Please join
Mike Gerken
to the
Sea of Cortez, La Paz, Mexico
to dive with the
Sea Lions of
Los Islotes
(and more)
with
& stay at the
7 Nights; 6 Days of Diving Oct 23 - 30, 2026
I cannot get enough of the sea lions of Los Islotes. I've made three trips to La Paz, New Mexico to dive and photograph these playful sea puppies. I'm returning once again in October 2026; a month that is an ideal time when the incredibly cute sea lion pups are old enough to venture out on their own to play with the silly humans. Even the most hardened criminal will fall in love with these beautiful animals. We will be staying at the charming Hotel Catedral in downtown La Paz close to shopping and bars and excellent restaurants. The diving will be done with The Cortez Club; La Paz's largest and most reputable land based dive operator. In addition, I will be offering an optional add-on trip to experience the sardine run of Magdalena Bay. Read on for full details and don't delay to reserve a spot.
Happy diving,
-Mike
Contact [email protected] for your application
La Paz, Mexico
This charming Mexican city on the Baja Peninsula will be the launching pad to the fantastic diving of the Sea of Cortez. For myself, the sea lions were the highlight of the diving out of La Paz but but there is more to explore such as mobula rays, sea turtles, large reef fish, pelagic's, manta rays and even some pretty cool wrecks. If you live in North America getting here is easy and affordable comparatively to other international locales.
The Cortez Club - Dive Operator
This PADI 5 Star facility with captains and guides will take us to the dive sites on their fast and comfortable boats. I have been in the diving business for 25 years and don't often come across a more professionally run operation such as The Cortez Club. The crew will transport gear to the boats, set it up, break it down and even rinse and stow it for you. The Seaside Restaurant is right next door and offers fantastic international meals.
Hotel Catedral
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. The hotel rather than a lodging, is an invitation to a lifestyle based on elegance, comfort and relaxation.
The audible bark of large the large territorial bulls will alert you to your arrival at the sea lion colony of Los Islotes 25 miles from La Paz. Vultures circle over the the guano covered rock outcroppings reminding you of the harsh reality of nature here. However, the sea lion pups frolicking about periscoping their heads out of the water suddenly reveal the ethereal state of this location. The boats tend to take 60-90 minutes to get to the colony on a calm day. The ride is well worth it. With a simple roll into the water you are off to mingle with the residents. Depths are a remarkable 1' - 25' deep. Dive times are 50-60 minutes.
The Other Diving
We will be doing 2 dives
per day for at least 6 days.
The 3rd dive will likely be on one of the wrecks such at the Fang Ming famed for its resident green sea turtles. Weather permitting, we will also be diving La Reina; a small rocky outcrop 2 hours from La Paz. This site is famous for manta rays, schooling fish, retired sea lions and a giant green moray under every rock.
Magdalena Bay Sardine Run - Add-On Trip
Head to the Pacific side of Baja and go to "Mag Bay" for snorkeling with marlins, sea lions, dolphins, whales and whatever else comes out of the blue to feed on the endemic sardines running this time of the year. This trip is not for everyone. Email Mike if you think this is for you. More details to come soon.
Getting There
United, American, Jet Blue, Aeromexico all fly daily flights into Cabo San Lucas International (SJD). It is a 2 hour taxi ride to La Paz. Or you can fly direct to La Paz on American Airlines and Aeromexico. Transportation from La Paz airport is included in this package price. Contact Mike for assistance with your reservations and coordinate ground transportation.
Dive Package
7 nights in single or double rooms, full breakfast, 6 days diving 3 dives per day; lunch & drinks on boat; park fees; taxes and RT transport from La Paz International.
Contact me about the 4 night package.
Package Prices - Prices subject to change due to fuel surcharge or increase in park fees.
7 night 6 days diving
$3050pp tax included; based on double occupancy
4 nights 3 days diving
$1675pp tax included; based on double occupancy
Also Included:
-Photo tips & techniques and private one on ones when requested; formal and informal photo advice all week long.
-Professional travel guide service. Don't think too much, let Mike do it for you. I got your back.
What's Not Included
-Transportation from Cabo San Lucas Airport (Mike will coordinate multiple passengers)
-Crew gratuities (starts at 10% or $20 per day)
-Nitrox (not required with the depths we will be doing 1' to 60')
-Dinners - Dine with the group or explore La Paz on your own. Mike will tell you where the good eats are.
-Travel insurance; highly recommended. Please do not put me on the spot for last minute cancellations. (See below)
-Don't forget to buy your guide (me) a cerveza.
Payment & Cancellation Policy
Request application from Mike; fill it out and email it back to him; [email protected]
Deposit of $1000.00 per person required to reserve and hold your spot(s).
-Payment by PayPal, Square, Venmo accepted. Add 3% fee if using credit card and desire buyer protection. Checks and wire transfers also accepted on limited basis.
$150.00 admin fee is non-refundable regardless of when cancellation occurs.
Full payment due 90 days from trip start date.
No refund with cancellations within 90 days.
Dive Accident Insurance: This is mandatory. Contact Divers Alert Network DAN to enroll.
Trip Insurance: It is strongly recommend every passenger purchase comprehensive accident, medical, baggage and trip cancellation/interruption insurance. The insurance will protect the passenger from financial disappoi
ntment in the event of an unforeseen circumstances. No trip insurance is included in this package.
Cancellation Policy:
THE CORTEZ CLUB & Evolution Underwater Imaging LLC, its agents and affiliates, reserve the right to effect any modification or change in the itinerary including changes for reasons of comfort or safety, either before or after the scheduled date of departure, that circumstances dictate, including cancellation for undersubscription and for other conditions beyond its control including acts of God and the like.
Click Here to View More Videos
