Solmar V Liveaboard, Mexico - Bluewater Dive Travel

Solmar V Liveaboard

4.55
(5 REVIEWS)
Solmar V Liveaboard Exterior View
Sun deck with sun beds
Solmar V sundeck with lounge chairs
Solmar V Liveaboard interior lounge area
Solmar V tender boat heading out to dive
Socorro rock protruding from the ocean
Solmar V Liveaboard buffet dinner
Solmar V Liveaboard view from afar on a misty morning
Solmar V Liveaboard interior cabin
Solmar V Liveaboard interior cabin
Solmar V Liveaboard interior cabin bunk beds
Solmar V Liveaboard interior lounge area
Solmar V Liveaboard interior staircase
Solmar V Liveaboard welcome pack
Spacious dive deck
Solmar V dive dhoni
The beautiful coral reefs found in Socorro
A manta ray shows its belly to the camera
White tipped sharks cuddling together

Destination: Mexico

Itineraries: Socorro (9-12 days)| From $420++/night

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Solmar V Liveaboard Quick Pitch

Solmar V is a popular and comfortable liveaboard offering unmatched service with unforgettable dive trips to the Socorro Islands and Guadalupe. The 112ft dive vessel has one of the most experienced crew to take you out exploring and offer you all the support you need during the trip. It is an excellent liveaboard for scuba divers, with a large dive deck and spacious personal equipment tables for setting up your gear. Solmar V is one of Pacific Fleet's original liveaboards. 

 

Liveaboard Locations

The trips to Socorro start and end in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, while the trips to Guadalupe (currently unavailable) start and end in San Diego, California. For those arriving early, suitcases can be stored at Hotel Tesoro from 11 AM on departure day, allowing guests to unwind in a relaxing atmosphere with drinks, refreshments, and music by DJ Humbi Free.

If you're new to the world of liveaboard diving, check out our guide to liveaboard trips. 

 

Dive Overview

Socorro diving is all about big animal encounters! It's famous for personal encounters with the Giant Pacific manta rays. Common shark sightings include hammerhead schools, white tips, silver tips, silkies, duskies, Galapagos sharks, and, occasionally, tigers. You may also see bottlenose dolphins and humpback whales while diving from the Solmar V liveaboard. Guadalupe (currently unavailable) is all about the great white sharks! Find out more about cage diving with sharks.

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solmar v Accommodations

Types of Cabins, Amenities and Photos

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Solmar V Liveaboard Accommodation Details

  • No. of Cabins: 12 cabins for up to 22 divers.
  • Cabin Types: 12 staterooms (10 doubles & 2 singles).
  • Air Conditioning: Yes. Individually controlled.
  • En-Suite Bathroom: Yes.
 

Solmar V Liveaboard Mexico Interior Cabin Solmar V Liveaboard Mexico Interior Cabin Bunk Beds Solmar V Liveaboard welcome pack

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solmar v Facilities

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Solmar V Liveaboard Boat Features

  • Relaxation Facilities: Indoor lounge with Plasma HD TV, stereo sound system, and media library.
  • Photography Facilities: Camera table on the dive deck and separate camera rinse bins.
  • Other Facilities: Spacious dive deck, charging stations, and towels.
  • Food & Drinks: All-inclusive 3-course meals with flexible mealtime. Mexican beer and Chilean wine included. Special diets can be requested at least two weeks before departure.

Sun deck with sun beds Solmar V sundeck with lounge chairs

Sun deck

Solmar V Liveaboard Mexico Interior Lounge Solmar V Liveaboard Mexico Buffet Dinner

Saloon & Buffet Dinner

Solmar V dive dhoni Spacious dive deck

Dive dhoni & Dive deck   

 

SOLMAR V Deck Plan

Solmar V

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Schedule, Rates & Availability

Solmar V Liveaboard Schedule & Rates

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Prices are per person in USD and do not include 16% Mexican VAT and the Socorro or Guadalupe park fee (1500MXN per diving day/per person).  Click on 'Booking Request' to see cabin options and to book.

[See also: Inclusions & Exclusions]

 

Inclusions

  • Accommodation
  • Diving (9-Day Trips: 16 - 19 dives, 10-Day Trips: 19 - 23 dives, 11-Day Trips: 23 - 26 dives)
  • Socorro:Complimentary transfer from Host Hotel in Cabo San Lucas to the Marina on departure date
  • Guadalupe: Scheduled group transfer San Diego or Tijuana Airport - boat San Diego or Tijuana Airport
  • Full board & snacks
  • Soft beverages, beer and wine with dinner
  • 12 L tanks & weights
  • Nitrox on Socorro trips
  • Port fees and fuel surcharge
  • Every guest is provided a Nautilus Lifeline

 

Exclusions

  • National Park fee ( Socorro: 1500MXN per diving day per guest. Guadalupe: 225 USD per 3 night trip, to be paid on board)
  • Diving Insurance
  • Mexican IVA Tax: 16 % from guest’s booking amount, to be paid in advance
  • $15 chamber fee to be paid on board
  • WIF ($100 USD per device)
  • International & domestic flights
  • Visa Fee
  • Transfers
  • Alcoholic Beverages
  • Crew gratuities
  • Travel insurance
  • Equipment rental on Socorro trips
  • Courses on Socorro trips
  • Extra services
 

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solmar v Dive Information & Itineraries

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Diving from Solmar V Liveaboard

Expect one of the most-diver-friendly boats you have ever seen! For each dive site, the divemasters will give the group a thorough dive briefing and answer any questions you might have before getting into the water.

New to liveaboards? Check out our article on the  Best Liveaboard Destinations for Beginners.

 

Diving in Socorro

Better known as the Socorro Islands, the archipelago is located in the eastern Pacific Ocean approximately 250 nautical miles south of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico – at the tip of the Baja Peninsula. These islands have been compared to the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador or Cocos Island in Costa Rica because of the big animal encounters they provide. The Revillagigedos Islands consist of 4 islands – San Benedicto Island, Socorro Island, Roca Partida and Clarion. They are wild, remote, and unpredictable.

Giant mantas, humpback whales, playful dolphins, tuna, over 7 shark species plus, on occasion orcas give you the best animal diving on earth!

Socorro is one of the best liveaboard destinations in the world. Check out the full list here.

 

[Read More: Socorro Dive Travel Guide]

 

 

Solmar V Liveaboard Sample Itinerary - Socorro Island

  • DAY 1: Departure from Cabo San Lucas about 4 p.m. to San Benedicto Island.
  • DAY 2: Arrival at San Benedicto about 1-2 p.m.(crossing takes 22-24 hours) rest of the afternoon is spent diving.
  • DAY 3: Day is normally spent diving around San Benedicto and considering weather possibilities for a crossing to Roca Partida. After sunset boat departs to Socorro Islands - crossing takes 4-5 hours. Might go to Roca before Socorro, if the weather allows.
  • DAY 4: Arrival Socorro Island early a.m. then quick check-in at Navy Base for clearance. Most of this day is spent scuba diving around Socorro Island. If conditions are good here or it is humpback whale season they might stay another day but usually they depart back to either San Benedicto or Roca Partida after sunset.
  • DAY 5: Arrival early a.m. to San Benedicto or Roca Partida, with scuba diving all day.
  • DAY 6, 7: These days are spent diving numerous sites around San Benedicto and/or Roca Partida depending on weather and if they have been able to get to Roca Partida previously. 
  • Both islands are known for most of the large animal encounter on our trips. Departure after a full day of diving on day 7 back to Cabo.
  • DAY 8: Arrival in Cabo after a 22+ hour crossing, depending on weather conditions, which means the boat usually arrives after sunset on this day. 
  • Guests overnight in port and disembark the next morning after breakfast on board. The dock has a great location near town for those who want to get off and stretch their legs or visit the local night spots.
  • DAY 9: All clients must disembark after breakfast no later than 9 a.m. The crew will help you with your bags and in arranging airport transportation.
 

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Pacific Safari

Explore the open ocean right off Cabo prior to or after your trip. The rendezvous point where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortez creates ideal conditions for wildlife encounters. Join us aboard Solmar V’s little sister, The Mobula, in the search for sharks, whales, marlin, mobula rays, mola-mola, sea lions, whale sharks, baitballs, tons of dolphins, and even orcas.

 

 

 

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Other Information

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boat specifications

  • Year Built: 1980
  • Year Renovated: 2006
  • Length: 112 feet
  • Speed:  10-12 knots
  • Maximum guests: 22
  • Number of cabins: 12
  • Number of bathrooms: 13
  • Tenders: 2 x 21 achilles w/60 HP Mercury
  • Fuel capacity: 30,000 litres
  • Water capacity: 3,200 gallons per day
  • Watermaker: 3,200 gallons per day

 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

  • Time Zone: UTC-7
  • Local Currency: MXN (Mexican Peso)
  • Language Spoken: English & Spanish
  • Electricity: 110 V

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Got Questions? Ready to Book?

Call us today at +1-310-915-6677 or email us info@bluewaterdivetravel.com

And let us book your dream vacation!

 

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Underwater Gallery 

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The beautiful coral reefs found in Socorro A manta ray shows its belly to the camera 

A black manta swims past White tipped sharks cuddling together 

A beautiful shot of dolphins playing around A mother and its calf 

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Reviews (5)

5
5
5
5

The crew, the captain, the dive guides on the boat were just fabulous , & chef Tony was awesome. Many of us put on weight despite 3-4 dives/ day. Not to mention the guest divers on the boat made it the perfect trip. Hopefully we could all be on this boat again on another itinerary.

Visited on 02/2021 - Submitted on 07/19/2021
4
2
5
4

I've taken three trips on the Solmar V; Socorro, Sea of Cortez and Guadalupe (Great White Shark Dive). The rooms are very small and two people can't stand up in the room at the same time. The beds are bunk beds, so someone has to take the top bunk. I really don't like the rooms. The dining room is small and not comfortable. The crew are very knowledgeable and for the most part very friendly. There was one dive master that was grumpy! Other than that the crew was great! The food is usually very good. I prefer other liveaboards I've been on. The only way I would go back on the Solmar V is if the trip were on sale at a great price. I think you will find other liveaboards more comfortable. I hate to say that considering that the crew really are great!

Visited on 11/2015 - Submitted on 05/19/2021
5
5
5
5

Amazing place and Cabo San Lucas is the most nice city. Amazing seals and sea lions, best safari in Socorro.
I saw humpbacks whales, mother and calf. Most memorable experience. Big mantas, like cows :). And dolphins, orange endemic fish. 4 dives a day, for 30 meters each. Was worth every penny. Food was nice and plentiful.

Visited on 03/2016 - Submitted on 04/01/2021
5
4
5
5

SOCORRO ISLANDS

Diving at the Socorro Islands should be a MUST DIVE location for any scuba diver. They are 250 miles due south into the Pacific Ocean from the tip of the Baja Peninsula, Mexico and are known for their big animals encounters. Big animals such as Giant Mantas, Hammerheads, White tips, Silver tips, silky sharks, Galapagos sharks, and depending on the season, Whale sharks and humpback whales. Since it is considered a protected Marine area, you may also encounter giant tuna, yellowfin tuna, wahoo and even bait balls.

SOLMAR V LIVEABOARD

The Solmar V is the best liveaboard to experience the Socorro Islands and have been traveling the seas since 1992. The boat is well maintained. The public spacesare all sufficiently spacious and comfortable. The dive deck has a large camera table for all your gear, two fresh water showers, and warm, dry towels are provided. There are also large fresh water dip tanks for your gear and the crew is very skilled on handling expensive camera gear and knowledgeable if there are issues.

All cabins and the salon are comfortably air-conditioned. Solmar V, throughout, appears to be very clean and impressively well-maintained. The cabins are a little cozy and with the exception of a couple of rooms, they are all bunk beds with not a lot of storage space. The upside is each cabin has it's own separate shower, toilet, and sink as well as a TV and DVD player. I brought a connector to connect my iPad to the TV so I had my own library of videos to watch, but the boat has a large collection of DVDs that they rotate regularly. There is also a wide-screen LCD TV in the library as well.

The food varied and was well-prepared. I don't think I had the same thing twice while on the trip. Breakfasts offered cereal, yoghurt, fresh fruit, toast, eggs cooked to order, but other days, it might be pancakes or French toast - and the chef never had an issue if you requested something else. Lunches are typically 3 courses, always beginning with a freshly-made soup, followed by main dishes such as fajitas, fish and shrimp tacos, grilled chicken, hamburgers one day, and many times ending with ice cream as a treat. Dinners had main dishes such as steak (two nights), chicken breast, appetizingly steamed fish in foil, and Mexican BBQ with all the trimmings and Margaritas. Appetizers were typically served after the last time, along with cold beer and a variety of sodas. In addition, there was always fresh fruit, cookies or other snacks, hot coffee, and free sodas including Diet Cokes.

The crew are very professional and proficient. I have been on the boat twice in three years and the same crew was there. Many of them have been on the crew for 20+ years. From years of experience cruising these waters with scuba divers, the nine men worked together as an amazing team; At the same time, they were friendly and genuinely interested in helping the guests to have an exceptional experience. Another must do is take an above water panga tour of the islands with Geronimo. He is a font of knowledge, an excellent wildlife photographer, and has a plethora of information about the birds and sea life, and plenty of great jokes.

The one thing to keep in mind is since the Solmar V disembarks from Cabo San Lucas, it is a 22-23 hour boat ride to the islands. While the Solmar V is relatively stable ride, if you are prone to seasickness, bring along plenty of Dramamine or patches. The good news is by the time you reach the islands, most people have found their sea legs. It will also take a good day upon return to find your land legs again. The schedule has the boat arriving the evening before you leave Cabo but the guests still sleep on the boat. They always plan the last dinner on the boat but many of the guests venture out to Cabo to experience the night life (and something very early mornings) and return to the pier to sleep off the adventure.

Solmar V offers an array of enticing adventures. The liveaboard is an extremely well run operation with decades of experience plying the Baja California Sur waters. I have been to Socorro on the Solmar V twice in the past 5 years and am returning again in January. If I had a choice, I would dive the majestic waters around the Socorro Islands every day and I wouldn't think of diving with anyone else than the crew of the Solmar V. There is truly inspiring diving for those who are ready for something new and exciting. I recommend Solmar V heartily.

Visited on 02/2011 - Submitted on 07/31/2014
5
4
4
4

I dove the luxury dive liveaboard, Solmar V in December 2013 to the Socorro Islands. First off, I love the paint job, a very striking vessel. When I arrived at the dock, they were helpful in loading our gear. I found the stateroom clean and spacious, with ample outlets to plug in all our battery charges. The food was plentiful, and nicely presented. With a good variety. They easily made concessions to my 'no fish' request. At the end of every dive day, it was margarita happy hour time.

The dive deck was quite roomy. I never felt crowded. The dive masters were very knowledgeable about the dive spots and critter spotting. The videopro was helpful with peoples cameras, and post production. The diving was a mixture of jumping off the back of the boat, and via inflatables. The boatmen were happy to give you a quick island tour, between dives. Nitrox was available. My only negative was no larger tanks, for an 'air pig' such as myself. It had a large camera table, with plenty of room. I liked their briefing of the sites.

The salon was ample with plenty of seating for all guest. They had a huge selection of movies to watch on their TV. A few more outlets for laptops would have been nice.

Overall, I really enjoyed my week aboard. My only negative is that I'm not on it right now.

A video of my trip http://youtu.be/jpvltm_n1i4 Please 'Like" it.

Visited on 12/2013 - Submitted on 02/09/2014

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