SOCORRO ISLANDS
November through May
The Revillagigedo Islands (also Revillagigedo Archipelago) are a group of four volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean, known for their unique ecosystem. The islands are home to many endemic plant and animal species. Socorro island is the most diverse in flora, fauna, and topography.
The islands lie 250 miles off Baja Mexico's southern shore. When embarking on a trip to the Socorro Islands, we plan to dive the islands of San Benedicto, Socorro, and Roca Partida. Due to the distance to Clarion, this is only dived on longer expeditions.
These islands are a spectacular magnet for the largest ocean pelagic animals in the world. Animals include schooling hammerhead sharks, tiger sharks, friendly bottlenose dolphins, silky sharks, Galapagos sharks, clouds of jacks and barracuda, tuna, wahoo, oceanic white tip sharks, whale sharks, and manta rays.
Manta Rays are the claim to fame for Socorro Islands. The island where they predominately congregate is San Benedicto. The magical dive site called "The Boiler" is a submerged sea mount and cleaning station. More than a half dozen mantas frequent this pinnacle regularly. The mantas in the Revillagigedo Islands are friendly and enjoy the presence of humans. This is truly an exceptional place to experience the manta magic.
Humpback whales visit during the winter months of mid-February through mid-April. We often hear the sounds of the singing mating males as they provide escort underwater. Surface sightings are common during this time.
Whale sharks can be seen during November, December, and May. May is also a time when we can see giant bait balls and pods of false orcas.
This destination can only be dived by a liveaboard dive vessel. It takes approximately 26-28 hours one-way to reach the islands. This is an excellent dive destination for large pelagics due to the islands' open ocean nature, which sometimes includes currents and choppy conditions. The underwater topography consists of rocky outcroppings, boulders, and some incredible walls. There is not much in the way of coral, as this is a cooler water destination.
SOCORRO PARK RULES
Socorro Park rules prohibit knives and using flashlights. It also bans night dives. Lights that are attached to a camera are allowed.
ITINERARY
10 Days / 9 Nights / 6 Days of Diving
Below is our scheduled diving itinerary. Weather and sea conditions may alter this itinerary, and if unique animal sightings arise, we may suggest options to divers.
Day 1 - Embark in San José del Cabo / Dinner and departure at approximately 7 pm
Day 2 - At Sea
Day 3 - Isla San Benedicto / 4 dives
Day 4 - Isla Roca Partida / 3 dives
Day 5 - Isla Roca Partida / 3 dives
Day 6 - Isla Socorro / 3 dives / Check-in with the Naval Station
Day 7 - Isla Socorro / 4 dives
Day 8 - Isla San Benedicto / 3 dives
Day 9 - At Sea
Day 10 - Arrival in San Jose del Cabo and disembark at 8:30 am
AVERAGE WATER TEMPERATURES
November 80F (26C)
December 80F (26C)
January 75F (24C)
February 75F (24C)
March 75F (24C)
April 75F (24C)
May 80F (26C)
RATES
2024
Rocio del Mar / $4095 per person, double occupancy
Quino el Guardian / $3500 per person, quad occupancy
2025 / 2026
Rocio del Mar / $4195 per person, double occupancy
Quino el Guardian / $3600 per person, quad occupancy
The above price includes all taxes, port fees, meals, beverages, tanks, weights, and complimentary beer and wine. The only things not included are:
National Park Fee - 1811 pesos per day of diving (10866 pesos)*
Nitrox Fee - $140
Transfers to and from the boat
Crew gratuity (typically 10%-15% of the fare)
*Park fee is subject to change without notice
SOCORRO PARK FEES
Effective January 3, 2024
SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE
The Socorro Park fee is 1811 pesos per day of diving. For a typical Socorro trip with six days of diving, it is 10866 pesos. Divers can pay this in advance or at the end of the trip. We will use the peso/dollar exchange rate on the departure date.
PARK FEE EXCEPTIONS
OVER 60 AND RETIRED: The park fee will be waived for people over 60 who can provide documentation that they are retired or pensioned. According to CONANP, any official document with the words "RETIRED" or "PENSIONED" will be accepted along with a current passport photo. Any other documentation will NOT be accepted.
In our experience, US citizens who are receiving retirement benefits from the Social Security Administration can download a Benefit Verification Letter from the www.SSA.gov website.
ACTIVE TEACHERS AND STUDENTS: A 50% discount is available for active students and teachers. A photocopy of an identification card with a photo and the current date is required.
Park fee exception documentation must be sent to Guest Services at Documents@MexicoLiveaboards two weeks before boarding. These documents must be in English or Spanish. If they are not, the documents must accompany an English or Spanish translation. CONANP reviews this information once the boat leaves the dock and has the final word if a document is accepted. The applicant must pay the park fee if CONANP does not approve the exception.