Explore Baja Photo Workshop 2027

Explore Baja Photo Workshop 2027 on the Rocio Del Mar.

 

Explore Baja 2027 Photo Workshop

Join us on October 16 - 28, 2027 for Rocio del Mar's best liveaboard trip!!

October 16 - 28, 2027

Trip Leader: Mike Chiado

12 Nights for only $5,095

Book Now Button

Optional 7-Night Land Extensions in La Paz:

The Hotel Costa Baja Resort & Spa - $2,087 pp

La Concha Beach Resort - $1,803 pp

Hotel Catedral La Paz - $1,670 pp

 

Why Join This Trip?

  • Daily photography workshops by photo pro at no extra cost, suitable for beginners and experienced photographers alike 
  • Unique itinerary sailing the entire length of the Sea of Cortez from north to south
  • See the unexpected in remote locations: dolphins, sea lions, whales, mantas etc
  • Sail with one of the best liveaboards in the Sea of Cortez, the Rocio Del Mar
  • Easy travel: fly into Phoenix, Arizona to start the trip and end in San Jose del Cabo
  • 25% off rental photo gear from Bluewater Photo

Back to Menu

 

Trip Overview

Experience what very few people have - a journey where there are no roads, very few people, and almost no boats. At night you hear something splashing. It could be anything - dolphins, marlin, a school of bonitos? Then you hear a huge sound of blowing and water spouting. It's a whale! You can't see him, but he sounds big. At a distance, you hear sea lions and pelicans. What a splendid way to end a magnificent day. 

 Sea Lions Explore Baja sea lions

 Video by our guest Dan McGanty on our 2018 Explore Baja Photo Workshop.

 

During the day we move from one island to the next, diving 3 to 4 times daily. If you wish to hike the remote islands during surface intervals, there is always a dinghy available to take you to shore. Kayaks are also always available for a serene cruise around the islands.

Exploring one island to the next is a magical experience - one that will linger in your memory for years to come. The Sea of Cortez remains a secret oasis where the desert meets the sea.

Read all about our 2022 Explore Baja trip. 

Back to Menu

Marine Life To Photograph

The biodiversity between the Northern and Southern Sea of Cortez is incredible. The sea life we witness on the surface from the boat, dinghies or snorkeling is fantastic. There's potential to see dolphins, sea lions, pilot, humpback, blue, fin, sei, orca, and sperm whales. Also, flying mantas, blue and brown-footed boobies, cormorants, frigate birds, and the endemic yellow-footed gull.

Sea Lions Mobula Rays Explore Baja Trip Report 2021

  

Diving Conditions In October

Average water temperatures in October are in the low to mid-80s. A full 3mm wetsuit is recommended. Although the conditions in the Sea of Cortez are mostly calm, there are times that the sea is rough. Please be prepared for this type of situation and bring sea sickness medication if necessary.

Back to Menu

 

Inclusions

  • Three meals per day, snacks, beverages including soft drinks, juice, domestic beer & wine
  • 3-4 dives per day; tanks, weights & weight belts are provided
  • Activities included: Diving, hiking, kayaking, snorkeling & several land excursions exploring small towns & missions
  • 16% Mexican tax
  • Port fees

 

Exclusions

  • Airfare
  • Airport transfers - $115 per person for the arranged group shuttle from Puerto Penasco to PHX Airport at the start of the trip, around $60 per person for a taxi from SJD Airport to Puerto Los Cabos at the end of the trip
  • Marine park fees ($65, subject to change)
  • Nitrox ($140)
  • Dive insurance
  • Gratuity
  • Fuel surcharge. Rocio has never charged a fuel surcharge to date but reserves the right to implement a fuel surcharge on all trips in the event the cost of fuel surpasses 20 pesos per liter. Should this occur, all guests will be notified prior to boarding.
  • Travel Insurance: click here to learn more about our preferred plan

Back to Menu

 

Trip Type

This trip is a PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP. It will be led by one of our photo instructors and will include daily underwater photography tutorials, in-water photography support, and one-to-one advice and guidance as required.

What to expect from our Photo Workshops

  • Daily photo workshops - Your photo instructor will schedule seminars each day on topics including, but not limited to, equipment type and selection, the concept of underwater photography, lighting and composition techniques, and post-processing. They will also include additional topics relevant to the location and your experience.
  • In-water support - Where possible, each dive group will spend time underwater with the photo instructor, receiving in-water support and guidance on their shooting techniques.  Participants can also request in-water assistance during the workshop and the photo instructor will do his or her best to accommodate all requests. 
  • Consecutive days of practice & review - Each day you will have the opportunity to practice the techniques and skills learned in the previous day’s tutorials. If you are new to underwater photography you will likely see a vast improvement in just a few days.
  • Daily photo image reviews - You are strongly encouraged to bring your laptop, a thumb drive, edit your photos, and submit your shots for review from both the instructor and your peers. These are fun and interactive sessions encouraging you to improve throughout the trip.
  • Quality time with fellow photographers - Both new and experienced photographers from past workshops have expressed the advantages of joining a trip with like-minded divers with a passion for underwater photography.
  • Suitable for everyone - New and experienced photographers are welcome on all our trips. Gain the necessary skills to start shooting great photos, increase your confidence in finding the best underwater shots, or hone specific skills. We also encourage non-photographers to join, as many of them really enjoy the daily photo reviews, learning about underwater photography, and some have even returned to a photo workshop with an underwater camera setup!

Enjoy free, unlimited access to a wealth of knowledge and advice from your photo instructor.

Baja 2018 Trip Baja 2018 Trip 

 

Trip Schedule

This is a sample itinerary from Puerto Penasco to San Jose del Cabo, subject to weather and other conditions.

  • Day 1 - Check in at boat at 5:00pm - Puerto Penasco (October 16)
  • 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. 3 pm 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 3 pm 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 - Angel Island
  • 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 8:30 am. (October 28)

 

 

Back to Menu

 

About The Rocio Del Mar

Rocio Del Mar is one of the most popular liveaboards sailing in the area, offering excellent service and fantastic food. There are 10 cabins for up to a maximum of 20 divers, all offering private bathrooms with hot shower stalls, Western-style toilets, and above-height windows. Cabins are carpeted and have air-conditioning, plus convenient gear and clothes storage drawers beneath the beds. 

Rocio Del Mar Rocio Del Mar

Rocio Del Mar Rocio Del Mar 

Check this page to see more details and customer reviews on the Rocio Del Mar.

Rocio Del Mar Deck Plan

Back to Menu

 

Flight Information

Passengers must arrive at Phoenix Sky Harbor airport no later than 11 am on the trip departure date. A shuttle service is provided to the boat that guests should book in advance. Head Out to Rocky Point will pick up all passengers between 12 noon and 1 pm at Terminal 4, door #5 on the south side. Meet the shuttle curbside. All passengers must have reached the Marina and be aboard the Rocio Del Mar between 5 pm and 6 pm. Departure from Puerto Peñasco occurs at approximately 6 pm. Dinner is served at 7 pm.

Book the one-way shuttle for $115 at this link.

Back to Menu 

 

About The Trip Leader

Mike Chiado has over four decades of experience in the entertainment post production industry. Mike is CTO of Company3 and oversees technology, workflow and image science departments for feature motion pictures, episodic and advertising businesses. Mike become a PADI Master Scuba Diver in 1991 which included the speciality of Underwater Photography (film-based, BTW!), and actively diving and photographing tropical and California waters.

Read more about Mike here.

Back to Menu 

 

Payment Schedule

  • Deposit: $1,000
  • Payment 2: $1,200 due on October 1, 2026
  • Payment 3: $1,400 due on April 1, 2027
  • Payment 4: $1,495 due on July 1, 2027

Back to Menu

 

WANT TO EXTEND YOUR TRIP?

We can help with that! See more of Mexico before or after your trip with Bluewater in Baja. Flying all that way merits a multi-destination vacation! La Paz is an amazing destination nearby that offers a range of additional unique experiences. Here are some examples of packages we can add on to your trip reservation.

*Rates are subject to change at any time; please contact us for the most updated pricing. 

7 NIGHTS AT THE 5 STAR COSTA BAJA RESORT & SPA

Prices start at $2,087 per person based upon double occupancy. 

The Hotel CostaBaja Resort & Spa is the first and only luxury hotel & spa in the city of La Paz. This boutique hotel offers a selection of ocean, mountain and marina views. North of the hotel is Espiritu Santo Island, where you will find the greatest marine life in the world and the best sport fishing within Baja Sur.

  • 7 nights in a king or twin room

  • Full buffet breakfasts

  • 5 days of 3 tank dives

  • Lunches & drinks on the boat

  • National park permit fees 

  • Roundtrip Cabo transfers

  • Free WiFi: Yes

  • Swimming Pool: Yes

 

Costa Baja Resort La Paz Costa Baja Resort La Paz

Costa Baja Resort & Spa

 

7 NIGHTS AT THE 3 STAR LA CONCHA BEACH RESORT

Prices start at $1,803 per person based upon double occupancy.

A beach resort offering a peaceful and mellow atmosphere on the Sea of Cortez. Over a hundred sea view rooms are featured in La Concha Beach Resort. Located in front of the ocean and with full view to the beach and pool, the accommodations include from essential details to luxury amenities.

  • 7 nights in a king or twin sea view room

  • Full American breakfasts

  • 5 days of 3 tank dives

  • Lunches & drinks on the boat

  • National park permit fees

  • Roundtrip Cabo transfers

  • Free WiFi: Yes

  • Swimming Pool: Yes

 

La Concha Beach Resort La Paz La Concha Standard Room Interior

La Concha Beach Resort

 

7 NIGHTS AT THE 4 STAR HOTEL CATEDRAL 

Prices start at $1,670 per person based upon double occupancy.

Hotel Catedral La Paz is a new concept of accommodation to suit the needs of today's travelers. It is part of the historic center of the city, surrounded by major attractions next to Our Cathedral Lady of La Paz. With its sophisticated contemporary modernist architecture, Hotel Catedral La Paz it focuses on every detail to offer its guests an excellent service and quality, both in the rooms and its gourmet restaurant.

  • 7 nights in a king or twin sea view room

  • Full breakfasts

  • 5 days of 3 tank dives

  • Lunches & drinks on the boat

  • National park permit fees

  • Roundtrip Cabo transfers

  • Free WiFi: Yes

  • Swimming Pool: Yes

  

Back to Menu

 

Got Questions? Ready to Book?

Call us today at +1-310-915-6677 email us at trips@bluewaterdivetravel.com

Or stop by our office at 3961 Sepulveda Blvd, Suite 206 Culver City, CA 90230 

And let us book your dream vacation!

Back to Menu

 

Photo Gallery 

Book Now Button


Underwater Photos from the Previous Trip  

Baja 2018 Trip Baja 2018 Trip

Baja 2018 Trip Baja 2018 Trip

Baja 2018 Trip Baja 2018 Trip Baja 2018 Trip

A destructive crown of thorns starfish eats coral in Baja Baja Trip 2021

Back to Menu

SUPPORT THE UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE:

The Best Service & Prices on u/w Photo Gear

 

Visit Bluewater Photo & Video for all your underwater photography and video gear. Click, or call the team at (310) 633-5052 for expert advice!

 


The Best Pricing, Service & Expert Advice to Book your Dive Trips

 

Bluewater Travel is your full-service scuba travel agency. Let our expert advisers plan and book your next dive vacation. Run by divers, for divers.