TOURISM
Even though there are not any tourist facilities on the island because of the lack of a reliable water source, tourism is the main industry of Socorro Island where tourists would come diving in the ocean adjacent to the island. Restricted by weather conditions, trips are usually only available from November to May. During the travel season, different aquatic species are attracted according to water temperature. For example, tourists can see humpbacks in February and March, whale sharks in November, December and May, and bottlenose dolphins from January to March. The abundance of pelagic animals (Giant Mantas being especially sought after) makes Socorro Island a popular scuba diving destination. A boat trip takes approximately 26 hours from the Baja California peninsula.
Many diving companies provide expeditions on live-aboard ships. Information on several can be found below, both in English and Spanish to make reservations easy.
A video of a diving trip to Socorro aboard the Solmar V.
DIVING ENCOUNTERS
Diving Activities:
Diving near Socorro is very interesting but challenging because of deep sites, strong currents, and rough seas. Diving around here is not suitable for beginners or non-divers. During the colder time of the year, many species of sharks are frequently seen in the area, such as hammerhead, whitetip, silvertip, reef, Galapagos, silky, and sometimes tiger sharks. Mantas, humpback whales, and dolphins are frequently seen in the area as well.
Mantas:
Giant mantas around Socorro Island are the most majestic creatures in the ocean. They can grow up to 8 meters wide. Mantas can be seen in most dive sites around the area and one of the best locations is called “The Boiler” which is near the San Benedicto Island. This is a popular cleaning station for mantas and usually one will show within a few minutes. The mantas around this area are friendly and curious about divers so they will often interact.
Humpback Whales:
Humpback whales are another attraction of the island. They usually come around the island between late January and early April and can get up to 1200 in number. They can frequently be spotted on the sea surface and some divers may even get the chance to swim with these giant creatures. Even if you do not see them underwater, you will be aware of their presence by the whale song which you can hear during almost every dive.
Diving with Dolphins:
Dolphins are also seen around the islands and can be most frequently spotted from January to March. That can be the best chance for you to swim among dolphins. Recently, these dolphins have started to interact and imitate the divers, and some dolphins hang around while divers stop at their safety stops.
Solmar V
ask@solmarv.com
(310) 455-3600
PO Box 529 Topanga, CA 90290
The Solmar V runs diving tours of the Revillagigedos Archipelago, including the islands of Socorro, Clarion, San Benedicto, and Roca Partida. This 112 foot live-aboard boat operates out of Cabo San Lucas during all seasons, which is hard to find considering the poor weather conditions during hurricane season. Reservations include meals and partial dive equipment. The Solmar V is also known for its ongoing conservation efforts. The crew has partnered with various environmental projects to keep watch on illegal fishing around the island.
El Solmar V ofrece tours de buceo del archipiélago de Revillagigedo, incluyendo las islas de Socorro, Clarion, San Benedicto y Roca Partida. Este barco opera en Cabo San Lucas durante todas las estaciones del año, lo cual es difícil de encontrar teniendo en cuenta las malas condiciones climáticas durante la temporada de huracanes. Reservas incluye comida y equipo de buceo parcial. El Solmar V también es conocido por sus esfuerzos de conservación en curso. La tripulación se ha asociado con varios proyectos ambientales para vigilar la pesca ilegal alrededor de la isla.
Nautilus Explorer
info@nautilusexplorer.com
001-604-241-1918
Icarus Aviation Ltd. dba Nautilus Explorer
PO Box 97182
Richmond B.C. V6X 8H3
Canada
The Nautilus Explorer provides a wide range of diving trips across the world, including Guadalupe Island, Socorro Island, the Sea of Cortez, San Benitos Island, Clipperton Atoll, Alaska, and British Columbia. The 116 foot boat is rather new and leaves from Cabo San Lucas. There are options for 8, 10, 12, or 15 day trips where voyagers can get up to 22 dives in.
El Nautilus Explorer ofrece una amplia gama de excursiones de buceo en todo el mundo, incluyendo la isla de Guadalupe, Isla Socorro, el Mar de Cortés, Isla San Benitos, Clipperton Atoll, Alaska y la Columbia Británica. El barco es bastante nuevo y parte de Cabo San Lucas. Hay opciones para 8, 10, 12, o 15 viajes de un día, donde navegantes pueden obtener hasta 22 inmersiones en a lo largo del viaje.
Rocio Del Mar
dsandoval@rociodelmarliveaboard.com
(602) 558-9580 - Dora Sandoval
4355 W Indian School Rd, Suite B Phoenix AZ 85031
The Rocio Del Mar is a 110 foot ship that provides trips to Socorro Island and the Midriff Islands. The company also allows for kayaking and hiking around the islands while not diving. It does not operate during the offseason of June through October due to possibly unsafe conditions.
El Rocio Del Mar es un buque de 110 pies que ofrece viajes a Isla Socorro y las Grandes Islas. La compañía también permite kayak y caminatas alrededor de las islas mientras que no buceo. No funciona durante el receso de temporada de junio a octubre debido a las condiciones que posiblemente sean inseguras.