MANTA & MARLIN MAGIC

Striped marlins are some of the fastest and most agile fish in the ocean.  They attain speeds up to 80 kilometers per hour / 50 miles per hour and spectacularly change the color of their stripes with their moods. Sadly, marlins are prized trophy fish and sport fishing has been the major “industry” to hold court in the waters off Mexico until recently. There is a new eco-tourism effort growing in Magdalena Bay and by travelling there, divers can help the locals to believe in the concept that the marlins are worth more alive than hanging on someone’s wall.Trips leave Cabo San Lucas.  Some travel overland and are land-based … but this year the fabulous Nautilus Undersea is trekking over to the west coast to offer divers a bit of marlin wizardry.Arriving at the bay after the trip from Cabo, it’s time for the fun to begin.

You’ll be watcing for circling sea birds.  It’s nearly 100% certain that wherever there are large throngs of sea birds there are bait balls just below the surface …. and marlins & sea lions enjoying a feast.  There can be hundreds of fast-moving bait falls with up to 20 or 30 marlins in rapid pursuit. Joining the excitement are loads of sea lions who find the sardines & mackerel to be equally tasty morsels and are also expert hunters.Most of the time, the marlins and sea lions seem to work in a coordinated effort to herd and to split the bait balls to more easily capture the prey. Of course, the sea birds are constantly dropping in from above to get their fair share and sometimes tuna joining the action from below. It’s exotic marine madness.Adding interest during this voyage is a visit to the surprisingly intact WWI submarine as well as the wreck of the steamship “Independence” in which 150 people sadly perished.

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PLUS …  ELECTRIFYING ENCOUNTERS AT SOCORRO

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The majestic Pacific mantas, the type you’ll encounter at Socorro, are the largest of the ray family.   They swim by moving their wing-like pectoral fins, which can grow up to 7 meters wide, but usually average about 5 – 6 meters.  The interaction divers experience in their presence is initiated by the mantas.  For 25 years they have been exposed to the strange creatures in rubber suits who lumber off boats … and the animals seemingly have become attached to our antics. The mantas come in very close – often less than 1 meter from a diver.  They will make eye contact with you, then swim along beside you. 

Of course, it’s totally on their terms. We don’t approach …. they do.  But, they choose to do so year after year after year … with group after group.

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MANTAS, DOLPHINS, SHARKS & WHALE SHARKS IN CRYSTAL WATERS

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What is perhaps even more extraordinary is that the local population of bottlenose dolphins has learned to mimic the behavior of the giant mantas.  It is very likely that these wild dolphins will also move in close and intimate to divers during your trip.   Sort of Two for the Price of One !

November and December boast the warmest water temps of the year in the low 80’s so our charter puts you at Socorro at an ideal time.   And, in addition to the usual interaction with mantas, dolphins and 10 kinds of sharks …. this is the best time of year to see whale sharks in blue blue water, most often with excellent visibility. 

Steep walls and rock formations characterize the dive sites on these volcanic islands. The vegetation is usually very sparse, but the manta rays, whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, silvertip sharks, silk sharks, etc. make up enough for the barren underwater world.

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FIND AND BOOK AVAILABLE SPACES

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NAUTILUS BELLE AMIE LIVEABOARD

Nautilus Belle Amie is 135 feet (41 meters) of comfortt.  She has 17 cabins, taking up to 32 guests. She’s big, bright, powerful & designed for the work she’s doing.  On the large & glorious partially-covered sun deck, you’ll a Jacuzzi, a bar and, of course, everything you need for catching rays.  Just below on the bridge deck, the guest area is devoted to 6 enormous suites. One level down, on the main deck, you find the air-conditioned dining room, completely separate interior lounge, another bar, 2 more suites (which connect and can be opened up into one enormous suite) and Belle Amie’s fabulous dive deck. The lounge offers a small library plus a TV/stereo entertainment system and Sat phone, email & internet access will be available.  On the lower deck, there are 8 standard staterooms and one triple cabin.