The Baja Experience
Dive Deep, Explore Wide, Celebrate Wild
This trip is full. Join the waitlist below.
The Baja Experience
Dive/Snorkel Liveaboard Experience
August 17 – 24, 2025
Prepare for an extraordinary adventure as part of the Baja Experience – a remarkable exploration journey! Your trip leaders, Meghann, Executive Director of VSA, and Polly, a science educator and naturalist, will guide you through this truly exceptional live aboard expedition in the captivating Midriff Islands of the Gulf of California. Dive into crystal clear waters, explore vibrant marine life and make lasting memories on this fabulous adventure.
Our adventure begins in Puerto Peñasco where we’ll board the spacious, stable and BRAND NEW Quino del Mar for a sunset cruise heading south towards Bahía de los Ángeles. As the sun rises on our first morning near Isla Ángel de la Guarda, we’ll dive into the sea, refreshing our water skills in one of Earth’s most extraordinary underwater habitats. After rediscovering our sense of wonder in the sea, we’ll journey to the vibrant fishing village of Bahía de los Ángeles and the Vermilion Sea Field Station. Learn about the station’s legacy and connect with the future of the gulf by connecting with the Aventureros.
Our skilled captain will navigate the pristine Midriff Islands such as Isla San Pedro Mártir, Las Ánimas, San Esteban and Ángel de la Guarda. Over seven days, enjoy five days of immersive diving and snorkeling adventures in captivating locations. Plus, experience the thrill of snorkeling alongside majestic whale sharks in the Bahía de los Ángeles Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO Heritage Site.
Whether you’re snorkeling or SCUBA diving, experienced Divemasters will assist you with equipment and underwater exploration. Enhance your identification skills and embark on thrilling night dives. SCUBA divers can also complete Nitrox certification at no additional cost.
The Gulf of California is a haven for underwater exploration. Encounter large and small whale species, swim with playful sea lions, and explore a vibrant underwater world inhabited by eels, octopus, fish, and leaping mobula rays. Macro photographers will relish capturing nudibranchs, colorful blennies, dancing jawfish, and seahorses. Between dives, explore remote, uninhabited islets and gaze at the Milky Way.
At VSI, our mission is to forge meaningful connections between marine wildlife, the community and you – our valued participants – to work towards a sustainable future for all.
Give us one week and we will help you create a lifetime of memories while forging new friendships. You will dine on incredible cuisine and enjoy friendly service while aboard the boat. The boat comfortably sleeps 20 and offers a private bathroom in each cabin for two people.
Photos by Courtney Baxter
Travel
Our trip begins when we board the boat in Puerto Peñasco at 5 pm on our first day.
Most guests choose to fly into Phoenix, Arizona, Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) as their gateway to Puerto Peñasco. You can use the services of “Head out to Rocky Point,” a private shuttle company offering a convenient round trip shuttle service (special pricing for Quino del Mar passengers). Enjoy a scenic 3-4 hour journey through saguaro forests with restroom breaks and opportunities to purchase snacks and beverages. Though this is planned separately, we will be happy to help facilitate our group on this shuttle.
Alternately, some may choose to drive themselves to Puerto Peñasco. For these guests, there is secure parking close by with reasonable weekly rates (This was $30 in 2023)
At a Glance
Dates: August 17 – 24, 2025
Departure: Puerto Peñasco, México
Destination: Bahía de los Ángeles, México and the Midriff Islands
Program Cost: $3,450
Recommended for: Active individuals with a passion for the sea and a desire for adventure.
Inquiries: Contact us at [email protected]
Anticipated Itinerary
Photo by Kathy Fuller
Day 1 – Coordinate travel from Phoenix on Day 1Meet the Quino del Mar in Puerto Peñasco. to arrive at the boat by 5 pm. Meet the crew and the other participants on our adventure, find your cabin and enjoy our first dinner on board. Departure approximately 7pm.
Day 2 – Isla Ángel de la Guarda / 3 dives / Sunset cruise with sea lions
Day 3 – Bahía de los Ángeles / Visit the Vermilion Sea Field Station / Snorkel with whale sharks**
Day 4 – Isla San Pedro Mártir / 3-4 dives
Day 5 – Isla San Pedro Mártir / 3-4 dives
Day 6 – Isla Salsipuedes / Isla Las Ánimas / 3-4 dives
Day 7 – Isla Ángel de la Guarda / 3 dives
Day 8 – Arrive in Puerto Peñasco and disembark at 7:30 am
Important Note: Although we anticipate encountering a diverse range of wildlife, including whale sharks, we cannot guarantee the presence of any specific species.
Internet/Telephone
During our Baja Experience, we encourage you to embrace being “unplugged” with limited access to cell/wifi (except for emergencies). This allows you to connect more deeply with the local environment and fellow travelers.
Lodging
Cruise on the 110-foot Rocio del Mar with 10 staterooms on two decks, each with a private bathroom/shower. Rooms are double occupancy, with singles having the option to choose a roommate or be paired. See boat layout and vessel photos HERE.
Inclusions
- Round trip travel aboard the Rocio del Mar from Puerto Peñasco to Bahía de los Ángeles, México
- Onboard lodging on the Rocio del Mar
- Delicious chef-prepared meals, beer, wine, and snacks while aboard the boat
- Shore excursions, snorkeling, and scuba diving for certified divers.
- Tanks, air, and weights
- Marine park fees and port fees
- Nitrox certification course (optional for certified divers)
Exclusions
- Travel to/from Puerto Peñasco from home location
- Lodging in Phoenix/Puerto Peñasco before/after the trip (optional)
- Mandatory Travel & Medical Emergency Insurance
- Nitrox tank fills, equipment rental
- Nitrox certification fee (optional)
Registration
This trip is full. Join the waitlist below.
Exciting news for this year! We’ve introduced a new feature on our registration platform that allows you to rally support from friends and family. Now, you can invite others to contribute towards your registration fees, whether it’s a lot or a little. It’s a fantastic way to make your trip even more memorable with the help of your loved ones.
We also have payment plans available!
Questions?
Please don’t hesitate to email [email protected] with any questions. We hope to see you in the field!
Photo by Courtney Baxter