Rocio Del Mar Liveaboard

(23 REVIEWS)

Rocio del Mar liveaboard, Mexico

Socorro Islands (9 Nights), Sea of Cortez (7 nights) and Explore Baja (12 nights) | From $385++/night

The Rocio Del Mar is one of the best dive liveaboards specializing in trips to the Sea of Cortez and Socorro Islands in Mexico. This 89-foot liveaboard yacht offers 10 cabins for up to 20 divers.

rocio del mar's key features

What we particularly like about the Rocio Del Mar liveaboard is how knowledgeable and friendly the dive staff are, the stability of the boat which is very important for the typically rough navigation to the Socorro Islands, the AMAZING Mexican food served aboard, and the sufficient space for underwater photographers to prepare their equipment before and after each dive. The Rocio Del Mar's got everything an avid diver and underwater photographer could need for an epic scuba diving trip in Socorro and the Sea of Cortez!

Location

Embarkation from San José Del Cabo (SJD) for Socorro and Puerto Penasco for the Sea of Cortez.

Dive Overview

Excellent big animal diving in Socorro with giant mantas, lots of sharks, humpback whales, and whale sharks. The Sea of Cortez is great for mammals and macro with large biomass of aquatic life.

Learn more on the diving in Socorro Islands and Sea of Cortez

Check Out This Awesome Video of diving the Sea of Cortez on board the Rocio Del Mar:

And see how is it to dive the Socorro Islands on the Rocio Del Mar:

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Accommodations

Types of Cabins, Amenities and Photos

Rocio Del Mar Cabin Overview

10 comfortable guest staterooms on two decks. All have private bathrooms with hot shower stalls, western-style toilets, lavatories, and above height window. Each cabin is carpeted and air-conditioned. There are room-length windows with privacy curtains and convenient gear and clothes storage drawers beneath the beds.

Cabin 1 - 6 (LEFT) & Cabin 7 & 8 (RIGHT)

Cabin 9 & 10 (LEFT) and Bathroom (RIGHT)

Rocio Del Mar Cabin Details

Eight cabins on the main deck - four on the port and starboard side. 6 cabins feature two single beds with reading lights. 2 cabins feature a double bed with lots of storage space underneath. Adjustable reading lights to focus the illumination without disturbing your cabin-mate.

There are two staterooms on the second deck behind the bridge on the port and starboard side. Each features a full-size lower bed and a single-size bed on top with adjustable reading lights.

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General Facilities

Dining Room & Salon

Camera Table & Dive Platform

Sundeck & Outdoor Kitchen

Rocio Del Mar Boat Features

Air-conditioning
Carpets
Storage space
En-suite bathrooms
Salon
Sundeck
Spacious dining area
Bar
Lounge area
Outdoor kitchen

Rocio Del Mar Dive Facilities

DIN Adaptors
Nitrox
Camera table
Wet gear storage

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Food & Drinks Aboard Rocio Del Mar

Each day starts early with a continental breakfast with fresh fruit, cereals, bagels, yogurt, bread, and freshly brewed coffee. After the first dive, guests enjoy a full, plated breakfast. After the second dive, guests will be served a full, plated lunch with a hot homemade soup to start. In the afternoon, they serve a large snack often of sandwiches, fruit, cheeses, and more. For dinner guests enjoy a three-course, plated meal with a salad, entrée, and dessert. Hot and cold beverages are always available including canned soft drinks. Divers also enjoy complimentary beer and wine after their last dive of the day. They can accommodate any special dietary needs.

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Rocio Del Mar Deck Plan

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Schedule, RATES & Availability

Rocio Del Mar Liveaboard Schedule & Rates

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Prices are per person in USD and are inclusive of all taxes. See the full 'Inclusions & Exclusions'. Click on 'Booking Request' to see available cabin options and to book.

Inclusions

Your accommodation and housekeeping
All meals, snacks, and beverages (including complimentary beer and wine)
Marine park fees
Port fees
Up to four guided dives per day (conditions permitting)
Tanks, air, and weights
Dinner on the day of embarking/breakfast on the day of disembarkation depending on the itinerary

Exclusions

Anything purchased on board
Gear
Clothing and sundries
Dive training and certifications
Equipment rental
National Park fees
Transfers
$120 Nitrox fee (if desired)
Crew Gratuity

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RAtes & Availability

For more information on rates and availability email us at info@bluewaterdivetravel.com or call us at +1-310-915-6677 and we will gladly help you plan your dream dive vacation!

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Dive Information & Itineraries

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Dive the Midriff Islands (7 Nights)

With clear, deep waters, abundant sea life, golden sandy beaches, and inspiring vistas, the Sea of Cortez - known as the Gulf of California - is a breathtaking destination for scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, boating, and exploring diverse marine creatures. Legendary diver Jacques Cousteau described the Sea of Cortez as the "world's aquarium". Dive on untouched walls and reefs abounding in marine life. Encounter large and small whale species, whale sharks, jumping mobula rays, and sea lion colonies.

Day 1. Embark at 5:00 p.m. Puerto Peñasco, leave at 6:00 p.m.
Day 2. Wake up at Refugio Bay on Angel Island Potential Dive sites: Angel Rock, La Vela, Lolo’s Cove, El Jardin
Day 3. Angel Island Potential Dive sites: Andrea’s Eagle, El Aquario, Las Vivoras, Las Vivoras Night Dive
Day 4. Salsipuedes Potential Dive sites: Los Cuervos, El Caballo, In Animas, El Lavadero, El Lavadero Night Dive
Day 5. San Pedro Martir Potential Dive sites: Ravijunco, Xareni’s Pinnacle, Coromel, Morrito
Day 6. San Pedro Martir Potential Dive sites: El Arroyo, Punta Martir (Sea Lions), Chayo’s Cove
Day 7. Start trip back to Puerto Peñasco Potential Dive sites: El Pescador, Baja Ca., Animas in Bahia de Los Angeles with whale sharks, La Ventana.
Day 8. Disembark between 7:00 am.

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Dive the Socorro Islands Itinerary (8 Nights)

Socorro Island is the most diverse in flora, fauna, and topography. The islands lie 250 miles off Baja Mexico's southern shore. When embarking on a trip to the Socorro Islands; possible destinations on the itinerary are San Benedicto, Socorro, Roca Partida, and Clarion Islands. These islands are a spectacular magnet for the largest ocean pelagic animals in the world. Schooling Hammerhead sharks, Tiger sharks, dolphins, silky sharks, Galapagos sharks, clouds of jacks and barracuda, tuna, wahoo, oceanic white tips sharks, whale sharks, and mantas.

Day 1 - Departure 9:00 a.m. For all 9-night trips in 2020, boarding is at 5:00 p.m. at San Jose del Cabo on the day of departure.
Day 2 - Rocio del Mar arrives at San Benedicto around 11:00 a.m. Start Diving! 2 dives scheduled...
Day 3 – San Benedicto, 4 dives scheduled.
Day 4 – Roca Partida, 3 dives scheduled.
Day 5 – Roca Partida, 3 dives scheduled.
Day 6 – Socorro Island, 4 dives scheduled.
Day 7 – San Benedicto, schedule 4 dives. At the end of this day, we will start our departure to San Jose del Cabo.
Day 8 – Arrive at San Jose del Cabo around 11 p.m. Guests may sleep on the boat.
Day 9 - Disembark by 8:30 a.m.

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Socorro islands, including clarion - san jose del cabo to san jose del cabo - 13 nights

Day 1 - Board Rocio del Mar at 5 pm in San Jose del Cabo
Day 2 - Day at Sea
Day 3 - San Benedicto, 4 dives scheduled
Day 4 - Socorro, 3 dives + Navy Inspection scheduled
Day 5 - Roca Partida, 3 dives scheduled
Day 6 - Roca Partida, 2 dives scheduled - leave for Clarion after the second dive
Day 7 - Clarion, 3-4 dives scheduled (depends on the weather during the crossing)
Day 8 - Clarion, 2 dives scheduled - leave Clarion after second dive
Day 9 - Roca Partida, 3 dives scheduled
Day 10 - Socorro, 4 dives scheduled
Day 11 - Open - we will go wherever conditions are best, i.e. San Benedicto or Socorro, 4 dives scheduled
Day 12 - Open - we will go wherever conditions are best, i.e. San Benedicto or Socorro, 4 dives scheduled
Day 13 - Day at Sea
Day 14 - Disembark at approximately 8:30 am in San Jose Del Cabo

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Explore Baja - San Jose del Cabo to Puerto Peñasco Itinerary (12 Nights)

The bio-diversity between the Northern and Southern Sea of Cortez is incredible. Diving the entire Baja is spectacular. The sea life we witness on the surface from the boat, dinghy, or snorkeling is fantastic. Dolphins, sea lions, pilot whales, humpback whales, blue fin whales, orca, and sperm whales. Flying mantas, blue and brown-footed boobie birds, cormorants, frigate birds, and the endemic yellow-footed gulls.

Day 1. Check-in at the boat at 5:00 p.m. - San Jose del Cabo
Day 2. Cabo Pulmo
Day 3. Isla Cerralvo
Day 4. El Bajo, Shipwreck (fang ming). Visit La Paz for the afternoon
Day 5. Early hike on San Francisco Island, Dora's Pinnacle, Los Islotes
Day 6. Animas
Day 7. Coronado, walk Loreto Mission Square in the evening
Day 8. Isla Alfonso
Day 9. San Pedro Martir
Day 10. Animas and Salsipuedes
Day 11. Bahia de Los Angeles - Whale Sharks, El Pescador
Day 12. Angel Island
Day 13. Disembark 8:30 a.m.

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Explore Baja - Puerto Peñasco to San Jose del Cabo Itinerary (12 Nights)

Day 1. Check in at the boat at 5:00 p.m. - Puerto Peñasco
Day 2. Angel Island
Day 3. Bahia de Los Angeles - Whale Sharks, El Pescador
Day 4. Animas and Salsipuedes
Day 5. San Pedro Martir
Day 6. Isla Alfonso
Day 7. Coronado, walk Loreto Mission Square in the evening
Day 8. Animas
Day 9. Early hike on San Francisco Island, Dora's Pinnacle, Los Islotes
Day 10. El Bajo, Shipwreck (fang ming). Visit La Paz for the afternoon
Day 11. Cerralvo
Day 12. Cabo Pulmo
Day 13. Disembark 8:30 a.m.

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Other Information

Boat Specifications

Year built: 2010
Year renovated: 2014
Length: 110'
Top speed: 10 knots
Cruising speed: 8.5 knots
Engines: 2 x Perkins
Max guests: 20
Number of cabins: 10
Number of bathrooms: 11
Tenders: 2 x Yamaha 75hp
Water capacity: 40000lts
Fuel capacity: 60000 lts
Freshwater maker: 7000 lts per day

Practical Information

Time Zone: UTC-6
Local Currency: MXN (Mexican Peso)
Language Spoken: English & Spanish
Electricity: 110 V
Payment Onboard: US, Mexican and European currency, Traveler’s checks and Credit Cards

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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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Reviews (23)

Martin S Beaulieu

1 Reviews

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Rioco Del Mar – Liveaboard Review

I’m no longer a 50 year old liveaboard virgin. I lost my liveaboard virginity during an underwater photography workshop organized by Blue Water on the Sea of Cortez aboard the Rioco del Mar in August 2014. It was a fantastic experience. Being my first time, I admit that I do not have a reference point to compare it to other liveaboard adventures. However, I do have my share of resort diving experiences and can fully appreciate the Rioco del Mar.

A'hoy matey! I was totally exhausted boarding the boat after a 17 hour journey from home to boat's deck (I should have arrived in Phoenix the day before the boat departed but did not think of that due to my lack of experience). Arrangements had been made to transport myself and the other liveaboard guests to the vessel. After a five hour shuttle bus trip from the Phoenix Airport to Puerto Peñasco in Mexico, our luggage was quickly taken off the shuttle bus and loaded on the boat. There was plenty of staff to help us and to avoid the commotion of a party boat in a nearby dock.

Before the designated dinner time (keep on reading to find out what happened there), we had time to unpack and set up our diving gear in the diving station. I shared my cabin with Eddy. It was large enough for bunk beds arranged in an L shape. The storage area was well thought out and accommodated all of our luggage. The boat also had larger cabins with double beds. All of the cabins were comfortable with good beds and they were kept cool with air conditioning. Our small cabin bathroom contained the basics - a standard toilet, one small sink, a few shelves and a shower. Body gel and shampoo were also available (a good thing since I forgot to add these to my checklist).

I missed dinner and the debriefing about the boat from being exhausted and from having a hard time finding my sea legs. Fortunately after a good night's sleep, I was back in shape. Being an early bird (and a very hungry bird for a good reason) I stepped out of my cabin and went straight to the eating area for a cold self-serve breakfast which started at 6 am every morning. Coffee was ready, juice, fruit plates and cereals were already set on the tables.

Julio greeted me (later I found out that he was the captain of my panda boat). He teased me a bit about losing of my "Hulk" green skin that I sported the previous night. Teasing was a good way for breaking the ice. Even if he was a panda captain, he helped with the various duties. All crew members helped out with service and made sure that we were not missing anything.

I was debriefed by other divers in my group, Team B (B for “Best” ). The other group was dubbed Team A (A for “Awesome”). The bell rang at 7 am for group A. It would be the signal for the team to gather on the deck for a debriefing and to get ready for the first dive. Team B's call was later at 7h15 am.

Gil (short for Gilberto) gave the debriefing. Later, I gave him the nickname of “El artista”. His drawings of the diving sites on the white board were quite impressive. I raise my hat to him and to the other diver master (Roberto aka “Chilango”) for the leading groups of underwater photographers. It was certainly a challenge to keep us on schedule (one hour max per dive) when everyone became so captivated with the subjects at the other end of their lens. Apart from a couple of little incidents (where I got separated from my group chasing a hammer shark into the blue beyond and another time losing Gil during his swim with a whale shark), nothing major happened because we were a group of experienced divers who knew how to handle different situations.

It was a nice feeling coming back from the first dive to see my bed nicely made up ( which hasn't happened since my mom did it for me as a youngster ). The bathroom was cleaned too! The crew remaining on the boat certainly did not waste any time while we were diving. I also noticed something else -the crew took turns doing the chores. A few times I saw our dive master cleaning up the common washroom near the camera/diving station. The crew was also part of the night watch rotation. I later learned the importance of these vigils. At sea, the weather could change suddenly and you always need to be prepared.

Now back to the daily routine which began in the morning with a hot breakfast (usually bacon, eggs/omelette, freshly made waffles, or oatmeal) that was served after the first dive. It was basic comfort food that provided you with enough energy to get you through the second dive which occurred around 10h30-11h00 am. There was also enough time between the first two dives for camera maintenance or simply for mingling and chilling.

On the subject of cameras, the set up of the camera station was just right with enough power bars and storage shelves above and underneath the work stations. However, the working surface was just a bit too tight for 19 photographers. It took a few days before each person to find his/her limited one and a half to two square feet of space.

On the first full day, I explored the boat to get a better understanding of its' layout and that was when I found my favorite spot - the upper deck. It was large enough to have several lounge chairs, a large canopy for shade and an outdoor kitchen (we had two nice dinners up there). I just loved the fresh ocean breeze and the views of the surrounding islands. It was also a good spot to watch the sunrise and/or sunset. I even slept there one night to watch the stars. I found the best time for star gazing was around 3h30 am when the bright full moon started to set. August is a good month to see shooting stars. I made enough wishes for my family and for myself until I reach my next milestone birthday.

However I digress - let's get back to the daily routine. Lunch was ready around 1h30 pm just after the second dive. This left enough time to get ready for the third dive which was around 3h30-4 pm. Just like for breakfast, there were several crew members available to serve the beverages, soup, main course and dessert.

We quickly found out that we had a real Chef on board - Joshua. Our nightly meal was Mexican cuisine. The meal and dessert presentations were superb and original (many photos were taken at meal times). I’m usually a fast eater, but for some reason I enjoyed taking my time and savouring the visual presentation. Meals looked more like dishes served in an upscale Mexican restaurant. Each meal was a treat. One lady was a vegetarian and her dishes look so good, that I decided to try it for my next liveaboard adventure.

After the third dive, a snack was served in the large TV/computer room on the second deck. It was a cool and large hangout designed to accommodate 12-14 people. During the week, we had a few workshop sessions and presentations of videos/slide shows. We had no internet access and frankly, I did not miss it. It was actually a nice feeling when you engage in a conversation with the person next to you instead of texting someone kilometres away. Just outside the TV room, there were an outdoor living room with 3 couches and a large coffee table. I preferred the upper deck for reasons already mentioned.

The setup of the dive stations on the main deck and the rinsing barrels and freshwater showers on the panda boat boarding platform were pretty good. There were about eight steps to go down to the platform. The crew was very helpful for those having back problems and requiring assistance to bring their BCD/tank onto the panda. The crew was also very helpful getting divers on and off the panda and handled the cameras with care. Another small detail (attention to details often make the difference between okay service and the feeling of being pampered) was that we had a fresh towels in our diving station every other day.

What about the diving? There was a good mix of dive sites for macro and wide angle photography. The dive masters were great at spotting all sorts of small critters (nudibranchs, jawfish, blennies) and larger subjects like scorpion fish or octopus hidden in crevices. They also had a few safety tips on how to be careful around over protective sea lion bulls. Since I’m a newbie at photography, I only had a wide angle lens for shooting big marine life, the underwater landscape and fellow divers. However, I enjoyed the macro and night dives as well. It was a treat to observe some pro/semi-pro photographers in action.

We had half a day of great snorkeling with whale sharks in the park "Reserva de la Biosfera Bahía de los Ángeles", in Mexico's Baja California area. There were several occasions to take pictures of the whale sharks. Fortunately, the park was not overcrowded as our group was the only liveaboard vessel in the reserve. It was great to see our dive master swimming and spotting whale sharks. The first day, he probably spent close to four hours in the water. The captain “Manta” Rey Castillo showed flexibility in adapting the plans for the next day. One group wanted to go back snorkelling with the whale sharks and the other group preferred to go diving again.

Staff and crew members of the Rioco del Mar were all welcoming, friendly and attentive to our needs. They always made sure that you didn’t lack a thing. From the person bringing you food and drinks to the table, to the dive master and panda boat captain - each played an important role. The crew members work as a team. It seemed like a very efficient well oiled machine. A well deserved (10-15%) tip was split with everyone.

Some of the crew participated in the building of the boat which started in June 2006 and ended in November 2008. Afterwards, they were later offered jobs as crew members.

The founders of the Rioco del Mar, Dora Sandoval (the lady greeting us at our arrival and saying goodbye when we returned to Puerto Peñasco) and her husband Francisco are divers themselves. They built a boat adapted for divers’ needs (not a fishing ship modified for diving). Their mission statement is to create an environment where our guests can be worry-free. “Well done, mission accomplished!” I encourage you to visit their web site http://www.rociodelmarliveaboard.com/ to read more about the Rioco del Mar and the Captain's past trip reports.

Martin S Beaulieu aka MartyBoV,
Blog: http://scubavista.blogspot.com/

Visited on 08/2014 - Submitted on 08/31/2014

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RMcGrath

Vero Beach, FL
United States

1 Reviews

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The crew of the Rocio Del Mar was awesome, especially the dive masters. Nirupam from Bluewater was exceptional! Wealth of expertise and will to teach and share. Very nice group of guests.

Very sea worthy ship, rooms and dining area was a little dated.
There were roaches in our room...which is probably unavoidable given the provisions which need to be loaded.

I loved diving with the Sea Lions and snorkeling with the dolphins.

Unbelievable trip! We would love to do some variation of this again, I really liked from Loreto to Cabo.

Visited on 09/2021 - Submitted on 10/13/2021

mdemmons

2 Reviews

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First, I have to say that the staff of the RDM are fantastic. I mean, super. What I liked most about them was that, from the captain on down, they all worked together. It wasn't unusual to see deckhands take the wheel or the captain carry out the trash. They really consider themselves equal and they are always smiling! Loved it. Normally, this comes from the top down. So I commend the captain for creating a positive environment where everyone is happy. It was great.

1. The food: We are vegetarians, and there were others who were gluten free and lactose intolerant. It was seamless. Our chef, who couldn't have been more than 29, by the way, didn't miss a beat. I never once had to send anything back because it wasn't vegetarian. Neither did anyone else with food issues. He and his staff delivered amazing food, 100% of the time.

2. Our dive guid, Ivan, was first class and fun (and funny!). He let us explore on our own and was right there if we needed help or guidance. He showed me a number of things and I got great pictures!!

3. The beds were super comfortable! I heard a number of people make this comment too!

If I were to make a few suggestions:

a. All the dives were great. I just felt that we tended to spend a lot of time in the same spots on a couple of days. Still, I loved it anyway. I just think we could have moved around a bit more.

b. The rooms are small, but comfortable. We had the double bed. In the photo on their site, it looks like the bed is a perfect square/rectangle. That's because the photo is distorted. If you are both tall, you should opt for the room with the two single beds. One side of the double bed is significantly shorter, as you are in the bow of the boat and it curves in. We were fortunate in that one of us is four inches shorter. He still had to bend his legs when he slept. Also, the toilet seats are made of cheap plastic. If you are sitting on the toilet and move the wrong way, you could really nip your, well, you know.... :-)

c. I think the guides are little too sticky on dive times. It's 60 minutes - even if you have 1500psi air left. And even if the ship isn't going anywhere. On other liveaboards, you can dive till you have 5-600psi left. I thought there wasn't much need to be so strict about this. Still, it didn't affect how fun it all was.

d. Finally, I really DO think the ship could use a modern update to its decor. The paint and decorative elements are very 70s-80s (even though they said it was all updated in 2015). It's not a big deal, really. I just thought that a modern touch would make it more appealing. And the flimsy plastic lawn chairs on the top deck are just not something I would expect on a liveaboard that costs over $3000 (when you factor in tips and fees).

Even with my suggestions, which I hope are seen as minor and constructive, I think this is a fantastic operation. Everyone works very hard to make sure you have a good time. I will be back - even if my suggestions aren't implemented - because the people and diving were great!

Thank you!

Visited on 08/2016 - Submitted on 08/06/2016

JMcGrath

1 Reviews

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Amazing diversity in the Dive sites! From Sea Lions, to Macro search on the bottom, to Wrecks, Pinnacles and some exploration on land with hiking to gorgeous vistas!

The rooms were tight, but to be expected. Odor coming from shower drain noted along with occasional cock roach. The beds were soft, and the staff serviced your room daily, a plus.

The enthusiasm of the Staff to get the Pangas ready for snorkeling adventure when Dolphin Pods 200 plus swam past! Or to follow the Whales when spotted. The diversity in the Dive sites was incredible!

Visited on 09/2021 - Submitted on 10/14/2021

Gibby540

2 Reviews

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I relatively recently went aboard the Rocio Del Mar on one of their Sea of Cortez routes. The experience was amazing, I would gladly repeat the same trip, although I have very strong plans to go back onboard to join their Socorro trips!

Most importantly for a review on the Rocio - the dive crew is absolutely amazing. I've been on a number of liveaboards and have never experienced such a great crew. They are always anticipating your needs, being professional but also relaxed and friendly, and just overall awesome.

Food - the food is absolutely phenomenal. Each meal was completely different, and all amazing. We did topside BBQs which were really really cool, and all dinners were 3 course meals.

Accommodations - rooms are fine, there is nothing fancy or spectacular about them but they get the job done. Most bedrooms offer 2 twin beds in an L shape, which is nice as you don't have anyone directly on top of you, nor is the upper bed too high that it's too difficult to get in & out.
The one strange thing about the boat is that the dining area is in the bottom front of the hull. I definitely prefer a dining area where it's center-hull, and multiple windows so you can see the views, enjoy the seabreeze, etc. Being down in the bottom hull feels like you're on a fishing boat or something and it's more bumpy. Besides this small thing though, everything about this boat and crew is fantastic!

Visited on 11/2017 - Submitted on 11/01/2017

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