Sea of Cortez diving & glamping: Isla San José - 5 days
Isla San José is one of the largest and wildest islands in the Sea of Cortez — home to living reefs and a tremendous variety of marine life, including dolphins, sea turtles, rays, sharks, and whales. It’s far enough from La Paz that its best reefs and close-by dive sites are usually reserved for liveaboard trips only. Now, glamping puts this remote paradise within reach.
This adventure blends scuba diving and ocean safaris depending on what the marine life is doing. Our 48-ft fast boat, with open-air dive deck and direct water access, is perfect for both. Naturalist-led ocean safaris bring the thrill of cruising on the lookout for dolphins, whales, orcas, and other pelagic giants.
Las Ánimas is the crown jewel of fall diving, and just a short run from camp — a playground of pristine dive sites, each with its own character. The north pinnacles offer dramatic landscapes and prime hammerhead territory. Inside the bay, Guadalupe fur seals and sea lions come out to play, making it a favorite with snorkelers, who find the fur seals incredibly curious and playful right at the surface. To the southwest, the pinnacles drop into a huge wall, a magnet for turtles and big schooling fish.
We also venture to Isla Espíritu Santo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for standout dives like El Bajo — seamounts famous for shark sightings, including hammerheads and silky sharks, at the peak of their fall season — and Los Islotes, which has just reopened after its summer breeding closure, with sea lion pups at their most adorable and playful.
Camp sits right on San José’s east shore: a zero-footprint glamping base with real beds, private en-suite bathrooms, and gourmet meals served beachside, with tasty cocktails from the bartender to ease into the evening. A dedicated masseuse and massage tent are also on hand, offering massages for maximum relaxation. For added comfort, a 50-ft mothership anchored just offshore provides hot showers, a chef, Starlink, and 24-hour power. Kayaks and paddleboards are ready for exploring the coastline. (bajaexp)
Finding the perfect location - watch HERE