The Quino el Guardian is a steel hull ship built specifically for diving and scientific research and is not a converted fishing vessel normally seen in the Mexican waters. The ship is 90 feet (27.4 meters) in length and has a 23-foot (7 meters) beam. Power for computers and charging batteries is 110VAC.
The ship accommodates to up to 16 divers in 4 quad cabins, each with 4 beds with privacy curtains and a storage drawer for each guest. There are four spacious community bathrooms equipped with full size showers located on the dive deck. In between dives guests can relax on the large partially shaded sundeck with chaise lounges or in the salon with comfortable sofas, TV and computer table. Meals are served in the dining room, and start with an American breakfast to start the dive day and end with homemade soups, salads and local fresh dishes. Beer and wine are included.
Diving takes place from the huge dive deck, which is well organised for gear storage and has spacious camera tables.
The ship’s destinations include the Sea of Cortez, Midriff Islands, Revillagigedo, and Socorro Islands. The Socorro Islands season runs from the beginning of November to the end of May. The Sea of Cortez season runs from the beginning of July to the 3rd week of September, and explores the Midriff Islands.
Diving at the Socorro Islands is amazing and it provides the chance for large animal encounters - it truly is where the wild things are. The main attractions in the Socorro Islands are large pelagic animals including Manta Rays, dolphins, Humpback Whales and seven different types of sharks including Hammerhead Sharks.
The Sea of Cortez is very diverse and has as vast amount of nudibranchs, blennys, jawfish, a variety of rays and guitarfish, schools of fish, eels, octopus, sea horses, frogfish, Mexican Horn Sharks, and some of the friendliest sea lions on the planet! We also have a lot of whale activity on this trip. Divers consistently see Pilot, Fin and Sperm Whales as well as dolphins. The trips run from Sunday to Sunday. The boat departs from Puerto Peñasco, Mexico at approximately 7pm and travels for 12 hours. The next morning the crew is ready for the first dive.
The ship offers nitrox but technical diving and rebreathers are not supported.
Text and photographs courtesy of the Quino el Guardian