The Nautilus Gallant Lady operates in the Gulf of California, also known as the "Aquarium of the World" - a title bestowed on this unique marine area by none other than Jacques Cousteau. The yacht offers year-round diving adventures to two fascinating destinations.
From May to October, it cruises in the northern part of the Sea of Cortez around Bahía de los Ángeles. This region is famous for its high concentration of whale sharks - the largest in the entire Gulf - and numerous playful sea lion colonies. With a bit of luck, you can even spot Humboldt squid hunting at night.
From September to December, the Gallant Lady heads south to Cabo Pulmo Marine Park, a thriving marine reserve that is often referred to asa"mini Galápagos". Divers can expect an impressive variety of species there, including bull sharks, tiger sharks, manta rays, huge schools of fish and many other highlights.
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The Nautilus Gallant Lady is part of the renowned Nautilus fleet and combines luxury with an exclusive diving experience. The stylish 50 metre long yacht offers space for just 16 guests, guaranteeing an intimate, personal ambience. Guests are accommodated in six spacious suites spread over the lower and main decks. There is a choice of five superior suites and one spacious premium suite. All cabins have individually adjustable air conditioning, a California king-size bed or two double beds, ample storage space and a private bathroom with shower.
The Gallant Lady scores with tastefully designed communal areas that invite you to linger. The sky lounge with whirlpool on the upper deck is ideal for rounding off the day with a cocktail. The sun deck offers a relaxing retreat between dives. The spacious saloon and elegant dining room have a well-stocked bar and panoramic windows with magnificent views. The on-board chef takes care of your physical well-being with a fine selection of freshly prepared dishes from Mexican and North American cuisine. Special dietary requirements can also be catered for by prior arrangement.
Mexico Sardine Run - Magdalena Bay
From mid-October to December, a magical spectacle takes place in the nutrient-rich, deep blue currents off Magdalena Bay:
Numerous predators gather to hunt in the second largest sardine run in the world. This spectacular underwater experience is breathtaking.
It's hard not to feel sorry for the sardines - but that's the nature of the ocean.
We see striped marlins, for example, chasing through the schools of fish at speeds of up to 50 kilometres per hour.
But also Bryde's and humpback whales eating their way through the shoals.
We discovered an area where mother and newborn humpback whales gather - there are also sharks, many sea lions, mahi-mahi, seabirds and much more.
In the surrounding regions, we also encounter numerous turtles and even mola-mola (giant sunfish).
It's basically a wild, intense hustle and bustle of marine life.
12-night liveaboard tour from Cabo
The tour begins with boarding in Cabo and continues along the Baja coast - around 15 hours sailing to Magdalena Bay.
Exemplary itinerary
Although the focus of these trips is on snorkelling and free diving, up to six scuba dives are included.
Certified divers are asked to bring their own equipment (including buoyancy compensator, regulator and dive computer). Alternatively, rental equipment can be organised via SeeCreatures.
Day 1: Embarkation & departure
Meeting point is at 17:00 at SeeCreatures Cabo for the short transfer to the ship. You then embark and set off along the Baja coast for the approximately 15-hour journey to Magdalena Bay.
The sea is usually calm - we anchor at night in the sheltered bay or behind islands.
Please note: Interaction with the sardine balls takes place in the open Pacific.
Day 2: Welcome to Magdalena Bay!
Late arrival in the morning. Today is our familiarisation day at the southern end of Isla Margarita.
Although the main aim of this expedition is snorkelling and free diving with schools of sardines, today we also have the opportunity to snorkel with sea lions and - if conditions are good - dive two wrecks:
A large passenger ship that sank over 200 years ago and a submarine from the First World War.
Days 3-6: High season in Mag Bay
Now it's time to really get going: we're looking for sardine balls!
A search plane helps us locate them on the first few days.
These days are dedicated to snorkelling and free diving, not scuba diving.
What exactly happens can never be predicted - but on most tours we experience calm water, light swell and lots of marine life.
The stars are: Striped marlin and Bryde's whales - but there is so much more to discover.
This project is a sustainable ecotourism programme in collaboration with local fishermen turned tourism guides.
Nobody knows these waters better than them.
You are also very likely to spot turtles, sea lions, sharks and seabirds.
In short: it can be very, very exciting.
Day 7: Reserve day or action day
A buffer day for sardine balls - in case the weather didn't play ball on the previous days.
Alternatively: diving or an excursion to the gigantic sand dunes of Isla Margarita.
The return journey to Cabo begins in the afternoon - usually a pleasant descent with gentle movements.
Day 8: Breakfast & disembarkation
Breakfast on board, followed by disembarkation in Cabo at 08:30.
Please note: The last dive takes place on the penultimate day of the trip.
Recommendation: Wait 24 hours after the last dive before the return flight.
The itinerary described is provided by the organiser. Changes to the itinerary, activities or destinations are possible at any time - depending on weather, guest experience, local regulations or decisions made by the captain.
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Superior Suites Lower + Upper Deck
- 1 double or 2 single beds
- En-suite bathroom
- adjustable air conditioning
- max. 2 guests
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Premium Suite Lower Deck
- 1 large double bed
- En-suite bathroom
- adjustable air conditioning
- max. 2 guests
Included: VAT, soft drinks, tea & coffee, drinking water, welcome cocktails, special dinner, snacks, full board (all meals), dive packages, towels for use on deck, cabin towels, complimentary toiletries.
Required extras: Dive insurance, harbour fees (35 USD), national park fees (100-172 USD per day).
Optional extras: travel insurance, tips, hotel transfers, alcoholic drinks, rental equipment, nitrox (125 EUR per trip), nitrox course, private dive guide, diving courses, additional dives, glass-bottom boat trips, fishing, jet skis, kayaks, shore excursions, naturalist, snorkelling guide, snorkelling set, stand-up paddleboard, wakeboarding, water skiing, laundry/ironing service, WLAN.
Prices for equipment hire
Rental equipment is available on this ship. Please indicate what you need on the booking form. Details below of what is included and the additional prices.
- 15 litre bottles 65 USD per trip
- Regulators 55 USD per trip
- BCD 55 USD per trip
- Fin 20 USD per trip
- Mask 25 USD per trip
- Nitrox bottle100 USD per trip
- Signal buoyIncluded
- TorchIncluded
- Dive computer 35 USD per trip
- Full equipment (with: regulator, BCD, dive computer) 35 USD per day
- Wetsuit 55 USD per trip
- Air temperature: Warm all year round with average temperatures between 19 °C in January and 29 °C in August.
- Water temperature: Water temperatures vary between 21.5 °C in February and March and 29.5 °C in September, providing ideal conditions for diving activities.
- Rainfall: The rainiest months are September and October, while April is the driest month.
The Baja California peninsula in north-west Mexico is one of the most fascinating diving regions on the American continent. Magdalena Bay (Bahía Magdalena) on the Pacific side of Baja California Sur in particular offers spectacular experiences with marine giants, breathtaking nature and adventures off the beaten track.
Why is diving in Baja California & Magdalena Bay worthwhile?
Mobulas & Marlins: The region is unique in the world for its encounters with huge shoals of mobula rays, which "fly" through the water in synchronisation or jump spectacularly out of the water. In season, you can also see hunting striped marlins shooting through shoals of sardines - a spectacle straight out of a BBC documentary film.
Whales close enough to touch: Magdalena Bay is a hotspot for grey whales, which give birth to their calves here. Although not a classic diving destination, snorkelling or boat trips bring these gentle giants closer than anywhere else in the world - sometimes you can even touch them.
Unspoilt coasts & mangroves: Away from mass tourism, the area offers an unspoilt coastal landscape with dunes, islands, lagoons and mangroves - ideal for nature lovers, underwater photographers and adventurers.
Dynamic interactions: The sardine-run-like hunt of marlins, sea lions, dolphins and birds in perfect choreography - a live natural spectacle underwater.
Best time to visit and animal sightings by season
| month | Animal highlights |
|---|---|
| October - December | Striped marlins, schools of sardines, hunting mobulas, seabirds, dolphins - pure action! |
| May - July | Mobula rays in super shoals, often hundreds to thousands of animals at once. |
| January - March | Grey whales in Magdalena Bay - watch, snorkel or get up close from the boat. |
| All year round | Sea lions, turtles, dolphins, barracudas, huge schools of fish - pure nature. |
What makes Baja California & Magdalena Bay so special?
One of the last wild oceans: The Pacific Ocean around Baja is one of the most nutrient-rich marine areas in the world - food for everyone, from schools of sardines to whales.
Spectacular hunting scenes: The sardine-run-like events (comparable to South Africa) are concentrated here, easy to plan and a paradise for photographers.
Hardly any tourism: Still a real insider tip - few boats, plenty of space and unique nature experiences without mass tourism.
Can be combined with other top spots: Baja can be perfectly combined with other destinations - e.g. La Paz (sea lions, whale sharks), Cabo Pulmo (UNESCO reef), or even Socorro.
Conclusion
Magdalena Bay and the coasts of Baja California are a paradise for anyone who loves the wild sea. Instead of tropical corals, the focus here is on pure interaction with marine giants and predatory fish. It is a place for photographers, adventurers and anyone who wants to experience nature in its most powerful form. An experience that gets under your skin - and into your heart.