Guadalupe
Why
Baja California is one of 31 federal entities that assemble Mexico. It is located in North
West Mexico, in the North part of the Baja California peninsula. It is also named Lower
California, in order to avoid mix up with California in the United States.
Baja California is considered to be one of the most attractive places for divers from
all over the world. A combination of long strips of beaches and Pacific Ocean diving
sites promise exciting and interesting experiences, on every dive.
Isla Guadalupe, small volcanic island located 240 kilometers west of Baja California in
Mexico. It has a population of less than 220 residents, who are a small community of
fisherman. On the island there are two volcanos that give it a mountain infrastructure,
and it has many forests, diverse flora and many animals, some of which are endemic
and unique to the region.
The area is considered the "Mekka" of diving sites for seeing white tip sharks!
When
Mexico is suitable for visiting all year round, but each season is suitable for visiting
different areas. Sailing to see the white sharks is between August and October.
How
There are two main ways to enjoy a diving vacation in Mexico.
A resort vacation on the east coast, or a liveaboard diving vacation on the west coast,
where you can encounter some of the world's most impressive animals.
The liveabaord diving excursions in Mexico offer the best diving sites in the world. These
are fantastic and extreme diving sites for experienced divers. The diving boats in Socorro
and in Guadalupe are very professional and allow three or more spectacular dives a day.
Between diving, you can enjoy delicious meals, comfortable rooms with a/c and spend
some quality relaxation time.
כללי על היעד
אופי הצלילות
מה רואים
This extreme diving is done professionally and safely.
Before the cruise, divers undergo a complete safety briefing and a biological
explanation about the sharks. The dive itself is performed in a 'reversed' zoo
fashion in which divers are in a cage whilst the amazing sharks swim in their
natural habitat.
It is important to know that the sharks are not interested in divers and are also unable
to break through the protected cages. Bait is placed in the water to attract the sharks.
International Time Zone
GMT -8 hours.
Entry Visas
for most nationalities, immigration authorities grant 90-day visas on entering the country,
and the authority to grant this visa is at the sole discretion of these authorities. A valid
passport is required for a period of at least six months and a return flight ticket. Visas are
issued at airports and land border crossings. Ensure to keep the visa inside your passport
in order to show on your departure from the country. On leaving Mexico, you must arrive
at the airport 3 hours before your flight. for more information please contact the nearest
embassy in your country.
Vaccines
There is no risk of malaria but it is recommended to take precautions against mosquito bites.
Renew routine vaccination if they have expired. It is recommended to keep up to date with
your Ministry of Health website.
Personal Documents
A passport with at least 6 months validity.
Travel and diving insurance - can be purchased on this site.
A credit card is accepted in most places (but only on some
of the boats) saving the need to carry excess cash.
Diving certificate, valid diving insurance and a diving logbook.
Photocopy of your passport, diving certificates and travel insurance.
Make sure to keep it in a separate file from the original documents.
Diving Equipment
It is recommended to bring your own equipment with which you are accustomed to
using. for this trip you will need only a wetsuit and a mask. Check your diving
equipment prior to your departure. Equipment rental must be booked in advance.
Payment for the equipment will be directly on the liveaboard.
Average water temperatures in February – March range between 21-23C degrees,
April – 24C and November 25-28C degrees. We recommend you equip yourself with
a 3-5 mm wetsuit depending on the time of year you visit and your own personal comfort.
Photography
This is certainly a destination to document. Guadalupe is classed as a "once in a lifetime"
destination and worth capturing on camera both on land and below the sea surface! You
do not have to be an expert photographer in order to take spectacular photos to capture
some amazing, unique and unforgettable moments.
Diving packages are available for most kinds of cameras, for photography above and
under water. Easy-to-use extreme cameras are also a popular and available choice.
Clothing
Diving to a tropical destination does not require you to bring to much clothing.
Light clothing for during the day between dives is recommended.
The dress code is casual and one or two buttoned shirts for the evening can be useful.
You can avoid bringing shoes and in most cases a pair of sport sandals is sufficient.
Towels and bed linen are provided by hotels and boats.
Medication and First Aid
Pre-equip yourself with enough personal medication, the chance of obtaining specific
drugs does not exist! Do not forget seasickness pills if necessary. Pack a high factor
sunscreen to protect you from prolonged exposure to tropical weather.
Flights
Flights to Guadalupe require a stopover in San Diego in the USA therefore you will
need to acquire a valid US visa before you book your flights and accommodation.
You will also need a one night stopover in a hotel in San Diego and transportation to
and from the hotel is at your own responsibility. When you receive your flight ticket,
please ensure that your name is spelled exactly as in your passport! You must arrive at
the airport at least 3 hours before departure for an international flight. Whilst checking
in, make sure that the label on your suitcase shows the final destination of your trip.
The number of bags and their weight should comply with airline restrictions to avoid
overweight charges.
Transportation, Arrival and Pick Up
On the morning when you aboard the boat, you will be picked up from your hotel
in San Diego and on return will be dropped off in San Diego town or the airport as
required. The trip from San Diego to the Mexican border is approximately 45 minutes.
After passing the border there is an additional journey to Ensenada Marina where you
will aboard the cruise.
Communication
Guadalupe is fairly isolated and we recommend you take the time to totally disconnect
and enjoy the breathtaking views and atmosphere. There are no communication services
or access during the cruise to the island, which takes approximately 18 hours each way.
The liveaboard is equipped with a satellite communication system by which family
members can contact you in case of any emergency.
Weather and Seasons
Guadalupe is located approximately 29c degrees north of the equator, an area
characterized by a change between summer and winter seasons. Cruises to
Guadalupe are available and recommended between eh months of August to
October only. The daytime temperature during these months is approximately
25c degrees.
Sea Conditions
Most of the activity takes place in pleasant and calm waters, but seas can be high
due to winds whilst sailing to the island, back to the mainland and sailing to the
various dive sites.
Electrical Supply
110 V. We recommend you bring a universal adapter to avoid problems. There are
also American style sockets.
Money
The local currency is Peso.
All tourist service providers accept dollars, credit cards, and the price lists are
listed in dollars. Payment by credit card on the boats is usually not possible.
Local Taxes (prices might change)
$15 per person for evacuation insurance in the case of an accident. Cruises may
entail a $100- $140 fuel surcharge, per person. These taxes are to be paid in cash
directly on the boat and might change according to Mexican law without prior
notice, as has been the case in the past.
Tips
The usual tips on these cruises are 10-15% of the cost of the cruise per person.
Emergency Numbers and Decompression Chamber
The nearest decompression chamber is located in Tijuana hospital, hours away by
boat. Therefore, this destination requires ultimate safety precautions! Implications
for late treatment may be severe and therefore it is best not to perform abnormal
activities during your dives! One method of reducing the risk is to dive with Nitrox
on an air table and thus increases the safety factor. If necessary, the ship will manage
the evacuation. Tijuana telephone number: 03-7208988 ext. 11915.
Are cruises to Guadalupe suitable for non-divers?
Definitely YES!! Here diving is in cages at the water level, allowing you to watch white
tip sharks in their natural habitat. This is the only place you can see in crystal clear water.
Both divers and non-divers book cruises.
Do we Disembark the Boat?
There are no planned disembarks from the boat to the islands.
Are there any other dives apart from watching sharks?
The answer is no! The purpose of the cruise is to observe the sharks
and all the time spent in the water is devoted to this activity.
What Food is Served During the Cruise?
The food served on the ships is fresh, varied and combines American and
Mexican cuisine. There is a huge choice of food for breakfast, which includes
tropical fruits, freshly squeezed fruit juices, dishes according to your request,
cereals, yogurts, excellent Mexican coffee and more.
Lunch is 3 courses, delicious soups, a selection of main courses and scrumptious desserts.
Dinner can be enjoyed in a relaxed atmosphere and includes a fresh salad and a choice
between chicken, fish or meat meals a selection of drinks and margaritas.
Is it worthwhile combining this trip with another trip?
The answer is a definite YES!! The trip to Guadalupe, although enjoyable, includes 3
days in the water with white tip sharks. It is extremely recommended to continue to
Yucatan for several days of diving with whale sharks in Isla Mujeres and at least two
or three dives in Cenotes Caves. Please contact us and we will be happy to provide
consultation regarding varied available options.
