Socorro Giant Mantas, Sharks and Dolphins

Diving Holiday Socorro

You can see giant mantas in many places around the world, but nowhere else boasts a population of giant mantas that literally seek out interaction with divers and snorkellers. While mantas are the main reason to voyage out to Socorro, there are lots of other animals to see, including schooling hammerheads and silky sharks, plus 10 other species of sharks, bottlenose dolphins that consistently hang out with divers at certain dive sites, large schools of pelagic fish, and, in season, humpback whales.

Nautilus Belle Amie

Nautilus launched the Belle Amie in 2015 and she is a beauty. Modern and very spacious, she was specifically designed for diving liveaboards to destinations including Socorro. The suites are ones in which you feel that you are staying in a hotel.

We will spend 8 nights on the boat with all meals, 5 days guided diving and soft drinks provided.

The season runs from November to July.

Price

Boat prices from £3040 per person based on a twin room with 2 people sharing.

Suites available on request.

Prices include Socorro Island fees. A Port Fee of $35 is payable on arrival to the Liveaboard.

Extras Flights and hotel

Return economy flights – allow £1,000 to £1,300pp. Prices will be confirmed prior to booking.
One to two nights hotel is recommended
Socorro Island Park fees will be applied (£145/day x 5 days in 2025 and then £165/day from 2026).

DOWNLOAD THE SOCORRO PRE TRIP INFORMATION

Socorro, also known as the Revillagigedo Islands, is a remarkable liveaboard diving destination for several compelling reasons:

Breathtaking Marine Biodiversity: Socorro’s waters are teeming with diverse marine life. From manta rays to sharks, and even whale sharks, you’ll encounter some of the ocean’s most magnificent creatures. The thrill of swimming alongside these giants is unparalleled.
Pelagic Encounters: Socorro is renowned for its pelagic encounters. Imagine diving with oceanic manta rays gracefully gliding through the water, or being surrounded by schools of hammerhead sharks. These experiences are awe-inspiring and unforgettable.
Unique Underwater Topography: The underwater landscape around Socorro is captivating. You’ll explore volcanic seamounts, underwater pinnacles, and dramatic walls. Swim-throughs, caves, and arches add an adventurous element to every dive.
Friendly Dolphins: At sites like Cabo Pearce, divers often interact with friendly dolphins. These playful creatures swim alongside you, creating magical moments.
Whale Shark Sightings: During the right season, Socorro offers the chance to encounter whale sharks. These gentle giants, with their distinctive spotted patterns, make for incredible photo opportunities.
Isolated Location: Socorro’s remoteness adds to its allure. The islands are about 250 miles off the west coast of Mexico, accessible only by liveaboard. This isolation ensures pristine dive sites and minimal human impact.
Liveaboard Experience: Speaking of liveaboards, diving in Socorro is primarily done via these specialized vessels. Liveaboards provide a unique opportunity to immerse yourself fully in the underwater world. You’ll wake up to breathtaking views, enjoy multiple dives each day, and share stories with fellow divers.
Conservation Efforts: Socorro is a protected marine reserve. Diving here contributes to conservation efforts, supporting research and safeguarding these fragile ecosystems.

In summary, Socorro offers a blend of thrilling dives, spectacular marine encounters, and a sense of adventure that keeps divers coming back for more. Whether you’re an experienced diver or a beginner, Socorro promises an extraordinary underwater experience. 🌊🐠🦈🌟

Huge dive deck
Hot tub
Large sun deck
12 crew
17 ensuite staterooms and suites
Internet (extra) and sat phone
Nitrox (extra)
Extensive bar

Intinerary

Socorro, also known as the Revillagigedo Islands, is a diver’s paradise located about 250 miles off the west coast of Mexico. These volcanic islands are renowned for their incredible marine life encounters. Let’s explore some of the best dive sites in this pelagic wonderland:

Roca Partida: Meaning “split rock,” Roca Partida is often considered the crown jewel of the Revillagigedo archipelago. This small pinnacle rises from the seafloor to the surface, attracting a plethora of marine megafauna. Expect encounters with marlin, oceanic manta rays, mackerel, dolphins, and humpback whales. Sharks are also abundant here, including Galapagos sharks, oceanic whitetips, scalloped hammerheads, and even whale sharks. Every dive at Roca Partida offers a unique and mesmerizing experience ¹.
San Benedicto: The third-largest island in the Socorro group, San Benedicto is famous for its unbeatable manta ray encounters. The standout dive site here is “The Boiler”, named after the swirling surface conditions. This magnificent pinnacle rises from 165 feet (50 meters) to within 20 feet (7 meters) of the surface, creating a popular cleaning station. Gigantic Pacific manta rays gather here, making close eye contact with scuba divers as they swim by. Tiger sharks, whale sharks, and humpback whales also frequent this site, providing an unforgettable underwater experience ¹.
Roca O’Neal – Socorro Island: Known as “Hammerhead Central”, Roca O’Neal is the best dive site in Socorro for spotting scalloped hammerhead sharks. From this rocky slope, you’ll lose count as a vast school of hammerheads weaves its way into the current ¹.
The Canyon, San Benedicto Island: This site offers dramatic underwater topography, with walls, overhangs, and swim-throughs. Keep an eye out for manta rays, sharks, and other pelagic species.
Cabo Pearce, Socorro Island: Cabo Pearce is famous for its friendly dolphins that often interact with divers. You’ll also encounter sharks, rays, and schools of fish.
Punta Tosca, Socorro Island: A great spot for whale shark sightings during the right season. The underwater terrain features caves, arches, and swim-throughs.
The Aquarium: As the name suggests, this site is teeming with marine life. Expect encounters with mantas, sharks, and schools of fish.

Remember that diving in Socorro is only possible on a liveaboard, given its isolated location. These dive sites offer thrilling experiences for both novice and experienced divers. Happy diving! 🌊🐠🦈🌟

Trip boards in Cabo San Lucas at 8:00 pm. Meets at SeeCreatures Cabo San Lucas for check in at 7pm but bags can be dropped off beforehand. Transfers arranged at 7:30 pm to the liveaboard.

Ship returns to Cabo San Lucas by 08:30 am and will disembark shortly afterwards.

Sample Itinerary

We recommend SJD Cabo San Lucas as your gateway airport for seamless transfers from the arrivals hall to Cabo San Lucas. We recommend flying into Cabo early to enjoy and partake in our Baja hospitality.

Day 1

Complimentary photo and video workshop at SeeCreatures Cabo San Lucas. 8pm boarding.

Day 2

Traveling and relaxing at sea. It’s a one day run out to the islands. Cocktail hour. Sunsets. Arrive at San Benedicto Island by evening.

Days 3-7

Over five full dive days, you will be able to experience some of our favourite sites such as El Canyon, the Boiler, Red Rocks, Roca Partida, Cabo Pearse, Punta Tosca and Roca Oneal. We will do our best to provide 4 dives a day subject to other dive boats being onsite, weather and only 3 dives on the day of mandatory inspection by the Mexican navy. Expect to see the friendliest giant mantas in the world, bottlenose dolphins, up to 11 species of sharks and loads of fish. We will also have other activities to keep you busy such as kayaking and paddle boarding. Or simply relax in our hot tub.

Day 8

Early morning voyage back to Cabo San Lucas. Great time to look back on all your photos and videos, connect with new friends or simply relax during the journey back.