Rugged volcanic landscapes overlook pristine waters teeming with marine life in Socorro, offering adventurers an unforgettable diving experience.
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The Revillagigedo Archipelago, a cluster of volcanic islands off Mexico’s west coast, captivates even the most seasoned divers. Most suited to intermediate or advanced divers, the Socorro Islands promise encounters with some of the ocean’s most majestic creatures, including humpback whales, over ten species of sharks, and giant mantas. The powerful currents and “cool water” diving created by the lava flow aren’t for the faint hearted, but those who dare are rewarded with the scuba experience of a lifetime. One of the most unique ways to embark on a Socorro diving trip is by staying aboard a liveaboard – and we’ve rounded up five of the best.
Nautilus Undersea
Spend a week or more navigating Socorro’s top dive sites on the Nautilus Undersea. The boat’s nine cabins have one large bed to share with a dive buddy or two twins to partner with another solo traveller. There are a plethora of activities to enhance your dive experience, including photo workshops, presentations about marine life, and paddle boards. Stare at the sunset from the Jacuzzi or cocktail bar before your crew serve up a gourmet on-board dinner. The boat also offers trips to Guadalupe Island, where you can swim with Mexico’s famous great white sharks. From $337 per day.
Southern Sport
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Southern Sport offer seasonally-themed itineraries and private charters and pride themselves on their personalised service. Whether privately rented or a shared group experience, there are never more than eighteen guests on the ship, allowing for an intimate and secluded experience. On the boat, there are nine rooms, including two spacious suites, and guests can help themselves to complimentary wine and beer. The scuba diving in the surrounding Socorro Islands and Sea of Cortez is simply spectacular, and high-quality rental gear plus skilful instructors make for a seamless experience. From $311 per day.
Quino El Guardian
After starting life as a humble fishing vessel, Quino El Guardian now delivers unique opportunities for nature enthusiasts to join public science expeditions. On-board marine biology experts provide in-depth presentations about the local flora and fauna, allowing guests to participate in animal identification, tagging, and monitoring. With only five cabins and over twenty dives, it’s the perfect combination of exclusivity and variety. Trips are customisable and whether you’re opting for night-time shark observations, swimming with humpback whales, or watching dolphins dance from the sun deck, you’ll experience the full scope of Socorro. From $300 per day.
Valentina
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From Nitrox to gear storage to zodiacs, the Valentina is equipped with the full range of diving amenities, not to mention certified PADI courses with patient instructors, making this boat suitable for scuba beginners. The guest-to-guide ratio is 5:1, so the trip is highly personalised. Trips include up-close encounters with the environment and bio-diverse diving destinations, and the boat provides an excellent balance between adventure and comfort, with loungers in the sun and an entertainment centre tempting guests to stay above sea level. Plus, there’s full access to the Internet and other thoughtful amenities including bathrobes. From $399 per day.
Solmar
Solmar V offers two seasonal itineraries annually. For the more challenging dives – such as those including cool water or ripping currents – nitrox is compulsory and available at the fully equipped diving facility. But there’s a boatload of activities for those seeking a little more comfort, such as photography-themed dives or entering a submerged cage. Twelve cabins are available catering to various budgets, and the ambiance is extremely sociable so you’ll have plenty of like-minded folk to swap tales with about the rays, reef life, and hammerhead sharks you swam with that day over a well-earned buffet meal and glass of wine. From $467 per day.