Air Plane Spotted Mobulas and Orcas Expedition
May 6 -May 14, 2023
Overview
Embarking on our luxurious 116 ft expedition yacht, the Nautilus Gallant Lady, we’ll follow this epic migration across the Sea of Cortez. Suitable for snorkelers, swimmers and divers of all experience levels and fitness, we’ll put you in the water for virtually unlimited time with schools of mobulas.
If the rays are on the move, some encounters might only last minutes, but other encounters might last for an hour or longer, and sometimes the mobulas will even allow you into the middle of their squadron. The icing on the cake? Experience special night encounters with schooling rays as they swarm around our dive lights in shallow protected bays…
The Sea of Cortez is home to many different and exciting migrations of megafauna, including one of our favorites, the Munk’s Pygmy Devil Ray (Mobula munkiana). From April to July, hundreds of thousands of mobulas gather in dense schools. Where there are mobulas, there are killer whales (Orcinus orca). We use dedicated aircraft support to spot our snorkelers and divers onto mobulas and orcas and also whale sharks, blue and fin whales and much more!
Where There Are Mobulas, There Are Orcas
Orcas (Orcinus orca) are commonly known as killer whales, or to be more accurate, these large apex predators are actually giant dolphins by definition. Males can grow up to 30 feet in length and swim over 35 mph, but the grandmas are the real bosses of the family. These fascinating and highly intelligent “resident” and “oceanic” whales often stay in tight family groups for their entire lives. “Transient” orcas are a little different and travel individually or in small groups of two or three animals maximum. The orcas that we hope to encounter are individuals from the Eastern Tropical Pacific population that is known to travel between Baja and Costa Rica.
The Flying Rays of the Sea of Cortez
Seeing the colour variations and geometric patterns of these rays as they dance underwater is a hypnotizing sight and a dream for photographers. Above water, these rays have earned a reputation for their acrobatic prowess. Hailed as the flying rays of the Sea of Cortez, rays are typically five to seven feet across, and witnessing males leaping out of the water, wings (pectoral fins) flapping, is an unforgettable sight. More athletic individuals can reach an altitude of ten feet or more, and while it’s a guess on our part, we believe that the higher the boys jump, the more impressed the girls are!
What is included?
- * 8 days/ 7 nights/6 days of diving
- * Taxes
- * Meals while on boat,
- * Use of Kayaks and Stand-up paddle boards
- * transfers on arrival to the hotel, if arrive with group
- * trip brochure and packet,
- * trip shirt, and travel leader.
Special Oceanic Ventures Connoisseur Club Benefit
- Snorkeling Tune-up before you leave
Other activities that can be arranged…
Shopping in town, zip lining, parasailing, City and cultural tours, horseback riding and more
What is not included?
Airfare to/from Cabo San Lucas, Nitrox, port fee ($65, cash paid on-board), Park Fee (None at this time), transit hotel, Boutique, Bar tab, meals while not on board the vessel, Rentals, Taxi fares to/from town, Airport tax Additional land tours, Other activities, Diving equipment system, Trip insurance and shopping, hotels in Cabo the day before or after arrivals. Tips for local dive staff or tour staff.
The M/V Gallant Lady
- * Stabilized
- * IMS safety certified
- * 6 ensuite suites
- * 12 guests
- * Internet access and satellite phone
- * High-capacity water makers
- * Freshwater hot tub
- * Air fills, nitrox, rebreather friendly
- * Fully stocked extensive bar (single malts, micro brews, a great selection of wine)
The Fine Print…
Please see the Terms & Conditions page for a listing of our travel policies. All prices are subject to change until booked and ticketed. All moneys are due in full on deposit even if not paid in full and some penalties may ably for cancellations based on the operators policies and group penalties. As with most small island properties and vessels, cancellations are more of an issue so they have limited ability to fill unused spaces. We highly recommend trip insurance to help avoid any unnecessary problems. No refunds for missed flights or changes in plans. Trip insurance and diving insurance can be found at http://oceanicventures.net/travel-insurance/. Both Dive Assure/DAN and Travel Guard have a family plan. Diving Accident and Medical Insurance is required. Vessel and OVI travel releases are required. Please plan to bring a copy of your logbook, c-card, and diving insurance.
Passport must have a minimum of 6 months validity prior to passport expiration. No refunds for missed flights or boats.
Note: All guests spaces are reserved upon deposit. But unless a minimum number of guest sign up for the trip by the deadline dates, an Oceanic Ventures trip leader will not be attending.
Adventure Date
May 6-14 2023
Airfare
Airfare is not included in this trip. Your destination is Cabo San Lucas
Transit Arrangements
We can assist you with transit hotels if needed.
Fare
All per person double discounted for cash and Club membership. First booked, first choice.
- * $5,500 pp/Club/cash ($4,826 full rate) Master Cabin (couple)
- * $4,200 pp/Club/cash ($4,326 full rate) Stateroom
Deposit & Final Payment
- * $1,500 plus trip insurance
- * Final payment due – February 1, 2023
Travel Notes
- * An Oceanic Ventures Application/Travel Release is required at time of booking
- * A boat Release is required by the final payment date
- * We cannot guarantee a roommate unless you are booking together with someone, so plan on a single supplement
- ^ While we try to assign roommates of the same sex (male or female) we cannot guarantee it.
- * As with most small liveaboard operations, cancellations are more of an issue so they have limited ability to fill unused spaces. We always recommend trip insurance to help avoid any unnecessary problems. There are no refunds for missed flights or changes in plans. Travel Insurance (ie: comprehensive accident, medical, baggage and trip cancellation and interruption insurance) purchased at the time their reservation is made, may help protect guests from financial disappointment if they are prevented from making their scheduled trip due to illness or family illness, or in the event that unforeseen circumstances prevent the airline or yacht from making its scheduled trip.
- * The United States may require a COVID test prior to re-entering the country. The boat will handle getting everyone COVID tested prior to boarding your return flight.
- * Passport must have a minimum of 6 months validity prior to passport expiration
- * We require diving accident insurance. For your convenience below are links to Dive Assure . Both organizations offer Travel Insurance and Dive Accident Insurance and be purchased via our web site at https://oceanicventures.net/travel-insurance/. Both Dive Assure and Travel Guard have a family plan. Dive Assure is diving insurance and also has a travel insurance option.
Travel Insurance
We highly recommend travel insurance to help cover you for unknown events that may occur. We also recommend that you have coverage to help you in the event you need to leave for weather or other emergencies.
Special Oceanic Ventures Connoisseur Club Benefit
