So you’ve heard that the only way to experience the mind-blowing magic of scuba diving in Socorro is on a dive liveaboard.
As one of the world’s top dive destinations for big bucket list marine life, a Socorro liveaboard is a truly unforgettable experience.
Table of Contents
At OtterAquatics, our ultimate goal is to help you book your dream liveaboard. We’ve assembled a team of PADI, SSI, and Molchanovs instructors, as well as liveaboard cruise directors to research all available options.
How We Pick
In order to create our best liveaboard lists, the OtterAquatics team starts off by researching the liveaboard landscape for a particular region of world, listing out all of the highest-rated choices.
Unfortunately it’s not possible to go on every single liveaboard, but we go on the ones we can.
Next, we identify 3-5 liveaboards per region that are distinct best choices for different scenarios. For example, on a list, we may suggest budget options, luxury options, or a liveaboard that exclusively hits a certain dive site.
How We Review
The OtterAquatics team reviews the liveaboards on our lists by researching information on liveaboard booking websites, review websites, and our social media communities of divers.
We also contact each liveaboard mentioned on our lists ensuring the information is accurate.
Our Team of Writers
Want to learn more about who our writers are? Head over to the OtterAquatics About Page.
At OtterAquatics, our ultimate goal is to help you book your dream liveaboard. We’ve assembled a team of PADI, SSI, and Molchanovs instructors, as well as liveaboard cruise directors to research all available options.
How We Pick
In order to create our best liveaboard lists, the OtterAquatics team starts off by researching the liveaboard landscape for a particular region of world, listing out all of the highest-rated choices.
Unfortunately it’s not possible to go on every single liveaboard, but we go on the ones we can.
Next, we identify 3-5 liveaboards per region that are distinct best choices for different scenarios. For example, on a list, we may suggest budget options, luxury options, or a liveaboard that exclusively hits a certain dive site.
How We Review
The OtterAquatics team reviews the liveaboards on our lists by researching information on liveaboard booking websites, review websites, and our social media communities of divers.
We also contact each liveaboard mentioned on our lists ensuring the information is accurate.
Our Team of Writers
Want to learn more about who our writers are? Head over to the OtterAquatics About Page.
Why Go On A Dive Liveaboard In Socorro?
A Socorro liveaboard is the only way to access the underwater magic of the Revillagigedo archipelago. This unique and isolated island chain off the west coast of Mexico boasts almost all of the ocean’s biggest animals.
From oceanic mantas to humpback whales, dolphins, and 10 different species of sharks, a Socorro liveaboard is the best way to tick off all those bucket list marine encounters.
What’s more, Socorro is famous for having some of the friendliest and most curious marine life in the world. So not only will you get to see all these magnificent animals, but you’ll also have some seriously unique and intimate interactions.
If you’re looking for more information on diving conditions in Socorro, including what you’ll encounter on a Socorro liveaboard, check out our complete guide to scuba diving in Socorro.
Best Sorcorro Liveaboards
Quino El Guardian
- Unique once in a lifetime itineraries
- Complimentary beer & wine
- Freshly prepared food
- Camera station
- Affordable
- Tech support
- Tricky sites for beginners
- Long ocean journey
- No wifi
- Nitrox not included
If you’re looking for an extra memorable liveaboard experience then look no further than the Quino El Guardian.
This liveaboard runs one of a kind ‘citizen science’ trips. These unique itineraries offer you the rare opportunity to dive alongside marine biologists, aiding them in their research and conservation efforts.
You’ll be involved in a variety of activities including catching and tagging animals, population counts, and identification.
Besides the unique itineraries, the best thing about this liveaboard is the food. With two breakfasts, a hearty lunch, all-day snacks, and a delicious three-course dinner, all freshly prepared each day you’ll never go hungry on this liveaboard. Plus there’s complimentary beer and wine offered after the last dive of each day.
Quino El Guardian can accommodate up to 16 divers across 5 cozy cabins; 4 quad bunk cabins and 1 double bunk cabin. All cabins feature air conditioning and share communal bathrooms. The spacious saloon and upper sun deck provide plenty of space for relaxation and socializing.
Quino El Guardian is well equipped to accommodate underwater photographers with a dedicated camera station. As well as providing support for tech and side mount equipment. Nitrox is also available for an extra charge.
And if that’s not enough, Quino El Guardian is also more affordable than most liveaboards in Socorro. And boasts an extra full day of diving!
Spaces on this popular liveaboard are very limited. So we highly recommend booking your spot early to avoid disappointment!
Liveaboard Specs:
- Max number of Guests/Divers: 16
- Number of Dives: Up to 4 dives per day
- Number of cabins: 5
- Trip Length: 8 to 10 days
- Wifi: No
- Nitrox: Yes
- Drinks: Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages
- Port: Departs from Cabo
- Onshore Excursions: Yes, onshore excursions available during the trip
- Route/ Itinerary: San Benedicto, Socorro, Roca Partida and Clarion Islands
- Camera Station: Yes, camera rinse tanks and charging stations available.
Rocio Del Mar
- Three epic itineraries
- Good set-up for those prone to sea-sickness
- Alcoholic beverages included
- National Park fees can add up
- No Wi-Fi
- Must have specific dive insurance
If you have the budget and time available, then a 2-week itinerary with the Rocio del Mar liveaboard provides you with the ultimate Socorro diving experience.
These 14-day trips offer you 10 full days of diving with up to 4 tanks per day. Not only will you spend multiple days at the very best sites around the Revillagigedo archipelago, but you’ll also get to visit the most remote island, Isla Clarion.
The attentive crew offers an incredibly personalized experience, ensuring that the needs of each and every diver is met. Their mission is to create a worry-free environment. With everything aboard this liveaboard adapted perfectly for divers, Rocio del Mar is not only a boat but a diving haven.
Rocio del Mar is a spacious liveaboard with plenty of communal areas to relax in between dives. There are 10 comfortable cabins, each with large windows, air conditioning, and ensuite hot-water bathrooms.
The layout of the Rocio del Mar has been carefully designed to minimize side to side movement and engine noise, both in the cabins and dining area. A very important feature on the long journey from the mainland to Socorro!
Lastly, Rocio del Mar hosts a special carne asada evening on every trip. Where the chef prepares a magnificent meal feast on the top deck to be enjoyed by the divers and crew.
Liveaboard Specs:
- Max number of Guests/Divers: 20
- Number of Dives: Up to 4 dives per day
- Number of cabins:10
- Trip Length: 8 to 10 days
- Wifi: No
- Nitrox: Yes
- Drinks: Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages
- Port: Departs from San Jose del Cabo
- Onshore Excursions: Yes, onshore excursions available during the trip
- Route/ Itinerary: San Benedicto, Socorro, Roca Partida, and Clarion Islands
- Camera Station: Yes, camera rinse tanks and charging stations available.
Nautilus Belle Amie
- Best rating for price
- New vessel
- Highest Saftey Levels
- Alcohol not included
- More guests
- Wi-Fi extra
If you’re looking for a luxury liveaboard in Socorro, then look no further than the Nautilus Belle Amie.
With decadent staterooms and 25 years of experience, this Socorro liveaboard provides an unrivaled level of comfort and service.
Each of the plush cabins features large ocean-view windows, flatscreen TVs, and Egyptian cotton bed linen. As well as individual climate control, hot water ensuite bathrooms, and plenty of storage space.
As one of the largest dive liveaboards in Socorro, there’s more than enough communal spaces to recharge between your diving adventures.
In addition to the usual amenities you’d expect aboard a dive liveaboard, the Nautilus Belle Amie also features high-speed internet, an outdoor hot tub, and an impressive selection of fine wines.
It’s these small details combined with the highly dedicated crew that help makes the Nautilus Belle Amie one of the best dive liveaboards in Socorro.
And with modern camera facilities and rebreather support, tech divers and underwater photographers are always well taken care of onboard this liveaboard.
Liveaboard Specs:
- Max number of Guests/Divers: 32
- Number of Dives: Up to 4 dives per day
- Number of cabins:17
- Trip Length: 8 to 9 days
- Wifi: Yes
- Nitrox: Yes
- Drinks: Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages
- Port: Departs from Cabo San Lucas
- Onshore Excursions: Yes, onshore excursions available during the trip
- Route/ Itinerary: San Benedicto, Socorro, Roca Partida, and Clarion Islands
- Camera Station: Yes, camera rinse tanks and charging stations available.
Solmar V
- Self Propelled Ocean Cage (SPOC) experience available
- Built especially for divers
- Specific Camera areas
- Nitrox extra
- Cooler water temps
When it comes to overall value the Solmar V is arguably the best dive liveaboard in Socorro.
With highly praised food, luxury cabins, and superior service, it’s easy to understand why this liveaboard is often booked solid months in advance.
This award-winning liveaboard features multiple leisure decks and 12 beautifully designed cabins; 6 superior and 4 standard staterooms, as well as 2 single cabins for solo travelers. All of which include personal entertainment systems, air conditioning, and private bathrooms.
Solmar V offers a spacious dive with large rinse tanks, freshwater showers and a multi-level camera table.
The attentive and knowledgeable dive team are always on hand to help, ensuring your comfort, safety and enjoyment both underwater and onboard.
The choice and quality of food onboard the Solmar V is outstanding. Specific dietary requirements are very well catered for and complimentary wine is served every night with dinner.
With plenty of onboard amenities and a professional and passionate crew, you really cannot go wrong with the Solmar V liveaboard.
Liveaboard Specs:
- Max number of Guests/Divers: 32
- Number of Dives: Up to 4 dives per day
- Number of cabins:17
- Trip Length: 7 to 9 days
- Wifi: No
- Nitrox: Yes
- Drinks: complimentary beer and wine with dinner
- Port: Departs from San Felipe
- Onshore Excursions: Yes, onshore excursions available during the trip
- Route/ Itinerary: San Benedicto, Socorro, Roca Partida
- Camera Station: Yes, camera rinse tanks and charging stations available.
Best Time For A Dive Liveaboard In Socorro
The best time for a Socorro liveaboard is between November and May. These months offer the best opportunity to spot all the big marine life as well as much more pleasant sailing conditions.
For the best chance to see humpback whales, book a Socorro liveaboard between January and April. During these months humpback whales will congregate around the islands to mate.
Between June and October, the seas become too rough for dive liveaboards and too warm for most pelagics. At this time, many of the Socorro liveaboards will be in dry dock or head to Guadalupe.
For more detailed information on Socorro’s diving seasons, check out our complete guide to scuba diving in Socorro.
What Certification Level Is Needed For A Dive Liveaboard In Socorro?
With notoriously strong currents and often choppy surface conditions, Socorro liveaboards are not recommended for new divers. If you want to join a dive liveaboard in Socorro you must have an advanced certification, experience in drift diving, and a minimum of 50 logged dives. Socorro liveaboards are not suitable for non-divers or snorkelers.
The nitrox certification is also highly recommended for scuba diving in Socorro. Diving with enriched air nitrox enables you to maximize your bottom time at depth. As the majority of sharks are found in the deeper parts of the dive sites, diving with nitrox means you can spend longer enjoying the show.
Liveaboard Itineraries In Socorro
Most Socorro liveaboards follow 9-day itineraries visiting the three main islands in the Revillagigedo archipelago; Socorro, Roca Partida, and San Benedicto. This gives you 6 full days of diving with 3 to 4 dives per day.
Some liveaboards will offer extended itineraries lasting up to 14 days. With almost 30 dives available per trip, you’re sure to encounter all of Socorro’s famous marine life multiple times.
Only these longer trips will visit the fourth and most remote island in the archipelago, Isla Clarion. Located 125 miles further west of Socorro island, Isla Clarion is the best spot in the region to see humpback whales.
All Socorro liveaboards depart from Cabo San Lucas or San Jose del Cabo in the Baja Peninsula in Mexico. From here it takes around 24 hours to reach the Revillagigedo archipelago.
Conclusion
Scuba diving in Socorro is so spectacular that whichever Socorro liveaboard you choose, you’re guaranteed to have a truly unforgettable experience. And one you’ll no doubt want to repeat again and again!
