Big Animal Diving Excellence; 25+ Years of Big Animal Expeditions

For over 25 years, Nautilus Dive Adventures has been the premier choice for big animal diving expeditions in the Eastern Pacific. Specializing in close encounters with some of the ocean's most magnificent creatures, Nautilus has established itself as the leader in wildlife-focused liveaboard diving, operating from their base in Baja California, Mexico.

Unmatched Safety Standards & Fleet Excellence

Nautilus operates the world's most safety-certified dive fleet, with vessels built to commercial standards in Canadian and US shipyards. Every ship holds the same safety certifications as major cruise ships, including ISM, SOLAS, PSSC, GMDSS, and ISPS certificates. The Nautilus Explorer holds the distinction of being the world's first fully SOLAS-certified dive boat—a testament to their unwavering commitment to safety.

Fleet Overview:

• 4 luxury steel-hulled vessels built to American Bureau of Shipping standards
• All vessels ISM and SOLAS certified to cruise ship safety levels
• Professional maritime crews with commercial qualifications and STCW emergency training
• Stabilized for comfort in open ocean conditions
• State-of-the-art satellite systems providing internet access and emergency communications

The Fleet: Purpose-Built for Adventure

Nautilus Explorer (Flagship)

• 132-foot steel vessel launched in 2000, completely refitted in 2018
• 25 passengers in 13 cabins ranging from triple occupancy to premium suites
• World's first SOLAS-certified dive boat with extended water-level platform
• 5-ton hydraulic crane and reinforced dive deck for scientific operations

Nautilus Belle Amie

• State-of-the-art vessel launched in 2015, designed specifically for Socorro
• 32 passengers in 17 spacious staterooms and suites with hotel-like amenities
• Full-length sun deck and stabilized hull for ultimate comfort
• Extended water-level platform ideal for cage diving operations

Nautilus Under Sea

• Historic expedition vessel with legendary pedigree since 1968
• 19 passengers in 9 ensuite staterooms, completely rebuilt in 2017
• 105-foot length with bulbous bow and advanced stability systems
• Former support boat for James Bond "License to Kill" and Dr. Sylvia Earle expeditions

Nautilus Gallant Lady

• Luxury yacht conversion accommodating 12 divers in 6 spacious suites
• 116-foot Broward yacht with sky lounge and crow's nest
• Private charter availability and Sea of Cortez specialization
• Yacht-style amenities with hydraulic stabilization

Signature Destinations & Wildlife Encounters

Socorro Islands (Revillagigedos Archipelago)

The crown jewel of Nautilus expeditions, Socorro offers the world's friendliest giant Pacific mantas with wingspans reaching 20 feet. These intelligent rays actively seek interaction with divers, creating life-changing underwater encounters.

Wildlife Highlights:

• Giant Pacific Mantas - the friendliest in the world
• 10+ shark species including hammerheads, silky sharks, and whale sharks
• Playful bottlenose dolphins and seasonal humpback whales
• Oceanic white-tip sharks and Galápagos sharks

Guadalupe Island

The ultimate great white shark destination, featuring crystal-clear visibility and massive cage diving operations.

Experience Features:

• Up to 5 surface cages operating simultaneously from dawn to dusk
• Submersible cage diving for certified divers (3+ dives daily)
• Unlimited surface cage time with the record standing at 31.5 hours over three days
• World-class visibility often exceeding 100+ feet

Sea of Cortez ("World's Aquarium")

Seasonal expeditions to Jacques Cousteau's "World's Aquarium" featuring diverse marine ecosystems.

Seasonal Highlights:

• Whale shark aggregations near La Paz (up to 220 individuals)
• Sea lion colonies at Los Islotes with playful underwater interactions
• Humpback whale encounters and massive dolphin pods
• Historic wrecks including the ferry Salvatierra

Luxury Amenities & Conservation Focus

Onboard Excellence:

• Freshwater hot tubs on every vessel for post-dive relaxation
• "Theatre Under the Stars" open-air cinema experiences
• Professional chefs serving gourmet cuisine with Mexican and international flavors
• Fully stocked bars featuring single malts, microbrews, and premium wines
• Dedicated camera stations with editing facilities and charging areas

Educational Programs:

• "Manta 101" behavior and identification courses
• Shark behavior workshops and conservation education
• Marine biology presentations by expert naturalists
• Respectful wildlife interaction protocols ensuring animal welfare

Technical Diving & Equipment

All Nautilus vessels are fully equipped for advanced diving operations:

• Rebreather-friendly with full oxygen and nitrox services
• Nitrox available for certified divers on all expeditions
• Technical diving support with professional dive operations
• Professional dive guides with extensive local knowledge and safety training

Seasonal Operations & Migration Following

Nautilus expeditions are carefully timed to follow natural wildlife migration patterns, ensuring optimal encounters:

• Socorro Season: November through May for manta rays and sharks
• Guadalupe Season: August through October for great white sharks
• Sea of Cortez: Year-round with seasonal wildlife variations
• Whale watching seasons aligned with migration patterns

Exclusive Partnership Benefits

Through Ascubadiving's partnership with Nautilus Dive Adventures, enjoy exclusive access to these world-renowned big animal expeditions. Our specialized booking services ensure you experience the legendary wildlife encounters and safety standards that have made Nautilus the choice of serious adventure divers worldwide.

Ready for Your Big Animal Adventure?
Experience the thrill of swimming with giants. Choose Nautilus Liveaboards for encounters that will redefine your understanding of marine life.

Where safety meets adventure, and every dive is a wildlife documentary in the making.