Baja California Sur · Mexico

GO FURTHER
THAN YOU EXPECT.

Small groups. Wild encounters. Private ocean adventures in the Sea of Cortez.

5.0 ★
Google rating
10+
Years experience

Pelagic Quest

YOUR ADVENTURE. YOUR PACE. YOUR QUEST.

Private Ocean Experiences

Our snorkeling, whale watching and ocean safari charters are private and tailored to your group. We also arrange privately guided scuba diving through established local dive shops.

Shallow reef habitat suitable for private snorkeling near San José del Cabo
01
Families & Beginners

Private Snorkel Introduction

Discover Local Reefs

Perfect for families, first-time snorkelers, and anyone looking to explore Baja's vibrant underwater world at a relaxed pace.

Minimum age: 6 years · Ability to swim

From $485 USDTypical Duration: 3 Hours
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Expedition boat traveling across the Sea of Cortez on an ocean safari
02
Adventure & Wildlife

Private Offshore Wildlife Adventure

Ocean Safari

For adventurers, explorers, and ocean enthusiasts seeking Baja's most exciting wildlife encounters.

Minimum age: 12 years · Confident swimmer

4 hoursFrom $725 USD6 hoursFrom $995 USD
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Humpback whale breaching in the waters of Los Cabos
03
Seasonal

Seasonal Experience | December – April

Whale Watching

Experience one of Baja's most spectacular natural events as humpback whales migrate along the coastline.

Suitable for all ages

From $440 USDTypical Duration: 3 Hours
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Schooling fish in the blue during a guided scuba diving experience
04
Personal dive guiding

Led by Max · Local dive shops

Private Guided Scuba Diving

Explore Los Cabos underwater with a dedicated personal guide.

Private guide · Boat options vary

Price on requestDepends on dives and arrangements
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Tailored To You

Our ocean charters are private and can be adjusted to your interests, abilities and the day’s conditions. For scuba diving, Max guides you through established local dive shops, with private boat options available on request.

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OUR
PLAYGROUND

Chileno Bay

Marina Corridor · ~45 min by boat

CHILENO BAY & GAVILANES

Two Snorkel Sites Protected Marine Area Excellent Visibility

Chileno Bay & Gavilanes

Two distinct underwater worlds in one unforgettable trip. Chileno Bay is one of Los Cabos' premier snorkeling destinations, renowned for its protected waters, excellent visibility, and diverse marine life. The bay combines sandy bottom with healthy rocky reef habitat, creating ideal conditions for both beginner and experienced snorkelers.

Along the reef, colorful fish shelter among the rocks and coral-covered formations, while the sandy areas are home to round stingrays and diamond stingrays resting on the seafloor. Chileno Bay is also one of the region's most reliable locations for encounters with graceful eagle rays.

Just a short three-minute boat ride away lies Gavilanes, where the underwater landscape changes dramatically. Granite formations, rocky terrain, and impressive underwater structures provide habitat for an equally rich variety of marine life. Together, the calm reef of Chileno Bay and the rugged scenery of Gavilanes create one of the most diverse snorkeling experiences in Los Cabos.

Über-Unter Chileno Chileno Beach Felsen
Two Snorkel Sites Protected Marine Area Excellent Visibility Granite Formations
Spot info

Depth Surface–26 ft (0–8 m) · All experience levels · ~45 min boat ride from Marina Puerto Los Cabos

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Palmilla Bay

Marina Corridor · ~20 min by boat

PALMILLA BAY

Calm, Protected Bay Granite Boulder Formations Easy Snorkeling

Palmilla Bay

A sheltered bay teeming with life. Palmilla Bay is a protected snorkeling site known for its calm waters, large granite boulders, and beautiful sandy bottom. The scattered rock formations create ideal habitat for reef fish and transform the bay into a vibrant underwater oasis suitable for snorkelers of all experience levels.

The bay can be explored around the central boulder formations as well as along the rocky shoreline, where schools of reef fish gather among the rocks. Round stingrays and diamond stingrays are commonly found resting on the sandy bottom, while sea turtles are frequent visitors. During the right season, eagle rays and golden cownose rays may also glide gracefully through the bay.

Thanks to its sheltered location and generally calm conditions, Palmilla Bay offers relaxed snorkeling with excellent opportunities to observe marine life in shallow water. Its easy access and gentle conditions make it an ideal destination for first-time snorkelers while remaining just as enjoyable for experienced ocean enthusiasts.

Snorkeler exploring granite boulders at Palmilla Bay Schildkröte Riff Wasser
Calm, Protected Bay Granite Boulder Formations Easy Snorkeling Family Friendly
Spot info

Depth Surface–23 ft (0–7 m) · All experience levels · ~20 min boat ride from Marina Puerto Los Cabos

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Schooling hammerhead sharks at Gordo Banks

Offshore seamounts · ~45–50 min by boat

GORDO BANKS

Ocean Safaris Private Guided Diving Pelagic Wildlife

Gordo Banks

Two offshore seamounts rise from the deep waters off San José del Cabo, attracting some of Baja’s most exciting marine life. Huge schools of fish gather around the banks, along with hammerhead sharks, silky sharks, mobula rays and the occasional oceanic manta. Whale sharks may pass through, and during whale season, humpbacks can be found in the surrounding waters. Every visit is shaped by the conditions and the wildlife we encounter.

Ocean Safaris: Explore the waters around the banks on a private offshore expedition in search of pelagic life.

Private Guided Scuba Diving: Explore Gordo Banks with a dedicated guide, limited to two divers per guide. Open Water–certified divers can take part if they are at least 18 years old and have 20 or more logged dives. Diving is arranged through local dive shops and is subject to conditions and certification limits.

Schooling fish during a privately guided scuba dive Schooling hammerhead sharks at Gordo Banks Whale shark offshore near Gordo Banks Silky shark in deep blue water
Ocean Safaris Private Guided Diving Pelagic Wildlife
Spot info

Approx. 7–10 miles offshore · ~45–50 min by boat from Puerto Los Cabos Marina · Ocean Safaris & private guided scuba diving · Scuba: Open Water certification accepted, 18+, 20+ logged dives, max. 2 divers per guide

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Zacatitos Rocky Ridge

East Cape · ~35–40 min by boat

ZACATITOS ROCKY RIDGE

Rocky Reef System Sheltered Conditions Diverse Underwater Terrain

Zacatitos Rocky Ridge

A vibrant reef where the desert meets the sea. Just beyond Punta Gorda, a rocky ridge extends from the shoreline into the Sea of Cortez, forming one of the East Cape's most scenic and diverse reef systems. While the ridge is the site's defining feature, the surrounding coastline offers extensive snorkeling opportunities across rocky outcrops, reef patches, and sandy channels.

These varied habitats support an abundance of marine life, including colorful reef fish, pufferfish, moray eels, sea turtles, and pelagic rays. On particularly memorable days, large schools of jackfish move through the area, creating spectacular underwater encounters.

As the ridge stretches away from shore, one side often remains sheltered from swell and current, making it possible to enjoy favorable conditions even when nearby sites are exposed. Its healthy reef, varied underwater terrain, and untouched feel make Zacatitos Rocky Ridge a true hidden gem of the East Cape.

Rocky reef ridge at Zacatitos, East Cape, Sea of Cortez Fische Aerial
Rocky Reef System Sheltered Conditions Diverse Underwater Terrain Hidden East Cape Gem
Spot info

Depth 3–60 ft (1–20 m) · Beginners to Advanced snorkelers · ~35–40 min boat ride from Marina Puerto Los Cabos

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Zacatitos Wreck

East Cape · ~15 min by boat

ZACATITOS WRECK

Historic Shipwreck Artificial Reef Seasonal Conditions

Zacatitos Wreck

A forgotten vessel, reclaimed by the sea. Resting beneath the waters of the East Cape for more than three decades, the Zacatitos Wreck has become a thriving artificial reef and one of the region's best-kept secrets. Little is known about the vessel's history, adding an element of mystery to every visit, but what remains today is a fascinating underwater playground where nature has steadily taken over.

Broken into several sections across a sandy seafloor, the wreck attracts an impressive variety of marine life. Large schools of snappers, porkfish, and Mexican hogfish weave through the structure, while moray eels peer out from hidden crevices. Round stingrays and diamond stingrays are frequently spotted resting in the surrounding sand, sea turtles make occasional appearances, and lucky visitors may even encounter pelagic rays cruising through the blue.

Due to its shallow depth, visibility can vary considerably, and the wreck is only accessible during periods of favorable ocean conditions, often for just a few months each year. When the sea cooperates, it offers an unforgettable combination of marine life, exploration, and underwater history, making Zacatitos Wreck one of the East Cape's most rewarding hidden gems.

Zacatitos shipwreck: artificial reef with schooling fish, East Cape Meeresbewohner Fische East Cape
Historic Shipwreck Artificial Reef Seasonal Conditions Great For Exploration
Spot info

Depth 20–40 ft (6–12 m) · Beginners to Intermediate snorkelers, freedivers & divers · ~15 min boat ride from Marina Puerto Los Cabos

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Max

Founder & Ocean Guide

MAX

Max is the Founder of Pelagic Quest and an Expedition Leader with more than a decade of experience in the diving and marine tourism industry. His career has taken him across some of the world's most celebrated ocean destinations, including Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, the Maldives, and Baja California Sur. Over the years, he has managed dive operations, led liveaboard expeditions, and guided snorkeling and whale-watching experiences. For the past three years, he has been based in Baja California Sur.

Recognized worldwide as one of the premier destinations for marine wildlife encounters, Baja California Sur offers an extraordinary diversity of ocean life and the opportunity to encounter everything from whales and dolphins to mobula rays and sharks within a single region. It is this unique combination of wildlife, adventure, and discovery that inspired Max to establish Pelagic Quest.

Today, he shares his passion for the ocean by helping visitors experience the very best of Baja through carefully curated wildlife encounters, trusted local recommendations, and a commitment to safe and educational adventures on the water. Respect for marine life and its natural environment is at the heart of every experience, embracing the belief that the ocean always has its own story to tell—and that some of the most memorable encounters are the ones we never expect.

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Sea Stories

★★★★★ 5.0 Google rating

THE OCEAN
STAYS WITH YOU.

★★★★★

„The Ocean Safari with Max was simply indescribably beautiful and so much fun. At the start we received our equipment and a short briefing on the boat. On the way to the reef we even saw a few humpback whales! We were able to watch them calmly without getting too close.

During the boat tour there were snacks and drinks, plus great entertainment from our guide. Max is totally open and funny, and you can tell he genuinely enjoys sharing his knowledge about all the different marine creatures.

While snorkeling I saw so many different fish. My highlight was definitely the sea turtle!

The tour was simply perfect — and at the end we even received the photos & videos from his GoPro that he had taken of the animals and of us.“

Luisa von Orlikowski
Witten, Germany · Ocean Safari
★★★★★

“We found dolphins just fifteen minutes after leaving the marina, then watched a huge group of mobula rays while snorkeling. Max explained how to avoid disturbing them, so we could enjoy the encounter for several minutes.”

Ocean Safari guest
Guest review · Translated from Spanish
★★★★★

“I was lucky to have Max as my dive buddy and instructor! Always attentive, patient, and happy to point out amazing fish and marine life. He made every dive safe, fun, and memorable. Thanks for the great dives, Max! 🐠🤿”

Giulia Mastellone
Scuba diving with Max · Google review

Your journey starts here

READY TO
EXPLORE?

Tell us what you'd love to experience, your preferred dates and how many people are coming. We'll help plan the right day on the water.

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info@pelagicquest.com

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Message on WhatsApp +52 624 151 0352

Good to know

YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED.

Are all Pelagic Quest experiences private?

Our snorkeling, whale watching and ocean safari charters are private. Scuba diving is privately guided by Max and arranged through local dive shops; a private boat may be available on request.

What is included in an ocean trip?

Snacks and refreshments, a safety briefing and GoPro photos or videos are included on our private ocean trips. Snorkel equipment is provided for snorkeling trips. Scuba inclusions depend on the dive shop and trip arranged.

When is whale-watching season?

Whale watching is seasonal, from December to April. The authorized 2026-2027 season in San José del Cabo runs from December 15, 2026 to April 30, 2027, subject to the applicable permits, area restrictions and sea conditions.

What is your cancellation policy?

For our private boat tours, cancellations received at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure receive a full refund. Booking changes are free within that notice period, subject to availability. Cancellations received less than 48 hours before departure and no-shows are non-refundable. Contact us by email or WhatsApp to cancel or request a change. Any separate terms for scuba diving arranged through a partner dive shop will be explained before booking.

What if you cancel, or conditions change?

If Pelagic Quest cancels before departure because of unsafe weather, an official harbor closure or force majeure, you can choose a full refund or rescheduling, subject to availability. The captain has final authority on safety and may change the route, shorten a trip or return to port if necessary. Wildlife sightings and in-water encounters cannot be guaranteed.

Where do trips depart, and what if we arrive late?

Most trips depart from Marina Puerto Los Cabos in San José del Cabo. Selected Cabo San Lucas departures are possible on request. Your confirmation gives the exact meeting point and time. Late arrival reduces your tour time; a delay of more than 30 minutes may result in cancellation without a refund.

How do deposits and payments work?

A deposit of $300 USD secures your private boat booking. Your written quote confirms the total price, deposit, remaining balance and payment deadlines before you pay. Clip payments are charged in Mexican pesos (MXN); we confirm the exchange rate and exact MXN amount beforehand. The deposit for private guided scuba diving is $100 USD. Participation, medical and liability paperwork is provided by the partner dive shop; its applicable terms are supplied before payment.

Who can join, and what paperwork is needed?

Reef snorkeling requires age 6+ and the ability to swim. Ocean Safari requires age 12+, confident swimming and comfort snorkeling in open, deep water. Whale watching welcomes all ages; swimming is not required for onboard-only trips. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Before payment, we send one service agreement per boat booking and a waiver for each participant; a guardian signs for minors. Scuba guests use the dive shop’s paperwork. Please discuss relevant health or mobility needs before booking.