Quino El Guardian: Scuba Diving with a Purpose
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with Quino El Guardian, a vessel designed with the mission to protect the underwater world through scuba diving and scientific research. Originally a fishing vessel, Quino was transformed into a ship dedicated entirely to diving and marine exploration, inspired by the rewarding experiences the team had with marine biologists aboard their sister ship, Rocio del Mar.
Unique Diving Experiences and Citizen Science Expeditions
Quino offers exciting diving expeditions to magical destinations such as Socorro (Archipelago de Revillagigedo) and the Sea of Cortez, allowing divers to explore some of the most biodiverse regions in the world. The crew on board is the same experienced team that made Rocio del Mar a success, known for providing delicious food and exceptional service.
A unique feature of Quino is the Citizen Science Expeditions, where divers have the opportunity to work alongside scientists. This collaboration involves activities such as animal tagging, identification, DNA sampling, and daily educational presentations on marine life, conservation, and ecological studies. Quino is available for individual trips, half charters, full charters, and custom private charters, offering tailored itineraries for your group.
Comfortable and Social Aboard Quino
Quino accommodates 16 divers in 4 quad cabins and 1 double cabin, with 4 community bathrooms. Each bathroom is assigned to a specific cabin for convenience, allowing guests to store personal items. The ship features a comfortable salon with a TV and computer station, a galley with ample seating for all guests, and a shaded sundeck to relax between dives. The camera table is large and equipped with plenty of outlets, perfect for photographers.
Quino is designed to provide the perfect balance of privacy and camaraderie, making it a great choice for single travelers as well. By the end of your trip, you’ll feel like one big family.
Dive Destinations
- Socorro Islands (Season: November – May)
- A remote archipelago, 250 miles off Baja’s southern shore, attracting oceanic pelagic animals like giant manta rays, hammerhead sharks, tiger sharks, silky sharks, and bottlenose dolphins. Whale watching is also a major highlight during humpback whale season (mid-February to mid-April) and whale shark season (November, December, and May).
- Sea of Cortez / Midriff Islands (Season: July – Mid-September)
- Known as “The World’s Aquarium,” this destination offers pristine walls and reefs teeming with marine life. Divers can encounter sea lion colonies, whale species, turtles, rays, octopuses, and countless fish species. It’s a macro photographer’s paradise, with nudibranchs, colorful blennies, jawfish, and seahorses. Whale shark encounters are a special highlight.
- Sea of Cortez / Explore Baja (Season: Mid-September – October)
- A 13-day off-the-grid adventure exploring the Sea of Cortez from end to end, featuring night dives with mobula rays, wreck dives, and encounters with oceanic manta rays. Divers will also have the opportunity to see pilot whales, humpback whales, orcas, and sperm whales, along with abundant birdlife.
Join Quino El Guardian
Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a beginner looking to learn, Quino El Guardian offers a range of expeditions and experiences that combine adventure, education, and conservation. Join them on their mission to protect the oceans while exploring some of the most exciting dive sites on Earth.
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