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We go every Fall because it is the best time of the year to dive one of the best destinations on earth. You know, we’ve been a lot of places, and there are several we favor. But usually we have to travel a long, long way to get there. And those trips are expensive. Only the Sea of Cortez offers an amazing dive adventure so close to home. Big animals. Big schools. Big time fun! Whale sharks in your face. Mantas close enough to touch. Sea lions dive bombing and nipping at your fins. Morays, morays, morays. Jacks and barracudas schooling. Dolphins in the wake. Giant jawfish found nowhere else. 100+ vis. 85ª water. blue skies and calm blue seas. Exotic. Exciting. Jacques Cousteau called it "The World's Greatest Aquarium." And a mere two-hour flight from Los Angeles! We love La Paz!
We love it so much that our son Evan married Niccole there. And last October 2009 we celebrated Joe’s 80th birthday there!
The dates above are for two long weekends, Wednesday through Monday. Eight-day packages are also available. Joe and Cara will be leading the September trip. Evan and Niccole will be leading the October trip.
La Paz is the state's capital and the largest city south of Tijuana on the Baja Peninsula. Surrounded by barren desert, the city is set amid ancient laurel trees and coconut and date palms. Its waterfront promenade is one of Mexico's prettiest. A few blocks inland is the city's main square, the Jardín Velasco with its pink quartz gazebo, tile walkways and 19th century cathedral. La Paz is unspoiled, unhurried, charming. You can indulge in delicious local cuisine and dance until the wee hours, shop for authentic Mexican arts and crafts, kayak alongside friendly whales, and, of course, scuba dive.
Our host in La Paz is James Curtis, owner of The Cortez Club. The Cortez Club is everything a dive operation should be. The unsurpassed service is geared toward a hassle-free and relaxing dive experience. You will find all your equipment waiting for you on the boat in the morning, which will be moored at the private jetty. During the day, all your equipment will be set up for you, unless you wish to do it yourself. At the end of the day, just stroll up to our Sunset Bar to order your favorite drink, while your equipment is unloaded, rinsed in fresh water and stored, ready for the next day of spectacular diving.
The Cortez Club fleet includes 36-foot motor yacht, a custom-built rigid inflatable, and motorboats designed specifically for divers. More about the Cortez Club. More about the Cortez Club
The divemasters are courteous, considerate, and quite knowledgeable about the area and the marine life. They ensure that every dive is a great experience.
We will be staying at La Concha Beach Resort. La Concha a seaside hotel located on a secluded beach along La Paz Bay, a short five-minute drive from the picturesque city of La Paz. It's a laid-back, mellow spot, with a true warm and colorful Mexican ambience. The hotel's rooms are equipped with air conditioning, of course, a mini bar, cable TV, balcony and gorgeous ocean and sunset views. The on-site health spa is a good place to work out, get a facial or a massage. The restaurant, La Palmas, is one of the best in La Paz. The Cortez Club is on the premises, down the path a piece at the pier.
The CORTEZ CLUB Dive Centers Features:
5 Nights, 6 Days, 4 Days of Diving
$1239
5 Nights, 6 Days, 3 Days of Diving
$1079
Non-Diver
$485
7 nights, 8 Days, 5 Days of Diving
$1539
Non-Diver
$617
Accommodations at the La Concha Beach Resort
Ocean view room, double occupancy
American breakfast
3-tank diving, Thursday, Friday and Saturday
Whale Shark Spotter plane
Box lunch, snacks and beverages on dive days
Boat guides, tanks, weights, belts
La Paz Airport transfers
Hotel & DivingTaxes
Diving Permits
Sunday Night Fiesta
Gift and Prizes
Per person double occupancy
Land package only. Does not include airfare
Single supplement ad $56/night
Gratuities not included
Price subject to change
What to do with the day? Explore historic museums and shop for authentic Mexican arts and crafts. Try your luck and experience in the legendary sportfishing for marlin, wahoo, tuna, dorado and more! Kayak alongside friendly dolphins and whales or beach comb in the tranquil bays of Espiritu Santo Island. Discover ancient cave paintings in distant canyons or venture into challenging mountain bike terrain. Go scuba diving again! Go ATVing. Or just relax and do nothing at all.
Hang up your reg and put on a helmet and enjoy a different thrilling experience. La Paz ATV's Adventure will take you on a guided three-hour ride along the beaches and dunes with beautiful views of desert and bay. The fee includes training, use of a new ATV Honda Rancher 350, helmet, goggles, insurance, and incredible fun.
Enjoy on-the-water sports at the Cortez Club. Choose from kayaking (singles, doubles and full ocean-going kayaks), sailing (Hobies and Prindles), windsurfing (Craft, Hi-fly and Pacific Wind), waverunners (Yamahas 750cc), and waterskiing (Mono, Wake board and standard). Instruction for sailing, windsurfing and waterskiing available
The Mosquito Fleet is the oldest sportfishing fleet in La Paz, serving Sea of Cortez fishermen since 1984. October is a great time to fish for dorado, marlin, yellow fin tuna and wahoo.