Dive Socorro

And, of course, there are the mantas. Nowhere else in the world boasts a population of giant oceanic mantas (Mobula birostris) that literally seek interaction with scuba divers and snorkelers. It is extraordinary. We have been running dive trips to Socorro since 1978, and these friendly giants have never ceased to amaze us. It is incredible when the sun is blotted out as a manta hovers directly above you. It might sound nutty, but we firmly believe that if you have an open heart and feel kindly to these gentle giants, they will respond, looking you directly in the eye and if they like what they see, seek out interaction. And that alone is reason enough to get out to Socorro as soon as you can.

We recommend SJD Cabo San Lucas as your gateway airport for seamless transfers from the arrivals hall to Cabo San Lucas.

Day 1

Our Nautilus owned SeeCreatures is located downtown Cabo San Lucas, near the marina and is your home away from home. We encourage you to fly in early and allow us to arrange for some local diving whether it’s Gordo Banks, Cabo Pulmo or the La Paz whale sharks.

Your trip includes a complimentary Backscatter lesson in the afternoon. Our photo pro’s will coach you on how to get that perfect manta image, help set up or service or repair your camera gear and assist with camera rentals. You are welcome to drop your bags off and check-in whenever it’s most convenient, but we ask that you please check-in at SeeCreatures by 7:15pm for the mandatory safety video before boarding the boat at 8pm.

Day 2

Today is a traveling and relaxing day at sea. It is a one day run out to the islands. An orientation briefing will be held in the morning, followed by a fire and boat safety drill. A drill? On holiday? Don’t worry, it is for your safety but we will make it lots of fun. We are proud to have been the first, and some of the only, ISM safety certified passenger vessel dive boats in the world, the same safety certification as the largest cruise ships.

We’ll keep you as busy as you like on this sea day with Manta 101 in the afternoon, then you will have a chance to prep your gear, read a book, relax on the sun deck or check out the movie selection on our onboard wifi. We will be watching for the “green flash” at sunset, and while cocktail hour is officially at 7pm every evening, many of our guests enjoy some adult beverages well before that on sea days! We should arrive at San Benedicto Island that evening allowing you a calm night to relax and get a restful sleep before the next morning’s excitement of diving with the friendliest giant mantas in the world.

Days 3-7

Over five full dive days you will be able to experience some of our favourite sites such as El Canyon, the Boiler, Red Rocks, Roca Partida, Cabo Pearse, Punta Tosca and Roca Oneal. We know that many of our guests want the option of as many dives as possible and we strive to offer an average of four dives a day, other than the day that we do our mandatory check-in at the local navy base when you will likely have the option of three dives. When the weather is really good and the seas are calm, certain dive sites like Roca Partida might become crowded with three or four dive boats in which case park regulations restrict us to offering three dives maximum that day. We cater to divers of all experience levels with what we call “dive butler”.

We will quickly zip self-reliant and highly experienced divers straight to the dive site when it opens. Encouraging our newer divers who would like to be with a dive guide from start to finish to take their time gearing up and splash 20-30 minutes later. Most divers are somewhere in the middle of this and we will shuttle them along with dive guides to the sites with our skiffs running back and forth like taxi cabs!

Note that several dives may be quite challenging and not suitable for divers of lower experience levels. The number of dives on offer is subject to weather, the whims of Mother Ocean, and crowding by other dive boats. We will have other stuff going on to keep you as busy as you like with kayaks and paddle boards, shoreline tours, humpback whale watching (January to April), manta ID in the late afternoon and after-dinner presentations.

Of course, it’s always your option to find a nice quiet place to relax with a book, have a nice snooze, or maybe have a splash in our sparkling clear hot tubs. Over five full dive days, you will be able to experience some of our favourite sites such as El Canyon, the Boiler, Red Rocks, Roca Partida, Cabo Pearse, Punta Tosca and Roca Oneal. Expect to see the friendliest giant mantas in the world, bottlenose dolphins, up to 12 species of sharks and loads of fish.

Day 8

We will likely get underway very early this morning for the voyage back to Cabo San Lucas. This is the perfect day to check out photos and videos with the new friends you made onboard, pack your dive gear up and take time to relax before reality sets back in. The islands, the mantas, the sharks and the dolphins are almost “other worldly” and we hope the magic stays with you for a long time.

Day 9

Always a sad time for us. It’s time to say goodbye and disembark the boat in Cabo at 8:30am for either SJD airport or to SeeCreatures in Cabo San Lucas. It doesn’t have to be goodbye for long, we hope to see you again very soon.

The friendliest giant mantas in the world. Bottlenose dolphins that are almost as friendly. Up to 12 species of sharks. Loads of fish. And in season you might see humpback whales, pilot whales, tuna or even false killer whales.

All are welcome. Our roots are in the cold, current-swept waters of BC and Alaska and we have always catered to experienced self-reliant divers looking for complete freedom on their dives. These divers are usually first in the water. We love buddying up with new divers looking for the reassurance of being with a dive guide from the time they start gearing up until they are back on the big boat.

Most divers are somewhere mid-spectrum between these 2 groups and we make sure they are very well looked after as well. Note that several dives may be quite challenging and not suitable for divers of lower experience levels.

Over five full dive days, you will be able to experience some of our favorite sites such as El Canyon, the Boiler, Red Rocks, Roca Partida, Cabo Pearce, Punta Tosca and Roca Oneal.
We know that many of our guests want the option of as many dives as possible and we strive to offer an average of 4 dives a day other than the day that we do our mandatory check in at the local navy base.
Note that weather conditions, Mother Ocean or crowding by some of our competitors may limit some diving.

SeeCreatures, located directly across from the town square, two blocks from the marina and in the heart of the downtown restaurant and bar district. We want our place to be your home away from home! Please drop by when you get into town and we will get you kitted up with whatever you need. We offer a variety of pre-trip packages including two or three tank boat dives and side trips.

The UnderSea first entered service in 1968 and rebuilt in 2017, as the personal submarine tender to Dr. Perry of Perry Oceanographic. This sturdy and brave ship became one of the most famous dive boats in the world as the Undersea Hunter voyaging out to Cocos Island and in IMAX adventures around the South Pacific. We graced the ship with a massive shipyard refit including: stretching the hull out to 105 feet, a new superstructure and extended sun deck, a bulbous bow and stability system.

• 9 ensuite staterooms and suites serving 19 guests and 9 crew
• Internet access and satellite phone
• High capacity water makers
• Freshwater hot tub
• Air fills, nitrox, rebreather friendly.
• Fully-stocked extensive bar (single malts, micro brews, a great selection of wine)

Lower deck

6 number staterooms with upper and lower beds. Configuration varies between the 6 staterooms. Ensuites with private showers and A/c

Main deck

Triple stateroom with 2 bunk beds, one of the bunks being used for extra storage. Ensuite with private showers and A/c

ADA Compatible Stateroom

Adjacent to the dive deck and wheelchair friendly. Twin beds with a huge window. Ensuite with private showers and A/c

Sun deck

Premium Suite with flat screen TV, multiple windows, ensuite and plenty of storage with A/c and easy access to the hot tub.

What do I need to pack?
Personal toiletries. Dive gear (or travel light and use our rental gear!) Summer wear, noting that nights can sometimes be chilly which makes a sweater or fleece jacket a good addition. Sunscreen (reef-safe sunscreen will be available onboard with our compliments). Towels and bed linen are provided onboard.

What dive gear should I bring?
All the obvious stuff!! i.e. regulators, BCD, computer, mask, wetsuit, booties and fins. The park authorities prohibit divers from carrying a knife. Every diver
should have their own Nautilus LifeLine but we will loan you one of ours if you haven’t bought yours yet!

What kind of safety gear do you provide divers?
Nautilus LifeLines, DiveAlerts and SMB safety sausages.

Can I bring my own alcohol onboard?
Sorry, but NO. We carry a great selection of signature drinks, single malts, microbrew beer and a varied wine list, all at very reasonable prices.

Do I need a passport and/or visa?
All guests must have a passport valid six months from entry. Visas are required from certain countries, please check your specific requirements online. All non-Mexican guests will require an FMM tourist visa.

Do I need insurance?
Guests are required to have medical and evacuation insurance from a recognized provider before participating in any of our activities. We also highly recommend the optional purchase of trip interruption insurance, which covers everything from cancelled flights, weather delays, and lost baggage, to reimbursement if another guest has a medical issue that affects your trip. If you decline coverage, please note that we do not issue credits or refunds for anything that is beyond our immediate control.

Do I need dive medical insurance?
YES. Dive and evacuation insurance is mandatory.

What airport do I fly into?
SJD Los Cabos International for both commercial airlines and private aircraft.

When should I fly in?
At least one day before departure given our experience with airlines having mechanical problems, losing luggage or even cancelling flights. It’s a one-day sail from Cabo out to Socorro which means the ships cannot wait for guests who have missing luggage or missed their flight, otherwise everyone else will also miss a day of diving.

How do I get from SJD into town?
Sealine Cabo Transfers is our recommended provider.

What time do we arrive back in port?
Usually by 8:30am. We recommend booking an outward flight after 11:30am. We can help arrange your outbound transfers.

Do you have a storm policy?
We highly recommend trip interruption insurance, which will cover you in this
unlikely eventuality.

Can you accommodate special dietary requests?
YES – with reasonable advance notice, we are pleased to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, lactose intolerance, gluten-free, low sugar, quasi-kosher and quasi-halal. We are likely unable to accommodate more esoteric special dietary requests.

How can I pay my onboard charges?
Onboard charges can be paid by Visa, MasterCard or cash. Please note, park and port fees must be paid in cash only.
What kind of outlets are onboard?
All our vessels are equipped with standard North American outlets that put out 110 volts. Please bring appropriate adapters if your electronics need a different format.

Will I need to show my dive certification card before boarding?
YES.

Where is the closest decompression chamber?
There is a navy chamber on Socorro Island and civilian chambers in Cabo San Lucas.

What happens if I need a medevac flight?
We can arrange the flight for you. There is a 5000-foot navy airstrip on Socorro
Island. A single flight costs a minimum of US$10,000 and if you don’t have
adequate insurance, you will need to arrange for pre-payment of the flight.

Do you have an AED and medical kit onboard?
OF COURSE! All of our crew are trained in first aid and a number of our crew
are trained first responders.