Sea of Cortez Liveaboard: FAQ
Welcome to Fun Azul Fleet Sea of Cortez, Valentina, Mexico liveaboard FAQ page. Wonderful place where you can enjoy scuba diving with wild California Sea Lions.
When should I schedule my arrival and departure?
=Sea of Cortez route=
ARRIVAL / CHECK-IN
In 2024
- Private transportation can be arranged with USD 25 per van (1-2 pax), and USD 90 per van (3-8pax) from La paz airport to Marina (Valentina) .
If you arrive at San Jose Del Cabo airport (SJD), you are responsible for your own transportation to La Paz. Driving hours will be about 2.5 hours to 3.5 hours. Or we can arrange prepaid transfer at US$ 330 per van. Ask for details.
If you stay at hotel in La paz prior to the trip start, please come to our dock.
Baggage drop is available from 9:00am on the day of the cruise and all the guests must be on board by 18:00 for briefing.
DEPARTURE / CHECK-OUT
Check out starts around 4:00 pm on the last day of the trip after 1 to 2 dives. After 1 to 2 dives, the crew will transport you to your hotel in La paz complimentary (combined).
If you return to Los Cabos area, you are responsible for your own transfer. Or we can arrange prepaid transfer at US$ 330 per van. Ask for details.
In 2024
Private transportation from Hotel in La paz to Lapaz Airport cost you USD 25 per van (1-2pax) and USD 90 per van (3-8pax),You are required to book at least 2 week before of your departure in advance.
Will dinner be served on board on the first day?
Dinner on the arrival date is not included in this trip. You can leave your luggage on the boat and feel free to dine in town prior to check in. If you are already staying in the area, feel free to make your own way to the Marina after 7:00 pm.
How long is the required validity of the passport?
Your passport must be effective until returning home and you must have a return airline ticket to travel to Mexico.
It is traveler’s responsibility to ensure they have the proper documentation.
Please check with the appropriate consulate to ensure that you have the proper documentation by traveler’s responsibility.
How many dive masters (guides) will be on board?
Qualified and experienced 3 or 4 dive instructors (guides) are on board, speaking English, Spanish or Japanese.
Are there any activities for non-diver on board?
Non divers will be able to enjoy snorkeling. Our crews take you to snorkel by a boat if you are interested.
Is Nitrox available?
Nitrox is available with an additional charge as long as the diver is Nitrox certified. Use of Nitrox 25USD/per day.
As for large tank which is 100ft³ (approx13.2L) tank with Nitrox would be 50USD/day
Note: Large tank is limited availability.*From the 2024 season
Is WIFI available?
Yes, we have Starlink service.
Cost : 120USD/during the cruise(first device) *50% off for second device
In case of emergency, our captain has a satellite phone to communicate with land.
What is the standard valve of tanks?
The standard valve is Y type. DIN adjuster is also available on board.
What dive equipment should I bring?
Tanks, weights and weight belts are provided. The following items are the diver’s responsibility.
* CASH ONLY**
- Certification card
- DAN or other dive accident insurance card
- Diving log book (strongly encouraged)
- Mask *
- Snorkel *
- Fins (full foot and Strap fin) *
- Buoyancy Control Device *
- Regulator w/alternate air source *
- Submersible pressure and depth gauges *
- Dive computer (required) *
- Dive light *
- Tank Marker Lights (for night dives)
- Full wetsuit or shorty – 3 mm to 5 mm *
- Safety sausage (SMB) *
- Reef hook (if you need)
- Rental equipment is available on board. Please let us know at least 10days prior to your departure to ensure on-time preparation.
Full | 25USD/day or 120USD/week |
Wetsuit | 15USD/day |
BCD | 15USD/day |
REG | 15USD/day |
Mask + Snorkel + Fin | 15USD/day |
Dive Light | 12USD/day |
Dive Computer | 15USD/day |
Use of Nitrox | 25USD/day or 120USD/week *From the 2024 season |
Big air tank -100ft³ (approx. 13.2L) | 25USD/day *limited availability *From the 2024 season |
Big Nitrox tank -100ft³ (approx. 13.2L) | 50USD/day *limited availability *From the 2024 season |
* Pricing is subject to change |
What facilities are equipped in cabin?
All cabins have private toilet and shower booth.
Air condition/ hair-dryer / shampoo / conditioner and body soap
What type of electric socket is able to charge battery?
All of the cabins have an adapter for any type of socket.
Electric power is 110V and 60 cycles.
We recommend you to bring a transformer if necessary.
Is a large tank available?
100ft³ (approx 13.2L) tank | 25USD/day *limited availability *From the 2024 season |
100ft³ (approx 13.2L) tank Nitrox | 50USD/day *limited availability *From the 2024 season |
Can I see Mobula rays?
We do night diving with Mobula rays near Esplit Island, uninhabited island, during the trip. It is called a “Night Mobula diving program that attracts 20-40 Mobula rays gather around lighting, Amazing!
Another spectacular scene is to see them leaping from the water,
sometime three or four mobula rays reaching a height of 9 approximate 9feet /3m or more above the water.
Is crew gratuity included in the package price of the trip?
Crew gratuities are not included in your trip fee. The crew members work very hard to provide the best possible service for you. If you are happy with the service, please provide gratuities on the last day.
An envelope will be handed to you or placed in your room with service survey. The gratuities will be shared equally among the crew.
For your reference, 10% (approximately US $200- $300) per trip per person would be appreciated.
Do you conduct Nitrox specialty course on board?
Nitrox Course: $270 - This includes all necessary equipment (tanks, use of oxygen analyzer, use of course materials, instructor, and check out dives). Certification will be from a International certification agency (PADI). (Nitrox week use included)
** CASH ONLY**
What currencies are accepted on board?
We accept USD and MXN. If you would like to pay by credit card, please visit the office of FUNBAJA, local operator, in LaPaz.
VISA or MASTER is acceptable with additional handling fee 16%.
Will there be some special occasion for celebration such as birthday or logged dives anniversary?
Whether it’s your anniversary, birthday, honeymoon, wedding or you are celebrating a logged dive, please let us know so the crew can celebrate your occasion together.
Please advise the reservation center prior to traveling so the crew is notified in advance.
What will meals be like?
Blend of Western, Mexican, Asian Cuisine are prepared on board.
All meals are buffet style consists of vegetables, rice, pasta, soup, fish, beef, Sashimi(raw fish), Tacos, ceviche etc.
We set up a special Mexican BBQ dinner on the last day of the trip.
Beers and Soft drinks are included in your tour price.
A complimentary glass of wine is served with dinner.
Please list on the application form any dietary (vegetarian food, allergic food) needs you have.
Should I bring flip flaps?
Yes, please bring shoes that you can use on board (only for inside).
Can I request to use “ Side-mount” ?
Yes. It is possible as long as you follow our trip schedule (Max dive time/ Max depths) and respect No Deco Diving / No Solo Diving.
Air Extra Tank for side mount = US$15 per day
Please bring your own harness due to unavailable on board.
What if my flight is delayed?
In case you miss your flight or are not be able to make it to Valentina on schedule,
Please call +52 1 (612) 1067148 , WhatsApp is available.
Mr. Enrique Castillo under FUN BAJA operation center.
Or at +52 1 (612)1832075 (Ms. Naho)
Email: lbvalentina@funbaja.com
Our efforts on guests’ safety
We have life boats, lifesaver rings, life jackets and emergency lights on board which are examined and certified by Harbors Bureau of Mexico annually. Our fire extinguishers are examined and certified by Harbors Bureau of Mexico annually. We hereby confirm that without the certificates, we are not allowed to operate our boat and we are fully compliant with it. We also have smoke detectors in each cabin and the engine room.
Rest assured that we do everything possible to ensure the safety of our guests and if you have any further questions on the safety issues, we are more than happy to answer any of your queries.
Certificate of vaccination and pre-test of covid-19.(Updated on 10-May,2023)