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Socorro Islands Liveaboards
The wild, remote and exhilarating Socorro Islands, Mexico are famous for their big animal encounters.
The Revillagigedos Archipelago - commonly known as the Socorro Islands - are located in the eastern Pacific Ocean approximately 250 miles south of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico at the tip of the Baja peninsula and about 30 miles south of San Benedicto.
Socorro is the largest of the four islands and was discovered by the Spanish explorer Hernando de Grijalva in 1533. It has been home to a Mexican Naval Station since 1957.
The area is famous for close encounters with the Giant Pacific manta ray, which can grow to 22 feet across. Divers will also see many species of shark and several hammerhead cleaning stations. Whalesharks can be found between November - December and late April - May.
Pods of wild bottlenose dolphin are encountered on a regular basis, and from January – March the islands are home to a large population of humpback whales that visit the islands to breed and calve. Divers also frequently see extremely large tuna (the world record yellowfin is from these waters), wahoo, large schools of jacks and endemic tropicals found nowhere else in the world.
Socorro Islands
View Liveaboards View Departures Send Enquiry Speak to an expert. Call 01353 659999
Highlights
- Meet the world's friendliest and possibly largest manta rays
- Dive with dolphin and up to seven species of shark
- Look out for humpback whales and calves in season
Socorro Islands Liveaboards
Nautilus Belle Amie
The Nautilus Belle Amie is a luxurious, stabilised, modern vessel custom built for divers to the same SOLAS standards as the…
From £1,595
Nautilus Explorer
A luxury 35m long range liveaboard, the Nautilus Explorer was custom designed for divers. The vessel's construction provides for…
From £1,066
Nautilus Under Sea
The Nautilus Under Sea (formerly Undersea Hunter) underwent renovations in 2016 and gained a full-width superstructure and a…
From £1,066
Solmar V
The Solmar V is a luxury liveaboard operating diving itineraries in Mexico. She travels with a crew of 10 and a maximum of 22…
From £2,129
Upcoming departures
Upcoming departures for Socorro Islands are listed below or view all departures on our Holiday Search where you can also sort/filter.
Nautilus Explorer
£3,072
- Departure Date: 14 Jan 26
- Country / Itinerary: Mexico, Socorro -giant mantas, sharks, dolphins - humpback
- Nights: 8
- Embark Disembark: Cabo San Lucas Cabo San Lucas
- Spaces Available: 1
Additional information
- Dive areas visited Mexico: Socorro
- Typical number of dives Please enquire
- Minimum dive experience Please enquire
- Additional costs to be aware ofPlease enquire
Cabins
Twin Stateroom Lower Deck
- Bed Type Twin (2 singles)
- Location Lower deck
- Avble. Spaces 1
- Last Shared Space None
- Air Con Yes, centrally controlled
- Ensuite Yes
Nautilus Explorer
£3,318
- Departure Date: 22 Jan 26
- Country / Itinerary: Mexico, Socorro -giant mantas, sharks, dolphins - humpback
- Nights: 8
- Embark Disembark: Cabo San Lucas Cabo San Lucas
- Spaces Available: 1
Additional information
- Dive areas visited Mexico: Socorro
- Typical number of dives Please enquire
- Minimum dive experience Please enquire
- Additional costs to be aware ofPlease enquire
Cabins
Twin Stateroom Lower Deck
- Bed Type Twin (2 singles)
- Location Lower deck
- Avble. Spaces 1
- Last Shared Space None
- Air Con Yes, centrally controlled
- Ensuite Yes
Nautilus Explorer
£3,318
- Departure Date: 15 Feb 26
- Country / Itinerary: Mexico, Socorro -giant mantas, sharks, dolphins - humpback
- Nights: 8
- Embark Disembark: Cabo San Lucas Cabo San Lucas
- Spaces Available: 2
Additional information
- Dive areas visited Mexico: Socorro
- Typical number of dives Please enquire
- Minimum dive experience Please enquire
- Additional costs to be aware ofPlease enquire
Cabins
Twin Stateroom Lower Deck
- Bed Type Twin (2 singles)
- Location Lower deck
- Avble. Spaces 2
- Last Shared Space None
- Air Con Yes, centrally controlled
- Ensuite Yes
Solmar V
£3,352
- Departure Date: 17 Feb 26
- Country / Itinerary: Mexico, Socorro Islands
- Nights: 8
- Embark Disembark: Cabo San Lucas Cabo San Lucas
- Spaces Available: 1
Additional information
- Dive areas visited Mexico: Socorro
- Typical number of dives 19
- Minimum dive experience 50 dives
- Additional costs to be aware ofPlease enquire
Cabins
Superior Stateroom Lower Deck
- Bed Type Bunk
- Location Lower deck
- Avble. Spaces 1
- Last Shared Space Male only
- Air Con Yes, individually controlled
- Ensuite Yes
Nautilus Explorer
£4,261
- Departure Date: 23 Feb 26
- Country / Itinerary: Mexico, Socorro -giant mantas, sharks, dolphins - humpback
- Nights: 10
- Embark Disembark: Cabo San Lucas Cabo San Lucas
- Spaces Available: 3
Additional information
- Dive areas visited Mexico: Socorro
- Typical number of dives Please enquire
- Minimum dive experience Please enquire
- Additional costs to be aware ofPlease enquire
Cabins
Single Stateroom Lower Deck
- Bed Type Single
- Location Lower deck
- Avble. Spaces 1
- Last Shared Space None
- Air Con Yes, centrally controlled
- Ensuite Yes
Superior Suite Upper Deck
- Bed Type Twin (2 singles)
- Location Upper deck
- Avble. Spaces 2
- Last Shared Space None
- Air Con Yes, centrally controlled
- Ensuite Yes
Socorro Islands Itineraries
Gallery
Socorro Islands
Photo: Image by Cath Bates
Photo: Image by Cath Bates
Photo: Image by Cath Bates
Photo: Image by Cath Bates
Photo: Image by Cath Bates
Photo: Image by Cath Bates
Photo: Image by Cath Bates
Photo: Image by Cath Bates
Photo: Image by Cath Bates
Photo: Image by Cath Bates
Photo: Image by Cath Bates
Socorro Islands Information
Best Times to Dive
November to May reflects the Socorro liveaboard safari season. The winter months of late January to early April are the best times to see humpback whales. This is when water temperatures are at their lowest (21 to 23°C). Outside of this time it is likely to be warmer (23 to 26"C) and a better time for manta rays and sharks. This is roughly the November to early January period and most of April and May.
Climate
The climate is tropical sub humid with summer rains throughout the archipelago. Socorro Island also has a tropical semi-dry climate zone and a subtropical sub humid climate zone with occasional summer rains.
When To Go
The Socorro trips are only available from November - May, due to weather conditions.
Water Visibility
The visibility throughout the liveaboard season (November – May) is variable with the lowest visibility occurring during November and December when it can drop from 30-40m to around 15-20m.
Itineraries
Please note that liveaboard itineraries can change without notice. The itinerary will depend on several factors including, but not limited to, weather, diving ability of guests & the number of other boats already present at the various dive sites. All dive sites visited are subject to weather conditions and are at the discretion of your dive guides and vessel captain.
Diving in Socorro Islands - Liveaboards
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 cold 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.
Regaldive advise that guests booking on to a Socorro Islands liveaboard should be minimum PADI Advanced or equivalent and have more than 50 logged dives.
Socorro Islands liveaboards embark from Cabo San Lucas on the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula and usually take around 24 hours to reach the islands.
Planning your Holiday
Time
Mexico is 6 hours behind GMT, and Socorro is 7 hours behind
Currency
The official currency is Mexican Peso ($), however US Dollars are accepted almost everywhere. Please note: the $ sign is used for both Pesos and US Dollars. This can cause a lot of confusion, so always ask for clarification if you are unsure or if something seems unusually cheap, or far too expensive.
Language
Spanish is the national language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Telephone & Internet
In Mexico, the predominant cellular service company is called Telcel. Most UK service providers will work on this network but roaming charges can be very expensive. If you have an unlocked GSM compatible phone it is possible to purchase a pay as you go Telcel Mexico SIM card. Wi-Fi internet is widely available; however it is comparatively expensive, so a holiday in Mexico could be the ideal opportunity to completely disconnect!
Visas
Entry requirements vary from country to country, and it’s important to check the latest visa information well before you travel. Some destinations may allow visa-free entry for a limited period, while others require an eVisa or a visa obtained in advance. To ensure you have the correct documentation for your trip, we recommend checking the official advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or contacting the relevant country’s embassy or consulate. Other nationalities should check with their own consulate/embassy.
Passports
Before you travel, make sure your passport is valid for the full duration of your trip and meets the entry requirements of your destination. Many countries require at least six months’ validity beyond your planned return date, while others may have different rules. For the most reliable and up-to-date information, visit the UK Government’s passport guidance or the official travel advice pages for your destination. Other nationalities should check with their own consulate/embassy.
If you’re planning to travel to or via an EU country (with certain exceptions) your UK passport must meet two key requirements, it must be less than 10 years old on the day you enter the country and it must be valid for at least three months after your planned departure date.
Vaccinations & Health Advice
Health and vaccination requirements differ depending on where you're travelling. Some destinations may require proof of specific vaccinations or recommend certain precautions to protect your wellbeing.
We’re not qualified to provide you with specific advice on vaccinations and strongly recommend that you contact your healthcare professional before you travel to discuss the inoculations you may need to consider.
For trusted guidance on health and vaccination advice, refer to the NHS Travel Vaccination Advice, Masta Travel Health or Travel Health Pro websites.
Location Map
Enquire about Socorro Islands
Speak to an expert. Call 01353 659999 Send Enquiry