Nautilus Belle Amie Socorro

Overview

The Nautilus Belle Amie is a luxurious, stabilised, modern vessel custom built for divers to the same SOLAS standards as the largest ocean-going cruise ships in the world.

With a steel hull and superstructure,  the spacious and comfortable Nautilus Belle Amie accommodates from 28-32 guests. Run by a dedicated and enthusiastic crew from around the world, Nautilus Belle Amie has one of the largest and most spacious interiors in this class of liveaboard.

Nautilus Belle Amie is a new build, launched in 2015. This is the largest ship in the Nautilus fleet and she dwarfs her competition. Guests enjoy the ultra quiet rooms, extreme spaciousness and comfortable, stabilised ride.

ACCOMMODATION

The lower deck has eight comfy staterooms with various bed configurations (single and double occupancy). An affordable triple occupancy stateroom is also available. The Nautilus Belle Amie has six superior suites with large double windows  on the upper deck. Two spacious premium suites are available on the main deck. These rooms have ensuites with double sinks, large windows, plenty of sunlight, a large storage area and personal flat screen TV.

There are windows and / or portholes in every room. Bathrooms have showers in all suites and staterooms.

SPECIFICATION

• 44 x 10 metre ocean-going dive boat
• Built in 2007 by Bollinger Shipyards, USA
• Steel hull and superstructure, Stabilised, 11 knot maximum service speed
• ISM audited by Bureau Veritas
• Water capacity: Unlimited with high capacity watermaker
• Compressors: 2 x water cooled Coltri MC-30
• Rebreather friendly
• Dive skiffs: 3 x high speed large inflatables
• Passengers: 28-32 guests
• Crew: 12
• Spacious, comfortable and stable
• Satphone, email & internet access

SAFETY

All safety equipment is first class and certified to the same exacting international SOLAS and ISM standards as the largest cruise ship.

Schedules & prices

Dive info

The wild, remote and exhilarating Socorro Islands, Mexico are famous for their big animal encounters.

The Revillagigedos Archipelago - commonly known as the Socorro Islands - is located in the Tropical Eastern Pacific Ocean, approximately 250 miles south of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, at the tip of the Baja peninsula. Socorro is just one of this group of islands which comprise of San Benedicto, Roca Partida and Clarion.

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. Whale sharks 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.

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 Islands 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.

FLIGHT INFORMATION 

For trips to Socorro you will need to fly to San Jose del Cabo in Mexico. There are several flight options connecting via Mexico City or the USA and an overnight in either Atlanta, San Francisco or Los Angeles is required. Direct flights to Cabo San Lucas with AeroMexico are also available. 

PASSPORTS & VISAS

British passport holders visiting Mexico as a tourist don’t need a visa, but you do need a tourist card, which you can get on arrival by completing an immigration form available at border crossings or on-board flights to Mexico. Immigration officials at the port of entry may ask to see proof of your departure plans from Mexico before allowing you entry to the country, although this isn’t a formal entry requirement.

All non-US citizens opting to travel via USA will need to obtain a US visa or Electronic System of Travel Authorization (ESTA) at least 72 hours prior to travel. Travellers without the required visa or ESTA may be denied flight boarding. Citizens of 37 countries, including most European nations, Australia, New Zealand and Japan are eligible for the ESTA and can apply for these online. There is a charge of $14 and the issued authorisation is valid for 2 years and allows for multiple entries into US territories within that period.

Always check for last minute changes in entry requirements at the Foreign & Commonwealth website. Nationalities other than British citizens should check with their own consular office.

Please always check your own entry requirements, regardless of your nationality.

Passport Validity

Passengers travelling to Mexico must have a minimum of six months validity on their passport from the date of entry into Mexico. 

Note: If you are travelling to Mexico via the US, even if you are only transiting, you must check the US entry requirements. If you do not have the correct authorisation you will not be allowed to travel to or transit through the US.

AIRPORT TAX

There’s a departure tax of circa £50 when leaving the country by air. Some airlines include this in ticket prices.

VACCINATIONS & HEALTH INFORMATION

There are no compulsory vaccinations, but we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A and rabies. The risk of malaria in Mexico is generally very low and therefore anti-malarials are not required for travel to the Playa del Carmen or Cozumel area. 

However, there is a moderate risk in some south western parts of the country. If you intend to travel beyond the Yucatan Peninsula we would recommend that you contact a travel clinic for the most up to date advice.

Vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure. For the most up to date advice please consult your travel clinic. 

Further information regarding vaccinations for travel to this country can be found at www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk and from your local healthcare provider.

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.

Socorro Islands liveaboards embark from Cabo San Lucas on the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula and usually take around 24hrs to reach the islands.

Nautilus Socorro Island Itinerary - 8 or 9 nights         

Nautilus Socorro Combo Expedition - 10 or 12 nights

In addition to Socorro Islands, this vessel also offers Guadalupe Island trips: 

Nautilus Guadalupe Island Itinerary - 5 or 6 nights    

Reviews

A great destination for experienced divers

"The Nautilus team go to great lengths to make this a top quality experience; their safety, comfort and expertise are the best we've experienced. A great destination for experienced divers looking for the thrill factor!"

Nick & Sally C

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