Nautilus Gallant Lady Liveaboard Overview

Diver's face breaking the water surface wearing a dive hood and regulatorDIVEIN contributor Rebecca Strauss taking a selfie near a city canal
By
Elena Vivaldo
Diver's face breaking the water surface wearing a dive hood and regulator
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
DIVEIN contributor Rebecca Strauss taking a selfie near a city canal
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...
Aerial view of the Nautilus Gallant Lady liveaboard with its tender attached
The Nautilus Gallant Lady is a luxurious yacht that caters to small groups of 12 people.
Aerial top-down view of the Nautilus Gallant Lady underway with divers on deck
With six large cabins, the Nautilus Gallant Lady comfortably accommodates 12 guests.
Nautilus Gallant Lady liveaboard yacht anchored near a rocky coastline in the Sea of Cortez
Between May and October, dive trips are centered in the marine reserve of Bahia de Los Angeles.
Nautilus Gallant Lady liveaboard anchored at sunset off Bahia de Los Angeles
Traveling on the Nautilus Gallant Lady liveaboard is so comfortable and stylish that it almost feels like a private yacht.
large pod of dolphins leaping through the surface in the Sea of Cortez
As one of the healthiest reef ecosystems in the region, diving in the Sea of Cortez promises a diving adventure to suit divers of all levels.
diver swimming alongside a massive school of mobula rays underwater
Trips in the Sea of Cortez may include sightings of gigantic schools of mobula rays.
Lounge seating area with sofas and a stocked bar aboard the Nautilus Gallant Lady
On the main deck, the Nautilus Gallant Lady has a dining room/salon.
twin cabin beds aboard the Nautilus Gallant Lady liveaboard
All rooms have individually controlled AC and ample storage space.
Dense school of yellow and blue striped snapper over a reef
The Nautilus Gallant Lady takes divers to some of the best dive sites in Mexico
two orcas swimming together in the blue waters of the Sea of Cortez
Orcas are frequently spotted in the Sea of Cortez.

Known for its immense biodiversity, the Sea of Cortez enjoys the nickname “the aquarium of the world,” thanks to Jacques Cousteau. Ever since Cousteau visited the area, divers from all over the world have been drawn to the beauty of this Mexican diving hotspot. True to the adventurous spirit of Jaques Cousteau, the Nautilus Gallant Lady takes divers to some of the best dive sites in Mexico, where they can see whales, sea lions, sharks, corals, and many other marine species.

Built in the United States, the Nautilus Gallant Lady is a luxurious yacht measuring 116 feet (35 m), which caters to small groups of 12 people for a more intimate and relaxed diving experience.

Traveling on this liveaboard is so comfortable and stylish that it almost feels like a private yacht, so keep reading as we dive into our review of Nautilus Gallant Lady.

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:

  • Small groups (12 guests)
  • Rebreather-friendly
  • Calm waters with exciting marine encounters
  • WiFi onboard (surcharge)

Things we don't like:

  • Port fee not included ($35pp)
  • National park fees not included
  • Mexican 5% VAT not included
  • Alcoholic drinks not included
  • Nitrox surcharge

Diving on the Nautilus Gallant Lady liveaboard

Dense school of yellow and blue striped snapper over a reef
Diver swimming near a humpback whale underwater
Scuba diver hovering near a shark trailing a stream of bubbles
Diver watching a giant manta ray glide overhead

Based in the Sea of Cortez, Mexico, the Nautilus Gallant lady sails year round, offering two diving itineraries.

Between May and October, dive trips are centered in the marine reserve of Bahia de Los Angeles. During this time of year, there is the annual whale shark aggregation. Plus, there are playful sea lion colonies.

Between September and December, the Nautilus Gallant Lady is in Cabo Plumo and La Paz National Park. Together with sea lions, you’ll also find mobula rays, bull sharks, hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, and even humpback whales.

As one of the healthiest reef ecosystems in the region, diving in the Sea of Cortez promises a diving adventure to suit divers of all levels—from shallow reefs to deep and more challenging dive sites. Generally, however, the waters are calm and warm.

Plankton draws in the marine species and pelagics you’re there to see, but that also means visibility can be low. So, staying close to your buddy, bright-colored gear, and a dive light definitely help. The Nautilus Gallant Lady also has rental gear onboard should you wish to pack light.

 Highlights:

  • Year-round diving in the Sea of Cortez
  • Healthy ecosystem
  • Suitable for divers of all levels

Onboard the Nautilus Gallant Lady

Lounge seating area with sofas and a stocked bar aboard the Nautilus Gallant Lady
Couple sitting together on the bow watching the horizon
En suite bathroom sink with a view into the adjoining stateroom
Sun deck with a covered hot tub aboard the Nautilus Gallant Lady

With six large cabins, the Nautilus Gallant Lady comfortably accommodates 12 guests. All rooms have individually controlled AC, ample storage space, and the bed can be configured in either a California king bed or two doubles.

On the lower deck, there are three superior suites and one premium suite, which boasts extra room, storage space, a full-size bathtub, and even a microwave and a wine fridge. On the main deck, there are two superior suites, which have large windows with stunning ocean views. Some bathrooms also have two sinks.

As for social spaces, on the main deck, the Nautilus Gallant Lady has a dining room/salon. Large windows let in the natural light while maintaining the privacy of a luxury yacht. There is also a TV and a fully-stocked bar.

At the bow of the Nautilus Gallant Lady, relax in the hot tub overlooking the calm waters of the Sea of Cortez. On the upper deck, the sun deck features sun loungers, cushioned benches, and a sky lounge. For the curious traveler, the wheelhouse is open 24 hours for tours.

The dive deck is big enough for divers to get kitted up, and the water-level dive deck makes entries and exits easy. There is also nitrox (surcharge), and the Nautilus Gallant Lady is rebreather-friendly.

In between dives, the Nautilus Gallant Lady also has kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. If you want to stay connected, there is also optional WIFI onboard for a surcharge.

Highlights:

  • Small groups (12 people)
  • The premium suite features a bathtub, wine fridge, sink, and microwave
  • Wheelhouse open 24 hours
  • Rebreather-friendly

Dining onboard the Nautilus Gallant Lady

Dining and lounge area with a stocked bar aboard the Nautilus Gallant Lady
Plate of waffles with berries held out over the ocean
Plated vegetable and scallop appetizer garnished with edible flowers

Menus on the Nautilus Gallant Lady feature a fusion of Mexican and West Coast North American food. Every meal, served buffet-style, is a treat.

There’s a pre-dive breakfast, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and plenty of snacks. Meals include fresh-baked goods, deli-style sandwiches, homemade pizza, lasagna, tacos, quesadillas, street tacos, and more.

Guests with special dietary requirements (vegan, gluten-free, food allergies, etc.) can place their requests with 30-days’ notice.

Sodas, juices, tea, and coffee are complimentary, while there’s a surcharge for alcoholic drinks onboard. Nonetheless, there is a wide selection to choose from, including wine, vodka, gin, champagne, brandy, bourbon, scotch, and beer (Mexican and domestic).

 Highlights:

  • Mexican and international food
  • Special dietary menus available upon request
  • Alcoholic beverages not included

Things we like:

  • Small groups (12 guests)
  • Rebreather-friendly
  • Calm waters with exciting marine encounters
  • WiFi onboard (surcharge)

Things we don't like:

  • Port fee not included ($35pp)
  • National park fees not included
  • Mexican 5% VAT not included
  • Alcoholic drinks not included
  • Nitrox surcharge
Key facts
Year built: 1982
Max divers: 12
Rental equip: Yes ($)
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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