Scuba Diving Trips in Socorro

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Socorro map

Socorro Island is a volcanic island located in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 600 kilometers off the coast of Mexico. It is part of an archipelago, a group of four islands that are protected as a biosphere reserve by the Mexican government. Socorro Island is renowned among scuba divers for its rich marine life, including giant manta rays, sharks, dolphins, and humpback whales.

The island itself is rugged and mountainous, with steep cliffs and rocky shores. Its volcanic origins are evident in the black sand beaches and jagged rock formations that can be seen along the coastline.

Despite its remote location, Socorro Island has become a popular destination for adventurous travelers and scuba divers seeking to experience the unique marine environment of the Pacific. The island’s isolation and protected status have helped to preserve its pristine ecosystem, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in marine conservation and natural beauty.

 

What To Expect

Scuba Diving

Socorro is nicknamed Mexico’s “Little Galapagos” due to its unique ecosystem and attraction of large pelagic animals. Socorro scuba diving is an underwater adventure filled with exciting encounters of large marine animals.

The giant Pacific mantas which you will meet in Socorro are the largest of the rays. They swim by moving their wing-like pectoral fins, which can grow up to 7 meters wide. These giants love to interact with divers. They can come as close as 1 meter away from you while making eye contact swimming along beside you. The local population of bottlenose dolphins has learned to mimic the behavior of the giant mantas. It is very likely that they will move in close to you as well.

You may even hear whale sharks singing through the hull of the ship at night as you lie in your bunk. Schooling hammerhead sharks may be seen at any time but the best chance to see large schools up close is April – June.

You might see:

  • Whale sharks 
  • Manta rays 
  • Humpback whales
  • Dolphins
  • Silky sharks
  • Galapagos sharks
  • White tip sharks 

Recommended Specialty Courses

  • Advanced open water
  • Waves, tides & currents
  • Perfect buoyancy
  • Deep diving
  • Photo & video
  • Shark ecology
ray in socorro

Southern Sport

The M/V Southern Sport is a sleek, fast and comfortable liveaboard ship for up to 18 divers. Nicely appointed accommodations and some of the best crew members in the industry are onboard. The ship has 9 double cabins, a large sundeck and full service dive deck on the aft. It is the perfect adventure for Socorro. 

socorro

 

Nautilus Explorer

There are hundreds of vessels in the worldwide fleet of large, liveaboard dive boats. We pride ourselves and differentiate the Nautilus by offering a Canadian built ship that was custom designed for divers to the highest possible level of comfort and safety with a layout that utilizes every square foot of available space. Our crew takes exceptional pride in the condition of the ship.   The Nautilus Explorer is unique in the worldwide fleet in that it was certified by Transport Canada as the first and only  SOLAS ISM passenger ship – the same safety certificats the largest cruise ships in the world.   

nautilus explorer liveaboard

Culture

Socorro is known for its abundant marine life and is considered one of the best diving locations in the world. The diving can be challenging due to the strong currents and rough seas, but the conditions are worth it to see the marine life that thrives under the surface. Diving in Socorro brings some of the most unforgettable diving experiences to be found anywhere in the world. 

Dive with 7 Species of Shark

Socorro is home to over seven different species of shark. The most famous is the whale shark. Dive into the waters of Socorro for the chance to see a variety of shark species. 

San Gervasio

Dive with Manta Rays

Get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures. Socorro provides the opportunity to dive alongside the gentle giants known as manta rays. 

San Gervasio

Dive with Humpback Whales

The waters of Socorro are known for large pelagic animals, where some divers may have the opportunity to see humpback whales. Socorro provides the memorable experience of viewing these majestic animals up close. 

What prior travelers say

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“Diventures is a great organization. Our first trip with them was spectacular. They handled all of the boring parts of travel and left the fun parts to us. I truly felt that they went above what was expected in resolving the unexpected.”

Traveler Photos

Know Before You Go

Dive Insurance

Dive insurance is required on all Diventures trips. We recommend purchasing DAN dive insurance.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is not required but is highly recommended for all Diventures trips. We recommend purchasing DAN trip insurance.

Electricity

There are no adapters required. If you’re visiting from the States, you won’t need to worry about an adapter for your cell phone or computer.

Temperature

Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 25º to 95ºF depending on the season. Water temps range from 70º-74ºF during the winter and 76º-82ºF during late fall and spring.

Money

1 Mexican Peso equals 0.0549 USD. So, 20 Mexican pesos is about 1 USD. 

Dress Code

Laid-back clothes are suggested as you soak up the sun on your liveaboard.

Passport

Passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond the dates of your trip.

Language

Spanish is the main language spoken, but English is also widely used.

Need help packing?

We can’t pack for you, but we can share our packing list and travel tips.