Socorro Islands

Mexico

16/01/2018 – 27/01/2018
Places Available

Destination

Lying 600 miles to the west of mainland Mexico, the Socorro Islands is one of 4 islands that lie in the Revillagigedo Archipelago. This Archipelago offers some of the most unique and stunning diving in Mexico. It possesses an absolutely unique ecosystem and is often nicknamed the “Mini-Galapagos” or the “Mexican Galapagos” as the landscapes are very similar.

The wildlife on land, in the water, or in the air is so unique that the Mexican government has now declared the islands as a Biosphere Reserve. Each of the islands have their distinctive traits.

One of the main draws are the rays; the mantas of Socorro are true giants. With a wing span averaging around 7 metres but can range up to 9 metres, these majestic gentle giants are truly a sight to behold as they glide through the water. Their inquisitive nature lends many of the giant mantas to join you on your dive, waiting for divers at a variety of dive sites. Socorro truly is the place to dive with manta rays.

But rays are not the only attraction; Divers in Socorro can expect to see plenty of fish life and chances of macro with encounters with whale sharks and bull sharks a possibility. Diving highlights include diving along the lava flow ridge, as well as the caves that lend themselves to exploratory diving. Whale watching is common here, with January through to April as the top humpback whale spotting season.

In the UK winter months, the Pacific Ocean waters cool, attracting humpback whales! This also means good wetsuits, semidry suits or even drysuits will be required to enjoy the cooler (21°C approx.) waters.

Living Area & Dive Centre

We will be staying on board M/V Rocio Del Mar. This 30.5-metre long vessel is designed to enhance scuba diving holidays in Mexico. All cabins are air-conditioned and en-suite with plenty of storage space, while the dive deck includes storage space for wet gear, ensuring divers can avoid unnecessary clutter in their cabins.

The dining room on the lower deck serves up tantalising meals, while the indoor lounge provides plenty of room to relax and unwind. Soak in the superb views from the observation deck, or catch some sun from the sun deck. This is one of the most ideal vessels offering liveaboard packages in the Socorro Islands.

Package

This package offered by Blue-o-Two includes 6 days diving, all flights, transfers and an overnight stay at the Tropicana Inn en-route to Mexico. Divers can expect to enjoy up to 4 dives per day, with an average of 22 dives likely. The use of 12 litre cylinders, air fills, and weights are included in the package price. Full board, shared occupancy (2 berth cabins) plus snacks, soft drinks and local beers and wines will available to help you unwind in the evening and are included in the price.

NITROX is available at an additional cost of US$120 for the week. Single travellers will be asked to share a cabin. New Horizons will provide you with a group leader.

Itinerary

Departing the UK (London) on the 16th January, we will fly via the US. As a result of fight connections and flight duration, you will arrive the following day after your departure from London. To give you time to settle and adjust to the jetlag, guests will spend their first night in a 4-5* hotel in Cabo San Lucas (where the vessel is moored up). The following day, guests are able to board the liveaboard vessel in the early morning before departing for the 24 hour crossing to Revillagigedo Archipelago!

With up to 4 dives on offer per day, divers can expect to enjoy an average of 22 dives during their stay, though the final itinerary will be dependent on weather and sea conditions on the day. Please note, night dives are not available due to local rules on use of strobe lights.

After the last full day of diving, you will cross the Pacific again back to Cabo San Lucas, arriving the following day in the evening. The last night will be spent onboard in port and disembarkation will be the next morning at 09:00 am. A transfer will take you to the airport for your flight home. Due to the journey and time difference, you will land in Europe one day later (27th January).

Price

• Blue O Two: £3965.00
• NHDC (leader / organisation fee): £80.00

To book your place, please complete a booking form and pay your deposit to Blue o Two and the New Horizons fee of £80.

A total deposit of £1189.50 is required to secure your place with the balance to be paid 12 weeks prior to departure.

Please note, additional local charges have not been included in the package price and are to be paid on board:

• $28 USD National Marine Park fee
• $15 USD mandatory contribution to the hyperbaric chamber
• $100 USD fuel surcharge. In the event the cost of fuel surpasses 14 pesos a litre.

Please note, spaces are limited and this is a highly sought after destination with fierce international competition for places; please book early to avoid disappointment.

Equipment

Water temperatures are expected to be in the region of 20—22°C, therefore please ensure appropriate exposure protection for repeat dives. Evening temperatures during January may cool so a jumper may be appropriate, however, T-shirts & shorts are recommended for daytime. Rain is not expected.

Due to the nature of the diving, all divers must have their own dive computer, SMB and reel. Equipment can be purchased or rented from NHDC for the duration; please enquire.

Experience Needed

This trip is available to divers with PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification (or equivalent) and a minimum of 50 logged dives.

Book

To book, contact us (below) or come into the shop and talk to us!

Insurance

It is recommended that, for overseas trips, that all divers have Dive Trip Insurance. Visit our Travel Insurance page for the best deal.

Legal

Your holiday will be booked with BlueOTwo, for whom we act as agents. All holiday bookings will be subject to BlueOTwo’s booking conditions (a copy of these are held by NHDC and are available on request). When a booking and a holiday deposit has been received by NHDC and/or BlueOTwo, a contract exists between you and BlueOTwo. Once NHDC Ltd issues a confirmation of booking, a copy of the ABTA holders’ confirmation will be sent to you.

NHDC Ltd will provide your own dive group and holiday leader to assist organise dives, provide expertise and to run courses as required. The services of this person and the gear rental available from NHDC are the responsibility of NHDC Ltd and are provided under a separate contract. These arrangements will be confirmed by us.