SOCORRO ISLANDS - Exclusive Scuba Tours Worldwide Charter
13nts Rocio Del Mar liveaboard
13 - 27 March 2013, 16 - 30 March 2014
Special extended trips to include Clarion Island!
Socorro Islands | Rocio Del Mar Liveaboard | Travel Info | Trip Itinerary | Visa Information |
Introduction to the Socorro Islands
The Revillagigedos, more commonly called the Socorro Islands, are a group of four islands located in the eastern Pacific Ocean, approximately 250 miles south of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, at the southern tip of the Baja peninsula. These rugged and remote volcanic islands are home to a vast array of wildlife, including many endemic plant and animal species, and have been compared to the Galapagos Islands and Cocos for the big animal encounters that divers can expect here.
The best known creatures here are the huge, pacific manta rays that are famous for their close interaction with divers. But mantas are not the only big attraction here, the rich waters surrounding the islands of Socorro, San Benedicto, Roca Partida and Clarion are a magnet for some of the largest ocean pelagic animals in the world, including schooling hammerheads, dolphins, silky sharks, Galapagos sharks, jacks, marlin, oceanic white tips and whale sharks. Add to that the seasonal appearance of around 1200 humpback whales from December through to March and you have a dive destination widely regarded as among the best in the world.
We are very pleased to offer our clients exclusive trips on board the Rocio Del Mar liveaboard to dive and explore these fabulous islands including the most distant and less dived Clarion Island.
Rocio Del Mar Liveaboard
The Rocio Del Mar is a 200 tonne steel vessel purposefully built for divers over a two year period and launched in November 2008. Since then she has gained a tremendous following from guests who have enjoyed the onboard service and stunning diving that the Sea of Cortez has to offer.
The Rocio Del Mar liveaboard takes a maximum of 20 passengers in 10 air-conditioned Staterooms spread over two decks. All cabins have private bathrooms with western style toilets and hot showers. On the main deck are two double cabins and six twin cabins (both lower berths). On the upper deck there are two further cabins with a double lower bed and overhead single bunk. These cabins can be made up as either twin or double accommodation. Every cabin on board the Rocio Del Mar has ample storage space and drawers for personal belongings and clothes and all rooms have windows with privacy curtains.
There is a spacious dining area in the lower forward area of the boat and further seats and sofas at the rear of the second deck, where guests often gather at the end of the day to enjoy a sunset drink after an exciting day’s diving. For sun-lovers there is a large sundeck on top of the boat with sunloungers and chairs. At the rear of the main deck is a large dive area, with ample room to kit up and also to prepare camera equipment. There is a wet gear storage area to hang equipment between dives.
All diving is conducted from two zodiacs and divers are split into two groups of 10 divers, led by experienced Divemasters. Typically, 3-4 dives per day are offered but this can vary on days when land excursions are planned.
Travel & General Information
For our trips to Socorro in March we expect the weather to be sunny and dry with air temperatures ranging from 20-28C and water temperatures hovering around 20-22C. We therefore recommend a 7mm wetsuit and to bring a fleece or a long sleeved top for the evenings.
The Rocio Del Mar liveaboard departs from San Jose Del Cabo in Mexico, situated at the very southern tip of Baja peninsula. On arrival into San Jose Del Cabo airport you will be met and transferred to the Rocio Del Mar liveaboard for your first night on board. The boat will set off around 0430hrs the next morning for the 24hr ocean voyage to the Socorro Islands, where you will have 10 days fabulous diving.
Itinerary
Fly on American Airlines from London Heathrow to San Jose Del Cabo via Dallas Fort Worth:
Wed 13 Mar Depart Heathrow at 0945hrs, arriving San Jose Del Cabo at 1935hrs. Transfer to Rocio Del Mar liveaboard
Thu 14 Mar Early morning departure for Socorro Islands, arriving next day
Fri 15 Mar Diving at San Benedicto
Sat 16 Mar Diving at San Benedicto
Sun 17 Mar Diving at Socorro Island
Mon 18 Mar Diving at Roca Partida
Tue 19 Mar Diving at Clarion
Wed 20 Mar Diving at Clarion
Thu 21 Mar Diving at Roca Partida
Fri 22 Mar Diving at Socorro Island
Sat 23 Mar Diving at San Benedicto
Sun 24 Mar Diving at San Benedicto
Mon 25 Mar Start our return journey to San Jose del Cabo, arriving next day
Tue 26 Mar Transfer to airport for 1210hrs overnight flight to Heathrow via Dallas
Wed 27 Mar Arrive London Heathrow at 0935hrs
Please note the above itinerary is a planned itinerary dependent on weather conditions and captain’s discretion and may be subject to change.
13 - 27 March 2013 £2735 per person + international flights
16 - 30 March 2014 £2935 per person + international flights (Guide price)
Prices include transfers and a total of 13nts accommodation on board the Rocio Del Mar liveaboard in a twin/double share cabin, all meals, soft drinks and snacks, local beer and wine, 10 days diving typically 3-4 dives per day) with use of tanks and weights.
Excluded: Nitrox at US $125per person. Marine Park Fees US $25pp. US $15 Hyperbaric Chamber Fee. Gratuities.
Single travellers: Please note that these are our exclusive charters and whilst we will do our best to 'room' you with another single male/female on the trip this may not be possible.
Above prices based on two sharing. Prices have been calculated at US Dollar $/£ rate of 1.6 and is subject to rate fluctuation. Accommodation and flights are subject to availability at the time of booking and the price will be confirmed at the time of enquiry.
International Flights from the UK
International flights travelling on American Airlines from London Heathrow are expected to cost around £550pp plus £370pp taxes.
Visa Information
Visa Requirements
All passengers travelling to the United States are required to complete the on-line ESTA form on the US Embassy website in order to receive authority to travel. It is highly recommended that you take the authority with you as you may need to present it at check-in or immigration on arrival. The ESTA costs approx US $14 and is valid for 2 years.
