Open Water and solid experience expected. The Sea of Cortez offers the broadest choice of departures, while Magdalena Bay focuses on the sardine run.
How do I get to the liveaboard?
Your boat will depart from Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, La Paz or Puerto Peñasco, depending on the itinerary. Check the transfer arrangements with the operator before you travel, especially when the port differs from your other plans.
What is not included on a Mexico liveaboard?
Marine park fees, nitrox, rental equipment, crew tips and transfers are often extra. Every boat has its own terms, so check the inclusions and onboard costs before paying your balance.
How long are Mexico liveaboard trips?
Magdalena Bay trips commonly run for six nights, the Sea of Cortez for seven nights and Socorro for seven nights or more. The table gives the most common length, but check the individual departure.
Do I need dive insurance for a Mexico liveaboard?
Dive insurance is strongly recommended and is often requested at boarding. Make sure it covers diving accidents and treatment at a recompression chamber.
Mexico liveaboard FAQ
How much does a Mexico liveaboard cost?
Prices start from £2,007$2,683€2,397 per person for the most common trip length. Flights and costs on board are excluded.
What is the best time for a Mexico liveaboard?
There is no single best choice for every route. Choose the itinerary by the wildlife and diving named in its departure details.
What certification do I need?
Open Water may be accepted depending on the route and boat. Socorro expects Advanced Open Water and solid experience, with the boat's page stating whether 30 or 50 dives are required.
Where do Mexico liveaboards depart from?
Departure ports include Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, La Paz and Puerto Peñasco. Your port depends on the route and boat.
How many dives a day are there?
Plan on three or four dives a day, often including a night dive. A briefing takes place before each dive.
What can I see on a Mexico liveaboard?
Depending on the route, sightings include giant manta rays, dolphins, sharks, sea lions, whale sharks, mobula rays and sardines.
Can I dive on the last day?
No. You need at least 24 hours between your last dive and take-off.
Do I need dive insurance?
Dive insurance is strongly recommended and often requested at boarding. It should cover diving accidents and the recompression chamber.
Is nitrox included?
Nitrox is often not included. Check the individual boat's terms before booking.
Are transfers included?
Transfers are often extra. Check how you will reach the boat at Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, La Paz or Puerto Peñasco.
