Aguila

The inspiration behind the Quino was the time spent with marine biologist groups on our sister ship, the Rocio Del Mar. Our experience with them was so incredibly impactful that we wanted more. We believe that that we make the world a better place one diver at a time.

The Quino gives divers the opportunity to visit magical destinations such as Socorro, the Sea of Cortez and the Baja Peninsula at a lower price without compromising the level of service and delicious food our guests have come to know on the Rocio Del Mar.

The Quino offers truly unique diving experiences including Citizen Science Expeditions, regular dive charters, as well as the availability for other unique private charters. We all carry the concience and awareness that while we are privledged to have experienced the wonders of the underwater world, we also carry the responsibility to protect it. That is why the Quino El Guardian is created. She was once a fishing vessel and was redesigned into a ship whose sole purpose is for scuba diving and scientific research.

Vessel: 
The vessel is 90 ft long with a 25 ft beam. The Quino comfortably accommodates 16 passengers with additional space for the group leaders with the crew.

Cabins:  
There are 5 cabins: 4 quad cabins and 1 cabin with 2 beds
4 Quad Cabins

• There are two bunks on each side equaling 4 beds, each with a privacy curtain
• Each cabin is outfitted with 4 large drawers, one for each guest
• Additional storage is available below the lower bunks
• The cabins are arranged by gender

1 Dual Cabin

• There are two bunks each with a privacy curtain 
• This cabin is typically reserved for a couple

Food: 
Each day you will enjoy a continental breakfast, full plated breakfast, plated lunch starting with a hot soup, afternoon snack, and a three course dinner including salad, entree and dessert. Hot and cold beverages are always available including canned soft drinks.  Complimentary beer and wine is available after your last dive of the day. Please let us know if you have any special dietary needs and we will do our utmost to accommodate you. 

Air Conditioning: 
There is air conditioning throughout all interior areas including the restrooms for everyone’s comfort. Each cabin has an individually operated air conditioner that can be adjusted by the occupants.

Bathrooms: 
There are 4 spacious, air conditioned bathrooms with a full size shower in each - each cabin is assigned a bathroom so guests can keep their toiletries, towels or personal items in the bathroom.

Galley:
Comfortably accommodates all 16 passengers with a projector and a drop-down screen for group presentation.

Salon: 
The salon is comfortable with sofas, a TV and a computer table

Dive Deck:  
Very large and well organized with gear storage for all your diving equipment

Camera Table:  
Spacious with under storage and multiple outlets

Dive Platform:  
Large platform with easy access to the inflatables with a warm water rinse shower

Compressors:
Two onboard compressors - Nitrox available at an additional charge of $120 USD per diver

Sundeck: 
Large shaded sundeck with lawn chairs, perfect for relaxing between dives

Inflatable Dive Boats: 
2 inflatable boats with drivers to get you to the dive spots and back to the boat. Both have very sturdy ladders for the safety and ease of our divers. Divers remove their weights and BCD's in the water and hand them to the boat driver prior to climbing the ladder

Towels: 
Bathroom and dive deck towels are provided.  Towels are changed during the trip and as requested.

Other:
The Quino El Guardian is of the utmost sea worthiness and is approved by both the U.S. Coast Guard and the Mexican Coast Guard. It is equipped with state-of-the-art electronics and all safety equipment required.

Sample Itinerary- Socorro
The Revillagigedo Islands (also Revillagigedo Archipelago) are a group of four volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean, known for their unique ecosystem. The islands are home to many endemic plant and animal species.  Socorro island is the most diverse in flora, fauna, and topography.

These islands are a spectacular magnet for the largest ocean pelagic animals in the world. Animals include schooling Hammerhead Sharks, Tiger Sharks, Dolphins, Silky Sharks, Galapagos Sharks, clouds of Jacks and Barracuda, Tuna, Wahoo, Oceanic White Tip Sharks, Whale Sharks and Manta Rays.

This destination can only be dived by a liveaboard dive vessel. It lies 250 miles off Baja's southern shore and takes approximately 26 hours one-way to reach the islands. This is an excellent dive destination for large pelagics due to the open ocean nature of the islands, which sometimes include currents and choppy conditions. The underwater topography consists of rocky outcroppings, boulders and some incredible walls. There is not much in the way of coral as this is a cooler water destination.

Itinerary
Day 1 - Board the boat between 5pm-7pm the day of departure. After enjoying a wonderful dinner, relax on board the boat. The Quino departs just after midnight for Socorro and you arrive at San Benedicto in the morning giving you a full day of diving!
Day 2 – Day at Sea
Day 3 – San Benedicto, 4 dives scheduled
Day 4 – Socorro, 3 dives scheduled (check in with Naval Station)
Day 5 – Socorro, 4 dives scheduled
Day 6 – Roca Partida, 3 dives scheduled
Day 7 – Roca Partida, 3 dives scheduled
Day 8 – San Benedicto, 4 dives scheduled. At the end of this day we will start our departure to San Jose del Cabo
Day 9 – Arrive at San Jose del Cabo around 11pm. Guests may sleep on the boat.
Day 10 - Disembark by 8:30am

Sample Itinerary- Sea of Cortez
With clear, deep waters, abundant sea life, golden sandy beaches and inspiring vistas, the Sea of Cortez - known as the Gulf of California - is a breathtaking destination for scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, boating, and exploring diverse marine creatures. Legendary diver Jacques Cousteau described the Sea of Cortez as the "world's aquarium". Dive on untouched walls and reefs abounding in marine life. Encounter large and small whale species, whale sharks, jumping mobula rays, and sea lion colonies. Hike and explore remote uninhabited islets. Dine under the stars in a calm anchorage, socialize with your shipmates and make new friends. All in a day aboard Quino el Guardian, combined with personalized service to enhance your live aboard safety and fun. Dive into your dreams and see what Sea of Cortez diving is all about.

Itinerary
Day 1 - Embark at 5pm in Puerto Peñasco.  Depart at 6pm
Day 2 - Wake up at Refugio Bay on Angel Island
Potential Dive sites: Angel Rock, La Vela, Lolo’s Cove. Sunset Zodiak Cruise with Sea Lions
Day 3 -  Angel Island
Potential Dive sites: Andrea’s Eagle, El Aquario, Las Vivoras, Las Vivoras including a night dive
Day 4 - San Pedro Martir
Potential Dive sites: El Arroyo, Punta Martir (Sea Lions), Chayo’s Cove
Day 5 - San Pedro Martir
Potential Dive sites: Ravijunco, Xareni’s Pinnacle, Coromel, Morrito. In afternoon we go looking for whales!
Day 6 - Salsipuedes & Animas
Potential Dive sites: Los Cuervos, El Caballo, In Animas, El Lavadero, El Lavadero including a night dive
Day 7 - Baja and Snorkeling with Whale Sharks in Bahia De Los Angeles
Potential Dive sites: El Pescador, Baja Ca.. Start heading back to Puerto Penasco in afternoon
Day 8 - Disembark at 7am

JOIN THESE ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME EXPEDITIONS!
New! Whale Sharks & Manta Rays of Revillacicedo Islands
Dates:
Nov 30 - Dec 9, 2024
Nov 22 - Dec 1, 2025

ABOUT THE TRIP
Embark on a bewitching adventure with Beto Garcia, the passionate Executive Director of Whale Shark Mexico, as we set sail to unravel the mysteries of the elusive whale shark and the oceanic manta ray. Immerse yourself in the world of citizen science as we employ the technique of photo identification to capture the essence of these majestic creatures without disturbing their peace. The secrets of the deep will be unveiled as we use cutting-edge software to identify individuals and the complex population structures of both species. Enjoy daily presentations and participate with Beto as he collects data on these incredible animals. We will unlock even deeper secrets by attaching satellite tags to these creatures and tracing their movements if possible. Join us on this enchanting voyage into the unknown depths, where the realm of the shark reigns supreme.
Presentations: 1. Biology and ecology of whale sharks 2. Conservation Biology of the whale shark 3. Conservation biology of manta rays 4. I3S software for whale shark and giant manta ray photo identification

ABOUT ALBERTO (BETO) GARCIA
Originally from a landlocked area such as Madrid (Spain), Beto developed his interest and passion for marine life, particularly for sharks, as he watched documentaries on TV. He discovered scuba diving at the age of 12 and immediately fell in love with the ocean. Since he graduated in Biology in 2014, Beto has worked on several marine conservation projects in Costa Rica and Malaysia. His conservation journey started in a remote location in the jungle of Costa Rica, where he worked on sea turtle nesting beaches to protect Leatherback, Green, Hawksbill, and Olive Ridley sea turtles. In 2017, Beto started working on a sea turtle conservation project on Tioman Island (Malaysia), where he implemented a sea turtle photo-identification program and boosted the creation of a coral reef monitoring and conservation program. After spending quite some time back home due to the past Covid-19 pandemic, Beto moved to La Paz in 2021 to study a master’s degree in marine resources management. Because of his motivation, he also started collaborating with Whale Shark Mexico, which became an open door for him to return to the front line of marine conservation. At last, he is now fulfilling his childhood dreams of protecting and working for sharks. Additionally, Beto is an experienced SCUBA diver and divemaster who has been diving in some of the world's most beautiful and diverse dive sites. Beto is now Whale Shark Mexico's Director, and he is in charge of the fieldwork, research projects, and the volunteer program. For more information about Whale Shark Mexico, visit www.whalesharkmexico.com
RATES
2024 / $3700 per person, quad occupancy 2025 / $3800 per person, quad occupancy
The above price includes all taxes, port fees, meals, beverages, tanks, weights, and complimentary beer and wine. The only things not included are:
National Park Fee - 1811 pesos per day of diving (10866 pesos)* Nitrox Fee - $140 Transfers to and from the boat Crew gratuity (typically 10%-15% of the fare)
*Park fee is subject to change without notice
 

Sea of Cortez/Midriff Islands
Family Trip - 2024 - please enquire
Dive, snorkel, kayak and hike on this special trip just for family aboard Quino el Guardian. It will be just like going to summer camp but for the whole family! Did you know you can fly to Phoenix and within 4 hours be boarding a boat to one of the most remote places in the world? A world with no planes, very few boats, clear skies and amazing sunsets with clear, deep waters, abundant sea life, and golden sandy beaches.
The Sea of Cortez - known as the Gulf of California - is a breathtaking destination for scuba diving, snorkeling, and exploration. Legendary diver Jacques Cousteau described the Sea of Cortez as the "world's aquarium". Dive on untouched walls and reefs abounding in marine life. Encounter large and small whale species and dolphins, snorkel with whale sharks, dive with playful sea lions and see countless eels, octopus, fish and jumping mobula rays. It's a macro photographers dream with nudibranchs, colorful blennys, dancing jawfish and sea horses.
Between dives you can hike and explore remote uninhabited islets and at night you can gaze at the Milky Way.  Give us one week and we will help you create a lifetime of memories while forging new friendships aboard Quino el Guardian.  You will dine on incredible food and enjoy the friendly service that has made us famous. 

ITINERARY: As always, we remain flexible depending on conditions, currents, etc.
Day 1 - Embark at 5pm in Puerto Peñasco.  Depart at 6pm
Day 2 - Wake up at Refugio Bay on Angel Island - Potential Dive sites: Angel Rock, La Vela, Lolo’s Cove. Sunset Zodiak Cruise with Sea Lions.
Day 3 -  Angel Island - Potential Dive sites: Andrea’s Eagle, El Aquario, Las Vivoras, Las Vivoras including a night dive.
Day 4 - San Pedro Martir - Potential Dive sites: El Arroyo, Punta Martir (Sea Lions), Chayo’s Cove.
Day 5 - San Pedro Martir - Potential Dive sites: Ravijunco, Xareni’s Pinnacle, Coromel, Morrito. In afternoon we go looking for whales!
Day 6 - Salsipuedes & Animas - Potential Dive sites: Los Cuervos, El Caballo, In Animas, El Lavadero, El Lavadero including a night dive.
Day 7 - Baja and Snorkeling with Whale Sharks in Bahia De Los Angeles. Potential Dive sites: El Pescador, Baja Ca. Start heading back to Puerto Penasco in afternoon.
Day 8 - Disembark at 7am - Prices include all taxes and port fees

THE PROGRAM

Heroes del Mar will give the children of Baja’s fishing communities the opportunity to work together with scientists, eco-tourism experts and business leaders. We will expose them to alternative economic opportunities while teaching them respect for marine life and their natural resources.

We are creating a program that, over the course of three years, will provide children ages 13-17, the opportunity to work side-by-side with scientists, eco-tourism experts and business leaders to learn about science and marine biology, marine sustainability, eco-tourism and business opportunities to help support their local communities. And, for those would want to spread their wings beyond their villages, our goal is to give them the tools and self-confidence to do so. To learn more and donate to this very worth cause, click HERE