Bluewater Travel's Socorro Trip Recap 2024
Socorro Warm Water Pelagic group Trip with Tim Yeo - November 2024
Underwater Camera Equipment Used: Sony a6700; Sony a6700 Ikelite Housing; Sony 16-50mm lens; dual Kraken KS-160 strobes
Watch some amazing footage of mantas, whale sharks, dolphins, and more...
An Unforgettable Dive Adventure to the Socorro Islands
The Socorro Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most iconic diving destinations, promises breathtaking encounters with marine giants and vibrant underwater life. Our group’s 10-day liveaboard journey aboard the Valentina from November 10-19, 2024, proved to be an adventure of a lifetime. Here’s a recap of our incredible experience.
For another great UNESCO World Heritage Site to dive, check out Belize.
Setting Sail - Day 1
The journey began with a smooth boarding process in San Jose del Cabo. Early arrivals enjoyed exploring the boat before the rest of the group joined later in the afternoon. By 5pm, we were all aboard, and the Valentina liveaboard departed just after sunset. After a detailed safety briefing in the galley, we were treated to a three-course dinner: a fresh salad, followed by chicken with asparagus and mashed potatoes, and a delightful dessert. As Cabo’s lights faded into the horizon, we settled into our cabins, eager for the adventure ahead.
Relaxation and Preparation - Day 2
The second day brought a sense of calm as we cruised toward the Socorro Islands. With no diving scheduled, the divemasters used the time to give an in-depth dive briefing and a presentation about the Revillagigedo Archipelago Marine Park. Guests spent the day soaking up the sun on the top deck, lounging in hammocks, napping in cabins, or mingling over card games in the common areas. The weather was idyllic, with clear skies, flat seas, and a light breeze. Anticipation for the diving to come was palpable.
First Dives at The Canyon, San Benedicto Island - Day 3
In the early hours, we arrived at San Benedicto Island, anchoring near another liveaboard. The rules of the Socorro Islands Marine Park allow for up to four dives per day if fewer than three boats are at a dive site, and we were thrilled to be able to maximize our time underwater this day.
Our first dive at The Canyon, a volcanic lava flow site, served as a check-out dive at 40 feet. Divers adjusted their weights and buoyancy before swimming to the cleaning station at 80 feet. The underwater scenery was breathtaking, with rocky and sandy terrain teeming with marine life. Over four dives, we encountered dolphins, majestic chevron and black mantas, and an array of sharks, including white-tip reef, silvertip, Galapagos, hammerhead, and even a tiger shark. The conditions were great: 60-foot visibility, warm water (77-79°F), and minimal currents.
Magic at The Boiler - Day 4
We awoke anchored at the famous Boiler, another premier site at San Benedicto Island. Known for its dramatic pinnacle and the manta rays and dolphins it attracts, The Boiler lived up to its reputation. On our first dive, dolphins accompanied our descent, and we were soon surrounded by three mantas. Throughout the day, groups of up to 11 mantas swirled around us, joined by tiger sharks, hammerheads, yellowfin tuna, and Galapagos sharks. Visibility exceeded 80 feet, and the lack of current made for effortless diving. After dinner, we set off for Roca Partida, one of the archipelago’s most renowned dive sites.
Whale Sharks at Roca Partida - Day 5
At Roca Partida, we found ourselves alone in the morning, granting us first access to the water. The marine park’s dive rotation system between all the liveaboards ensured a peaceful experience with minimal fins and bubbles. The day started with a bang as every diver encountered at least one whale shark on the first dive, with repeat sightings on subsequent dives. Silky sharks, silvertip sharks, mantas, tuna, and even a rare sailfish added to the spectacle. The highlight was a surprise fourth dive at this incredible site, allowing us to extend our time among these oceanic giants. By evening, we began the 8-hour journey to Socorro Island.
Dolphins and Sharks at Cabo Pearce - Day 6
Our destination today was Cabo Pearce on Socorro Island, where we had three dives scheduled before a mandatory navy inspection. The first dive, though quiet compared to previous days, included sightings of mantas and sharks. By the second dive, the Socorro magic returned as hammerheads, a tiger shark, and playful dolphins swam among us. At one point, 18 dolphins surrounded the group, playfully darting between divers. After the third dive, the navy boarded for a routine inspection, which lasted a couple of hours. We anchored overnight at Cabo Pearce, ready for another day of diving.
Windy Conditions and Big Sightings - Day 7
The winds began to pick up, signaling changing weather. Despite choppier conditions, our dives at Cabo Pearce remained spectacular. Dolphins, mantas, a tiger shark, and yellowfin tuna made appearances on the first dive. As visibility worsened throughout the day, we still enjoyed close encounters with mantas and dolphins. After the final dive, we started the crossing back to San Benedicto Island for our last day of diving.
A Spectacular Finale at The Canyon - Day 8
The morning brought rough seas and overcast skies at The Canyon. Despite challenging conditions, the dives were unforgettable. Schools of hammerheads, silvertip sharks, and curious dolphins swirled around the cleaning station, offering a fitting finale to our diving adventure. Unfortunately, worsening weather led the dive team to cancel the final dive for safety reasons—a prudent decision in the face of growing swells. After breakfast, we began the 40-hour journey back to Cabo.
The Long Journey Home - Days 9 & 10
The return crossing was marked by high seas, with 8-10 foot swells and 20-30 knot winds. Despite the conditions, the Valentina’s stability ensured a relatively smooth journey. Divers spent the time editing photos, napping, and reminiscing about the week’s incredible encounters. On the morning of November 19, we arrived safely in Cabo San Lucas. After a final breakfast, we disembarked in groups and bid farewell to the Valentina and our fellow adventurers.
Reflections
This journey to the Socorro Islands delivered on every front: stunning marine encounters, excellent diving conditions, and the camaraderie of a group united by a love of the ocean. From mantas to whale sharks, dolphins to hammerheads, the “Mexican Galapagos” proved why they are one the top dive destinations in the world. Aboard the Valentina, we found a perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable memories.
Still interested in learning about diving in Socorro? Check out our trip report earlier this 2024.
Recommended Scuba Gear
- 5mm wetsuit. Browse Wetsuits at Bluewater Photo
- Strong fins. Check out the Apeks RK3 Dive Fins
- SMB. The Mares Dive Marker Buoy is our choice
- Travel BCD. Read our Best Travel BCD Article
- Travel regulator. We suggest Mares Ultra 62X Dive Regulator
