Quino Explore Baja

Quino El Guardian Liveaboard - Explore Baja

Things You Need to Know - Explore Baja

The following information is specific to our Exlore Baja trips. Details about the boat, services, amenities, deposits, cancellations, trip insurance and more can be found under General Information.

Diving

The crew of Quino El Guardian will be glad to help you in any way possible to make your visit to the Sea of Cortez an unforgettable experience.
This very special destination explores the entire Baja peninsula. This is a one-of--a-kind 13-day trip that travels port to port from San Jose del Cabo to Puerto Peñasco, Mexico or from Puerto Peñasco, Mexico to San Jose del Cabo, Mexico.
This trip includes the variety of the Northern Sea of Cortez to the larger pelagics of the Southern Sea of Cortez. Passengers will dive, snorkel, have the opportunity to explore some of the islands and kayak.
This is a true "exploration" trip in which while we do have an itinerary, we keep it open should unique animal encounter opportunities arise. You never know what you are going to see in the Sea of Cortez!
Divers enjoy 3-4 dives per day and 2-44 night dives.
The Sea of Cortez is very diverse and has as vast amount of nudibranchs, blennys, jawfish, a variety of rays and guitarfish, schools of fish, eels, octopus, sea horses, frogfish, Mexican Horn Sharks, and some of the friendliest sea lions on the planet! We also have a lot of whale activity on this trip. We consistently see Pilot, Fin and Sperm Whales as well as dolphins. One of the days we go to Bahia de Los Angeles and snorkel with Whale Sharks!
Divers enjoy 3 - 4 dives per day and 2 night dives. All of our trips have two dive masters on board to lead dives and assist divers.
We divide into 2 groups, one dive master per group.
We also have two inflatable pangas with drivers vigilantly watching for bubbles and retrieving divers upon surfacing.
We provide 80 cubic ft., aluminum tanks that are both Din and Yoke compatible.

Getting to the Boat

FROM PUERTO PENASCO

Quino El Guardian is located at the Marina Fonatur in Puerto Peñasco, Mexico. Marina Fonatur is approximately a four hour drive from Phoenix, Arizona.

Phoenix Sky Harbor airport is the most convenient and closest airport to fly into to reach our port.

If you require transportation services to the Marina we can coordinate that for you through Head Out to Rocky Point. This shuttle service has 14 passenger white vans that haul trailers for gear. The cost is $90.00 US (as of July 2018) for the one way trip per person payable directly to them. If you require this service please indicate this on your passenger forms and CLICK HERE to reserve and pay for your space.

FROM SAN JOSE DEL CABO

Quino El Guardian is located at the new Marina in Puerto Los Cabos in San Jose del Cabo

All guests must travel to San Jose del Cabo Airport (SJD). Guests are responsible for their own transportation to or from the boat. The marina is about 25 minutes from the airport.

After you collect your bags and leave customs, you will enter a lobby.

Go the the TAXI stand.

There are two recommended ways to get from the airport to the marina:

TAXI

You can take a taxi directly from the airport to the marina. The cost is approximately $60 US.

COLLECTIVO (SHUTTLE) & A TAXI

This is the most economical way to get from the airport to the marina.

At the TAXI stand, ask for a collectivo. A collectivo is a very nice shuttle that takes about 9 passengers and drops people at the hotels. This costs approximately $15 US. Since you’re going to San Jose you will be dropped off first. You can have the collectivo drop you off at the Hotel Tropicana. Once at the Hotel Tropicana, they can request a TAXI to the Marina Los Cabos. You shouldn't pay more than $10 US. It's about a 15 minute ride from the hotel to the marina.

By choosing the Collectivo & Taxi method, you can expect to pay about $25 US.

Arrival & Departure

North to South (from Puerto Peñasco to San Jose del Cabo (SJD)
Plan to board the boat between 5pm-6pm. Dinner will be served at 7pm and we will leave the port shortly
South to North (from San Jose del Cabo (SJD) to Puerto Peñasco)
Plan to board the boat between 5pm-6pm. Departure will be shortly after 6pm. Dinner will be served at 7pm.
Please view this link for important information on what is permitted to bring on your flight to Mexico. www.sat.gob.mx/
In both cases, once aboard Quino, you will be shown to your stateroom and dive station. Our dive masters will ask you to provide your scuba diving certification cards and proof of dive insurance.

Return

Puerto Peñasco (from San Jose del Cabo to Puerto Peñasco)

Explore Baja South to North trips will end in Puerto Peñasco. A Continental breakfast will be provided the last morning of the trip and guests will disembark by 7am.

If you require transportation services from the boat to the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, we can coordinate that for you through Head Out to Rocky Point. This shuttle service has 14 passenger white vans that haul trailers for gear. The cost is $90.00 US (as of July 2018) for the one way trip per person payable directly to them. If you require this service please indicate this on your passenger forms and CLICK HERE to reserve and pay for your space.

The Head Out To Rocky Point Shuttle will pick up passengers promptly upon disembarking. Please remember to book your departing flight from Phoenix, AZ at 2pm or later.

San Jose del Cabo (from Puerto Peñasco to San Jose del Cabo)

Explore Baja North to South will end in San Jose del Cabo (SJD). The boat returns to the Marina during the evening and passengers will be ready to depart the morning of the last day of your trip. A Continental breakfast will be provided the last morning of the trip and guests must disembark by 8:30am on the last day of our trip. At the end of your trip the crew can call taxis to return everyone to the airport or hotel depending on where you want to go.

Suggested Gear & Clothing

Diving

Besides your normal dive gear, each diver is required to have one dive computer as well as a safety sausage (SMB) and whistle.
We absolutely recommend exposure protection (wetsuits/light drysuits) on all of our trips. What you will need greatly depends on your personal comfort level.
The Sea of Cortez is a dynamic body of water and this exploration covers such a span of islands that the water temperatures can change significantly from day to day and even dive to dive. Water temperature ranges from 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit depending on the time of year you visit.
The water in the northern part of the Sea of Cortez is cooler and in the Southern part is warmer.
For most divers, we suggest a 3mm to 5mm wetsuit. Having additional items to layer works best such as a hood and/or hooded vest. Gloves are allowed in the Sea of Cortez.

ON THE SURFACE

Dress is very casual, shorts, t-shirts, swimsuit cover-ups. Bring a light jacket/sweatshirt for the evenings just in case. Do not forget your hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Remember - You Will Be On the Ocean

Occasionally there can be times that the sea can be rough. There are several over the counter remedies that can help you. Should you have a propensity to motion sickness or are concerned that you might develop symptoms, please prepare yourself with preventive measures before departure.

Three times a year, we offer a very special, 13-day trip that covers all of Baja California. Your trip begins at one location and ends at the another … Puerto Penasco to San Jose del Cabo or San Jose del Cabo to Puerto Penasco.

Baja California is a unique adventure ... it is a journey where there are no roads, a handful of people and only an occasional boat.

Each day you will awake to an amazing sunrise amongst some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world…clear skies, deep blue seas and terrain only millions of years could create. Enjoy 3 to 4 dives daily as we move from island to island. Legendary diver Jacques Cousteau described the Sea of Cortez as the "world's aquarium". Dive on untouched walls and reefs abounding in marine life. The northern portion is a macro photographers dream with nudibranchs, colorful blennies, dancing jawfish and sea horses. Encounter large and small whale species, whale sharks, jumping mobula rays, and sea lion colonies. See schooling hammerheads and dive wrecks, Fan Ming and Salvaterra. And we are seeing giant oceanic manta rays again!

If you wish to hike the remote islands during surface intervals, there is always a dingy available to take you to shore. We also have kayaks if you wish to take a serene cruise around the islands.

At night you can enjoy stars that feel so close that you can reach out and touch them. Lay on the deck and gaze at the constellations, see a satellite pass overhead or catch a falling star. Listen to the sea as you can often hear something splashing. It could be anything … dolphins, marlin, or a school of bonitos. You may hear the booming sound of blowing and water spouting. It's a whale! You can't see him but he sounds enormous. At a distance you hear the sea lions and pelicans. What a splendid way to end a magnificent day.

The bio-diversity between the northern and southern Sea of Cortez is incredible and diving the entire Baja is truly a spectacular experience. You will also see equally incredible sea life on the surface including dolphins, sea lions, pilot whales, humpback whales, blue fin whales (the second largest mammal on the planet), orcas and sperm whales, flying mobula rays, blue and brown footed boobie birds, cormorants, frigate birds and the endemic yellow footed gulls.

The Sea of Cortez remains a secret oasis where the desert meets the sea.

Itinerary

Our Explore Baja destination truly is an exploration. The below itinerary is a guideline only as, truly, anything can happen and flexibility will help you to enjoy this adventure to its fullest. We always want to be open minded so that we can take advantage of what nature brings our way!

PUERTO PENASCO TO SAN JOSE DEL CABO (OR LA PAZ) ITINERARY

Day 1 - Board the boat at 5pm. Depart from Puerto Penasco around 6pm.
Day 2 – 105-mile crossing to Puerto Refugio in Angel de la Guarda Island. Check-out dive at Lolo's Cove. Great macro dive at La Vela and La Muela. Sunset cruise at a sea lion colony.
Day 3 – Bahía de los Angeles. Morning dive at El Pescador and Paraíso. Lunch and then snorkeling with the whale sharks. Depending on timing and conditions, sunset hike at La Gringa or just relax after heavy swimming with the whale sharks.
Day 4 – Morning dive at Punta Don Juan or Elias Point and then whale watching on the "Canal de Ballenas" heading south to Sal Si Puedes. 3pm dive at Lavadero followed by a great night dive at the same location. Lavadero is located at Las Animas Island in the chain of San Lorenzo - Las Animas - Sal Si Puedes.
Day 5 – San Pedro Martir Island. Enjoy 1 or 2 days of fabulous diving with sea lions, incredible black coral fields and some of the best macro of the Midriff Islands (3-4 dives).
Day 6 – If staying at San Pedro Martir, we do 3 dives. If not, day 6 will be at San Ildelfonso Island where we will do 4 dives. Don't miss the Green Moray City!
Day 7 – Parque Nacional Bahía de Loreto, visiting Coronado Island: macro and sea lions. We do 3 dives and then a nice evening with dinner in Loreto.
Day 8 – Danzante Island, part of Parque Nacional Bahía de Loreto. Dive at Submarino, Silouette and the artificial wreck, C-54 Agustin Melgar. Afternoon hike at Honeymoon Beach.
Day 9 - Las Animas, near San José Island. Great dives on the east and north pinnacles and afternoon diving at San Dieguito for a 3pm dive followed by a night dive.
Day 10 - Los Islotes, in the northern part of Espiritu Santo Island. Dive with the friendliest sea lion colony in the Sea of Cortez. Depending on weather and ocean conditions (visibility and current), we hope to dive to dive "El Bajo", known for big schools of hammerheads. At night we will do the spectacular mobula night dive!
Day 11 - Dive at La Reyna – a great spot for sea lions, school of barracuda and occasionally oceanic manta rays.
Day 12 - Last day at San Lorenzo Channel, diving the Fan Ming wreck, Salvaterra wreck and Suani Reef.
Day 13 - Arrival to San José del Cabo, disembark 8:30am.

SAN JOSE DEL CABO (OR LA PAZ) TO PUERTO PENASCO ITINERARY

Day 1 – Board the boat at 5pm. Depart from San Jose del Cabo around 6pm.
Day 2 - Check out dive at Punta Prieta in San Gabriel Bay, part of Espiritu Santo Island and diving Fang Ming wreck and Salvaterra wreck.
Day 3 - Dive at La Reyna, a great spot for sea lions, school of barracuda and occasionally oceanic manta rays.
Day 4 - Los Islotes, in the northern part of Espiritu Santo Island. Dive with the friendliest sea lion colony in the Sea of Cortez. Depending on weather and ocean conditions (visibility and current), we hope to dive "El Bajo", known for big schools of hammerheads. At night we will do the spectacular mobula night dive!
Day 5 - Las Animas, near San José Island. Great dives on the east and north pinnacles and afternoon diving at San Dieguito for a 3pm dive followed by a night dive.
Day 6 - Danzante Island, part of Parque Nacional Bahía de Loreto. Dive at Submarino, Silouette and the artificial wreck, C-54 Agustin Melgar. Afternoon hike at Honeymoon Beach.
Day 7 - Parque Nacional Bahía de Loreto, visiting Coronado Island: macro and sea lions. We do 3 dives and then a nice evening with dinner in Loreto.
Day 8 - San Ildelfonso Island where we will do 3 dives. Don't miss the Green Moray City!
Day 9 - San Pedro Martir Island. Enjoy fabulous diving with sea lions, incredible black coral fields and some of the best macro of the Midriff Islands. (3-4 dives).
Day 10 - An early dive at San Pedro Martir, following by whale watching crossing to Sal Si Puedes area. A 3pm dive at Lavadero in Las Animas Island in the chain of San Lorenzo - Las Animas - Sal Si Puedes. Night dive at the same location.
Day 11 - Sal Si Puedes: Some of the best macro diving along the Sea of Cortez at El Caballo, Los Cuervos and La Corona.
Day 12 - Wake up on the east cost of Baja California and dive El Pescador or Punta Don Juan. After breakfast, snorkeling with Whale Sharks at Bahía de los Angeles. At 2pm, the boat will start motoring to Puerto Penasco.
Day 13 – Arrive at Puerto Penasco and disembark at 7am

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Quino el Guardian is extremely seaworthy and is approved by both the US Coast Guard and the Mexican Coast Guard. She is equipped with state-of-the-art electronics and all required safety equipment.

Our vessel is 90 ft long with a 23 ft beam.Quino comfortably accommodates 16 passengers with additional space for two of the group leaders in the crew quarters

• 5 cabins:
- 4 cabins with 4 beds: 2 bunks on each side equaling 4 beds
- Each bed has a privacy curtain, light and power outlet
- Dresser with 4 large drawers – one for each guest with additional storage under the beds
- Rooms are typically assigned by gender
- 1 cabin with two beds that sleeps 2 (typically reserved for a couple)
- We do our best to put a second couple in their own room whenever possible, however this is subject to - availability due to the mix of men/women on the boat

• There is air conditioning throughout all interior areas for everyone’s comfort – each cabin can be individually controlled
• 4 spacious bathrooms with a full size shower in each on the dive deck (also air conditioned) – each bathroom is assigned to a cabin so guests can leave their personal items inside
• 2 community lavatories on the dive deck
• Large galley that comfortably accommodates all passengers with a projector and a drop-down screen for group presentations.
• Salon is comfortable with sofas, a TV, a computer table set up, books and DVD’s
• Huge, well organized dive deck with gear storage for all your diving equipment
Spacious camera table with lots of power outlets
• Dive platform for easy access to the inflatable pangas
• Rinse shower on the dive platform
• 2 on-board compressors
• Large shaded sundeck with lawn chairs – perfect for relaxing between dives.
• 2 inflatable pangas with drivers to get you to and from the dive sites – each has a sturdy ladder for the safety and comfort of our divers
• All power is 110 (just like the US)

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