Our first anniversary This is the end of our first year in operation. just a quick note from us to say thanks...continued...

We are offering a great Spring Break package, for both divers, snorkelers and non-divers alike. Including accomodation we can offer as low as $550 per person More info...

There be dolphins! Just as we began to celebrate our one year annerversary, a large pod of dolphins decided to celebrate with us. We had contacts better than anything Mick has seen in 32 years of diving - more...

A quick congrats to some of our latest qualified divers "shout out"...

Our first anniversary...

On February 1st 2006, Matthew and I took over the reins at Cortez Explorers. In the year that followed to date, we have been inundated with making new friends, teaching students at all levels of the PADI curriculum, having some magical dives, and it's all down to all of you reading this.

We have had groups of sixteen plus students. We have had solo divers and solo students. We have had sea lions, dolphins, turtles, and myriads of fish of so many species, that the year has been a long wonderful dive. With water temperatures up around 95°s, we have spent many a long dive just cruising the seabed.

We are however still not satisfied. This coming year we are hoping to improve even more. We are getting a new boat to complement Palomita. We want to purchase at least three Diver Propulsion Vehicles. These are great fun for both divers and snorkelers. Furthermore we are looking at purchasing an underwater digital camera for pictures of students and divers alike, enjoying themselves in our local environment.

As for Mick, as a PADI Course Director, we are happy to announce that we shall be holding at least three PADI Instructor Development Courses this year. The dates to be confirmed yet, but we are looking at the middle of May, August, and November. All will have an Instructor Exam tagged on the end of the IDC (numbers permitting). So 2007 could be the year you become a PADI Pro!

Finally, I wish to thank you on behalf of all of us here at Cortez Explorers for making our first year so successful. While we also look forward to meeting up with our friends once again this year as well as making many more friends along the way in 2007. Cheers! from all at Cortez Explorers.

Spring Break, 2007 for just $550 per person

It is a common question, "What did you do over spring break?" Well this year you can tell them that you snorkeled with Sea Lions, swam in the Sea of Cortez, played with the Gray Whales of San Ignacio and perhaps learned to SCUBA dive.

If you are already a certified diver the package includes 7 nights accomodation and 10 boat dives. The accomodation is based on double occupancy, however we cater to all sizes of groups. Just let us know for a precise breakdown.

Now we are aware that many people are dive widows or widowers! We understand that not all couples dive as buddies. So we also cater to those who just wish to snorkel. Often our dive sites coincide with our best snorkeling locations, so no-one should feel left out!

Lastly, for the first time, we are prepared to arrange excursions to visit the Gray Whales of San Ignacio as well as the day trips into the Baja desert to visit the ancient petroglyphs. With a 7 day vacation package, you would be able to accomplish all of this. Prices for the additional trips depends on the size of the group, so please contact us for more details.

Finally, our spring break special covers the whole of March, so come join us today and book your spot.

Dolphins Ahead! An experience of a lifetime.

Another beautiful day out on the Sea of Cortez. We anchored the dive boat in 10 meters of water off Punta Concepcion, about 6 miles from Mulegè. I could see the rocks on the bottom below, so I knew the dives were going to be blessed with good visibility. As we were gearing up for the first dive, we spotted a small pod of dophins cruising a few hundred meters out to sea, their fins piercing the water as they sinuously carved the surface. Our first dive of the day led us through small rock canyons where I spotted several sleeping Baloonfish and Puffers. A large triggerfish was wedged in a crack of rock, trying to catch a bit of shuteye. Several large grouper and few nice sized Cabrilla swam up and down the length of a vertical rock wall. As we headed out across a sand flat at 16 meters, the visibility bloomed to almost 20 meters. King Angels chased each other along the sheer face of the next rock wall we approached. As we ascended we were treated to visits by the everpresent Sargeant Majors and Chromis, as well as several Giant Damselfish.

There we were, just surfacing after a great dive and completing a safety stop. Making our way over to the the boat steps Maria cried, "look, dolphins" and there they were, not 50 meters away and moving right across our front. One, two, ten or more all gently cruising together. I called out to slow down, and simply relax while finning slowly. Twenty, thirty plus were now in sight, both above and below the water's surface. Then on they came, more and more, stacked some five or six deep, and changing places when their need to breathe required them to break surface. There were truly a hundred plus of these amazing animals. They passed either side of the four of us in the water and they took no notice what-so-ever of our presence, allowing us to observe them at a mere 2 meters away.

"Hell, that was magic," Mark called out. "I don't believe it," said Chris raising his two arms above his head and showing Okay signals. Each one of us just smiled. "Here's more", was heard echoing from the boat, and sure enough, another pod, perhaps 100 plus swam left, right, center and across our front. Just as with the first group, they were heading somewhere, and gave little attention to our intrusion. Then a third pod came along on the same bearing and once again we just watched as they swam around us.

Just as I returned to the boat and had climbed in, a fourth pod came along. This time they swam across our bow, under the boat, and across our stern. To swim between us, and the stern section, they were swimming in just 3 meters of water. Chris did nothing more than grab a mask and snorkel and went over the side. Chris had some great moments to remember the rest of his life. As the last one, a juvenile I believe, passed Chris by, she slowed somewhat, and gave Chris the all knowing eye. Definitely a wonderful end to an already wonderful dive.

Congrats to Katie and Ronnie, Nils, Henrik and Julia...

Congratulations to Cortez Explorers' most recent Open Water and Advanced Open Water graduates, Katie and "Upside Down" Ronnie! Ronnie and Katie completed their certifications in December, and are currently enjoying the arctic temperatures of Winnipeg, Canada. Congratulations also go out to Nils, Henrik and Julia who came all the way from Germany to get their Open Water certifications. Congrats Divers!