Frequently asked questions
Mexico FAQs
Travel
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements for Mexico. We recommend ensuring that routine vaccinations, including MMR, Tetanus, Diphtheria and Polio, and Hepatitis A are up to date before travelling.
Sensible precautions should be taken against mosquito and insect bites, including the use of a good-quality insect repellent and covering exposed skin at dawn and dusk, especially when on land.
We advise consulting your local travel health clinic or pharmacy at least eight weeks before departure for the latest recommendations applicable to Mexico.
Useful general travel health advice can be found at: UK: Travel Health Pro US: CDC Travelers’ Health
Travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for all guests, as outlined in section 3 of our terms and conditions.
As flight delays are quite common in Mexico, we also strongly advise our guests to obtain comprehensive travel insurance to cover against unforeseeable delays and potential missed flight connections. Please read our blog ‘Do You Really Need Travel Insurance?‘ for further information on why the right type of travel insurance is so important.
You must also have insurance that covers scuba diving and snorkelling activities and the maximum depths that you will be diving to (within the limits dictated by your diving certification). It must also provide full coverage of emergency air evacuation costs and recompression treatment.
We strongly recommend taking out diving-specific insurance, such as DAN or Dive Assure, in addition to your standard travel insurance. Further information can be found on the insurance page of the Master Liveaboards website – Dive & Travel Insurance
Passport validity
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of departure from Mexico.
Visa Information
Most nationalities, including UK, US, EU, Canadian and Australian passport holders, do not require a visa to enter Mexico for tourist stays.
However, entry requirements can and do change, and it is your responsibility to check the current requirements for your nationality well in advance of travel.
For the most up-to-date visa information, please consult your government’s official foreign travel advice pages or the Mexican embassy or consulate in your country.
The nearest international airport to San José del Cabo is Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), which is served by international flights from the United States, Canada and other destinations. The airport is approximately 25 minutes from the San Jose del Cabo Marina.
If you are travelling from Europe, most connections are routed via a US hub or Mexico City (MEX).
Please be aware that flight delays and disruptions to and from Los Cabos are relatively common, so allowances should be made to ensure you will arrive well before your liveaboard embarkation time.
Also known as the Embrace It Tax, Baja Tourist Tax applies to international visitors who stay in Baja California Sur for more than 24 hours, including those on liveaboards.
The amount, which is set by the Government of Baja California Sur, is currently 488 MXN (approx. 25 USD) per person, which must be paid online before departure.
For further information, including how to pay, please refer to the official website – https://embraceit.bcs.gob.mx/qr
Yes.
All Mexico Master itineraries depart from Hotel El Ganzo, San José del Cabo Marina, and we strongly recommend arriving at least one day before embarkation, especially if you are joining a Magdalena Bay itinerary.
International flight delays and connection issues are not uncommon, and missing your liveaboard departure is not something that can be easily resolved once the vessel has left the marina.
Guests bringing underwater camera equipment into Mexico should be aware that there are customs regulations relating to items that could be classified as ‘professional’ gear, which may be taxed.
As a rule, international travellers are permitted to bring up to two cameras or camcorders and ‘camera gear’ without having to pay import tax. However, as the tax exemptions do not explicitly mention underwater housings and strobes, they are open to individual interpretation.
There have been reports of customs officials questioning and imposing import taxes on high-value equipment, such as drones, camera housings, lighting systems, and multiple lenses, upon arrival, especially at Los Cabos (SJD) and La Paz (LAP) airports.
This is not standard practice, and experiences can vary. To minimise the risk of delays, guests are advised to:
- Carry equipment as personal, used items in regular-looking luggage.
- Avoid carrying multiple identical items or equipment in its original retail packaging.
- Avoid using large, obvious Pelican cases, as this could be interpreted as ‘for professional use’.
- Be prepared to show receipts and that the items are for personal use if asked.
Most guests travel to Mexico with camera equipment without difficulty, and issues are not normally encountered when departing.
Country Information
Mexico’s Pacific coast, including the Revillagigedo Archipelago, Sea of Cortez and Magdalena Bay, experiences a generally warm, dry climate with plenty of sunshine throughout the year. Air temperatures typically range from 20–35°C (68–95°F) depending on location and season. Conditions and water clarity can change seasonally, with cooler months often bringing clearer water and warmer months increasing marine life activity. All itineraries are scheduled to coincide with the most favourable weather and wildlife conditions for each region.
Socorro Islands (November to May): Air temperatures average around 26°C (79°F), although evenings can feel cooler. The open Pacific Ocean sea conditions on the crossing from San José del Cabo can be rough, especially early and late in the season, but are generally settled once you arrive at the islands.
Sea of Cortez (June to November): Summer and autumn are the hottest and calmest months in the Gulf of California. Air temperatures often reach 35°C+ (95°F) on land, although it is slightly cooler at sea.
Magdalena Bay / Sardine Run (October to December): Air temperatures are warm to mild, ranging from around 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F). Although the bay itself is sheltered and calm, the sardine run action takes place in open Pacific water offshore from Baja California, where conditions can vary from one day to the next.
Mexico’s official language is Spanish. English is widely spoken in the Los Cabos area, particularly in hotels, restaurants and tourist-facing businesses.
The official currency of Mexico is the Mexican Peso (MXN). U.S. dollars (USD) are widely accepted in the Los Cabos area, although change will be given in pesos, and exchange rates are often unfavourable. ATMs are readily available at and around the airport and in San José del Cabo town.
Please refer to the onboard payments section under ‘During Your Trip’ for details of currencies and payment methods accepted aboard Mexico Master.
Mobile phone communications in Mexico are robust and similar to international standards, with widespread 4G LTE/5G.
Network coverage is generally reliable in towns and coastal areas, but is limited or unavailable in the remote regions visited by liveaboards, including the Revillagigedo Archipelago, parts of the Sea of Cortez and Magdalena Bay.
Medical facilities in Baja California Sur, including areas around the Sea of Cortez and Magdalena Bay, are generally good in major towns and cities, with modern private hospitals and clinics available in locations such as La Paz, Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo.
IMPORTANT: There are no medical facilities in the Socorro Islands. Accidents or incidents requiring hospital evaluation or treatment will require emergency evacuation back to the mainland.
Guests are advised to travel with comprehensive insurance and to bring any personal medications, as availability outside main centres can be limited.
Recompression facilities are available in Baja California Sur, with the nearest chambers to the Sea of Cortez located in La Paz and Cabo San Lucas.
From the Revillagigedo Archipelago, access to a chamber requires medical evacuation by air (medevac) back to the mainland, which patients are responsible for the cost of.
Guests are required to have comprehensive dive insurance, including cover for emergency evacuation and recompression treatment.
The Revillagigedo Archipelago (Socorro Islands) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Mexico’s largest fully protected marine reserve.
A daily National Park access fee is collected by CONANP (Mexico’s National Commission of Natural Protected Areas) for all visiting divers. The applicable amount for your trip is payable locally only.
EXEMPTIONS & DISCOUNTS:
- Retired Persons/Seniors (60+): 100% exemption (waived) if proof of retired/pensioned status is provided.*
- Teachers & Students: 50% discount, requiring valid, active credentials.
- Disabled Individuals: Exempt from fees.
- Mexican Nationals & Residents: Often qualify for a 50% discount
*For foreign seniors, a pension/retirement card or a formal letter from a social security office is usually required.
Diving Information
Diving in Mexico is generally best suited to intermediate and experienced divers. The minimum certification and experience requirements are noted on the individual itinerary pages and documents.
The Socorro Islands are open-ocean, exposed and not suitable for entry-level divers or those who do not have experience in a similar environment. Many of the dive sites are deep, currents can be strong, and conditions can change quickly.
The Sea of Cortez is generally more varied in character, with some sites suitable for confident intermediate divers and others presenting more challenging conditions.
If our dive crew feel any guest(s) do not have the relevant skills or experience to dive the more challenging sites safely, they may advise the person(s) to sit out some dives.
Some Mexico itineraries offer excellent opportunities for snorkelling, depending on the areas they cover.
The Magdalena Bay sardine run is particularly well suited to experienced snorkellers, with fast-paced, surface-based encounters with marlin, sea lions and dolphins.
In the Sea of Cortez, snorkelling may be possible in more sheltered areas and can be rewarding when conditions allow.
Revillagigedo Archipelago (Socorro Islands) itineraries are diving-focused and generally not suitable for non-divers due to open-ocean conditions, depths, and strong currents.
Please check with our reservations team if you are interested in joining a Mexico Master itinerary as a non-diver.
Humpback whales are present in Mexico’s Pacific waters from December to April when they migrate to breed and calve.
During this period, they are most likely to be encountered in the Revillagigedo Archipelago, with February and March being the peak months. Whale song is audible on almost every dive during this period, surface sightings are common and occasional underwater encounters do happen, although not very often.
NOTE: Mexican law prohibits intentionally entering the water to interact with cetaceans; incidental encounters during a dive are a different matter.
The Magdalena Bay sardine run is a seasonal aggregation of baitfish along the Pacific coast of the Baja California Peninsula, where vast schools of sardines attract a dynamic mix of predators. Snorkellers and freedivers can witness fast-paced action as striped marlin tear through bait balls, often joined by sea lions, dolphins, Bryde’s whales and seabirds feeding at the surface.
Often cited as the second-largest sardine run in the world after South Africa’s Sardine Run, this spectacle typically occurs from October to December and offers a more intimate, bluewater take on the bait ball phenomenon.
The largest aggregations of Mobula rays in the Sea of Cortez are most commonly reported in spring and early summer. Our itineraries from June to September fall within the tail end of this broader season, when sightings are still possible, particularly in offshore areas where groups may be seen cruising or feeding near the surface.
As with all wildlife encounters, sightings can not be guaranteed, but when conditions line up, they can turn an already great day into one that is even more memorable.
Water temperatures across Mexico’s Pacific regions vary considerably by region and season, ranging from around 20°C (68°F) in cooler months to 28–30°C (82–86°F) in warmer periods.
The coolest conditions are typically found offshore and on the Pacific side of Baja California Sur, and the warmest in the Sea of Cortez during summer.
Socorro Islands (November – June): 21°C to 27°C (70°F to 81°F) depending on the month. The warmest water is in November and December; the coolest is from January to March. Thermoclines are common and can bring significantly colder water in some areas.
Sea of Cortez (June – October): 24°C to 29°C (75°F to 84°F), reaching their peak between July and September. Upwellings in some locations can reduce the temperature by a few degrees.
Magdalena Bay (October – November): 21°C to 24°C (70°F to 75°F) during the sardine run season. Temperatures can fluctuate slightly with wind and upwellings, and often feel cooler than the numbers suggest due to wind exposure and repeated entries.
Yes, but only on half or full charters.
Due to the logistics involved, we are not able to support rebreathers on non-charters.
Yes, but only on half or full charters.
Due to the logistics involved, we are not able to accommodate technical divers on non-charters.
NOTE: Decompression dives are not permitted in the Socorro Islands.
Wetsuit requirements vary depending on the itinerary and time of year.
- For the Socorro Islands, a 5mm full-length wetsuit with a hooded vest or light layering is sufficient for most of the season. For the cooler months from January to March, a 7mm is strongly recommended with additional undergarments and a hood.
- In the Sea of Cortez, most guests are comfortable in a 3mm full wetsuit, although additional layers or a 5mm suit are beneficial for those who are prone to the chill of thermoclines and repetitive diving.
- For the Magdalena Bay sardine run, a 5-7mm wetsuit is recommended, as the cooler Pacific water, air temperatures, and repeated entries can make conditions feel colder than expected.
The Revillagigedo National Park has specific rules that all divers are required to follow:
- Night diving is prohibited. All dives must be completed before sunset.
- Technical diving is not allowed.
- All dives must remain within recreational depths and no-decompression limits.
- Gloves and handheld torches are not permitted.
- Dive lights are only allowed when attached to a camera system.
- Divers must not touch, chase or otherwise disturb any marine animal.
- Fishing is strictly prohibited throughout the protected area.
- The number of liveaboards permitted to visit at any one time is limited by the park authority.
- Dive site access is coordinated between vessels to manage diver numbers at each site.
Non-compliance can result in fines and may affect access for all visiting vessels.
During Your Trip
All Mexico Master itineraries embark and disembark at San José del Cabo Marina and involve some extensive cruising periods.
Socorro Islands: Isla San Benedicto, which is the closest and usually the first stop in the Revillagigedo Archipelago, is roughly 390 kilometres (240 miles) from San José del Cabo. This is a true open-ocean crossing, which, on average, takes 24-26 hours. Conditions can be unpredictable, with swell and motion often noticeable. Guests who are prone to seasickness should be prepared for this part of the journey.
Once in the archipelago, distances between dive sites are relatively short, although conditions can remain exposed depending on weather and sea state.
Sea of Cortez: The distance between San José del Cabo and Cabo Pulmo is around 50 nautical miles, typically 4 to 6 hours of relatively sheltered cruising along the southeastern corner of Baja California Sur. Much of the itinerary is made up of short hops between sites, usually 2 to 5 hours at a time, with generally calm conditions.
There is a longer stretch of cruising between the La Paz area, including Isla Espíritu Santo, and San José del Cabo. This is roughly 150 to 180 nautical miles, which is usually an overnight transit of around 18 to 20 hours involving more exposed conditions as you round the southern tip of Baja.
Magdalena Bay: The transit from San José del Cabo is roughly 140–160 nautical miles, taking around 18–22 hours each way. Conditions can be mixed, especially rounding the southwestern tip of Baja, where Pacific swell can be noticeable. Once in the Magdalena Bay area, the liveaboard generally remains in one location. A significant part of each day is spent on pangas, running out into open water to locate sardine schools and the predators working them. This means you will typically spend 6-8 hours on a small, high-powered boat each day, and conditions will vary depending on where the activity is found.
Enriched Air Nitrox (Eanx) certification and Deep Adventure Dive training can be completed on board Mexico Master.
All dives are conducted from the dive tenders (pangas). Entry is typically a backward roll, and exits are via the stern ladder.
All diving is guided, with guests assigned to groups of 6-8 divers led by Mexico Master’s divemasters.
Socorro Islands: Night dives are prohibited by law in the Revillagigedo Archipelago. All dives must be conducted before sunset.
Sea of Cortez: Night dives are possible at some locations, but are not guaranteed.
Magdalena Bay: None
The standard cylinders on Mexico Master, which are included in the liveaboard price, are 80 cu ft (commonly referred to as 12 Litres).
We have a limited number of 100 cu ft cylinders (commonly referred to as 15 Litre) available for an additional charge, which must be pre-ordered.
All cylinders have DIN valves with adapters available to accommodate Yoke (INT) regulators.
Essential equipment for diving in Mexico’s Pacific waters:
- Full-length minimum 5mm wetsuit.
- Additional thermal layers, e.g. skin-suit, neoprene vest and/or hood.
- Dive computer (mandatory)
- Surface marker
Please note: Gloves and dive knives are not permitted in Revillagigedo National Park or Cabo Pulmo National Park.
Mexico Master has a full complement of standard equipment available to rent, including hooded neoprene vests. Rental wetsuits are available in 5mm and 7mm thickness.
Please provide us with your height, weight and shoe size before arrival. Rental equipment is not stored on the liveaboard, so fitting of gear will take place at the Hotel El Ganzo, before embarkation.
Yes. Nitrox is available for guests who are certified to use it and is subject to an additional charge.
PLEASE NOTE: Nitrox certification and use are mandatory for Socorro Islands itineraries.
Meals are provided on a full board basis, including a light breakfast, full breakfast, lunch and dinner served in the indoor, air-conditioned dining area.
A complimentary range of soft drinks, fruit juices and teas is available at all times as well as instant and fresh-brewed coffee, snacks and fresh fruit. Beer (lager), wine, and spirits are available for an additional charge.
We offer a choice of International and locally inspired cuisine and can usually cater to most special dietary requirements, with sufficient advance notice.
Most power outlets onboard Mexico Master are 110V Type B (US 3-pin) sockets. In the camera charging and preparation areas, there are also 2-pin sockets that can fit Type A, C and F (US and European) plugs and some 220V outlets.
We advise bringing voltage and plug adapters with you to ensure you are able to correctly charge your electronics.
Yes. Wi-fi internet access is available on Mexico Master for a charge of 100 USD per device.
Mobile phones that have international roaming or a local SIM will have sporadic connectivity around Baja California. However, in the Revillagigedo Archipelago, there is no coverage at all.
Master Liveaboards is dedicated to responsible tourism and environmental conservation.
We provide towels, shampoo, shower gel, and reef-safe sunscreen in each cabin. We ask all guests to consider the environmental impact of other items they may wish to bring and to only use eco-friendly products.
Cash payments on Mexico Master can be accepted in MXN, USD, or EUR.
We also accept Mastercard, Visa, AMEX and Carnet debit and credit cards onboard.
All extras paid for on board are subject to 16% Mexican VAT.
We believe that tipping is a matter of personal choice; Should you feel that our crew has made your holiday extra special, they will certainly appreciate a tip as a sign of your appreciation. An envelope will be provided by your cruise director at the end of your itinerary, and all gratuities will be divided equally amongst all crew, including the captain and dive guides.
If you are unsure how much to tip, we suggest 15% of the liveaboard cost. Tips can only be accepted in cash.
Fishing is not allowed on any Mexico Master itinerary.
