Socorro
Why
Mexico is one of the most colorful and diverse upcoming diving destinations in
the world. It is located between the Caribbean east coast and Atlantic west coast,
each one of them offering a different and attractive underwater experience.
The Socorro Islands are located approximately 28 hours sail from Cabo (located
in southern California) and are classed as one of the world best diving destinations.
The Socorro Islands are divided into 4 different islands also referred to as Revillagigedos
and include the Socorro Island, Klarion, San Benedicto and Roca Partida. Of the above-
mentioned four, Roca Partida has the reputation of being the best diving site in the world,
offering fascinating diving experiences with many species of sharks, whales and dolphins.
The most amazing attraction spotted here are the huge Pacific Manta rays that can always
be seen here, and are not afraid of being closely acquainted with divers.
Besides its unique diving activities, Mexico offer a lot more to anyone contemplating
visiting the country! Amazing beaches, friendly people, tequila & corona, a rich history
and much more – all making Mexico one of the best destinations in the world.
When
Mexico's climate varies and changes according to heights and geographical positions,
from a tropical climate to a desert climate. Low areas and the coastline, especially in
the south are warm and humid.
The hot and rainy season is between the months of May-October and, and the coastal
areas in the south are very hot and humid between the months of July-September.
Diving liveaboards to Socorro are available between November to June, whereas the
best months to visit are between November to December and May to June, when large
whale sharks can be spotted and water temperatures reach 26C degrees and more.
During January to April water temperatures reach approximately 21C. Those choosing to
visit during these months, especially February and March are offered a once in a lifetime
experience! The opportunity to snorkel and even dive with Humpback whales!
How
The Socorro Islands can only be reached by diving liveaboards, which take
approximately 28 hours in the open sea.
The dive boats are very professional and allow three amazing dives a day. When
you are not diving, you can enjoy great meals, high standard air conditioned rooms
and overall quality time to relax and enjoy this fantastic destination.
Between dives, if you spot whales, you can sail towards them in a zodiac and
snorkel next to them.
The cruise departs from Cabo San Lucas and returns to the same port. Cabo San Lucas is
a touristic town, highly recommended to visit and explore before or after the cruise itself.
כללי על היעד
אופי הצלילות
מה רואים
Socorro Island Dive Sites
Cabo Pearce
The site is easily identified by a thin "finger" that protrudes from the eastern shore of the
island. This is where the reef grows and is nourished by constant currents arriving from
the coast and moderately descending into the depths. The site has a cleaning station at
approximately 8 meters depth. Masses of reef fish live here amongst the majestic red fan
corals. You can carefully sit between the rocks in a protected area and observe the schools
of silky sharks, mischievous manta rays and if you are visiting in the right season - maybe
even a whale shark! Sometimes large pods of dolphins swim by and can be seen even
outside the water. Whilst diving, even if you can’t see them, you can clearly hear them
talking to each other with squeaks and whistles.
Level: Suitable for advanced divers.
Depth: maximum 30 meters.
Punta Tosca
A beautiful reef located on the West Coast, full of hard corals, reef fish, lobsters,octopus,
turtles and much more. This is a great location where you are likely to see pods of dolphins.
For those of you who are shark lovers, this is definitely the best site to meet the great and
beautiful Tiger sharks. If all this is not enough, you can also observe Galapagos sharks,
Silky sharks, and grey reef sharks.When in the right season, this spot is also a good for
meeting Humpback Whales.
Level: Suitable for advanced divers.
Depth: maximum 30 meters.
Roca O’Neal
The site to watch Hammerheads! Schools of dozens of Scalloped Hammerheads
swim through this rocky dive site. At a depth of between 7-12 m there is a beautiful plate
covered with purple corals, among which live masses of reef fish, lobsters, eels and more.
At the end of the plate there is a steep 50 m drop. You can dive down the face of this drop
to a depth of 30 meters, where you can find an opening to a large cave here the sun's rays
create a spectacular game of light and shadow. Another common sight here are the
Galapagos sharks, silky sharks and reef sharks, and occasionally dolphins and Manta Rays!
Level: Suitable for advanced divers.
Depth: maximum 30 meters.
The Aquarium
A magical and shallow reef suitable for relaxed diving and macro enthusiasts. The
interesting structure of the reef was formed from volcanic activity and you can see
pinnacles, arches and small caves, among them a multitude of colorful reef fish.
Level: Suitable for all divers.
Depth: maximum 20 meters.
Diving at Roca Partida
One of the most popular diving islands in the Socorro Islands. The structure of the island is
spectacular even outside the water, due to volcanic activity. Its name means "separated rock".
About 40 km from the beach there is an underwater mountain from which stands a pinnacle
approximately 70 meters deep that rises and splits in two. The two peaks protrude out of the
water at almost 30 meters high and is the perfect place to observe lots of seagulls and
different types of birds.
Around the island there are vertical walls that fall into the depths and usually have moderate
currents. On the walls, you can see small caves with reef sharks, white tip sharks and hiding
places for lobsters. You can dive along the walls and around the pinnacle. At this site you
can meet large schools of manta rays and friendly dolphins, various species of sharks such
as the Hammerhead and Oceanic Whitetip sharks, colorful reef fish, yellow fin tuna fish,
Jack Fish and many more. If you happen to visit at the right season, you can also see whale
sharks and giant humpback whales!
Level: Suitable for advanced divers.
Depth: maximum 30 meters.
San Benedicto Island Diving Sites
This wonderful little island is best known for the large number of giant manta rays the
divers encounter, during long and intimate meetings. The manta rays reach these waters
to clean themselves. Here they are cleaned by colorful Clarion Angelfish, named after
Clarion Island which is the fourth island in the Socorro Islands. In addition to the beautiful
manta rays, you can see dolphins, Hammerhead and Silky sharks, and in the right seasons
you can also see whale sharks and humpback whales (if you can't see them, you can
definitely hear their singing).
El Boiler
The most popular spot on the island, named after an amazing spectacle! Whilst diving
you can look up at the waves crashing against the rocks of the island, it seems as if the
ocean water is boiling! The site is located around a magnificent pinnacle, which is 50
meters deep and reaches to 7 meters above sea level. Around the pinnacle live reef sharks
and many reef fish. The most beautiful part of the stone pillar is at a depth of 30 meters,
abundant with small sea creatures. Even in shallow waters you can enjoy meeting magical
magic giant manta rays who come to complete their "shower" and pamper themselves with
a massage by the divers's bubbles…
Level: Suitable for advanced divers.
Depth: maximum 30 meters.
El Canyon
This site at the south of the island offers divers a great opportunity to see dozens of
Hammerheads, Galapagos sharks and Silky sharks swimming by themselves. When
diving at a moderate descent, it’s possible, among other things, to see masses of colorful
reef fish especially butterflyfish, manta rays, octopuses, turtles and dolphins.
Level: Suitable for divers of all levels.
Depth: maximum 25 meters.
International Time Zone
GMT - 8 hours.
Entry Visas
For most nationalities, immigration authorities grant 90 day visas on entering
the country, and the authority to grant this visa is at the sole discretion of these
authorities. A valid passport is required for a period of at least six months and
a return flight ticket. Visas are issued at airports and land border crossings.
Ensure to keep the visa inside your passport in order to show on your departure
from the country. On leaving Mexico, you must arrive at the airport 3 hours
before your flight. for more information please contact the nearest embassy
in your country.
Vaccines
There is no problem in the Socorro Islands, but the transit in Mexico must be
taken into consideration. There is no risk of malaria but it is recommended to
take precautions against mosquito bites. Renew routine vaccination if they
have expired: tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis and polio.
It is recommended to keep up to date with your Ministry of Health website.
Personal Documents
A passport with at least 6 months validity.
Travel and diving insurance - can be purchased on this site.
A credit card is accepted in most places (but only on some
of the boats) saving the need to carry excess cash.
Diving certificate, valid diving insurance and a diving logbook.
Photocopy of your passport, diving certificates and travel insurance.
Make sure to keep it in a separate file from the original documents.
Scuba Diving Equipment
It is recommended to bring your own equipment with which you are accustomed
to using, especially a mask and a dive computer. Scuba diving with a computer is
a must! Check your diving equipment prior to your departure.
Scuba diving equipment must be booked in advance.
Payment for the equipment will be directly to the boat.
The thickness of your wetsuit should be according to the destination you choose
and according to your personal comfort. The water temperature in February and
March ranges between 21-23C degrees, in April 24 degrees and in November
25-28C degrees. It is recommended to bring a 3 to 5 mm wetsuit, depending on
the season and your stability to cold.
Important items for diving trips: an inflatable buoy to mark the location connected
to the roller and a reef anchor rope against strong currents, a whistle attached to
your BCD and simple gloves to grip the reef if necessary.
Photography
This is certainly a destination to document. The Socorro Islands are one of the most
spectacular places to photograph above and below water, some say it is the best site
in the world! You do not have to be an expert photographer in order to take spectacular
photos to capture some amazing, unique and unforgettable moments.
Diving packages are available for most kinds of cameras, for photography above and
under water. Easy-to-use extreme cameras are also a popular and available choice.
Clothing
Diving to a tropical destination does not require you to bring to much clothing.
Light clothing for during the day between dives is recommended.
The dress code aboard the boat is casual.
One or two buttoned shirts for the evening can be useful.
We recommend you bring warm sport clothes to wear on your international flight.
The sea breeze may be cool in the winter season but in the evening it is cold, so
pack two sets of warm clothes. You can avoid bringing shoes and in most cases an
extreme sandals are sufficient. Towels and bed linen are provided by hotels and boats.
Medication and First Aid
Pre-equip yourself with enough personal medication.
The chance of obtaining specific drugs does not exist!
Do not forget seasickness pills if necessary.
Pack a high factor sunscreen to protect you from prolonged
exposure to tropical weather.
Flights
You can fly via Los Angeles or through Europe to Mexico City and
from there to San Jose del Cabo. When you receive your flight ticket,
please ensure that your name is spelled exactly as in your passport!
You must arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure for an
international flight. Whilst checking in, make sure that the label on your
suitcase shows the final destination of your trip. The number of bags and
their weight should comply with airline restrictions to avoid overweight charges.
Transportation, Arrival and Pick Up
On arrival, there is a road trip from the airport to the town of Cabo San Lucas.
You can arrange for a transfer to the marina where the boat moors, in advance
or arrive independently. We usually make this arrangement for you, however
if you choose to fly and arrive independently, make sure to arrive by 16:00.
It is impossible to arrange a transfer from the boat back to the airport, therefore
you should arrange with a taxi independently.
It is recommended to arrive at least one night before the cruise, enjoy Cabo
San Lucas and make sure all your baggage arrives.
Communication
Socorro is a remote area and the best recommendation is to totally disconnect
and concentrate on the landscapes and the atmosphere…. if you can!
During the 20 hours journey to the island and on your return to the mainland
disconnection can be expected. Boats are equipped with satellite communication
systems and your family members can send urgent messages only, if needed, via
the boat offices.
Weather and Seasons
The Socorro Islands are located about 19 degrees north of the Equator, an area
characterized by its stable climate and pleasant sea conditions, however the area
is exposed to climate changes between summer and winter.
The best time to visit Socorro is between the beginning of November to the end of May.
Temperatures during these months are approximately 25C degrees during the day.
Sea Conditions
Most of the activity takes place in pleasant and calm waters, but seas can be high
due to winds whilst sailing to the island, back to the mainland and sailing to the
various dive sites.
Some sites have currents that we will make the most of to dive in the direction of
the current or maintain our location by using a Reef Hook. Use an inflatable buoy
to mark your location until the dive boat arrives.
Underwater visibility is good and ranges between 18-30 meters. Ensure to keep within
eye contact distance with the group leader according to visibility conditions.
Electrical Supply
110 V. the sockets are American. We recommend you prepare for this in
advance and also bring a universal adapter to avoid problems.
Money
The local currency is Peso.
All tourist service providers accept dollars, credit cards, and the price lists
are listed in dollars. Payment by credit card on the boats is usually not possible.
Local taxes (prices might change)
The Mexican government charges a tax on a visit to the park in the
Revillagigedos Islands, $ 28 per person. Also $ 15 per person for
evacuation insurance in the case of an accident. There may be a fuel
surcharge of between $ 100 and $ 140 per person. These taxes are paid
in cash on the boat. These figures, as in the past, may be modified by
the Mexican government, without prior notice.
Tips
The usual tips on these cruises are 10-15% of the cost of the cruise per person.
Emergency Numbers and Decompression Chamber
The nearest decompression chamber is in Cabo San Lucas Hospital, hours away
by boat. Implications for late treatment may be severe and therefore it is best no
t to perform abnormal activities during your dives! One method of reducing the
risk is to dive with Nitrox on an air table and thus increases the safety factor.
If necessary, the ship will manage the evacuation.
Emergency 24/7 phone: 1-800-700-2666
Are Socorro cruises suitable for non-divers?
Activities and the nature of the trip are suited for divers. There are
tours on the island itself, you can watch dolphins and sometimes see
whales. We do not recommend this trip for those who do not dive.
Do I need to be an experienced diver to participate in such a trip?
The answer is a definite YES! It is recommended to be at least an advanced
diver with specializations in Nitrox and depth dives. Some of the dives are at
depths of about 40 meters and in water with currents. Unskilled divers may
find themselves in challenging and even dangerous diving situations.
Do I Need Nitrox Certification?
During an intensive week of diving is highly recommended to use nitrox.
Using the dive computer in regular air mode whilst breathing nitrox increases
safety ranges. The Nitrox supply is $ 125 per week for those who are certified.
You can also get certified for Nitrox onboard for $ 195 and $ 75 for nitrox use
after the course (prices might change).
Do we Disembark the Boat?
There are no planned disembarks from the boat to the islands.
What Food is Served During the Cruise?
The food in the ships is fresh, varied and combines American and Mexican cuisine. There
is a huge choice of food for breakfast which includes tropical fruits, freshly squeezed fruit
juices, dishes according to your request, cereals, yogurts, excellent Mexican coffee and more.
Lunch is 3 courses, delicious soups, a selection of main courses and scrumptious desserts.
Dinner can be enjoyed in a relaxed atmosphere and includes a fresh salad and a choice
between chicken, fish or meat meals a selection of drinks and margaritas.
We will be happy to respond to requests and personal preferences, please make sure that you
have filled in the questionnaire in advance.
Do I Need Medical Approval to Dive?
In principle, the requirement for medical approval is international with a medical statement
accepted by diving organizations. If the answers to all the questions in your health declaration
are negative, then there is no problem. If there are positive answers, consult your diving doctor
and get approval. If you are over 45, a medical certificate is required.
Should I Purchase My Own Diving Equipment?
The answer to this question is according to the amount of dives. Naturally, when
planning a scuba diving trip you can decide to purchase full or partial scuba equipment.
We recommend to purchase your own mask and personal dive computer.
We would be happy to be at your service and offer advice on purchasing equipment.
