Quino El Guardian

Our mission is to protect our oceans, one charter at a time

Dora and Francisco (Lolo) Sandoval are the proud founders of Quino el Guardian, and their first ship, Rocio del Mar. Lolo has been a comercial fisherman and Captain on the east coast most of his adult life, and Dora’s dream has always been to live in the ocean. 

Although Lolo had been a commercial fisherman most of his life, diving the Sea of Cortez on Rocio del Mar and developing relationships with scientists and conservationists has motivated him to work toward saving our oceans. He refitted Quino to serve as a research, investigation and education ship. Redesigning Quino into a vessel specifically built for scuba diving and scientific research presented endless challenges, but visualizing it’s mission and the results it will generate on conservation and protecting our ocean inspires him to persevere.

When they began with their first ship, Rocio del Mar, Dora and Lolo were introducing not only the ship, but also the Northern Sea of Cortez as a dive destination. Along with expeditions to the Socorro Islands, their books filled with recreational diving trips to the point they could no longer accommodate research and investigation trips.The need for a vessel in the science and investigation field was huge. 

WHAT TO EXPECT

The vessel is 90 ft long with a 25 ft beam, Quino holds room for 16 passengers with additional space for two of the group leaders in the crew quarters. 5 cabins: 4 cabins with 4 beds and 1 cabin with two beds.
There are two bunks on each side, equaling 4 beds with privacy curtains. Each cabin is outfitted with 4 large size drawers, one for each guest. There is one cabin with 2 bunks that sleeps 2. There is A/C throughout for everyone’s comfort. 

4 spacious community bathrooms with a full size shower in each. There is a galley that comfortably accommodates all 16 passengers with a projector and a drop-down screen for group presentations. The salon is comfortable with sofas, a TV and a computer table set up. Large shaded Sundeck with lawn chairs, perfect for relaxing between dives.

Bring your appetite as our food is what makes us so popular!   

All meals and snacks are included.  Start your day early with a heavy continental breakfast with bagels, toast, yogurt, fresh fruit, cereals, fresh juices, coffee, tea and hot chocolate. After your first dive you will enjoy an American style breakfast consisting of items such as pancakes, waffles, eggs, breakfast meats, and potatoes.  After your second dive you will come back to a hearty lunch that starts with a home-made soup followed by a plated meal such with fish, beef or chicken, fresh vegetables, home-made pasta salads, burgers, fish tacos, and more.  

In the mid afternoon our chef will prepare a lovely snack with items such as mini sandwiches, sliced cheese and meats, nachos, guacamole, etc.  You will end your day with a wonderful, three course dinner that starts with a salad, a main course with seafood, beef, chicken or pork cooked with savory spices, paired with vegetables, pastas and potatoes.  Desserts are a sweet surprise made fresh daily.

Weather permitting we have special evening on the top of our boat where our chef prepares carne asada and the entire crew joins in to serve you.   

Hot and cold beverages are available throughout the day including canned soft drinks. The Quino provides complimentary beer and wine after your last dive of the day.

Quino el Guardian is of the utmost sea worthiness and is approved by both the U.S. Coast Guard and the Mexican Coast Guard

It is equipped with state of the art electronics and all safety equipment required.We carry the conscience and awareness of keeping our oceans protected. 

The time we spent with marine biologist groups on our sister ship, Rocio del Mar, has been specially precious, giving a sense of direction to the whole project, surrounded by open minds whose only interest was making the world a better place.

Quino has unique scientific programs to which all divers can participate called Be a Citizen Scientist

On these trips you will be able to dive alongside scientists and help them in their research on sharks and mantas. This is a unique opportunity to get closer to these beautiful animals by helping protecting them and understanding their behaviour. 

HOW TO GET THERE

Please refer to logistics section of each itinerary to find detailed info on how to get there.