Diving in Socorro is MAGICAL. It’s been some time since we visited this amazing destination and our Scuba Getaway team is so excited to be back! Join us as we set off on an incredible journey to the beautiful waters of Socorro!
Picture this: turquoise waves, salty air, and the promise of incredible underwater encounters await us as we set sail from Los Cabos, Mexico. We’re gearing up to board the legendary Nautilus Explorer liveaboard for an unforgettable 9-day/8-night diving itinerary. We’re in for a treat with delicious meals, snacks, and all the drinks we could want to keep us fueled up for up to 4 fantastic dives every single day!
Now, hold onto your fins because Socorro isn’t just any diving destination—it’s a true diver’s paradise nestled 240 miles off the coast of Mexico. This hidden gem consists of four breathtaking islands, with Socorro shining the brightest among them. Here you will meet the ocean’s gentle giants—the magnificent mantas of Socorro! These graceful creatures are like the celebrities of the deep, always eager to say hello to us lucky divers and snorkelers. Socorro is bursting with marine life, from hammerheads to silky sharks cruising by, and even dolphins and even humpback whales making special appearances.
Liveaboard schedule:
Day 1: 8pm boarding.
Day 2: Traveling and relaxing at sea. It’s a one day run out to the islands. Cocktail hour. Sunsets. Arrive at San Benedicto Island by evening.
Days 3-7: Over five full dive days, you will be able to experience favourite sites such as El Canyon, the Boiler, Red Rocks, Roca Partida, Cabo Pearse, Punta Tosca and Roca Oneal. Average of four dives a day. There is opportunity for other activities to keep you busy such as kayaking and paddle boarding. Or simply relax in our hot tub.
Day 8: Early morning voyage back to Cabo San Lucas and relax during the journey back.
Day 9: Disembark at 8:30am in Cabo.
PADI Scuba Instructor and Travel Manager at TSC. Megs is a veteran Scuba Getaway traveller, and has dove in Egypt, Indonesia, Galapagos and beyond! Follow her on a dive and you’re guaranteed to spot the coolest sea creatures.
PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer and Store Manager at Toronto Scuba Centre. Jemma was born and raised in New Zealand where she did all of her training and is eager to explore the rest of the underwater world.
The Nautilus Explorer was carefully designed to be very safe with heavy, strong steel construction and extensive soundproofing. The vessel’s hullform, passive stability system and bulbous bow provides for a remarkably easy ride while heavy-duty commercial grade systems ensure that you have a smooth-running voyage. This liveaboard was custom built for divers to explore the amazing sites of Guadalupe and the Socorro Islands, Mexico. Built by divers, for divers for stability, comfort, and safety, the Nautilus Explorer liveaboard comprises 13 cabins, ranging from a cost-effective mixed-gender triple occupancy stateroom to a luxurious premium suite. On the lower deck are 8 twin/double cabins and 1 triple cabin. The hot tub deck has 3 superior suites and the premium suite, which features a separate lounge and floor-to-ceiling picture window. All cabins are equipped with individually controlled AC and private en-suite bathrooms.
The Nautilus Explorer has many well-designed social areas. There are two upper-floor sun decks and a hot tub deck where guests can relax with a glass of wine or frosty beer under the evening stars. The main salon is located in front of the dive deck and has large panoramic windows, and it is furnished with couches, a dedicated PC and Mac computer for video editing, and a 42-inch plasma TV. Onboard dining consists of freshly made dishes, including homemade bread, pastries, and soups combining North American, European, and Mexican flavors.
A comfortable stateroom with one double bed and one bunk bed, ensuite bathroom and shower.
A comfortable stateroom with one twin bed and one double bed, ensuite bathroom and shower.
2 double staterooms on the boat are a fixed double bed designed for a single occupant.
One double bed or two twin bed setup. Upper deck suites with large windows, a desk, wardrobe, ensuite bathroom and shower.
These islands are completely uninhabited, the sea floor is volcanic, and the geothermal activity is on-going. The dull substrate is decorated only by a few hard corals and barnacles, so it is just as well the big fish action is so captivating. These waters are filled with pelagic adventures to be had with giant manta rays, playful dolphins, breaching humpback whales, rays, and sharks (including whale sharks). Seas here are cooler and strong currents bring nutrient rich waters, therefore diving here is recommended for the experienced level due to the choppy seas, strong currents and large swells.
The encounters in Socorro are breathtaking to say the least. The Manta rays gently and gracefully glide through the water, visiting their manta ray cleaning stations. The friendly mantas will swim alongside of you and above you through your bubbles to tickle their bellies. They can have a wingspan of up to 23ft (7m), and sometimes even the rare black manta can be spotted. Bottlenose dolphins can often be heard and seen on dives, they can be hunting fish, or trying to interact with divers. They are very curious and comfortable with divers and often travel in pods of 20. The time of year you visit will determine the Humpback whale sightings, the typically visit Socorro from January to March with their calves. The calves can be very curious and occasionally approach lucky divers.
Marine life highlights to see:
• Manta rays
• Hammerhead sharks
• Bottlenose dolphins
• Whitetip reef sharks
• Silky sharks
• Galapagos sharks
Prices are per person and dependent on room selection, all taxes are already included.
Triple Stateroom: $4,065 USD
Double Stateroom Shared: $4,380 USD
Double Stateroom Single: $5,430 USD
Superior Suite: $4,955 USD
Premiere Suite: $5,535 USD
Prices do not include flights, additional hotel stays, alcoholic beverages, gear rental, gratuities, park and harbour fees, fuel surcharges and travel insurance (highly recommended). Dive insurance is required to travel with Scuba Getaway, travellers need to purchase this separately.
There is a Port Fee of $35.00 USD per person payable in cash onboard. Nitrox is available for $20.00 USD per dive day. There is an additional $490 USD park fee that will be included on your Scubagetaway invoice. These prices are subject to change by the Liveaboard Dealer.
Payment Schedule:
Initial Deposit due upon booking: $1000USD
2nd Payment: November 2024, half of balance owing
Final Payment: May 2025, balance owing
