Socorro Diving Safari
High-End diving with the Pacific Fleet
Approximately 400 km southwest of Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, lies the Revillagigedos Archipelago, also known as the Socorro Islands. The archipelago consists of four islands, with the largest one named Socorro, San Benedicto to the north, and Roca Partida to the west. The second-largest island, Clarion, is further away and is not often visited during a diving safari. Socorro Island was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1994.
The diving area is often compared to the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador and the Cocos Islands in Costa Rica, as encounters with large marine life are common here.
The Sea of Cortez, where the Socorro Islands are located, is one of the youngest and most fertile seas globally. More than 850 species of reef fish, groups of countless mobulas, and a variety of large fish await exploration. Whale sharks, for example, can be spotted with a high probability in November and December, as well as late April and May. Additionally, luck may allow divers to encounter seven different species of sharks during a single dive.
All diving cruises to the Socorro Islands start from Cabo San Lucas. The crossing, which is often quite rough, takes 22 hours. However, the long journey is definitely worthwhile.
Manta rays are the main attraction of Socorro, and encountering them is almost inevitable. Manta rays often play in the bubbles of divers, providing a unique and captivating show.
Therefore, Socorro should be on the bucket list for all avid divers.
Diving Safari with Solmar V - Socorro
Included services:
8 nights accommodation
6 days of diving (2-4 dives per day)
Free transfer from the guest hotel in Cabo San Lucas to the yacht harbor on the departure day
Full board, snacks
Refreshments, beer, and wine for dinner
12 l tanks and weights
Port fees
Price upon request
Additional fees:
Flights
Diving and travel insurance
National park fees
Mexican IVA tax: 16% of the booking amount, to be paid in advance
On-site fees to be paid:
Chamber fee
Park fee for eight nights
Fuel surcharge
Solmar V
The Solmar V dive safari ship has a length of 35m and a width of 8m, featuring 12 cabins with a total capacity of 22 people.
The interior of the Solmar V includes granite tabletops, mahogany, and brass. The spacious salon provides ample room, a large-screen TV, and a stereo system. Additionally, there is a computer available for guests to check emails, archive pictures, and edit them using Adobe Photoshop.
Guests have access to 10 double cabins and 2 single cabins. The cabins are equipped with mahogany wood, air conditioning, a private bathroom, and a television. The cabins are divided into four smaller standard cabins, including two single cabins, and six superior cabins.
The onboard power voltage on the Solmar V is 110 AC.
Meals & Drinks
Culinary delights are definitely not overlooked during a diving safari with the Solmar V. Freshly brewed coffee, hot tea, and a selection of continental and warm dishes for breakfast ensure a delightful start to the day. At lunchtime, a tasty 3-course meal awaits, featuring homemade soups, a main course, and a dessert. Throughout the day, there are plenty of fresh fruits, hot cocoa, and guacamole available. Regional ingredients are used as much as possible in the preparation of meals. After the final dive, snacks are served, and guests can enjoy Mexican beer and Chilean wine. Dinner is also a 3-course affair, accompanied by a delightful red or white wine. Guests also have the option to conclude the evening with a delicious cocktail.
Kontakt per WhatsApp
Solmar V - 9-Day Diving Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Check-in on the Solmar V in Cabo San Lucas
Day 2: Check-dive and transit to San Benedicto
Day 3: Diving day in San Benedicto
Day 4: Diving day in Roca Partida
Day 5: Diving day in Roca Partida
Day 6: Diving day in Socorro
Day 7: Diving day in San Benedicto
Day 8: Return to Cabo San Lucas
Day 9: Check-out after breakfast at approximately 09:00 AM
Please note that the provided sample itineraries and maps are for illustration purposes only. The exact route and visited locations may be subject to change based on local regulations, guest experiences, weather conditions, and logistics, and are at the discretion of the captain.
Socorro - Best Travel Time
The best diving season in the Socorro Islands is from November to June. During this period, large marine species such as mantas and various sharks are commonly encountered.
However, the choice of when to visit also depends on which marine creatures you would like to see. Gentle manta rays, for example, can be spotted throughout the diving season, but their numbers are higher during the spring months. The chances of encountering humpback whales are also higher in the spring.
In November, water temperatures are around 28°C. By January, water temperatures drop to approximately 23°C, reaching around 20°C in February. From March onward, water temperatures gradually increase. A 5-7mm wetsuit with a hood is recommended depending on the month.
Air temperatures typically range between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. As the Revillagigedo Archipelago is situated in the middle of the Pacific, visibility (between 10 and 30 meters) is influenced by weather conditions and ocean currents.
San Benedicto
The island of San Benedicto is characterized by two prominent peaks, one of which is evidently a volcanic crater, shaping the island's landscape. One of the most popular dive sites is "El Boiler," an underwater seamount that rises from the depths and reaches just a few meters below the surface. Multiple circumnavigations are possible during a dive. The cone-shaped seamount is renowned for encounters with graceful and gentle giant mantas.
Roca Partida
Roca Partida, also known as the "Boiler," is a rock formation consisting of an almost rectangular plateau that rises from a depth of around 40m to just a few meters below the water surface. This dive site is relatively exposed and can only be accessed when weather conditions are favorable. Schools of tuna and mackerel are common, and in the small caves at approximately 40 meters, groups of whitetip sharks often rest. Depending on the current, the pinnacle can be circumnavigated multiple times. Another option is to stay in one area and observe passing sharks.
Socorro
Socorro Island is the largest of the four islands, covering 132 square kilometers. Dive sites like Cabo Pierce and Punta Tosca frequently offer encounters with Galapagos and hammerhead sharks, as well as dolphins. Manta rays are also commonly spotted. At Punta Tosca, it's not uncommon to witness silkies sharks passing by. Additionally, the dive site "Aquarium" is particularly popular among macro enthusiasts.