MV Valentina Mexico Sea of Cortez Liveaboard Diving Review
Liveaboard Review Introduction
Image courtesy ofLiveaboard.com; for more information click here: MV Valentina
Liveaboard Quick ReviewThe MV Valentina Liveaboard is a 38m (125f) Mexico Sea of Cortez diving safari boat for up to 20 guests enjoying 10 cabins and 10 bathrooms. This Mexico liveaboard has a customer review rating of 9.2 out of 10 and is rated 'Superb'.
Liveaboard Review TipsIf you are looking for a superb Mexico liveaboard diving safari, a great choice is the MV Valentina diving liveaboard. Here's our quick 7 review tips of why you might like to book this Mexico diving liveaboard boat:
1. Customer RatingThe MV Valentina liveaboard has a customer review rating of 9.2 out of 10, and is rated "Superb".
2. Scuba Diving Earth Luxury Rating SummaryDiver Benefits: 9 out of 9, Liveaboard Design: 8 out of 9, Cabin Luxury: 5 out of 7, Onboard Comfort: 3 out of 7, Food Luxury: 9 out of 11, Drink Luxury: 8 out of 9. This makes an average Total Lux Rating of 42 out of 52 (see below under "Liveaboard Luxury Features Review" for more details).
3. Cost Per DayThe Sea of Cortez MV Valentina Liveaboard costs from £297 per day ($400/€374)* .
4. ProsA quick list of the main pros of the MV Valentina Liveaboard include: aircon cabins, available for charter, caters for dietary requirements, ensuite cabins, flexible booking, diving courses, paid nitrox, scuba gear rental.
5. ConsA quick list of the main cons of the MV Valentina Liveaboard include: no internet.
6. Liveaboard CapacityThe MV Valentina liveaboard is 38 metres (125 feet) long, has 10 cabins and 10 bathrooms, which means it can accommodate up to 20 guests/divers.
7. Booking ItinerariesThe booking itineraries for the MV Valentina Liveaboard include: 6 Days/5 Nights, 7 Days/6 Nights, 10 Days/9 Nights. (But it's worth checking if more diving itineraries have been added or you can book by click here: MV Valentina).
Booking tipsBefore you book and pay for your flights, you first need your itinerary dates confirmed for your liveaboard trip. 8 steps to follow: 1. Select an itinerary; 2. Choose a cabin; 3. Select number of people in your party; 4. Enter your email address and confirm; 5. Your trip will be held by the liveaboard operator until your dates are confirmed. 6. You'll receive a booking confirmation by email allowing you 2-3 days before payment is due; 7. Book your flights to Mexico; 8. Pay for your MV Valentina liveaboard trip.
Discover MoreTo find out more or book the MV Valentina Liveaboard you can do this here: MV Valentina
* NoteThe above cost per day was correct at the time of producing this article. Also, the exchange rate used for GBP to USD is 1.22 and for GBP to Euro is 1.14. For an up-to-date cost for the MV Valentina Liveaboard, please visit this link: MV Valentina.
Liveaboard main photo
Image courtesy ofLiveaboard.com; for more information click here: MV Valentina
Liveaboard Discounts
Last Minute Liveaboard DealsBefore reading more about the Mexico MV Valentina liveaboard, please take a moment to check any discounts or last minute deals in the list below. (Note: if no liveaboard discounts are listed below, unfortunately this means there are no current deals or discounts available for the MV Valentina dive boat). Please bookmark this page and check back another time. Alternatively, please check this article here: Discounted Liveaboards Offers & Last Minute Deals.
Latest Liveaboard Diving Discounts Updated
Deal DateDiscountLiveaboard Discount TotalPrice Before DiscountPrice After DiscountTour DaysLiveaboard Discounted Tour
963Liveaboard/View OfferMV ValentinaDeal Date06/08/2022Discount10%Liveaboard Discount Total£238Price Before Discount£2,384.00Price After Discount£2,146.00Tour Days6daysLiveaboard Discounted TourSea of Cortez Exploration - 5N/6D (La Paz - La Paz)
Last Minute Deals Please NoteMany of these last minute deals have a time limit for when the discount expires, so when you click any of the links the deal may have already expired. Also, certain terms and conditions may apply to your chosen booking or discounted deal, and to find out what T&Cs apply, please click on the 'MV Valentina' liveaboard link above for your chosen last minute deal.
Last Minute Liveaboard Deals & Discounts
Liveaboard DiscountsIf you're looking for a discounted liveaboard trip on the MV Valentina, it's possible to find liveaboard discounts in excess of 25If no discounts appear above, you may find last minute deals in the itinerary section marked as "Xpecial Discount", as per the above image here: MV Valentina.
Liveaboard Diving
Image courtesy ofLiveaboard.com; for more information click here: MV Valentina
Liveaboard Review Highlights
Diving Liveaboard ReviewMexico MV Valentina liveaboard review in detail.
Video TitleMexico 2018 MV VALENTINA liveaboard - La Paz nach Cabo San Lucas
Flexible BookingThis liveaboard has flexible booking terms, which means you can book with confidence knowing that this dive boat offers a free trip reschedule within 24 months if you are unable to travel due to Covid19 related restrictions (T & Cs apply).
Nitrox DivingPaid nitrox available, which means you benefit from the many advantages of nitrox diving if you are happy to pay for it. The benefits include extended bottom times so you can spend longer on each dive.
Dietary Requirements Catered ForThe onboard chefs will cater for specific dietary requirements, e.g. food allergies like gluten or lactose intolerance, and religious beliefs. This means you can enjoy the onboard meals. You are advised to add any dietary requirements to your special requests at step 2 of the booking form, but limit these requests to religious beliefs or food allergies.
Diving CoursesThis liveaboard offers diving courses, which means you benefit from being able to advance your diving skills. These training courses are an extra charge.
Scuba Gear RentalYou can rent scuba gear on this dive boat so you benefit from being able travel light and simply rent all your scuba equipment once onboard.
InternetThere is no WIFI or internet available on this liveaboard.
Ensuite CabinsCabins on this dive boat benefit from having ensuite bathrooms, so you can shower and get ready in private (Check when booking that the cabin you choose has an ensuite bathroom).
Aircon CabinsEach cabin has air-conditioning, which means you can choose your own cabin temperature for personal comfort and a good nights sleep.
Private CharterThis liveaboard is available for private charter. If you charter this dive boat you have more flexibility over the choice of dive sites (with the captain's approval), the type of diving and total number of divers/guests onboard (subject to the maximum number of guests onboard - see below).
DIN AdaptersIf you have DIN regulators do not worry as this liveaboard has DIN to Yoke regulator adaptors onboard.
Relaxing between dives
Image courtesy ofLiveaboard.com; for more information click here: MV Valentina
Liveaboard Luxury Features Review
Liveaboard Luxury FeaturesThe 'Liveaboard Luxury Rating' concept is to help you choose the right diving liveaboard for your Mexico dive trip. This means you can compare this liveaboard with other liveaboards on a like-for-like basis, and makes choosing the right liveaboard much easier.
SDE Luxury Rating Total (Max 52/52=100%)The MV Valentina Liveaboard has 42 out of a total of 52 possible benefits and features. This total is made up of the following benefits and features:
Diver Benefits (Max 9/9=100%)The MV Valentina liveaboard has 9 out of 9 'Diver Benefits' and include: DIN Adapters: YES; Dive Courses: YES; Dive Deck: YES: Gear Rental: YES; Nitrox Onboard: YES; Private Dive Guide: YES; Rinse Hoses: YES; Shaded Dive Area: YES; Tenders For Diving: YES.
Liveaboard Design (Max 9/9=100%)The MV Valentina liveaboard has 8 out of 9 'Boat Design Features' and include: Airconditioned Saloon: YES; Charging Stations: YES; Custom Built For Diving: YES; Indoor Saloon: YES; Leisure Deck: YES; Observation Deck: YES; Outside Showers: NO; Sun Deck: YES; Warm Showers: YES.
Cabin Luxury (Max 7/7=100%)The MV Valentina liveaboard has 5 out of 7 'Cabin Features' and include: Air-Conditioned Cabins: YES; Cabin Balconies: NO; Daily Housekeeping: YES; Ensuite cabins: YES; Non-smoking Cabins: YES; Seaview cabins available: YES; TV In Cabin: NO.
Onboard Comfort (Max 7/7=100%)The MV Valentina liveaboard has 3 out of 7 'Onboard Comfort' features, and include: Beach Towels: NO, Cabin Towels: YES; Complimentary Toiletries: YES; Deck Towels: YES; Internet: NO; Laundry Service: NO; Nearly 1 to 1 Crew-to-Guest Ratio: NO.
Food Luxury (Max 11/11=100%)The MV Valentina liveaboard has 9 out of 11 'Food Features' and include: BBQ Area: YES; Beach BBQ: NO; Buffet Style: NO; Dietary Requirements Catered For: YES; Fine Cuisine: YES; Local Food: YES; Outdoor Dining: YES; Snacks All Day: YES; Vegan Options: YES; Vegetarian Options: YES; Western Style Food: YES; (Meal options include: Al Fresco Dining, Full-board Option).
Drink Luxury (Max 9/9=100%)The MV Valentina liveaboard has 8 out of 9 'Drink Features' and include: Bar: YES; Beer Available: YES; Drinking Water: YES; Fine Wines: NO; Free Soft Drinks: YES; Free Wine With Dinner: YES; Soft Drinks: YES; Tea And Coffee: YES; Wine Available: YES.
Example of Cabins
Image courtesy ofLiveaboard.com; for more information click here: MV Valentina
Customer Reviews of Liveaboard
Customer ReviewsThe MV Valentina liveaboard customer reviews listed here have been chosen for you to get a feel for the scuba diving experience you'll get.
Customer Review
”Unique and Unforgettable!! The whole trip was well organised from the initial meeting at San Jose airport to the drop off at the end. Lorenzo (Mexican) is the main guide, and a true gentleman. He is as caring as your own father! Full of enthusiasm for each dive site and seems to have the manta’s and dolphins on speed dial!
We also saw schools of hammerheads and my first tiger shark in 18 years of diving. The other guide was a young Japanese lad called, Rui. Again, he was full of life and knew the dive sites very well, and couldn’t wait to get back in the water for the next dive. This is the enthusiasm that you want on a dive trip. I have been on the odd boat where the guides are tired and can’t be bothered to dive. I don’t mind having a small cabin that doesn’t have the latest flat screen TV, or missing out on warm fluffy towels on the dive deck.
The guides and the crew make ALL the difference on these trips. Both of these guides help make the trip very special with the wildlife encounters which we all had. The whole crew are a credit and know exactly what they are doing. The food was the best that I have ever had on 20+ liveaboards inc The Odyssey in Truk lagoon. The Valentina was a much better trip.
The cabins are quite old, but the boat is clean, hygienic and run so well. Yes there’s quite a bit of sailing to get there, but all the great dive sites around the world entail the same. If they were too easy to get to, they would be over dived and ruined. I can’t wait to book again to try and see the humpback whales on the next trip!” Recommended for: 1) Dolphins, mantas and sharks that are tame and used to seeing divers. These are wild and yet they hang around and play in your bubbles! 2)The guides are fantastic.Really keen, but safe and good fun. 3)All the crew were great – attentive but not over the top.
Customer Review ByMARK E, from: United Kingdom scored the MV Valentina 9.2 out of 10; Review courtesy of Liveaboard.com, for more reviews and information click here: MV Valentina.
”Wonderful experience on the Valentina. Just returned from 10 days in Socorro Islands on the Valentina. I was a little nervous being the only American with a tight group of Chinese divers who spoke little English, but we all bonded over the experience. The crew was wonderful. A very unique experience in a very unique part of the world. Loved playing with the giant Mantas and chasing whales on the bow after the dives. Many sharks and some very fast dolphins. I did my Nitrox training on the trip to Socorro. Very comfortable accommodations and good food. Loved it when the Chinese cooked their specialties. Learned to play Mah Jong on Chinese New Year. A very special trip.” Recommended for: Crew, scenery, diving.
Customer Review ByKristi S, from: United States scored the MV Valentina 10 out of 10; Review courtesy of Liveaboard.com, for more reviews and information click here: MV Valentina.
Liveaboard Itinerary
Liveaboard Departure-Arrival LocationThe MV Valentina Liveaboard departs and returns from the port none selected. Please click here: MV Valentina to find out how to get from to join the MV Valentina Liveaboard's departure port none selected.
Itinerary and videosThe itineraries below for the MV Valentina liveaboard don't necessarily tie in with the videos directly below the itinerary heading. The itineraries are examples of dive trips offered by this liveaboard, and the videos are examples of videos taken when diving from the MV Valentina dive boat.
Itinerary Option 1Socorro Islands Exploration - 10 Days (San Jose Del Cabo - San Jose Del Cabo)
Number of Dives On TripYou will be able to dive up to 20 times in total on the MV Valentina liveaboard diving trips. The number of times you dive will depend on the itinerary you select.
Your Diver Certification LevelIf you choose the MV Valentina liveaboard for your scuba diving trip to Mexico, make sure you select the right itinerary for your diver certification level. Different itineraries include the following alternative PADI certification levels (or equivalent): No Scuba Diving Certification Needed: NO; Open Water Diver: NO; Advanced Open Water Diver: YES.
Your Logged DivesWhen choosing the MV Valentina liveaboard for your dive trip to Mexico, make sure you select the right itinerary for how many logged dives you've done. Itineraries on the MV Valentina liveaboard include the following alternatives: No minimum logged dives: NO; 10 logged dives: NO; 20 logged dives: NO; 30 logged dives: NO; 40 logged dives: NO; 50 logged dives or more: YES; Minimum 60 logged dives: NO; Minimum 80 logged dives: NO; Minimum 100 logged dives: NO.
Your Diver experienceIf you choose the MV Valentina liveaboard for your dive trip to Mexico, make sure you select the right itinerary for your level of diver experience. Itineraries on the MV Valentina liveaboard include the following alternatives: Beginner/Novice (up to 9 logged dives): NO; Advanced Beginner (10-19 dives): NO; Intermediate Diver (20 to 29 logged dives): NO; Advanced Intermediate (30 to 39 logged dives): NO; Proficient Diver (40 to 49 logged dives): NO; Advanced Diver (more than 50 logged dives): YES.
Type of DivingThe type of diving experienced from the MV Valentina Liveaboard includes: Cold Water Diving, Deep Dives, Drift Diving, Marine Life, Night Dives, Pinnacles, Wall Diving, Warm Water Diving.
Marine Life SpeciesThe sea life you might see on your Mexico liveaboard dive trip depends on the time of year you choose to dive, and on which Mexico liveaboard and liveaboard itinerary you book. But ultimately the sea creatures you see when scuba diving is always down to nature itself. With these parameters in mind, the marine life you may spot when scuba diving on the MV Valentina Liveaboard in Mexico might include:
Ray SpeciesYou may see the following rays species: Manta Rays, Mobula Rays, Sting Rays.
More About Rays
Fish SpeciesYou may also see the following fish species: Barracudas, Clownfish (Anemonefish), Flounder, Garden Eels, Groupers, Moray Eels, Parrot Fish, Porcupine Fish, Puffer Fish, Red Snappers, Reef Fish, Sailfish, Sea Horses, Scorpion Fish, Surgeonfish, Trigger Fish, Yellowfin Tuna.
More About Fish
Other Marine Life & Bird SpeciesYou may see the following marine and bird life: Crabs, Hard Corals, Jellyfish, Lobsters, Nudibranchs, Octopus, Soft Corals, Squid, Starfish, Turtles.
More About Other Marine Life
Marine Mammal SpeciesYou might encounter the following mammals: Dolphins, Humpback Whales, Orca (Killer Whales), Pilot Whales, Sea Lions, Sperm Whales.
Video TitleMarine Life of the Sea of Cortez - A survey of marine organisms (including Whale Sharks and California Sea Lions as well as numerous fish and invertebrate species) from a one week diving trip (Spring - 2019) to the La Paz, Cabo Pulmo, and Cabo San Lucas
Video titleSea Of Cortez Scuba Diving - The Gulf Of California also known as the Sea Of Cortez is an excellent scuba diving destination. We took a live aboard boat out of La Paz and visited the remote Islands in the gulf. The marine life is world class around these
Liveaboard Cost and Booking
Included In The PriceThe price of booking the MV Valentina liveaboard includes: Airport Transfer, Cabin Towels, Complimentary Toiletries, Deck Towels, Diving Package, Drinking Water, Full-Board Meal Plan (All meals), Land Excursions, Port Fees, Snacks, Soft Drinks, Tea & Coffee, Wine with Dinner.
Paid For Optional ExtrasThe following are optional extras when you book the MV Valentina liveaboard: Alcoholic Beverages, Extra Dives, Gratuities, Nitrox, Nitrox Course, Private Dive Guide, Rental Gear, Scuba Diving Courses, Snorkel Equipment, Snorkeling Guide.
Paid For Required ExtrasThe following are required extras when you book the MV Valentina liveaboard: Chamber Fees, National Park Fees.
Boat Capacity
Boat Length38 metres (125 feet).
Maximum Guests20
Cabins and BathroomsThe MV Valentina dive boat has 10 cabins and 10 bathrooms.
Cabin TypesThe MV Valentina has the following cabin types: double cabins, twin cabins, double cabin with one single bed.
Family cabins onboardFamily cabins onboard: NO.
Advanced Divers
Advanced Diver Benefits (Max 3)The MV Valentina liveaboard has 0 out of 3 (i.e. 0%) 'Advanced Diver Benefits', which include: Rebreather Support: NO; Sidemount Diving NO; Tech Diving: NO.
Underwater Photographers
Underwater Photographer Benefits (Max 3)The MV Valentina liveaboard has 2 out of 3 (i.e. 67%) 'Underwater Photographer Benefits', which include: Camera Room: NO; Camera Station: YES; Separate Rinse For U/W Cameras: YES.
Non-Diver Activities
Non-Diving Activities (Max 17)The MV Valentina liveaboard has 3 out of 17 (i.e. 18%) 'Non-Diving Activities', which include: Fishing: NO; Glass Bottom Boat: NO; Jacuzzi/Hot Tub: NO; Jet Skiing: NO; Kayaks: NO; Land Excursions: YES; Massage: NO; Naturalist Itineraries: [naturalist_Itineraries]; Naturalist Guide: NO; Non-Diver (Snorkeler) Friendly: YES, Sauna: NO; Snorkel Equipment: YES; Spa: NO; Stand Up Paddle Boards: NO; Wakeboarding: NO; Water Skiing: NO; Yoga: NO.
Onboard Entertainment (Max 2)The MV Valentina liveaboard has 2 out of 2 (i.e. 100%) 'Entertainment Features': Audio And Entertainment: YES; Library: YES.
Traveller Benefits
Travel Benefits (Max 6)The MV Valentina liveaboard has 3 out of 6 (i.e. 50%) 'Traveller Benefits', which include: Airport Transfer: YES; Available For Charter: YES, Budget Friendly: NO, Dedicated Local & International Crew: YES; Hotel Transfer: NO; Welcome Cocktails; NO.
Languages Spoken OnboardThe crew onboard the MV Valentina liveaboard are able to speak the following languages: English, Japanese, Spanish.
Liveaboard Summary
ConclusionThe MV Valentina Sea of Cortez liveaboard has a customer review rating of 9.2, is rated 'Superb'. This Mexico liveaboard is a 38 metre (125 feet) dive boat for up to 20 guests across 10 cabins (inc. double cabins, twin cabins, double cabin with one single bed), and has 10 bathrooms. The MV Valentina Liveaboard has aircon cabins, available for charter, caters for dietary requirements, ensuite cabins, flexible booking, diving courses, paid nitrox, scuba gear rental. To book: MV Valentina Liveaboard prices start at £297 per day ($400/€374)*.
More InformationTo discover more about the MV Valentina diving liveaboard or to check availability for your dive trip to Mexico you can do this here: MV Valentina. But if you want to compare this Mexico liveaboard with one of the other liveaboards from Mexico, please take a look at the table below. If you are only interested in Mexico liveaboards, select "Country" from the list of searchable options from first dropdown menu and type "Mexico" in the search box:
Searchable Liveaboard CountriesCountries you can search for liveaboards include: Antarctica, Australia, Bahamas, Belize, Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Fiji, Galapagos, Honduras, Indonesia, Maldives, Mexico, Micronesia, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Polynesia, Portugal, Red Sea, Similan Islands, Solomon Islands, St. Maaten, Thailand, Turks and Caicos, Virgin Islands (If you want to search a country other than "Mexico", simply copy and past the country name from this list instead).
* NoteThe above cost per day was correct at the time of producing this article. Also, the exchange rate used for GBP to USD is 1.22 and for GBP to Euro is 1.14. For an up-to-date cost for the MV Valentina Liveaboard, please visit this link: MV Valentina.
Hope you enjoyed this review about this liveaboard
Comments or QuestionsIf you have more questions either about snorkelling or scuba diving (or specifically about the MV Valentina Mexico Liveaboard), please comment below with your questions.
Please SharePlease share details about the experience you had on the MV Valentina Liveaboard. Tell us about the dive sites you dived, the time of year of your trip, what marine life you saw, the visibility, the weather and any currents you experienced. Your comments will add to this MV Valentina Liveaboard review, and they will help other scuba divers decide if this is the right Mexico liveaboard for them.
Have Fun & Be SafeThere will also be many more pages and articles about scuba diving and scuba diving safety tips (and on snorkelling too) for you to read and learn about this fabulous sport. Please don't forget to rate the MV Valentina liveaboard above if you've already dived in Mexico from this dive boat, but also make sure you have fun and be safe.
MV Valentina Mexico Sea of Cortez Liveaboard Diving Review
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Article written by Russell Bowyer who has been a scuba diver since diving on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia in 1989. After his first dive he trained as a BSAC diver in the UK. He attained his Diver Leader certification with BSAC. He then went on to become a scuba diving instructor, teaching others how to dive and was voted as Diving Officer and Treasurer for the Saffron Walden BSAC club too. Russell has dived all over the world, including the UK, on liveaboards in the Red Sea, the Caribbean, South Africa and the USA. Russell is experienced in all dive types, including drift diving, deep dives that involved decompression stops and recreational dives too.
