Nautilus Valentina

Pedro SilvaGoogle Reviewer

I did an 11 night trip to Revillagigedo and the Sea of Cortez for mantas and orcas from 23 June to 4 July 2025. We were a bit unlucky with the weather, with some storms around, so we didn’t do some of the things that were planned. And, sadly, we saw not a single orca, but, hey ho, that’s how the cookie crumbles sometimes. What I liked: -A generally good team onboard except Marlen, who really was exceptional; -nice diving platform at stern and method of picking up and dropping off divers; -the food was great; What I didn’t like/suggestions: -Information was, at times, a bit sketchy (crew names on welcome board, spotter plane for orcas never seen nor heard) -“must bring cash” for tips and fees but no safe boxes; -should have shelf above gear for dry things; -briefings on sun deck with 7mm wetsuits on 🥵; better in saloon right next to dining area where we had presentations, before getting ready, while on light clothing; -small double bed, concave in the middle, quite uncomfortable with two people; -twice released smb and twice a panga went over it well after it was up 😱; -internet $100 PER device: madness! 😱 -tips letter; -no lock on bedroom door -Last day we had to get off ridiculously early.

Jordan BraddenGoogle Reviewer

There are very few exceptions to cancelation policies which should be honored, like death, end of life medical prognosis, and official military orders. Should refund minus an administrative fee not be automatic, especially with 5 months’ warning, at minimum, moving the credit to another trip or traveler should be basic accommodation with relevant documentation. Read the fine print and use caution when booking.

Jennifer WeyerGoogle Reviewer

Just got back from the Ocean Safari and it was INCREDIBLE!!!! The first day of safari we saw dolphins, swam with orcas, encountered a blue whale and calf, and crossed paths with multiple humpback whales. The Ocean is never predictable, but she came through that day. The rest of the trip we played with sea lions, and saw mobulas, dolphins, and tons of other wildlife. This was our third trip with Nautilus and they never disappoint. Great crew, delicious food, and nice accommodations. Can’t wait to book our next adventure. Shout out to Willie, Papasito, Mario, and Osa. Hope to see you guys again.

Patrick MegarryGoogle Reviewer

Orcas & Mobulas Very disappointing experience, Not recommended. While we were unlucky with the weather and in nature nothing is confirmed, there are a factors that are controllable and should have been better. Expectations, we didn’t see Orcas in our trip, the previous week hadn’t either, on the week before that they’d seen them 1 day. So in June and early July there’d been sightings 1 day in 18. Net a 6% chance of Orcas. In previous years it’s been 60-70% in peak season. Additionally Mobula season was mostly over by end of June. We saw two small groups of 40 ish for about 1 min each time, if you’re hoping for 500+ mobulas than this didn’t happen for us. We saw whales from the boat briefly, same as I saw too and from dive locations on my day dives in La Paz the week before. The dive locations are the same thst the day boats go to from La Paz. There were 4x scuba dive’s offered on the week which led to seeing sea lions. This trip is essentially sitting on a liveaboard for hours at a time and then hours of looking at the ocean on a rib. All in all there is not much activity. Be aware that your chances of Orcas and Mobulas is very mixed and I think very low. Experience & Communication, some of the staff tried their best and there were some stars. Laura our hostess and Enrique the chef were fantastic, the food was a highlight and the beds very comfortable. Urial the dive leader was doing the job of 2-3 people and a lot more running and day to day tasks vs other dive leads. Seems like there was not a lot of support on dive deck. However there was alot of confusion amongst the team on running the day to day and it stems from the captain and his poor leadership. He was briefing us before/ not telling his dive master, which meant if we had questions than dive leader couldn’t answer them or didn’t know the details. He didn’t introduce his team when we boarded. He was dismissive of our questions and quite arrogant. I didnt get a direct answer to a question, just a joke. Communication in general was poor, a few people were told that we’d be leaving at a certain time and let this cascade throughout the boat vs telling all the guests. Then when this changed last minute again same approach. I nearly missed two trips on the rib as a result. There wasn’t enough staff, one dive leader for 11 people is too much even when you’re experienced in the water. This is the first liveabaord I’ve done which I would not recommend. I’ve previously been with Nautilus to Socorro which was a great trip, but I don’t think I’ll travel with them again. If you want to see Orcas and Mobulas in Mexico then my recommendation is go to La Ventanna and go with one of the day operators for day trips- it’s cheaper and gives you more flexibility in your agenda if weather is bad. They won’t be out or searching to same amount as liveabaord, this is a benefit of the trip. Before you book with any operator ask them about animal safety protocols and how much time they’re actually willing to spend with Orcas before leaving them alone. I heard some bad stories of day trip providers - not Nautilus- of 30 boats chasing one Orca for hours.

perloncho gGoogle Reviewer

The crew is the highlight of the trip, food and people are amazing. If you are a new diver, this trip is for you. For people looking for big animals, sharks, manta... look for other liveaboard. We were lucky to find Hammer head the last day, a couple. Usually, you will dive twice in the same spot, places are small and the animal you will find around the trip are sea lions. Other tip, I realized that I paid three times more than my roommate, I booked last minute because my previous boat was canceled. Look for better prices.