Sea of Cortez Liveaboard: FAQ
Welcome to Fun Azul Fleet Sea of Cortez, Valentina, Mexico liveaboard FAQ page. Wonderful place where you can enjoy scuba diving with wild California Sea Lions.
When should I schedule my arrival and departure?
=Sea of Cortez route=
ARRIVAL / CHECK-IN
Upon arrival at La Paz airport (LAP), you will be greeted at the airport by “FUN AZUL FLEET” and will be transferred to our marina (M/V VALENTINA dock) complimentary (combined).
If you arrive at San Jose Del Cabo airport (SJD), you are responsible for your own transportation to La Paz. Driving hours will be about 2.5 hours to 3.5 hours. Or we can arrange prepaid transfer at US$ 300 per van. Ask for details.
If you stay at hotel in La paz prior to the trip start, please come to our dock. Boarding starts at 18:00 and baggage drop is available from 9:00 am.
All guests must be on board by 21:00 so M/V Valentina can depart for its first night anchorage with the first dive on the following morning.
DEPARTURE / CHECK-OUT
Check out starts around 4:00 pm on the last day of the trip after 1 to 2 dives. After 1 to 2 dives, the crew will transport you to your hotel in La paz complimentary (combined).
If you return to Los Cabos area, you are responsible for your own transfer. Or we can arrange prepaid transfer at US$ 300 per van. Ask for details.
When should I schedule my arrival and departure?
=La paz & Cabo Pulmo=
LaPaz & Cabo Pulmo
ARRIVAL / CHECK-IN
Upon arrival at La Paz airport (LAP), you will be greeted at the airport by “FUN AZUL FLEET” and will be transferred to our marina (M/V VALENTINA dock) complimentary (combined). If you arrive at San Jose Del Cabo airport (SJD), you are responsible for your own transportation to La Paz.
Driving hours will be about 2.5 hrs to 3.5 hours. Or we can arrange prepaid transfer at US$ 300 per van. Ask for details.
If you stay at hotel in La paz prior to the trip start, please come to our dock by own way. Boarding starts at 18:00 and baggage drop is available from at 09:00 am.
All guests must be on board by 21:00 so M/V Valentina can depart for its first night anchorage with the first dive in the following morning.
DEPARTURE / CHECK-OUT
Check out starts around 4:00 pm on the last day of the trip after 1 to 2 dives. The crew will transport you to your hotel in La paz complimentary.
Will there be dinner on board on the first day?
<With arrival day dinner>
LaPaz & Cabo Pulmo Part2
<Without arrival day dinner>
LaPaz & Cabo Pulmo Part1, Sea of Cortez, Discover Baja Part1, Discover Baja Part2,
Dinner on the arrival date is not included in this trip. You can leave your luggage on the boat and feel free to dine in town prior to check in. If you are already staying in the area, feel free to make your own way to the Marina after 7:00 pm.
How long is the required validity of the passport?
Your passport must be effective until returning home and you must have a return airline ticket to travel to Mexico.
It is traveler’s responsibility to ensure they have the proper documentation.
Please check with the appropriate consulate to ensure that you have the proper documentation by traveler’s responsibility.
How many dive masters (guides) will be on board?
Qualified and experienced 3 or 4 dive instructors (guides) are on board, speaking English, Spanish or Japanese.
Are there any activities for non-diver on board?
Non divers will be able to enjoy snorkeling. Our crews take you to snorkel by a boat if you are interested.
Is Nitrox available?
Nitrox is available with an additional charge as long as the diver is Nitrox certified. Use of Nitrox 20USD/per day.
As for large tank which is 100ft³ (approx13.2L) tank with Nitrox would be 40USD/day
Note: Large tank is limited availability.
Is WIFI available?
There is no internet service available on board.
Sea of Cortez is not in the coverage area due to a regulation of the Marine Park.
When the boat is close to city or land, we will get access, but other than that, the connectivity is quite low.
There is another option on Land to purchase prepaid SIM called "Amigo".
Please refer to the link for detail. This is a service provided by another entity. Please make sure to contact them directly for the most updated service information.
http://www.telcel.com/personas/telefonia/amigo/tarifas-y-opciones#!amigo-sin-limite
In case of emergency, our captain has a satellite phone to communicate with land.
What is the standard valve of tanks?
The standard valve is Y type. DIN adjuster is also available on board.
What dive equipment should I bring?
Tanks, weights and weight belts are provided. The following items are the diver’s responsibility.
* CASH ONLY**
- Certification card
- DAN or other dive accident insurance card
- Diving log book (strongly encouraged)
- Mask *
- Snorkel *
- Fins (full foot and Strap fin) *
- Buoyancy Control Device *
- Regulator w/alternate air source *
- Submersible pressure and depth gauges *
- Dive computer (required) *
- Dive light *
- Tank Marker Lights (for night dives)
- Full wetsuit or shorty – 3 mm to 5 mm *
- Safety sausage (SMB) *
- Reef hook (if you need)
- Rental equipment is available on board. Please let us know at least 10days prior to your departure to ensure on-time preparation.
Full | 30USD/day |
Wetsuit | 15USD/day |
BCD | 15USD/day |
REG | 15USD/day |
Mask + Snorkel + Fin | 15USD/day |
Dive Light | 12USD/day |
Dive Computer | 15USD/day |
Use of Nitrox | 20USD/day |
Big air tank -100ft³ (approx. 13.2L) | 15USD/day *limited availability |
Big Nitrox tank -100ft³ (approx. 13.2L) | 40USD/day *limited availability |
* Pricing is subject to change |
What facilities are equipped in cabin?
All cabins have private toilet and shower booth.
Air condition/ hair-dryer / shampoo / conditioner and body soap
What type of electric socket is able to charge battery?
All of the cabins have an adapter for any type of socket.
Electric power is 110V and 60 cycles.
We recommend you to bring a transformer if necessary.
Is a large tank available?
100ft³ (approx 13.2L) tank | 15USD/day *limited availability |
100ft³ (approx 13.2L) tank Nitrox | 40USD/day *limited availability |
Can I see Mobula rays?
We do night diving with Mobula rays near Esplit Island, uninhabited island, during the trip. It is called a “Night Mobula diving program that attracts 20-40 Mobula rays gather around lighting, Amazing!
Another spectacular scene is to see them leaping from the water,
sometime three or four mobula rays reaching a height of 9 approximate 9feet /3m or more above the water.
Is crew gratuity included in the package price of the trip?
Crew gratuities are not included in your trip fee. The crew members work very hard to provide the best possible service for you. If you are happy with the service, please provide gratuities on the last day.
An envelope will be handed to you or placed in your room with service survey. The gratuities will be shared equally among the crew.
For your reference, 10% (approximately US $200- $300) per trip per person would be appreciated.
Do you conduct Nitrox specialty course on board?
Nitrox Course: $150 - This includes all necessary equipment (tanks, use of oxygen analyzer, use of course materials, instructor, and check out dives). Certification will be from a International certification agency (PADI). After certificated, fill charge is US$ 10 per dive day.
** CASH ONLY**
What currencies are accepted on board?
We accept USD and MXN. If you would like to pay by credit card, please visit the office of FUNBAJA, local operator, in LaPaz.
VISA or MASTER is acceptable with additional handling fee 16%.
Will there be some special occasion for celebration such as birthday or logged dives anniversary?
Whether it’s your anniversary, birthday, honeymoon, wedding or you are celebrating a logged dive, please let us know so the crew can celebrate your occasion together.
Please advise the reservation center prior to traveling so the crew is notified in advance.
What will meals be like?
Blend of Western, Mexican, Asian Cuisine are prepared on board.
All meals are buffet style consists of vegetables, rice, pasta, soup, fish, beef, Sashimi(raw fish), Tacos, ceviche etc.
We set up a special Mexican BBQ dinner on the last day of the trip.
Beers and Soft drinks are included in your tour price.
A complimentary glass of wine is served with dinner.
Please list on the application form any dietary (vegetarian food, allergic food) needs you have.
Should I bring flip flaps?
Yes, please bring shoes that you can use on board (only for inside).
Can I request to use “ Side-mount” ?
Yes. It is possible as long as you follow our trip schedule (Max dive time/ Max depths) and respect No Deco Diving / No Solo Diving.
Air Extra Tank for side mount = US$15 per day
Please bring your own harness due to unavailable on board.
What if my flight is delayed?
In case you miss your flight or are not be able to make it to Valentina on schedule,
Please call +52 1 (612) 1067148 , WhatsApp is available.
Mr. Enrique Castillo under FUN BAJA operation center.
Or at +52 1 (612)1832075 (Ms. Naho)
Email: lbvalentina@funbaja.com
Our efforts on guests’ safety
We have life boats, lifesaver rings, life jackets and emergency lights on board which are examined and certified by Harbors Bureau of Mexico annually. Our fire extinguishers are examined and certified by Harbors Bureau of Mexico annually. We hereby confirm that without the certificates, we are not allowed to operate our boat and we are fully compliant with it. We also have smoke detectors in each cabin and the engine room.
Rest assured that we do everything possible to ensure the safety of our guests and if you have any further questions on the safety issues, we are more than happy to answer any of your queries.
How do you take measures against covid-19?(update 01-March-2021)
Our social distancing policy under COVID-19 emergency situation(update 01-March-2021)
We limit number of guests housed to max 20 passengers and a single use rate is only 30% additional to the cruise rate.
This policy is valid until May 31, 2022 (it may be modified if the situation improves).
Payment and cancellation policy under COVID-19 emergency situation(update 01-March-2021)
Are the crew on board PCR tested and negative certified?
Yes, we take PCR tests prior to every cruise, proved negative, and have certificates for the guests’ safety.
Where can I take a COVID-19 test after the cruise for my return trip?
For your return trip, below venues are available for testing;
LABORATORIES IN LA PAZ
Venue: Laboratorio Primelab
Test type:
1.Rapid test
At 850.00 pesos / test result received in 20 mins. (via e-mail)
2.PCR test
At 3,450.00 pesos / test result received within 48 hours. (via e-mail)
*It is approx.. 10 mins. by taxi from downtown. Ask our crew for taxi arrangement.
Venue: Airport
Test type:
1.Rapid test
At 450.00 pesos / test result received in 20 mins. (via e-mail)
2.PCR test
At 1,450.00 pesos / test result received within 48 hours. (via e-mail)
LABORATORIES IN LOS CABOS
https://assets.simpleviewinc.com/simpleview/image/upload/v1/clients/loscabosmx/
Testing_Facilities_in_Los_Cabos_EUA_ea09d425-02ad-44d7-acb4-fd1bf76e965b.pdf
Tests are also available at some big hotels in town.
*Our crew will assist you making reservations.
Certificate of vaccination (Updated on Oct. 31, 2022)
If you are triple vaxed, please submit the certificate. Those who have not been triple vaxed, please submit a negative result of a rapid test within a few days of the cruise. NO HOME TEST KIT RESULTS ARE ACCEPTED. Please forward to reservation@fun-azulfleet.net via email.