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
Day1: 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.
Day2: 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!
Day3: At sea
Days4-8: 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!
Day9: 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.
Day10: Disembark & begin your journey home
Disembark your liveaboard this morning and transfer to the airport for your return overnight flight back to the UK.
Day11: Arrive UK
Please note: The above itinerary is a sample only and your actual liveaboard itinerary may vary.
Key info
Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 12 daysfrom £4,595 pp
Just one of four islands in the Revillagigedo Archipelago, Socorro is a remote volcanic island rising abruptly from the sea. The area attracts large concentrations of pelagic species and is renowned for close up encounters with giant Pacific manta rays.
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Ideal for viewing: giant oceanic manta ray, humpback whale, whale shark, scalloped hammerhead shark, common dolphin
Excellent for: Liveaboard diving, Group diving, Shark diving, Hammerhead shark, Manta ray
This itinerary is available on the liveaboards shown below.
Please contact us for further recommendations.
This modern spacious liveaboard offers maximum comfort and stability as it visits world-class diving locations to see the mantas of Socorro and the great white sharks of Isla Guadalupe.
Find Out More about Nautilus Belle Amie
This luxury liveaboard caters for experienced divers looking for advanced, and sometimes challenging, diving in remote destinations. Itineraries to Guadalupe and Socorro offer remarkable shark and manta encounters.
Find Out More about Nautilus Explorer
This classic liveaboard caters to adventurous divers looking to spend time at Socorro - renowned for its shark and unique manta encounters - and Isla Guadalupe, famous for its great white sharks.
Find Out More about Nautilus Under Sea
This owner operated liveaboard explores the Midriff Islands, Sea of Cortez and Socorro throughout the year, offering expedition diving itineraries, adventure and an incredible marine biodiversity.
Find Out More about Rocio Del Mar
Operating itineraries to Socorro and Guadalupe islands, this 34 metre luxury liveaboard offers divers unmatched service and comfort, plenty of adventure and possibly the best big fish diving on Earth!
Find Out More about Solmar V
