Nautilus Belle Amie Itinerary
Socorro (Cabo San Lucas)11 days / 10 nights
About Nautilus Belle Amie
- Adventurous itineraries in Socorro and Revillagigedo and great white observation in Guadalupe
- Facilities include nitrox, gear storage, spacious zodiacs, and camera table
- Enjoy photo workshops, marine life presentations, paddleboards and kayaks
- Spacious and chic cabins for varied budgets and travel preferences
Nautilus Belle Amie offers laid back luxury and adventurous itineraries focused on the eastern Pacific's most famous marine wildlife. Spend a week or more exploring Socorro and Revillagigedo, Guadalupe, or join an expedition-style voyage combining the two destinations into one action-packed trip! You’ll enjoy top-notch service, spacious cabins and common areas, and custom-designed divers' facilities to help capitalise on your time in the water. Plus, thoughtful touches at every turn that help the Belle Amie feel more like a floating resort than a liveaboard dive boat. If you’re hoping to combine adventure and luxury in Mexico’s Pacific, this boat might be your best bet!
Itinerary details
11 days /
10 nights
27 - 29
Advanced Open Water - Minimum 50 dives
Required
Highlights
- Explore the remote Revillagigedo Archipelago National Park
- Tiger sharks, Galapagos sharks, oceanic whitetips, and whale sharks
- Meet the friendliest giant oceanic mantas in the world at "El Boiler"
- Share your dives with large schools of jacks and tuna at Roca Partida
- Get up close with the curious bottlenose dolphins of Cabo Pearce
- Encounter schooling hammerheads and dozens of silky sharks
Socorro is all about amazing interactions with giant mantas. You can also spot dolphins, ten species of shark, and humpback whales. You will see loads of whales on the surface and you will hear them singing when you are in the water. Most incredible of all is the opportunity to snorkel with the whales and sometimes even see them during a dive.
Day 1 - Meet at our dive centre in the sunny vacation hotspot, Cabo San Lucas. Cabo Dive Centre is located next to the main lobby and bar of the Tesoro Hotel on the picturesque walkway of the Cabo marina. Our staff will be there to assist you with any rental gear you need, pre-trip day boat diving and the loan of a Nautilus LifeLine, Dive Alert and SMB. Starting in January 2019, we will also be offering a complimentary warm-up dive off Land’s End. Your ship will be available for boarding at 8pm, and is located just a short scenic stroll away, where appetisers and champagne will be waiting for you.
Day 2 - Today is spent travelling out to the islands. An orientation briefing will be held in the morning, followed by a fire and boat safety drill. We’ll keep you as busy as you like on this day with Manta 101 in the afternoon, then you will have a chance to prep your gear, read a book, relax on the sun deck or check out the movie selection on our onboard wifi. We will be watching for the “green flash” at sunset, and the bar will be open for alcoholic beverages. We should arrive at San Benedicto Island that evening allowing you a calm night to relax and get a restful sleep before the next morning’s excitement.
Day 3-9 - Over seven full dive days, you will be able to experience some of our favourite sites such as El Canyon, the Boiler, Red Rocks, Roca Partida, Cabo Pearse, Punta Tosca, and Roca Oneal. We strive to offer an average of four dives a day, other than the day that we do our mandatory check-in at the local navy base, when you will likely have the option of three dives - plus our world-famous silky shark night snorkel. Note that several dives may be quite challenging and not suitable for divers of lower experience levels. The number of dives on offer is subject to weather, the whims of Mother Ocean, and crowding by other dive boats.
We will have other stuff going on to keep you as busy as you like with kayaks and paddleboards, shoreline tours, humpback whale watching (January to April), manta ID in the late afternoon, and after-dinner presentations. Of course, you can always find a nice quiet place to relax with a book, have a nice snooze, or soak in our sparkling clear hot tubs.
Day 10 - We will likely get underway very early this morning for the voyage back to Cabo San Lucas. This is the perfect day to check out photos and videos with the new friends you made on board, pack your dive gear up and take time to relax before reality sets back in.
Day 11 - Always a sad time for us. It’s time to say goodbye and disembark the boat in Cabo at 8.30am for either SJD airport or our dive centre in Cabo San Lucas.
Sample itineraries are for guidance only. Actual itineraries may differ slightly due to factors such as weather, wildlife, logistics and local regulations.
Transfer details
Departure
08:00pm
Cabo San Lucas
Los Cabos International Airport: SJD
Return
08:30am
Cabo San Lucas
Los Cabos International Airport: SJD
What's included
What's included
- Meals and snacks
- Water, tea and coffee
- Soft drinks
- Tanks and weights
- Kayaks or SUPS
- Towels and toiletries
What's not included
To be paid in advance or onboard
- Dive and travel insurance
- Taxes - 5% Government tax
- National park fee – US$172 per day
- Port fees - US$35 per person payable in cash onboard
Optional Extras
To be booked in advance or paid onboard
- Single supplement – 25%
- Alcoholic drinks
- Equipment rental
- Nitrox – US$120 per trip
- Internet – US$100 per device, per trip
- Transfers
- Gratuities
Diving environments
Important to know
Before you go
How do I get there?
Cabo San Lucas is the primary departure point for trips to Socorro and the Revillagigedo Islands. The region's transit hub, San José del Cabo, receives regular international flights from the United States, Canada, Western Europe, and Asia. From here, visitors will need to connect to Cabo San Lucas via bus, taxi, transfer, or private transport.
Where should I stay before or after the trip?
There is an extensive range of hotels in Cabo San Lucas, and your operator will usually help you book a suitable hotel. The liveaboard operators normally work with partner hotels and may even run a scheduled transfer service including pick-up.
Do I need insurance?
All guests are required to purchase medical diving insurance and to provide proof of valid insurance from a recognised and reputable carrier. Travel insurance is important and highly recommended but not mandatory.
Do I need a passport and visa?
All guests must have a passport valid 6 months from entry. All non-Mexican guests will require an FMM tourist visa, available at the border crossing, or a visa in advance. Please check your county’s requirements for entry into Mexico.
What should I pack?
As space is limited, pack light! Bring personal toiletries, clothes for cool evenings and hot days, a hat and sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen. A 5-7mm full length wetsuit, with hood and boots is likely enough, but those that feel the cold should consider extra thermal protection. Dive computers are essential, as are SMBs, which some operators provide for free. Unless you plan on renting equipment for your trip, you’ll need your usual dive gear, including regulators, BCD, computer, mask, wetsuit, booties and fins.
Cabo San Lucas is the primary departure point for trips to Socorro and the Revillagigedo Islands. The region's transit hub, San José del Cabo, receives regular international flights from the United States, Canada, Western Europe, and Asia. From here, visitors will need to connect to Cabo San Lucas via bus, taxi, transfer, or private transport.
Where should I stay before or after the trip?
There is an extensive range of hotels in Cabo San Lucas, and your operator will usually help you book a suitable hotel. The liveaboard operators normally work with partner hotels and may even run a scheduled transfer service including pick-up.
Do I need insurance?
All guests are required to purchase medical diving insurance and to provide proof of valid insurance from a recognised and reputable carrier. Travel insurance is important and highly recommended but not mandatory.
Do I need a passport and visa?
All guests must have a passport valid 6 months from entry. All non-Mexican guests will require an FMM tourist visa, available at the border crossing, or a visa in advance. Please check your county’s requirements for entry into Mexico.
What should I pack?
As space is limited, pack light! Bring personal toiletries, clothes for cool evenings and hot days, a hat and sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen. A 5-7mm full length wetsuit, with hood and boots is likely enough, but those that feel the cold should consider extra thermal protection. Dive computers are essential, as are SMBs, which some operators provide for free. Unless you plan on renting equipment for your trip, you’ll need your usual dive gear, including regulators, BCD, computer, mask, wetsuit, booties and fins.
During your trip
How long is the crossing and will I get seasick?
The crossing is typically 24 - 26 hours, weather dependent. The majority of crossings will have some movement, and 1 in 10 is rough. If you do feel seasick, we recommend using medication, and having a nap on each crossing. Once at the islands, the vessel can usually find shelter.
When is the best time to go?
The Socorro diving season runs from November through July, and is superb at any time of year. January through April is whale season, but May, June and July often offer the largest biomass with mantas, dolphins, sharks and bait balls all on the cards.
Do I need to be a certified diver?
Yes, you will be required to show proof of certification before boarding. Most Socorro liveaboards recommend divers have a minimum of 50 logged dives before joining a trip in the region.
How much diving will I get to do?
You can expect to do anywhere between 20-30 dives, depending on the length of your trip. Most operators aim for an average of 3 dive per day, with some offering up to 4 divers per day in shallow areas.
What are the conditions like?
Surface weather is similar to southern California, with warm days and chilly nights - so bring a sweatshirt or wind breaker for the evenings. Water temperatures average 26-28°C between November and January, when conditions are at their best. From February through April, colder waters and winds sweep in, with sea temperatures averaging around 23-24°C. Visibility can reduce between May and July, though rarely drops below 20-metres, and temperatures begin to rise again.
Can I use wifi or a phone on board?
All liveaboards have satellite phones for emergency use. Some offer wifi packages and phone use for a fee.
What happens if there’s an emergency?
There is a navy decompression chamber on Socorro Island, and civilian chambers located in Cabo San Lucas. Socorro Island also features a 1.5-kilometre airstrip in case of emergency medevac flights. A single flight costs a minimum of US$10,000 and if you don’t have adequate insurance, you will have to prepay.
The crossing is typically 24 - 26 hours, weather dependent. The majority of crossings will have some movement, and 1 in 10 is rough. If you do feel seasick, we recommend using medication, and having a nap on each crossing. Once at the islands, the vessel can usually find shelter.
When is the best time to go?
The Socorro diving season runs from November through July, and is superb at any time of year. January through April is whale season, but May, June and July often offer the largest biomass with mantas, dolphins, sharks and bait balls all on the cards.
Do I need to be a certified diver?
Yes, you will be required to show proof of certification before boarding. Most Socorro liveaboards recommend divers have a minimum of 50 logged dives before joining a trip in the region.
How much diving will I get to do?
You can expect to do anywhere between 20-30 dives, depending on the length of your trip. Most operators aim for an average of 3 dive per day, with some offering up to 4 divers per day in shallow areas.
What are the conditions like?
Surface weather is similar to southern California, with warm days and chilly nights - so bring a sweatshirt or wind breaker for the evenings. Water temperatures average 26-28°C between November and January, when conditions are at their best. From February through April, colder waters and winds sweep in, with sea temperatures averaging around 23-24°C. Visibility can reduce between May and July, though rarely drops below 20-metres, and temperatures begin to rise again.
Can I use wifi or a phone on board?
All liveaboards have satellite phones for emergency use. Some offer wifi packages and phone use for a fee.
What happens if there’s an emergency?
There is a navy decompression chamber on Socorro Island, and civilian chambers located in Cabo San Lucas. Socorro Island also features a 1.5-kilometre airstrip in case of emergency medevac flights. A single flight costs a minimum of US$10,000 and if you don’t have adequate insurance, you will have to prepay.
How to get there
Start of the trip
You can drop your bags off and check-in whenever it’s most convenient, as long as you are at SeeCreatures in Cabo by 4pm for the pre-boarding health check. After your health check you are free to enjoy a nice dinner or evening walk. Please arrive back to SeeCreatures by 7:15pm for the mandatory safety video before boarding the boat at 8pm. Enjoy dinner onboard as the vessel sets sail.
End of the trip
After breakfast, you will disembark in Cabo at around 8.30am. We recommend booking an outward flight after 11:30am.
Payment & cancellation terms
Payment policy
- A cancellation of an original booking (a booking that has not been previously transferred to a later date than when first booked) that is received more than a year before departure is fully refundable less an administrative fee of USD $125 per berth or the booking may be transferred to a new booking without any administrative fee. This option is only available once for each booking and transferred payments may only be applied as a credit to final payments. There are no refund for any transferred bookings.
- Cancellations made by a guest that are received within 12 months of departure are non-refundable and non-transferable. We will do our best to rebook your cancelled reservation with a different client and, if we are able to do so and IF that departure is 100% occupancy, we will refund your canceled booking less an administration fee of $125.00 per berth or space. If we are able to re-book your canceled berth/space, you will have the option to transfer the full amount paid to a future reservation.
Special offers or promotions - separate payment and cancellation terms may apply.
Group bookings - separate payment and cancellation terms may apply.
Contact the ZuBlu travel team if you have any questions about payment terms and cancellation.
Group bookings - separate payment and cancellation terms may apply.
Contact the ZuBlu travel team if you have any questions about payment terms and cancellation.
Cancellation policy
25% deposit - required to secure reservation.
75% balance - due 60 days prior to departure.
Bookings received less than 60 days before departure require payment in full to secure reservation.
75% balance - due 60 days prior to departure.
Bookings received less than 60 days before departure require payment in full to secure reservation.