Liveaboard Nautilus – Socorro: the diving paradise full of mantas and sharks!
Board the Nautilus and get ready for a spectacular week of diving in remote Socorro: a paradise full of curious manta rays, sharks, whale sharks, dolphins and plenty of fish.
Travel period
Features
Starting from
Giant manta rays, dolphins and 12 species of sharks: welcome to Socorro!
Socorro is one of the most spectacular diving destinations imaginable. It is often compared to Cocos Island in Costa Rica and the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador. This is not surprising, as all of these places are in the Pacific Ocean and have incredible amounts and sizes of aquatic life. Get ready for manta rays, sharks, tuna, whales and dolphins.
This trip goes to the Revillagigedo Archipelago, four islands of which Socorro is one. So although everyone always speaks of a diving trip to Socorro, you actually go to even more places. The archipelago is about 600 kilometers off the coast and can only be reached by liveaboard. The trip to the archipelago takes more than 24 hours, an experience in itself!
During the week you will dive at 3 islands: San Benedicto, Socorro and Roca Partida. All islands are uninhabited, but there are naval bases with military personnel. So you really are at the end of the world!
During the dives you can expect a lot of spectacle. The mantas here are different from other places: more curious and they come a lot closer. There are also large schools of hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, silky sharks, Galapagos sharks and, with a little luck, even tiger sharks. Dolphins are also often seen underwater and come close to inspect you. Occasionally orcas and killer whales are even spotted. And also huge schools of fish, which sometimes completely take away visibility.
Aboard a comfortable liveaboard of the Nautilus, you will truly have the diving trip of a lifetime here.
Best Travel Time Socorro: There is diving on Socorro between November and May. November through January is when the water is warmest and whale sharks are often spotted. From January/February, the whale sharks are exchanged for humpback whales, which you can spot both from the boat and underwater with, of course, a little luck. The water will be a bit colder!
Average Temperatures
Wetsuit advice for Socorro, Mexico
Between November and January, a 5mm is sufficient, the other months a 7mm is recommended.
What will you experience on this trip?
View itinerary here
Day 1 & 2 | Travel to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Today begins the journey toward Mexico. The boat leaves from the courts in Cabo San Lucas, at the very southern tip of Baja California. The nearest airport is San Jose del Cabo, where you have several options for the itinerary. You always have a transfer, this could be in Mexico itself or in the United States, for example. We figure out the best route for you.
Since the boat leaves at a fixed time, we recommend being in Cabo San Lucas at least 1 day before the boat leaves. Should there be any kind of delay, at least you won’t stress about catching the boat. In addition, the coastal town is also hearty and fun to stay in.
So you leave on day 1, and on day 2 you arrive in Mexico. On day 3 you will depart by boat towards Socorro!
Day 3 | Board the liveaboard and start your diving adventure
Today you have a relaxing day in Cabo San Lucas. You can stop by SeeCreatures, the diving school of the Nautilus fleet, whenever you want. Should you really have a lot of time, you could even go diving for a day.
In any case, you should have checked in no later than 7 p.m. so that all divers can get acquainted and the first safety briefing can be given. Then you go to the boat and you can unpack and settle in the cabin. At 20:00 the boat leaves for Socorro, a trip of over 24 hours!
The description of this trip is based on how the Nautilus prefers to do the trip. Weather conditions and multiple boats at one dive site are factors that can affect the route.
Day 4 | En route to Socorro: 24 hours of sailing
Today is all about traveling and relaxing at sea. It takes one day to sail to the islands. An introductory briefing will take place in the morning, followed by a fire and safety drill on board. An exercise? During your vacation? No worries: it is purely for safety and is brought in a fun way. The ship is among the first passenger diving ships in the world with official ISM safety certification, the same standard that applies to large cruise ships.
The day at sea offers plenty of variety: in the afternoon there is Manta 101, and otherwise there is plenty of time to prepare dive gear, read a book, relax on the sun deck or watch a movie via the onboard wifi. At sunset, watch for the famous green flash. Although the official cocktail hour begins at 7 p.m., on sea days many guests enjoy drinks earlier.
At the end of the day, the ship will arrive at San Benedicto Island so that the night can be spent peacefully. A relaxed start, just in time for the next morning’s adventure: diving with the world’s friendliest giant manta rays.
Day 5 & 6 | Diving at San Benedicto
In the morning you will arrive at the first island of the Revillagigedo: San Benedicto and the first dives are scheduled.
The waters around the islands belong to one large protected Marine Park, the rule is that no diving is allowed after 5 p.m. San Benedicto is a small island belonging to Socorro. It has 2 peaks, one of which is a volcanic crater created after an eruption in 1953.
The first dive is actually always at Las Cuevas. An easy dive site where you can make a nice first check dive. Here you can see rays, white tip sharks, manta rays and schools of fish, among others. This is not really a shark site, although we don’t rule out a silky shark, hammerhead shark or Galapagos shark. A nice easy dive to make sure you bring the right amount of weights and to check if all your dive gear is working properly.
Also the next day you will dive at San Benedicto. One of the favorite dive sites here is El Canyon, a place where you can encounter large schools of hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sharks, whale sharks, (with a little luck) tiger sharks and lots of fish. Manta rays can regularly pass by as well: it’s a busy place underwater and you sometimes run out of eyes.
After the 4 dives, the boat continues after dinner to the next island: Socorro!
Day 7 | Diving at Socorro
This day you will dive at Socorro! It is the largest island in the archipelago. The sea here is as the sea should be: no fishing is allowed and the ecosystems are fine. It is full of life. What is really special about this place is the curious manta rays that like to swim with the divers. You can also see large schools of hammerhead sharks here, as well as all the other big stuff. It’s a special place, we can’t say it often enough!
Often you make 3 dives here, since there is not always enough time to make 4 dives. The reason is because when we arrive at Socorro we have to report to the naval base there. Sometimes the captain can do this over the radio, but sometimes they also decide to come on board. You never know that in advance.
In the evening the boat leaves for Roca Partida, the sailing time is about 6 hours.
Day 8 | Diving at Roca Partida
Roca Partida is a small cliff about 40 meters high and 100 meters long that protrudes above the water as an island. It is the smallest island of the Socorro Islands Archipelago and in one dive you can go around it. The island is a real big fish magnet. Whale sharks, dolphins and whales migrate past it annually. Hammerheads, silky sharks and gray sharks are also frequent guests again. Around Roca Partida you will make 4 dives.
Day 9 | The last day of diving
Today is already the last day of diving. You finish the diving vacation with 4 dives on “El Boiler,” a large peak that reaches from the depths to a few meters from the surface. It is small enough to swim around several times in one dive and large enough to be a favorite gathering point, attracting marine life from miles around. El Boiler is known as the home of the world-famous Giant Pacific Manta, this dive site is perfect for close-up and personal encounters with the Giant manta rays can grow to a wingspan of over six meters, but they are friendly creatures. Dolphins are also often spotted here in the morning.
After the final dive, the boat begins the journey back to Cabo San Lucas.
Day 10 - 12 | Return to civilization & journey home
On day 10, the boat sails back to port, another trip of over 24 hours. You will arrive back in Cabo San Lucas on day 11 in the morning.
After a week on a remote stretch of ocean, returning to civilization can take some getting used to. The boat arrives in port around 8:30 a.m., and those flying directly back can count on a comfortable transfer to the airport. The ride takes about 45 minutes. Thus, you will depart on day 11 and arrive back home on day 12, full of memories of an unforgettable adventure.
Would you like to stay a little longer in Mexico? Then we recommend diving in La Paz, which is also located in Baja California. Here you can dive with a large colony of sea lions, which come to inspect you like curious puppies. Also, in the right season there is the opportunity to experience the sardine run, or see the mobula migration. There are also many orcas during that period. So a special piece of Mexico! Feel free to ask us about the possibilities.
Highlights of Socorro
What can you expect from this trip?
Curious mantas
Socorro’s giant manta rays are known for their exceptional curiosity and impressive elegance. These gentle giants actively seek interaction with divers and sometimes stay circling for minutes, as if to prolong an encounter. Their enormous wingspan and quiet movements create an almost magical experience underwater. Socorro is one of the few places in the world where mantas are so approachable, truly a special experience.
12 species of sharks
The sharks of Socorro are one of the biggest attractions of this remote archipelago. From hammerheads and silky sharks to galápagos sharks and sometimes even tiger sharks, the variety is impressive. They congregate schools above volcanic formations and move gracefully through the clear waters. Because of its remote location, every encounter feels pure and pristine. For many divers, Socorro is the place to experience sharks up close in their natural, undisturbed environment.
The remote location
One of Socorro’s greatest charms is its remote location, some 600 kilometers off the coast of Mexico. It means a full day at sea – about 24 hours of sailing – before reaching the islands. That isolation ensures that marine life here is unprecedentedly undisturbed. Divers experience schools of sharks, curious manta rays and other pelagic life in an almost pristine environment, far away from crowded tourist areas, making every dive feel special.
The liveaboard
Staying on the boat
The Nautilus fleet consists of three ships sailing to Socorro: the Nautilus Explorer, Nautilus Belle Amie and the Nautilus UnderSea. They all follow the same itinerary, are in the same price range and offer similar onboard facilities.
The Belle Amie is the largest boat and has room for 35 divers. The Explorer has room for 27 divers. The Undersea is the smallest boat, here there is room for 19 divers.
Don’t have a definite preference for one of the ships? Then mainly your desired departure date determines which boat fits best.
Nautilus Explorer
The Nautilus Explorer is the flagship of the Nautilus fleet and has been in operation since 2000. The boat is 40 meters long and has a brand new, immense dive deck and water level platform. The dive deck also has a large table for the cameras, so you can prepare your camera for the dive in peace and quiet.
The main salon is also one of the highlights of the boat: there are many windows, so you always have a nice view. The dining room is separate from the main salon, so there is plenty of room for everyone to relax. There is a nice sun deck where you can relax and a hot tub, with snack service. You can also use the Wi-Fi on board for a fee.
There are 13 cabins and seating for a total of 27 guests and 10 crew members.
- 1 triple stateroom on the lower deck
- 8 staterooms on the lower deck
- 3 superior suites on the wheelhouse deck
- 1 premium suite (with bathtub!) on the wheelhouse deck
All cabins have their own en-suite bathroom.
Nautlius Belle Amie
In operation since 2015, the Nautilus Belle Amie is a fine, modern boat. There is a large dive deck, where you have all the space you need to prepare your dive gear and rinse it after diving. There is also a large sun deck with plenty of room for everyone to take a nap between dives. Another nice addition: there is a hot tub on this boat! And there’s even a snack service available if you don’t want to get out of the water.
There are 17 cabins and seating for a total of 35 guests and 12 crew members.
- 1 triple stateroom on the lower deck
- 8 staterooms on the lower deck
- 6 superior suites on the wheelhouse deck
- 2 premium suites on the main deck
All cabins have their own en-suite bathroom.
Nautilus Undersea
The Nautilus UnderSea is a boat with history. It was built in 1968 as the personal mother ship of Dr. Perry of Perry Oceanographic. Originally intended to support a research submarine, it quickly became an icon within the diving world. Under the name Undersea Hunter, it made numerous expeditions to Cocos Island and even starred in IMAX adventures through the South Pacific.
After decades of service, the ship received a complete metamorphosis at the Nautilus fleet. At the shipyard, the hull was lengthened to 32 meters, a completely new superstructure was added, the sun deck was enlarged and a modern stability system was installed, among other things.
There is a spacious dive deck with a large camera table, where you have the space to properly prepare all your camera equipment. There is also a large sun deck with hot tub, where you can rest between dives. There is a cozy main salon and a separate dining room.
The UnderSea Hunter is a bit smaller than the other two ships: there are 9 cabins and room for 19 divers and 9 crew members.
- 1 triple stateroom on the main deck
- 6 staterooms on the lower deck
- 1 ADA Compatible stateroom on the main deck (next to the dive deck)
- 1 premium suite on the sundeck
Travel costs
What is included
This travel package is US$ 3.308 per person. The trip can be extended as desired. A number of things are included by default in this travel package.
Prices are subject to price changes, increases or changing exchange rates. The flight price indication is always based on the cheapest possible booking class.
Want to know more about the possibilities? Get in touch with us!
Included in this trip, from US$ 3.308 p.p.
- 8 nights in a stateroom
- Accommodation on full board basis
- Water, coffee, tea, soft drinks
- Welcome cocktail
- Use kayak and stand up paddle boards
- Towels and toiletries
- Approx. 18 dives
- VZR & Administration fee
Excluding
- Flights to San Jose del Cabo from US$ 749 p.p.
- Transfers from/to airport approx. US$ 46
- Hotel in Cabo San Lucas 1st night approx. US$ 69
- Marine Park Fees ($100-172 per day).
- $35 port fee (payable in cash on board)
- Drinks from the bar (alcohol)
- High-speed internet connection
- Dive insurance (mandatory)
✈︎ The quoted (international) flight prices are indicative prices and based on departures from Europe. However, we can arrange flights from any location worldwide. Booking your own flights is of course also possible.
Optional
- Nitrox ($120)
- 15L tank ($36)
- Rental dive equipment ($320)
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Frequently asked questions about this diving holiday
Liveaboard
On the first day you can board the boat from 20:00. Earlier that day you can visit the diving school SeeCreatures to get acquainted, hand over your gear or even make your first dive.
You will be expected at SeeCreatures no later than 7 p.m. for check-in. Here you will also receive a safety briefing before boarding.
The boat is in the port of Cabo San Lucas. This is the departure point and the arrival point.
By the way, you go to the boat from the diving school SeeCreatures, so you don’t have to look for this on your own.
The latest time to leave the boat is at 8:30.
We recommend everyone to be at the airport 3 hours before flight departure. The transfer to the airport takes about 45 minutes. We take this into account when booking the return flight; we do not book a flight that leaves before 11:30.
Menus offer a combination of American and Mexican dishes, using fresh, local ingredients whenever possible.
No, you are not allowed to bring your own alcohol on board. There are plenty of choices on board: signature drinks, single mats, beer and wine. All at reasonable prices!
Definitely! Do give notice as early as possible, so the chef on board can prepare for this.
Vegetarian, vegan, lactose intolerant, gluten free, sugar free, quesi-kosher and quasi-halal are possible without any problems. For any other diet, it is good to let us know in advance so we can see if it is possible.
On liveaboard diving trips, it is important to pack light because of limited cabin space. It is often the case, however, that you are not allowed to wear wet clothing in the indoor areas to keep it dry (and not slippery).
Temperatures on Socorro range from 21-27°C, but evenings can be cooler, so bringing sweatpants, sweatshirts or sweaters is a good idea. Don’t forget to bring a hat, sunglasses and plenty of (reefsafe) sunscreen. There is also reefsafe sunscreen available on the boat that you can use for free.
You should also bring your personal toiletries. Towels and bed linen are included in your stay.
Sockets typically have two flat pins, as in the United States and Canada. This type of outlet is also referred to as Type A. The voltage is 110V. There are also some 220V charging stations on board.
On location, you need to pay the port fee and national park fees. The port fee is a one-time fee of $35. The marine park fee varies between $100 and $172 per day. This is basically your entrance fee to the dive sites.
Diving
Dive insurance is mandatory for all travel to the Socorro Islands and you will be asked to show proof of insurance prior to travel.
Dive insurance (or travel insurance) must cover at a minimum:
- Treatment in the hyperbaric chamber
- Air Evacuation
It is important that this is clearly defined in the insurance policy.
Yes, and this is actually recommended if you do so many dives a day and dive every day. Using nitrox costs $120 for the whole week.
You can use a 15L tanks for $36.
No, night diving is prohibited throughout the Revillagigedo (Socorro) marine park.
You basically just need your standard dive gear here: bcd, regulator (DIN or INT), good dive fins for storming, dive shoes, mask, dive suit and computer.
The Nautilus provides lead and weight belts. Then you can also use an SMB, dive alert signaling device and the Nautilus LifeLine Marine Rescue Radio for free.
A diving knife is not allowed in the marine park, so you can leave it at home.
Yes, you can rent diving equipment at Nautilus. It’s a good idea to indicate this when booking to make sure they have the right size for you. Renting a full set costs $320. This also includes a computer.
You can even cure a GoPro, for $150 a week.
Ocean temperatures at Socorro typically range from 25.5°C-27.8°C in November, 21.1°C-23.3°C in February/March, and 24.4°C-26.7°C in April to June. A 5mm wetsuit is recommended for the warmer months, while a 5/7mm or 7mm wetsuit is recommended for the colder months. Some guests also pack a light vest and hood or a vest with an attached hood in case there are thermoclines during the colder months.
Usually from the zodiac, or “skiffs,” as they call it at Nautilus. there are several skiffs that can be used as cabs, so divers can be picked up and brought back to the big boat. This way, no one has to wait long before everyone in the group reaches the surface.
There are 5 full dive days with an average of 4 dives per day. On the day the check dive is made (the first dive day) 3 dives are done.
Of course, it always depends on weather conditions whether all dives can go ahead.
The Nautilus indicates that all levels are welcome. New divers are usually paired directly with the guide in the form of a buddy team.
Just keep in mind that some dive sites are not accessible to new divers, due to depth or current, for example. You will get the most out of this liveaboard if you are at least advanced certified and have 50 logged dives. You will then be a lot more comfortable in the water and can enjoy everything you encounter underwater the most.
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