Socorro
Remote Pacific liveaboard expedition for giant mantas, dolphins, whales and lots or sharks.
The Revillagigedo Islands is mostly referred to collectively as 'Socorro' although only one island is called Socorro.
These waters are some of the best diving in the world. The remote islands are famous for big fish action, manta rays, dolphins and thousands of sharks. Hammerheads, Silkies, White Tips, Silver Tips, Galapagos, Tiger sharks and even Whale sharks can be seen here. It is also the best place in the world to dive with Oceanic Manta Rays and Bottlenose Dolphins. As a plus - for embarkations in February and March there is a high chance of seeing Humpback mother and calf pairs by the ship and, for very lucky divers, even on a dive.
OUR PROMISE
Insider Divers always carefully select the optimal season and best operator for every destination. For Socorro Jan to March offers the most rewarding conditions and the chance for humpback whales. Our chosen partner is the Nautilus Liveaboards, renowned for its impeccable safety record—an essential factor for scuba diving expeditions, especially those venturing offshore.
You will be in the company of fellow ocean lovers and accompanied by an Insider Divers group leader who handles logistics, making your trip effortless. We will enrich your experience with wildlife talks and provide professional photos as a memory of your trip.
Overview
Animals
Accommodation
Nautilus Undersea
Nautilus Liveaboards is one of the big players in Northern America. The Undersea is a sturdy vessel, famous for its time in Cocos Island. It has less divers than most boats in Socorro, making the experience more private. With all rooms having private bathroom and individual aircon control, there is nothing left to desire for. Of course, the rooms are not huge but enough space for your things
Nautilus Undersea
Twin cabin
Comfortable staterooms with soft bedding, private bath and individually controlled AC.
Captain Suite
Comfortable staterooms with king bed with luxurious bedding, private bath and individually controlled AC.
Triple Share
Comfortable bunk room, private bath and individually controlled AC.
Activities
Shark Diving
Shark Diving
On these open bottom dives next to rocky volcanic drop-offs allow us to encounter all kinds of shark species including Hammerheads and Whalesharks
Manta Dives
Manta Dives
The diving in Socorro is mostly open bottom, meaning you are suspended in blue water and the animals approach you.
This is the only place in the world where Oceanic Manta Rays can be seen with almost 100% guarantee. Even though these giants do not see humans often here they are friendly and actually approach humans
Dolphin Dives
Dolphin Dives
When dolphins approach us we are mesmerized and playful, this is what they like.
But you have to watch it, they do not have buoyancy or depth limits while we do.
Trip leader
Simon Lorenz
Simon is an award winning photographer, PADI instructor and TDI tech diver. He is the founder of Insider Divers and the main group leader on our trips. Having dived all over the world he often felt unsatisfied by the dive operations, by the background knowledge of the guides and by the inflexibility of the itineraries. This inspired him to create Insider Divers, where groups of fun international divers get the best possible itinerary.
REsponsibilities
- Briefings
- All organisation and logistics
- Wildlife presentations
- Scuba and photography coaching
- Taking and sharing professional underwater photography
Itinerary
Inclusions
- Accommodation based on twin share
- All Diving
- Full board, snacks and soft drinks
- Wildlife Presentations
- Towels, soap & shampoo
- Safety equipment such as Nautilus Lifeline
- Professional photos
- Access to Insider Divers Portal
- FREE T-shirt
- Socorro Park Fee
- Flights & local hotel
- Wifi
- Nitrox (mandatory on all ID trips)
- Cabo San Lucas port fee
- Airport transfers
- Equipment rental
- Tips
EXTENSION
SHARK EXTENSION
MAKO AND BLUE SHARK SNORKELING
2 NIGHTS / 3 DAYS
Two of the most interesting sharks never come close to shore - the fast Mako Shortfin and the pretty Blue Shark. Off the coast of Cabo San Lucas we can encounter both species on baited snorkeling.
WHALE EXTENSION
GREY WHALE ENCOUNTER IN SAN IGNACIO
3 NIGHTS / 4 DAYS
Baja California has the only chance in the world to PET A WHALE! It's unreal but these gentle giant bottom feeders love to get stroked and petted, and literally come up to the boat. This is a
once in a lifetime chance to see a baleen whale complete with bristles, barnacles, blow holes and giant eyes from up close.
MAKO AND BLUE SHARK SNORKELING
Reviews
Insider Divers curates the best possible dive trips!
Recently retuned from Socorro, a magical site full of the most incredible marine life. Simon managed this trip during Covid times, which added tremendous complexity (for him) but he still made it as effortless as possible for us.
Simon organizes this trips incredibly well and then dovetails his experience alongside the divemasters on the boat, which gives an extra level to the experiences. His trips are curated and educational and just... so... amazing!
Top 5 Reasons to go to Socorro Islands with Insider Divers--#4 will surprise you!!!
Just got back from our fourth trip with Insider Divers. We saw so many incredible things: a whale and her calf ; a sharknado and hammerheads; close encounters with dolphins, mantas, an octopus. We even saw a tiger shark pretty close up.
Simon was a great leader on the trip, at all times working to ensure a successful, safe and enjoyable experience.
After the trip, we all received underwater footage of what we experienced, beautiful drone shots of the islands and boat and very close-up shots of the humpback whale and her calf breaching. We also received a stunning portfolio of stills and videos from everyone in the group.
Words can't really express the…
Words can't really express the gratitude I feel to have this amazing adventure and to get to spend time with such incredible marine life. Under the sea blowing bubbles is my quiet safe .place and I definitely needed mental break from reality.
Many, many thanks to Simon Lorenz who is the fantastic trip leader and owner of Insider Divers for his leadership, organization, knowledge and photography. All I had to do was show up and enjoy myself thanks to his hard work. This is my 4th trip with him and every penny is worth the amazing adventures he will take you on!
videos
FAQ
What dive experience do I need for this trip?
This destination offers accessible diving conditions, yet it is not suitable for absolute beginners. To join, participants must have:
- A minimum of 50 logged dives
- Advanced Open Water (AOW) certification or higher
- Nitrox certification (mandatory on all Insider Divers trips to ensure longer, safer dives)
This is a great trip for people doing their first time on a liveaboard as the water is calm and we never experience rough seas.
Will I get seasick?
This destination can be moderately challenging for those prone to seasickness, as the boat must cross 300 miles of open ocean to reach the island group. During the 30-hour crossing, swells or rough weather can occasionally make for a bumpy ride, though conditions at this time of year are usually calm. The same applies to two overnight transfers between islands, where some choppiness may occur.
If you are sensitive to seasickness, we strongly recommend bringing medication for these crossings. Tablets work well for most guests, while patches can be especially effective for those who are more prone to seasickness.
What should I pack and bring? Where can I get more details?
As part of our process you will receive a log in to our Insider Divers portal which will have downloads, such as an extensive packing list after signing up.
We do recommend bringing your own gear but you can also rent everything on site.
When is the best time to visit Socorro?
The Socorro liveaboard season runs from December through JUne. Giant manta ray encounters are possible throughout, while humpback whales are most commonly seen from January through April. Outside this window, seas are rougher and most operators pause.
What marine life can I expect at Socorro?
Socorro is famous for giant oceanic manta rays, which often interact with divers, plus silky sharks, Galapagos sharks, hammerheads, silvertip sharks, tiger sharks, bottlenose dolphins, humpback whales in season, and yellowfin tuna. This is a pelagic, blue-water expedition.
How do I get to Socorro?
Liveaboards board in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Fly into Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) and transfer to the marina. The Revillagigedo archipelago is roughly 30 hours sailing from the mainland, so the first and last days of the trip are typically crossings.
We strongly recommend arriving 24h before the departure of the liveaboard. For those interested we hose a shark snorkel experience if you can arrive 48h prior to embarkation.
We’re here to help — reach out with any question you may have.