A diving mecca to rival Cocos and the Galapagos, Mexico's Revillagigedo Islands are acclaimed for majestic manta ray, shark, dolphin and humpback whale encounters.
Lying 400 kilometres southwest of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, Socorro Island is more formally known as the Revillagigedo Archipelago. It consists of four small islands: San Benedicto, Socorro, Roca Partida and Clarion.
Only accessible by liveaboard, these waters are famous for up close and personal encounters with giant Pacific manta rays, wild bottlenose dolphin, whale sharks (seasonal) and humpback whales who come here to breed and calve annually (Jan-Mar). Up to seven species of shark also visit these waters, including schooling hammerheads, Galapagos and silky sharks.
Socorro is suitable for more experienced divers due to the dynamic and occasionally challenging diving conditions.
The itinerary below is based on an eight night trip on board the Nautilus Under Sea. Other length trips and boats are available.
'Dancing with Mantas in Socorro' by Cath Bates from our expert Dive team, recounts her once-in-a-lifetime experience in this world-class diving location.
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1:
Fly to Cabo San Lucas
We recommend flying via Mexico City, but depending on your budget and flight schedules, you may need to travel via the USA.
On arrival, transfer to your hotel in Cabo San Lucas for a one night stay prior to joining your liveaboard.
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Day 2:
Day at leisure; evening embark liveaboard
Enjoy your day at leisure before being transferred to your Socorro liveaboard this evening. The boat sets sail this evening and it's a long journey to your diving destination, but extremely rewarding!
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Day 3:
At sea
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Days 4-8
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Enjoy the superb diving at Socorro, Roca Partida & other great sites
This morning, your dive experience begins.
Encounter giant Pacific manta rays, be engulfed by schools of sharks and marvel at playful, curious dolphins; throughout the year, there's an amazing amount of marine wildlife.
November and December offer warmer waters, excellent visibility and the chance of whale shark encounters. The waters are cooler from mid-January to April when the humpback whales are visiting, and everything intensifies during baitball season from May to July when there is generally more of every kind of species!
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Day 9:
Depart Revillagigedo archipelago
Chat with your new buddies and take life on board at a slower pace as you make the journey back to the mainland.
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Day 10:
Disembark & begin your journey home
Disembark your liveaboard this morning and transfer to the airport for your return overnight flight back to the UK.
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Day 11:
Arrive UK
Please note: The above itinerary is a sample only and your actual liveaboard itinerary may vary.
