Dive Itinerary: Rocas Alijos Seamount Scuba Expeditions

Baja's Islas San Benito, Isla San Martin, Rocas Alijos Seamount
11 Days / 10 Nights

Rocas Alijos Seamount, you probably have never heard these words uttered unless you are a true Baja affectionado. Las Rocas, the only portion breaking the surface of this open ocean volcanic seamount are pure magnets to aquatic life!

This destination, 150 miles west of the coast of Baja California is the most remote of any of our dive locations and truly the most exciting! When joining this expedition you are truly venturing on expedition! Our captains have mapped only a handful of dive sites and each expedition find new and exciting topographic and biological features.

The reef system is patrolled by Galapagos reef sharks while the blue water is frequented by scalloped hammerheads. We've also encountered mobulas and in 2008 whale sharks! The seamount also attracts pelagic yellowfin tuna, wahoo and northern yellowtail. Green sea turtles have been found in large numbers in the shallow waters surrounding the main rocks as have the cleaning stations that the Galapagos sharks frequent.

Our 2009 calendar includes one voyage to Rocas Alijos, with up to 3 planned in 2010. The Rocas Alijos itinerary also includes stops at Baja's Islas San Benito which has been compared to California's Channel Islands of 75 years ago. The best kelp diving you will find with 3 species of pinneped and a mixture of California temperate and Baja panamic fish species.

If you are a strong diver with a keen sense of adventure and exploration an expedition to the Rocas Alijos Seamount is just the ticket!

Day to Day Itinerary:

Day 1 - Welcome Aboard!
11:00am – 12:30pm Boarding

1:00pm Departure

Day 2 - Isla San Martin
Diving and kayaking available around island in beautiful kelp forest. Harbor seals, sea lions and temperate and cold water fish species call this extinct volcanic island home.

Possible dive on offshore pinnacle, Roca Ben, on second dive. Two to three dives today, conditions permitting. Late afternoon departure for Islas San Benito.

Days 3 - 4 Islas San Benito
The best kelp forest diving along the coast of the California's!

Encounters with three pinneped species, temperate and tropical reef fish along with large schools of pelagics are the call to action at this amazing offshore oasis! Beautiful kelp forests and fabulous offshore pinnacles covered with purple hydrocoral add the vavoom to this destination. California diving like it was 75 years ago is how we describe the vibe of San Benito!

We'll depart for Rocas Alijos Seamount during lunch on day 4.

Days 5 - 7 Rocas Alijos Seamount
Temperate and tropical species along with pelagics and sharks! 155 miles off the Baja Peninsula and 480 miles south of San Diego, this offshore seamount is an attractant to species from warm and temperate environments. Alijos Rocks is truly one of Baja's final frontiers and you'll be one of the few to experience the adrenaline rush of such a pristine location!

Unfortunately, night diving is out of the question here due to the sites remote nature.

We'll depart early afternoon on Day 7 for Islas San Benito.

Days 8 - 9 Islas San Benito and Isla Cedros
Spend the day diving and kayaking. Evening will be spent in the lee of the islands with a night dive possible.

Late afternoon departure on Day 9 for San Diego

Day 10 - Travel and arrival to San Diego
Today's pace is a bit slower as we travel north to San Diego. Keep on the lookout for cetaceans, birds and the green flash!

Share your trip experience with your new friends. Swap video, photos and e-mail addresses. An adventure like this, shared with persons from all walks of life, can form friendships for a lifetime.

Day 11 - Breakfast aboard and disembarkation
Breakfast and then disembarkation no later than 9:00am. When you are ready to depart we will have your shuttles waiting for transfer to local accommodations or the airport.

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