Socorro Islands

Experience the world’s friendliest manta rays on this exciting Mexican liveaboard adventure; a real favourite with Regaldivers. These remote pacific islands are a magnet for big fish encounters. In addition to graceful giant manta rays, divers may encounter sharks, dolphins and maybe even humpback whales. 

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore one of the most remote group of islands in the Pacific
• Dive with the world’s friendliest manta rays
• Encounter up to seven species of shark
• Share the water with playful dolphins
• Search the horizon for humpback whales in season

Departing from Cabo San Lucas in Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, your liveaboard journeys to the remote Socorro islands for an unforgettable adventure. 

Itineraries are typically eight nights in duration, allowing for five and a half days diving, however longer ten night itineraries are offered occasionally. Below is a typical itinerary you may expect on your Socorro liveaboard adventure. The exact itinerary is adapted on a trip by trip basis according to weather and marine life. Experienced crews are familiar with changing conditions and will use their knowledge to maximise your BIG animal experience.

Day 1: Departure from Cabo San Lucas at around 4:00pm to San Benedicto Island.

Day 2: Arrival at San Benedicto about 1:00-2:00pm (the crossing takes 22-24 hours). The rest of the afternoon is spent diving.

Day 3: The Day is normally spent diving around San Benedicto and considering weather possibilities for a crossing to Roca Partida. After sunset, boat departs to Socorro Islands - crossing takes 4–5 hours. On occasion, if weather looks good, the crew might decide to try Roca before Socorro.

Day 4: Arrival at Socorro Island early am, then a quick check in at Navy Base for clearance. Most of this day is spent diving around Socorro Island. If conditions are good here, or it is humpback whale season, we might stay another day, but usually we depart back to either San Benedicto or Roca Partida after sunset.

Day 5: Arrival early am to San Benedicto or Roca Partida, with diving all day.  

Days 6, 7: These days are spent diving numerous sites around San Benedicto and/or Roca Partida, depending on weather and if we have been able to get to Roca Partida previously. Both islands are known for most of the large animal encounters on our trips. After a full day of diving on day 7, departure back to Cabo.

Day 8: Arrival to Cabo after a 22+ hour crossing, depending on weather conditions, which means that the boat usually arrives after sunset on this day. Guests overnight in port and disembark the next morning after breakfast onboard. The dock has a great location near town for those who want to get off and stretch their legs or visit the local night spots.

Day 9: All clients must disembark after breakfast no later than 9:00am. The crew will help you with your bags and in arranging airport transportation.

Dive sites you may visit on your itinerary include:

The Boiler

The Boiler, a submerged pinnacle near San Benedicto Island, offers a truly majestic diving experience. Its dramatic topography attract a variety of marine life, including manta rays, hammerhead sharks, and even humpback whales.

Cabo Pearce

Cabo Pearce, on Socorro Island, is renowned for its manta ray cleaning stations. Expect to be mesmerised by these graceful creatures as they glide through the water. Hammerhead and silky sharks are also frequently spotted in the area, along with dolphins.

The Canyon

The Canyon, located on San Benedicto Island, is a haven for shark enthusiasts. This dive site features cleaning stations where divers often encounter silvertip, Galapagos, and hammerhead sharks.

Punta Tosca

Punta Tosca offers a more playful diving experience, with frequent encounters with dolphins and silky sharks.

Roca Partida

Roca Partida, a remote pinnacle rising from the depths, is renowned as one of the world's best dive sites for encountering large marine life. In addition to the giant manta rays that make Socorro so famous, you'll have the chance to witness iconic scenes of stacked whitetip reef sharks, alongside Galapagos sharks, schools of jacks and bonito, humpback whales, whale sharks.

Please note:

The diving in the Socorro Islands is not for novice divers. Before attempting to dive in the Socorro Islands, you should be completely comfortable in the water and comfortable with all aspects of your equipment. Having experience of diving in colder water with a thicker wetsuit and hood, as well as experience of diving in strong currents, up currents and down currents is highly recommended. Experience in mixed surface conditions, mixed currents and varying water temperatures, proficient use of a DSMB and the ability to cope in buddy pairs or on your own should you become temporarily separated, is imperative.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: You must be an Advanced Open Water diver or equivalent and have logged a minimum of 50 dives to join this safari.