Socorro Liveaboard Diving

Liveaboard Diving in Socorro

What to Expect on a Socorro liveaboard

Socorro, or officially known as the Revillagigedo Archipelago, is a group of four, volcanic, islands located in the Pacific Ocean about 400km (250mi) off the coast of the southern tip of Baja California; a southwestern state of Mexico. This is a paradise for many large species of pelagic species, such as many species of sharks including hammerheads, silky, silver tip and white tips, Humpback whales, dolphins and they are also especially known for the many large Manta Rays which inhabit this area.

These islands are only accessible via liveaboard, and because the islands are all mostly uninhabited, this is the perfect way to get away from the busy cities and get a good quality experience with some of the best the oceans have to offer. Liveaboard.com currently offers six different liveaboards which visit these sites, all different to suit anyone's desires.

Socorro Underwater

Completely isolated, uninhabited, islands located in the world's largest ocean creates a unique experience; above and below the water. The visibility of the water here varies from 15-50m (49-164ft) and water temperatures range from 21 degrees Celsius (69-70 degrees Fahrenheit) up to 28 degrees Celsius (82 degrees Fahrenheit). They are part of a protected biosphere reserve and many conservation organisations are working around here to preserve the unique wildlife which inhabits and pass here. Socorro diving area is not a coral reef, so do not expect bright colours everywhere, but once you spot the spectacular marine wildlife you won't be able to focus on much else anyway!

Dive Sites/Areas Of Socorro

SAN BENEDICTO: The most popular area for coming up and close with Giant Pacific Manta Rays, there is a famous cleaning station named The Boiler. You are bound to see multiple, curious Mantas with a wingspan up to 8m (24ft).

SOCORRO ISLAND: The most popular of the four islands, and it is a paradise for pelagics. From January till March you can swim with Dolphins, from January till April there are thousands of Humpback whales in their breeding season and throughout the year there are numerous Manta Rays and sharks; Silky, Galapagos, white tip and silvertip sharks.

ROCA PARTIDA: The smallest island of the four, this is a pinnacle which attracts large schools of Jacks and Tuna, the small crevices inhabit many smaller species and at around 13m (40ft) there are caves which inhabit multiple sharks. A real diverse ecosystem.

CLARION ISLAND: an island made up of three volcanic peaks, it has its own Angelfish named after the island, the Clarion Angelfish is often seen cleaning the large pelagic species. From January until April you will see the Humpback whales swim past here as well.

Top Tips For Divers

Socorro is a more advanced diving area as sometimes there are strong currents and big waves, and most dive spots are quite deep, however, each liveaboard has their own minimum dive experience level, most expect you to have your Advanced Open water with at least 50 logged dives, but there are a few which only need you to have your Open Water and no minimum logged dives. Please always check this before booking and it is important to remember your dive logs/logbooks. It is possible to rent equipment but it will be more comfortable yourself to use your own gear, so if possible bring that with. With the large diversity of marine life, you will have the chance to see, it would be completely worth it to bring an underwater camera, to capture the memories.

The main language is Spanish, however, English is widely spoken all around the country and on the liveaboards. The currency is the Mexican Peso and you can easily exchange all popular currencies such as US dollars and Euros etc.

The plug is the same plug as the US; two flat prongs with the standard voltage being 127V. Please remember to bring an adaptor for all your electrics if you are not coming from the US.

Socorro is a year-round dive area, but it's what you are hoping to see that does differ per month. Socorro has the calmest seas from November to May with the waters being around 28 degrees Celsius (82 degrees Fahrenheit) in November, 21 degrees Celsius (69-70 degrees Fahrenheit) in February and back up to 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit) in May. These winter months also bring with them the main spectacles; the thousands of humpback whales which come here to breed, and many manta rays. The visibility here depends solely on the plankton in the water which depends on the moon, but in general, the visibility is great.

Getting To Socorro

Mexico liveaboards are the only way to access this amazing area. Socorro dive cruises depart from two ports, these are Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. These are both cities in the state of Baja California and located in the most Southern municipality; Los Cabos in Mexico. The closest international airport to these two cities is Los Cabos International Airport, which has flights arriving from the United States, Canada and other Mexican Cities.