Nautilus Belle Amie Liveaboard Overview

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Elena Vivaldo
Contributor at DIVEIN.com
Traveller. PADI scuba diving instructor. SEO copywriter working with many clients across different time zones since 2018. Elena has been hooked on diving since she was...
Rebecca Strauss
Editor at DIVEIN.com
Rebecca has been an avid traveler and scuba diver for many years. She began her editorial career by updating travel guides, which took her all over...
Nautilus Belle Amie liveaboard yacht anchored off a hilly coastline in golden light
Custom-built for divers in 2015, Nautilus Belle Amie is a sleek, modern, and spacious 135-foot (42 m) liveaboard.
Aerial view of the Nautilus Belle Amie anchored beside Socorro's volcanic rock pinnacles
Socorro's ocean pinnacles mean lots of pelagic sea life.
Nautilus Belle Amie liveaboard cruising past towering ocean rock formations
The Belle Amie can comfortably accommodate up to 32 guests in 17 en-suite cabins, and combines 5-star service with high safety standards.
Bunk beds and ensuite bathroom in a Nautilus Belle Amie cabin
On the lower deck, there are eight staterooms with side-by-side beds. There is also one triple stateroom.
Wooden bar with wine bottles and stools aboard the Nautilus Belle Amie
On the main deck you’ll find the air-conditioned salon, bar, and dining room.
Huge school of mobula rays swimming together in the Sea of Cortez
Mobula rays in the thousands await in the Sea of Cortez, depending on the season.
Pod of dolphins leaping and swimming near the surface
Dolphins are common around Magdalena Bay and in the Sea of Cortez.
Humpback whale diving with its tail breaking the surface
Lucky Socorro divers might see migrating humpbacks underwater.
School of hammerhead sharks circling in open water
You can expect to see dolphins, giant manta rays, and many species of sharks, including whale sharks, hammerheads, Galapagos sharks, and silky sharks.

A trip with Nautilus Belle Amie means wild, remote diving and amazing pelagic encounters in stunning, uninhabited Socorro Island south of Baja California, Mexico.

Custom-built for divers in 2015, Nautilus Belle Amie is a sleek, modern, and spacious 135-foot (42 m) liveaboard built to the same safety standards as international cruise ships. The boat is also fitted with stabilizers to make the time at sea more comfortable and help prevent seasickness.

The boat can comfortably accommodate up to 32 guests in 17 en-suite cabins, and combines 5-star service with high safety standards to ensure a smooth voyage at sea. Apart from diving in Socorro Island, the Nautilus Belle Amie itinerary also includes other exclusive dive spots in Mexico for amazing dolphin and whale encounters.

Let’s dive into our review of Nautilus Belle Amie.

About this overview

To help you decide whether this liveaboard fits your dive style, budget, and comfort needs, we’ve researched the boat, itinerary, onboard experience, diving setup, and overall value.
We review liveaboards based on the details that matter most during a multi-day dive trip, including cabins, food, crew support, dive operations, safety, route quality, and how the boat compares with similar options in the destination.

Things we like:

  • Big marine-life encounters
  • Huge dive deck and platform
  • Modern, luxurious interior
  • Rebreather-friendly
  • Fusion of Mexican and international food

Things we don't like:

  • Alcoholic beverages not included
  • Required extras like port fees, national marine park fees, and 5% Mexican VAT not included

Diving on the Nautilus Belle Amie liveaboard

Crew members in Nautilus shirts assisting guests suiting up for a dive on the swim deck
Large aggregation of hammerhead sharks swimming beneath the surface sunburst
Marlin hunting a tight baitball of fish near the surface
Scuba diver watching a pod of dolphins swim past underwater

Nautilus Belle Amie itineraries are carefully planned to offer divers the best interactions with big marine life around Baja California, Mexico. You can expect to see dolphins, giant manta rays, and many species of sharks, including whale sharks, hammerheads, Galapagos sharks, and silky sharks.

Depending on the time of year, Nautilus Belle Amie has different itineraries—the most popular focuses on Socorro Island. This remote, uninhabited island is only accessible via liveaboard between November and May, making this dive stop all the more appealing. It’s no surprise that it’s also one of the best dive spots in Mexico.

Other itineraries focus around Magdalena Bay and the Sea of Cortez, where you can experience Mexico’s Sardine Run (October through January), swim with sea lions, and enjoy some of the planet’s best human-whale interactions.

To dive with Nautilus Belle Amie, you need to be an advanced diver comfortable diving in strong currents. Most dive sites are 82 feet (25 m) or deeper. Nitrox is available at an extra cost. The Nautilus Belle Amie is also rebreather-friendly.

Because the waters are not very warm (70 to 80 F/ 21 to 26 C), divers will likely want a 5 mm wetsuit and should carry an SMB. Should you not have the right equipment or wish to travel light, you can rent gear onboard.

 Highlights:

  • Pelagic encounters
  • Strong currents
  • Deep dives

Onboard the Nautilus Belle Amie

Twin-bed stateroom and ensuite bathroom aboard the Nautilus Belle Amie
Cozy lounge salon with sofas aboard the Nautilus Belle Amie
Nautilus Belle Amie liveaboard anchored near volcanic cliffs with divers on the dive platform

The Nautilus Belle Amie features four spacious decks with 17 en-suite, air-conditioned staterooms and suites to accommodate a total of 32 people.

On the lower deck, there are eight staterooms with side-by-side beds. There is also one triple stateroom.

On the main deck, there are two premium suites with extra living space, large windows, TVs, and double sinks in the bathroom. Beds can be configured as either California kings or two doubles.

On the wheelhouse deck, there are six superior suites with large windows and the comforts of a 5-star hotel with extra thoughtful touches, like decorative cushions and throws, to make guests feel welcome. These suites can also be configured with a California king or two doubles, depending on your preference.

Interior spaces are minimalist and carefully decorated, with several areas to relax before and after every dive. WiFi is available for an extra fee if you must stay connected.

On the main deck you’ll find the air-conditioned salon, bar, and dining room. There’s also a small library and a TV to watch films or documentaries. Outside, kick back on the sun deck, complete with sun loungers, a hot tub, and a bar with high chairs.

As for the dive deck, the one on Nautilus Belle Amie is spacious and shady, with benches and storage space for your diving equipment, including a camera table with charging stations.

The large, water-level dive platform makes entries and exits easy. There are also tenders to take divers from and to the dive sites.

Highlights:

  • One triple stateroom
  • Hot tub on sun deck
  • Huge water-level dive platform
  • Tenders available for easy dive site access

Dining onboard the Nautilus Belle Amie

Dining room set with tables aboard the Nautilus Belle Amie
Plate of eggs benedict with grilled potatoes held over the ocean
Trays of bruschetta appetizers with tomato and goat cheese on the buffet
Wooden bar with wine bottles and stools aboard the Nautilus Belle Amie

The food onboard the Nautilus Belle Amie is a fusion of Mexican and West Coast North American food.

Special dietary requirements, like vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy options, can be accommodated with at least 30 days’ notice.

Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style and include delicious breads and pastries baked on board. You can expect eggs to order, sandwiches, pizza, tacos, quesadillas, and more.

In between dives there is also a delicious selection of snacks, such as homemade cookies, sushi, cheese and cracker plates, chicken wings, assorted cakes, nachos, and ice cream.

Dinner is served plated, buffet-, or family-style. Dishes include tacos, roast beef, salmon teriyaki, clam alfredo, steak, and more.

While tea, coffee, water, juice, and soda are included in the price, alcoholic beverages cost extra. The Nautilus Belle Amie has a well-stocked bar with domestic and international wines, beers, and spirits.

 Highlights:

  • Mexican and international food
  • Caters to special dietary requirements
  • Alcoholic beverages not included

Things we like:

  • Big marine-life encounters
  • Huge dive deck and platform
  • Modern, luxurious interior
  • Rebreather-friendly
  • Fusion of Mexican and international food

Things we don't like:

  • Alcoholic beverages not included
  • Required extras like port fees, national marine park fees, and 5% Mexican VAT not included
Key facts
Year built: 2015
Max divers: 32
Rental equip: Yes ($)
Camera station: Yes
Internet: Yes ($)
Min logged dives: No minimum
Nitrox: Yes ($)
Aircon: Yes
Trip length: 5-7 Nights
Price range: Mid-range
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