Did someone say Orca ? WHAT A CHANCE OF A LIFETIME THAT WAS. An opportunity came up with some friends to go snorkeling and swim with Mobulas and Orcas in the open ocean of the Sea of Cortez. After doing some diligent homework, the trip was set up with the, Nautilus Gallant Lady based on safety and the generous accommodations amongst their staff and crew on board. Never seeing an Orca ever in my life, I wasn't sure what to expect. Spotting them was a 50/50 chance during our 7 night and 8 day expedition. Knowing that going in, there was a possibility we might not see them and accepted that. I was really hoping that we were able to see them. Looking for them in such a vast open ocean can be looking for a needle in a haystack. I remained optimistic. After 2 wonderful days of swimming with Mobulas for hours, watching Humpbacks, Sea Turtles, Fin Whales, pods of dolphins, dolphins every day, dolphins every where, even a pod of several hundreds of dolphins, Bio Luminescense, not to mention the gazillion stars above the Lady and so much more. On day #3 we were fortunate enough to be greeted by the Orcas. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Was this really happening? Yes, yes it was! Although I feel very comfortable in the water, I was nervous on my first jump. I'm not going to lie, my first jump sent a feeling of vulnerability throughout my body. That feeling was valid because feeling nervous comes from the unknown. Until you do it for the first time, then you will want to do it again and again. Then there is no turning back. I guarantee it. I was like, "OMG! I am in the middle of the freaking ocean with an Orca and her baby."  Seeing a baby swimming with their mother in clear open water was out of this world. Juan and Celina are very safe and extremely respectful of the Orcas space. We spent hours observing them. About 6 hours in fact. Watching the babies tail slap, breech and spy hop. We watched them feed each other sea turtles while the babies still continued to splash the water with their little tails. We watched them well into the sunset with the most ultimate ideal conditions. It couldn't of been more perfect. The next day, on day #4, we woke up at daylight and headed out on the zodiac. Again, at 9am, they showed up and observed them for 11 hours this time. For 2 consecutive days straight, we had Orcas. This was the same pod of 6 from the previous day. 4 adult females with 2 babies. Not only did we watched them for 11 hours, we yet again, watched them well into the sunset. What set aside day #3 and day #4 was, day #4 we watched them hunt a dolphin. Watched them hunt, watched how they all worked together, watched the whole event from the start to the end. All of this took place about 50 yards at most in front of the Gallant Lady. As some guests wanted to hop right in the zodiac and "Go....Go...Go." Juan and Celina said, " no guys, we need to let them eat just like you ate your lunch. We need to remain respectful." I found that to be highly respectful as these wild animals have their own lives too. The crew on the Nautilus Gallant Lady, all work really well together as a team. Their communication amongst themselves is great. Safety is ALWAYS the #1 priority. I love how there are 2 female crew members and liked the extra estrogen on board. The boat is very clean and sanitized. Trust me, I was paying very close attention to that. The food is exquisite. Truly out if this world. Poncho works very hard in the kitchen. The portions are larger than what I am used to. The flavor is, "poppin". Everything is made fresh. You will not go hungry. Especially with Silvia's daily fresh made cookies. This trip has above and beyond exceeded my expectations. When I book my next Liveaboard, it will definitely be with Nautilus. I will truly miss everyone because everyone feels like family now. read more

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My 4 days 3 nights San Ignacio Lagoon Grey Whale trip with them has been nothing but disappointment. First of all, the crews did provide good customer service, the food was tasty and the luxury tent indeed was luxurious. However, my trip was nothing like what they advertised. On the website, it says "whale swimming right up to your boat ..."and "we never ever chase or crowd the whales." The whales want nothing to do with human. We were chasing them and they kept swimming away from us. On our first and second day, it was just 2 boats. But on the third day, there were 8 boats crowding a mama whale and a baby whale. Overall, if you are expecting a whale interaction trip like I did. You are not going to get it unless you are very lucky. If you are expecting a whale watching trip then go for it. But you can do whale watching for a day trip in a lot of places in the world for about $100 USD. Do you really want to pay them $3000 USD ?! read more

Nautilus Liveaboards - Scuba Diving Near Me

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I purchased a trip in 2020 through a company that could not go to Guadeloupe bc of Covid. They went out of business and were absorbed by Nautilus Liveaboards. I was vehemently denied a refund by both companies. Instead, I have been offered full credit towards another trip for months by Nautilus. I finally gave up on my original trip and wrote an email accepting the full credit toward another trip. I was told it was an oversight; I am to receive nothing. i am allowed to give them more money at a discount. read more

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It is a very shady company with false publicity on their trips. On the Orcas and Mobuld trip. The brochure and information they send about the trip is not correct. The rate of success on finding orcas was this year close to 30% not even close to the 80% you say in your publicity. This trip should be advertised as a sea safari not Orcas and Mobulas, it is misleading and false publicity. Another matter under the emerald suite I had is the axis to the propeller, impossible to sleep propperly. Poorly isolated for noise. We need to be able to belive that liveaboard companies sell us what they advertise or we will not be able to trust them. read more

Nautilus Liveaboards - Scuba Diving Near Me

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Had a great white shark dive planned a few years ago. Shortly before the trip I received devastating news. A loved one was diagnosed with cancer. I had to cancel the trip to care for her. Not only did they refuse to give me a refund, the staff was very rude and indifferent. One woman even hung up on me. Every other travel company for this trip not only issued me a refund, they were very thoughtful and compassionate. Nautilus is the worst, only out for a buck. Worse still, their core is so nasty it's incomprehensible. read more

HORRIBLE Company that is only looking to make a buck off of you! I put a down payment on a Guadalupe Island Shark Diving trip. Mexico then permanently closed Guadalupe to all tourism. Nautilus refused to refund me even though they accepted my deposit after the Island was closed! Avoid this morally bankrupt company unless you enjoy throwing money away. They do not care about customers. There are many other people that have lost money because this shady company took their money also and refused refunds. All other vendors that offered trips to Guadalupe gave refunds back to their customers...except this "company". PATHETIC read more

Buyer beware!!!!! Be sure to read all the fine print and conditions carefully before putting down a deposit. Nautilus Liveaboards does not refund deposits in any circumstance, even if the trip you booked is cancelled and ultimately unavailable (45 months since deposit). read more

this was the worst live-aboard experience ever... they overpromise and underdeliver ... the food is sub par.. the management horrendous... they literally abandon us during the hurricane for two days without any communication on what to do or where to stay... with NO APOLOGY or Compensation they take you to places infested with fisherman which leaves little to no in water infraction ... avoid avoid avoid .... was the biggest disappointment ever ... and again the management was dismal One star is too much for this tourist trap. read more

Booked for Guadeloupe like many others and it was cancelled because of the park closure. Like everyone else they refused to refund our money. They're nothing but a scam and have stolen tens of thousands of dollars from people. Every other dive company refunded their customers, not these crooks. Look elsewhere. read more

This company is a scam. We booked with them in 2021 for 2022. They were not able to make trips in 2022 due to the park closing. (You can google to get info on the shark de*ths they have caused). Instead of offering refunds they offered "credits" towards future shark-diving trips. We accepted this offer and rebooked for 2023. Now the park is looking like it will be permanently closed due to this specific company's bad diving practices and they are not offering refunds at all. They are also operating under "Shark Diver.com" to avoid the negative press and reviews from the dozens of people they're stealing thousands of dollars from. read more

Some family friends and I put down a deposit in 2019 for a trip to Guadalupe Island that was cancelled due to Covid. Instead of graciously refunding our deposits, the company has kept our money (for 3 years now) and refused to give us a refund. And like Lindsey G., we are only being told that we can take another trip. I have ZERO desire to do anything with this company, let alone give them more money. They already have a D- rating on the Better Business Bureau's website so please think twice before you commit your money to this company because 1) they won't communicate with you and 2) they will refuse you a refund. read more

I would be careful booking with this company. They have committed fraud and took thousands of dollars from their customers. They offered Great White Shark trips and took the money from their customers, knowing the government shut the park down. If this happened to you, contact your credit card company quickly, as they may be able to get the money back for you. My friend and I were able to get the main payment back, through the credit card company, but due to timing can't get the deposit back. The company will not return the deposit. They did not provide the services paid for and won't refund. Shameful! read more

8/28/16 There is no way to fully express how great this trip was. We were greeted when we arrived on the ship with a chef made Margarita, and the non stop, gourmet service, and food started that moment. The staff who work on the boat are focused on safety, and amazing customer service. The dive masters are on their game (and not to shabby to look at...just sayin)....and the sous chef and his assistant are 5 star quality. No matter what time of the day or night you wanted something, there was always a staff member to make sure everyone's experience was A+. We had a safety briefing the next day after we left Encinita, and that was great since it was 22 hours to reach our little great white shark oasis. The rooms are spacious and beautiful. Lots of windows for breathtaking views. I met some new friends, and had my passion for diving re ignited. The experience of diving with great white sharks, really can not be fully expressed with words. If you love scuba diving, or even love the ocean....then check this out. If you are not scuba certified, that is OK, still lots to see and experience on the surface cages,. The Dive masters are super patient, and understanding. Spending a week out on the ocean scuba diving, with my best buddie, being waited on hand and foot....was well beyond any thing I ever imagined. I can not WAIT to go back and explore the Mantas of Socorro. 6/17/16 As this trip has solidified, the luxury food and ample beverages, along with our window view room (a bit extra) ......is really second to none. All the food....(and it is amazing food), is included in the price...The crew is skilled and focused on making this experience memorable for each person. 6 days 5 nights........leaving from San Diego. I am getting there a day early, cuz I can. Shuttle to and from the port........ The cocktails, of course will be extra, but well worth it after amazing days of diving. 5 to 6 GREAT WHITE shark dives a day, and every need we have is met by the crew. Luxurious beds, Jacuzzi, ...we will be 261 miles from Mexico BAJA shore...on the ocean....and the boat is 134 feet long....33 feet wide., and just beautiful. Check out the ship.....if you care to. www.nautilusbelleamie.com Watching the sunsets from the ocean....Guadalupe Island.....heaven... 125 foot visibility diving with GREAT WHITE SHARKS in a responsible way to preserve the natural beauty of the sea and reefs....spending time with a best buddy I have known for 25 years....THATS the good stuff. read more

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DO NOT BOOK WITH NAUTILUS. They are shady and have several lawsuits against them due to malpractice and 3 instances of severely injuring/killing great white sharks. They caused all of Guadalupe National Park to close for an entire season, causing them to cancel our trip and not even offer a refund. I booked a $30k trip with them for 10 people to go shark diving. All other companies who had to cancel this season's shark diving trips due to Nautilus's lack of integrity have refunded their customers and given them several options to rebook. I emailed Mark, the president of the Nautilus, to request a refund and he called me "nasty" and demanded an apology from me-- all for asking for my money back on a trip that they cancelled with less than 2 months' notice (I booked over a year and a half ago). If Nautilus cancelled your trip and has refused you a refund, please feel free to contact me as I'm filing a class action lawsuit against them. read more