LA PAZ • OCTOBER 28 - NOVEMBER 3, 2024

Hola Amigos! Looking for a convenient dive destination (less than 10+ hours of travel) that features warm water, good visibility, and an abundance of marine life? The answer is simple: La Paz, Mexico located on the Baja peninsula. It’s easy to get to (roundtrip airfare under $300 for Southern Cali residents), offers solid diving opportunities, has incredible weather, and the sunsets are legendary. Since the days of Y2K, Seasick has made the pilgrimage almost annually, participating in over a dozen Baja group trips and logging hundreds of dives in the Sea of Cortez. The destination never disappoints. There are “guarantees” such as playful sea lions, massive schools of fish, and some pretty cool wrecks. There are also “the unknowns” such as whale sharks, mantas, dolphins, schooling hammerhead sharks, humpback whales, and even Sea Pandas aka orcas. Over the years guests have seen all the aforementioned subjects, seriously. October is often considered peak dive season in Baja as the ocean is at its best with 75'+ visibility and 84°+ water temperatures.

And when guests aren’t underwater getting salty and blowing bubbles, they can enjoy the newly remodeled Hotel Indigo (formerly CostaBaja Resort and Spa). Managed by IHG (parent company to the InterContinental brand), this property is a bonafide resort — not some weathered motel. Infinity pools, done. Beach clubs, done. Golf cart transfers around the property, done. All of this coupled with the highest level of service in La Paz. It truly is the good life.

Enter plot twist here — as if top-tier marine life encounters, the best dayboat in Baja, and a newly renovated luxury property weren’t enough, Seasick decided to spice things up a bit. How? Sorta simple. The dates of the trip coincide with the Dia de Los Muertos Mexican holiday (Day of the Dead). Think Halloween south-of-the-border with skeleton face paint (catrines), authentic music (did someone say “mariachi”), local specialty cuisine, and an influx of cultural entertainment.

LA PAZ

Hotel Indigo is located ten minutes outside of downtown La Paz, the capital city of Baja California Sur. With over 485 years of history, the city is rich with culture and diversity. The people of La Paz (“Pacenos”) set the city apart from many of its neighboring destinations. They are helpful, caring, friendly folks who are quick to smile and define what the city is all about. La Paz, or the "City of Peace," has a tranquil vibe that is reflected from the sea and adjacent mountains. This isn’t Cabo. This isn’t Cancun. This is a quiet historical destination that is famous for its diving and snorkeling opportunities. The quaint city features a Malecón boardwalk lined with bronze sculptures, boutique restaurants, and a variety of small watering holes. There are no mega clubs such as Señor Frog's or Papas & Beer. Those that want epic nightlife and unforgettable hangovers should venture elsewhere.

The crown jewel of the area is not on land, rather, it is offshore. It is a body of water known as the Sea of Cortez or Gulf of California and extends from the Colorado River in the north to Los Cabos on the southern tip of the peninsula. “Stunning, breathtaking, pristine” are all words that describe the natural beauty created by geographic contrasts and the immeasurable biodiversity that made Jacques Cousteau refer to this true sanctuary as “the world's aquarium.” Immeasurable biodiversity? Let’s put it this way, the Sea of Cortez has almost half of the world’s marine mammals, a third of the world’s marine cetacean species (whales and dolphins), and almost 900 species of fish, making it the richest body of water on the planet, biologically speaking. Facts.

Continent: North America • Country: Mexico • State: Baja California Sur • Municipality: La Paz • Year Founded: 1535 • Climate: Tropical desert • Population: 290,000 (2020) • Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN) • Elevation: 89' • Time: UTC-7 • Official Languages: Spanish • Industries: Eco-tourism, silver mining, agriculture, and fishing • Electricity: 120V (same as USA) • Nickname: Aquarium of the World (Cousteau)

WEATHER AND CLIMATE

La Paz has desert-like climate with very little rain. Unlike other areas of Mexico, La Paz does not have distinct rainy and dry seasons; it has two seasons — summer and winter. The summer begins in June and starts to cool down in September. During these months average daily temperatures are between 93-97°F. Winter begins in December and lasts until March during which the temperatures can drop below 59°F at night. The bay provides breezes year-round that moderate the temperature and acts as a barrier against seasonal storms in the Sea of Cortez. The climate in La Paz during October can be summarized as hot, humid and limited rainfall and gradually cools into November.

October Averages - High Temp: 91°F • Low Temp: 69°F • Sea Water Temp: 83°F • Daylight Hours: 11.5 • Sunshine Hours: 9 • Rainy Days: 2 • Precipitation Totals: 0.4 in
November Averages - High Temp: 84°F • Low Temp: 62°F • Sea Water Temp: 78°F • Daylight Hours: 11.25 • Sunshine Hours: 8 • Rainy Days: 1 • Precipitation Totals: 0.2 in

HOTEL INDIGO

Hotel Indigo is the only luxury resort in the city of La Paz. The oceanfront property is set on the calm waters of the Sea of Cortez, offering ocean, mountain, and marina views. Hotel Indigo is not far from the world, it just feels that way. Recognized as one of Mexico’s top destinations and established as La Paz’s only five-star resort, the hotel and spa are the centerpiece of this magnificent 550-acre development.

Hotel Indigo provides a wide variety of activities for every personality, taste, and age. Enjoy the unique scenery, relax at the exclusive Beach Club, work out while overlooking the sea, or revitalize at the world-class spa (they give hella good massages). Experience a wide variety of sumptuous dishes at gourmet restaurants overlooking the marina. And finally, end the day by witnessing another magnificent sunset from the new luxurious home at Hotel Indigo. Enhanced by a variety of amenities including 42-inch flat-screen televisions, designer glass showers, and 24-hour room service, guests at the hotel are treated to a luxury experience while surrounded by the raw beauty of Baja California Sur and the Sea of Cortez.

Year Built: 2005 • Number of rooms: 115 • Dining: Cardon, Barco, Beach Bar, The Pool Bar, Azul Marino, Odayaka Sushi Bar, Taberna Española, Majagua, Cardón • Breakfast: Included • WiFi: Included

3 Pools • Full-service spa • Bar • Lounge • Fitness facilities • Private beach • Golf course • Free area shuttle • Outdoor tennis courts • Marina • 24-hour front desk • ATM • Currency exchange • Multilingual staff • Porter and bellhop • Dry cleaning and laundry service • Concierge services • Safe-deposit box at front desk • Beach towels • 3:00pm check-in • 12:00pm check-out • Early check-in subject to availability

ACCOMMODATIONS

SEA VIEW • GARDEN VIEW • GOLF COURSE VIEW • POOL VIEW (KING OR DOUBLE ROOM)
The standard room features views (via private balcony) of either the La Paz Bay, the Gary Player Signature golf course embedded into the Baja mountains, or the property’s infinity pool. All rooms are 250 sq. ft. and include a buffet breakfast as part of the Seasick package.

DIVING

Within the scuba industry, La Paz is known for its in-water big animal encounters. Sure, there are shrimp, crabs, nudis, and other small denizens but divers tend to seek the larger “entertainment”. Most of the superior diving is conducted about 16 miles from the city of La Paz around Isla Espíritu Santo and its sister island Isla Partida. These two islands combine to be roughly the same size as Florida’s Walt Disney World. This natural amusement park is made up of volcanic ash and lava from earthquakes and volcanic activity. The area is so special that UNESCO declared the islands a Biosphere Reserve in 1995 keeping them uninhabited and free of any development. The islands’ beautiful mountains and bluffs are covered in a vast maze of saguaro cactus, but it is the underwater world surrounding these islands which are the true treasures. One of the greatest treasures in all of Mexico.

Jacques Cousteau declared this area “the world's aquarium” for a reason. These reefs are home to parrotfish, angelfish, trumpetfish, Moorish idols, rainbow wrasse, rays, turtles, dolphins, and even whales. Yes, there are large varieties of single reef dwelling fish but it is important to note that there are also huge schools of fish. As in walls of fish. As in groups of fish so big and so dense that they block out the sun. And even with that said, the real stars of the “show” are the California Sea Lions, and their “stage” is the world-famous dive site known as Los Islotes. The site is located off the northern tip of Isla Espíritu Santo and is home to the largest sea lion colony in the Sea of Cortez, with over 600 individuals on and around the island. That is not a typo, 600 sea lions residing in an area the size of a soccer field. It is noisy. It is frenetic. It is amazing.

Los Islotes is the single best (warm-temperate water) location in the world to snorkel and dive with sea lions. No hype. It is that good.

Depth: 10'-130'+ • Visibility: Generally 40'-80'+ • Currents: Minimal • Skill Level: Beginner - Intermediate (nothing Advanced) • Water Temp: 81-86°F • Dive Sites: 10-15 • Peak Season: September - November

BAJA EXPEDITIONS

Once upon a time, Tim Means, a Colorado river guide and mighty advocate for wildlife and wildlands arrived in La Paz, where he lived for the rest of his life.

In the 1990s “Timo” sought the help of influential people in his network, including affluent donors from both sides of the border and Ernesto Zedillo, the president of Mexico at the time, to fight for the preservation of Baja California Sur’s pristine Isla Espiritu Santo from development, he led the campaign to buy the island and donate it to the federal government. Isla Espiritu Santo and 244 other islands were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005 as a result of Means’ work.

Ecotourism didn’t exist back then, but Timo had a vision, to bring the very first ecotourism company to Baja California. Timo founded Baja Expeditions in 1974. He started doing catamaran voyages around Espiritu Santo, swims with whale sharks, kayaking tours, zero-impact camping in the area’s natural wonders, and he encouraged local fishermen to turn their “pangas” into whale watching boats for incredible up-close gray whale encounters in San Ignacio. And in 1978, he built one of the first dive liveaboards in the world, the Don Jose.

He never really intended to build a business, for him, that was his way of life.

Captain Mike from Nautilus first arrived in Baja in 1984, he was a close friend to Timo. Mike stepped in during the covid crisis, after Timo passed away in 2020 to continue Timo’s legacy and with the injection of new energy, new capital and loads of new ideas. Baja Expeditions continues to lead the way in ecotourism in Baja, welcoming visitors from around the globe. Working with biologists and naturalists to create the most extraordinary expeditions for their guests: diving, snorkeling, kayaking, whale encounters, eco-camping, luxury glamping, sailing adventures, and wildlife cruising. They are the world’s leader in Baja eco-adventures.

Four decades after the first explorations, Baja Expeditions continues under leadership inspired by both Tim Means’ vision and the vanguard of conservation models on the peninsula and in Mexico. The Baja Expeditions team includes local and international naturalists, local family members, former fisherman, accomplished guides, field scientists and local students.

Baja Expeditions has a pair of brand-new (in 2021) matching 48' sister ships. These beauties are powered with twin Cummins 450hp engines and cruise at 30kmh (they are fast) with a very comfortable ride that smaller boats simply can’t match. Each vessel can accommodate 24 divers (Seasick will limit it to 20 max) with ample space for gear, suntanning and relaxing areas, an upper bridge with additional seating, four dinette tables and of course, a head (which is sailor talk for a bathroom). With the open transom design, aluminum ladders and handrails, guests will appreciate the ease of entering and exiting the water from the spacious dive platform.

Seasick has reserved Baja Expeditions’ Cozumel Express II dive boat (shown above) which is one of the most comfortable and “luxurious” day boats in La Paz.

Pangas are great. Super pangas are even better. They are the F150 pickup truck of the seas, which is why Baja Expeditions has 14 of them. Fast. Comfortable. Versatile. Easy to get in and out of. Outboard powered 115-250hp engines(s) which vary by boat. In addition to the 48' Cozumel Express II dive boat, Seasick has reserved a Super Panga for logistical flexibility.

DIVE SITES

LOS ISLOTES: Best known as the Sea Lion Rookery, is home to a colony of over 600 Californian brown sea lions. These playful creatures are accustomed to human visitors and interact freely. The pups nip at scuba fins, the females dive bomb, and the bulls intimidate. All harmless fun after mating season. The site consists of two large rock islets, one of which is a natural arch. Swim through dense shoals of silver sardines, blue and gold king angelfish, and schools of yellow surgeonfish. Depth: 5'-50' (2-15m) • Level: Novice

LOS MUELLECITOS: The main feature is a wall descending to 75' where divers can see several species of moray, octopus, gorgonians, and orange cup coral. Depth: 20'-70' (12-25m) • Level: Novice

THE SALVATIERRA WRECK: This site is the remains of the 320' long ferry “La Salvatierra,” which sank in 1976 after striking the Swanee Reef. Fish are everywhere along this thriving artificial reef, and with the low current and shallow depth, this massive wreck is ideal for all skill levels. There are still a few cargo trucks on the bottom and huge propellers. Depth: 60' (18m) • Level: Novice

FANG MING & LAPAS 03: On November 18 1999, two Chinese metal vessels named Fang Ming and Lapas03 were sunk close to Isla Ballena. These vessels were confiscated by the Mexican government for the illegal transportation of immigrants. The government turned them into an artificial reef and allow for full wreck penetration diving. Depth: 70' (21m) • Level: Novice

LA REINA: A rock islet just north of Isla Cerralvo, La Reina, meaning The Queen, is often referred to as The Lighthouse, because it has one. In depths of 80' a large reef is found populated by gorgonians of all types, brain corals, large schools of brightly colored tropical fish, rays, green, zebra and jeweled morays. Depth: 80' (25m) • Level: Novice to intermediate

Note: All dive sites are subject to weather conditions and visited at the discretion of the captain and dive guides.

WHALE SHARK SNORKEL

REQUIREMENTS: Ability to swim and must not possess irrational fear of being eaten.
COST: $150 + 16% VAT (approximately 3 hours). Payable to Baja Expeditions upon arrival.

Each year between October/November and March/April, whale sharks gather in the Bay of La Paz to feed on the rich plankton. These gentle giants which can reach up to 40' and weigh an average of 10,000 lbs (about the same weight as a cargo container or monster truck), use mouth filters to feed on the tiny plankton and small fish or eggs. Swimming with the largest fish in the sea is a pretty sick experience.

* This opportunity will be available on the group’s free day (November 2) if whale sharks are present and the marine park is open. Whale shark snorkeling is tightly controlled (no more wild west excursions) by the local authorities and regulations vary year to year. No times will be confirmed until the week of the trip.

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS

Tired of the same ‘ol same ‘ol Halloween parties? Or conversely, is Halloween one of the most anticipated nights of the year? Regardless, Seasick has something fresh and fun planned. This is all completely new so no promises will be made, but the objective is clear: dress up like the locals do for this special occasion, slather on some spooky face paint, and partake in the events that permeate the area. Explore. Discover. Connect.

Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a traditional Mexican celebration that allows families to honor their ancestors. Originally brought by the Spanish invaders in the early 1500s, the current tradition is a mix of Aztec, Spanish, and Catholic customs (All Saint’s Day and All Soul’s Day) that celebrate relatives who have passed. Recognized on November 1st and 2nd, Mexico was the first country (there are five others) to start this observance. It’s like a joyful family reunion where dead ancestors are the guests of honor (like a scene from Beetlejuice). Families construct candlelit altars in their homes so spirits can find their way back to the living relatives. On the altar, families include favorite foods and important items of the deceased called “ofrendas”. Then they migrate to the graveyards for a big fiesta that consists of decorating tombstones. So cool! And nothing screams graveyard party like a massive feast for everyone to enjoy while singing and talking to their ancestors (not as creepy as it sounds).

Skeletons are an important part of the celebration so life-size paper mache skeletons, miniature clay skeletons, and plastic skeletons are commonplace. Not only are they honoring their ancestors but also reminding themselves that death is a part of life.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

* Lunch and drinks are only included in the Diving Package on diving days and the Snorkel Package on snorkel days. Guests who do not dive or snorkel will be responsible for their own lunch and drinks.

FLIGHTS + TRANSFERS

SAMPLE ITINERARY AS OF DECEMBER 15, 2023

TIJUANA - LA PAZ
DEPARTING: MONDAY, OCTOBER 28 • RETURNING: SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3
ESTIMATED COST: $250

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

DEFINITIONS: “Company” is defined as Underwater Exposures, Inc. dba Seasick Productions, incorporated in terms of the laws of California, United States of America. "Company Affiliated Parties" is defined as the Company, its directors, members, partners, employees, agents, consultants, suppliers, and contractors. “Guest” is defined as any person or persons placing a booking (whether provisional or confirmed) with the Company and who contracts with the Company for any of the Services together with his/her spouse, dependents and companions. “Services” is defined as the provision of accommodation, transport, transfers, scuba diving and snorkeling activities, tours or any other activities or services provided by the Company and the procurement by the Company of the provision of accommodation, transport, transfers, scuba diving and snorkeling activities, tours or any other activities or services by any Third-Party Contractors.

GENERAL: Price based on double occupancy group rate. Single supplement, extensions, additional services, and all other items not listed in itinerary are not included. All prices subject to change without notice. A $1,000.00 deposit per person is required with each Guest reservation. Company reserves the right, without advance notice, to make changes or cancellations, in part or in whole, as circumstances dictate. Any deposit or payment made to Company or any representative of Company shows acceptance and acknowledgement of the terms and conditions as stated herein.

CHANGES TO RESERVATIONS: Any request by Guest to amend or change a booking once it has been confirmed, may be accommodated by Company subject to availability. If Company is able to assist, a reasonable administrative fee may be charged. Any such administrative fees shall be invoiced to the Guest and must be settled as per the standard terms applicable to the booking. If the invoice is not paid within such time, Company may construe such non-payment as an act of cancellation on the part of the Guest and the provisions of the cancellation clause shall apply. All reservations, confirmed bookings, and Company’s services are non-transferable.

CANCELLATIONS TO RESERVATIONS: Refund (less cancellation fee) may be issued if reservation is cancelled four months prior to departure date and if another Guest can fill the vacancy. All authorized refunds will be assessed a $300.00 cancellation fee. No refund or credit will be made for Services not utilized by Guest. No cancellations shall be accepted within 30 days of trip departure.

FORCE MAJEURE: “Force Majeure Event” is defined as any event which is beyond the control of the Company, including, but not limited to a national strike, act of war, armed conflict, insurrection, civil commotion, terrorism or the threat of terrorism; any act of God including but not limited to epidemic, pandemic, lightning, earthquake, flooding, fire, cyclone, hurricane, typhoon, tidal wave, storm, volcanic eruption and other unusual and extreme adverse weather or environmental conditions; any event which falls within any of these categories that is suffered by Third-Party Contractors of the Company, who are involved in the receipt or provision of the Services; and or any other cause or contingency beyond the control of the Company. The Company shall not be deemed to be in breach of any of its obligations to Guest due to any Force Majeure Event. If the Company is affected by a Force Majeure Event, it may in its sole and absolute discretion, amend or cancel any of the Services or the remainder thereof, or to make any alteration in route, accommodation, transportation or arrangement in the event of the Services or any part thereof being rendered impossible, illegal or inadvisable.

GUEST INSURANCE: If scuba diving is a Service used by Guest, Company requires Guest to possess a dive accident insurance policy prior to using any of Company’s Services. If scuba diving is not a Service used by Guest, Company requires Guest to possess an international accident and medical evacuation insurance policy prior to using any of Company’s Services. Information on dive accident insurance can be found at the Divers Alert Network’s website: www.diversalertnetwork.org. In addition, Company recommends trip insurance in the event a Guest must cancel the trip. Information on trip insurance can be found at the Divers Alert Network’s website: www.diversalertnetwork.org or the DiveAssure website: www.diveassure.com.

RESPONSIBILITY: Company acts only as agents for the Third-Party Contractors providing transportation, accommodations, diving and other Services. All tickets and vouchers issued constitute the sole contract between the Guest and Company. Company or its representatives shall not at any time be responsible in any way for loss, injury, or damage arising from any Force Majeure Event, act of government, theft, sickness, customs regulations, delay, cancellation error, or any cause beyond its control. Company or its representatives accepts no liability for the consequences of the personal activities of any Guest who is personally responsible for decisions concerning health, safety, fitness for diving and snorkeling, or any other circumstances beyond its control.