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Diving with the Seriously Big Stuff, MS Solmar V, Socorro Islands, Mexico

Tim — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 04:29:13 +0000

The Revillagigedos Archipelago, more commonly called Socorro is located in the eastern Pacific Ocean approximately 250 miles south of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico – at the tip of the Baja peninsula. These islands have been compared to the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador or Cocos Island in Costa Rica because of the big animal encounters they provide.

The Revillagigedos Islands consist of 4 islands – San Benedicto Island, Socorro Island, Roca Partida and Clarion. We simply call them Socorro. They are wild, remote and unpredictable and have been called the Mexican Galapagos. This area is famous for up close and personal encounters with the Giant Pacific manta ray, which can grow to 22 feet from wingtip to wingtip. We’ve been interacting with these gentle giants since 1992 and as a result of having worked with several manta researchers over the years, we have extensive ID’s on most of them and special relationships with many of them. We absolutely do not chase or ride the mantas, and we allow our interaction with them to be initiated by the mantas themselves. We believe that their continued willingness to interact with divers is due to the respect we have shown for them over the years. San Benedicto is by far the best location in the world to experience and photograph these gentle giants. The feeling of a wild animal this large deliberately interacting with you is something you will never forget.

There are lots of sharks in the Revillagigedos Islands – hammerhead schools, white tips, silver tips, silkies, duskies, Galapagos and occasionally tigers.

We have encountered up to 7 species of sharks on a single dive! There are several hammerhead cleaning stations that we visit each trip, weather permitting. Whale sharks are a special treat at the islands, they find us in November/December and late April/May.

We also encounter pods of wild bottlenose dolphin on a regular basis and from January through March, these islands are home to a large population of humpback whales, that come here to breed and calve. We have observed several newborn humpbacks in the years we’ve been fortunate enough to visit these remote and pristine islands. In the last few years the frequency of underwater encounters with humpbacks has increased dramatically. The scientists who visit the Revillagigedos Islands every year to study the migrating whale population tell us that after twelve years of encountering the SOLMAR V, the humpbacks now recognize our vessel and so the opportunity for underwater encounters improves. Add to the mix extremely large tuna (the world record yellowfin is from these waters), wahoo, thick schools of jacks and many other big critters along with endemic tropicals found nowhere else in the world, and you have the BEST BIG ANIMAL DIVING ON EARTH!!

Itinerary

Day 01 / Cabo San Lucas – San Benedicto
Departure from Cabo San Lucas about 4 p.m. to San Benedicto Island.

Day 02 / Diving San Benedicto
Arrival at San Benedicto about 1-2 p.m.(crossing takes 22-24 hours) rest of the afternoon is spent diving.

Day 03 / San Benedicto – Socorro Islands
Day is normally spent diving around San Benedicto and considering weather possibilities for a crossing to Roca Partida. After sunset boat departs to Socorro Islands – crossing takes 4-5 hours. On occasion if weather looks good we might decide to try Roca before Socorro.

Day 04 / Socorro Islands
Arrival Socorro Islands early a.m. then quick check in at Navy Base for clearance. Most of this day is spent diving around Socorro Island. If conditions are good here or it is humpback whale season we might stay another day but usually we depart back to either San Benedicto or Roca Partida after sunset.

Day 05 / Diving San Benedicto or Roca Partida
Arrival early morning to San Benedicto or Roca Partida, with diving all day.

Days 06, 07 / Diving San Benedicto or Roca Partida – Cabo San Lucas
These days are spent diving numerous sites around San Benedicto and/or Roca Partida depending on weather and if we have been able to get to Roca Partida previously. Both islands known for most of the large animal encounters on our trips. Departure after a full day of diving on Day 7 back to Cabo.

Day 08 / Cabo San Lucas
Arrival to Cabo after a 22+ hour crossing, depending on weather conditions, which means the boat usually arrives after sunset on this day. Guests overnight in port and disembark the next morning after breakfast onboard. Our dock has a great location near town for those who want to get off and stretch their legs or visit the local night spots.

Day 09 / Disembark the Solma V
All clients must disembark after breakfast no later than 9 a.m. Our crew will help you with your bags and in arranging airport transportation.
This is a general itinerary that is adjusted on a trip by trip basis according to weather and marine life. Having dived this area since 1992, our crew and boat are familiar with the changing conditions and knowledge to maximize your BIG animal experience.

Trip Cost

9D Trip Cost
Prices in USD are per person, and sharing a twin cabin

US$2,995 Standard Cabin
US$3,095 Superior Cabin

Inclusions

Trip Cost Includes

Return bus transfer San Diego – Ensenada – San Diego
Accommodation in double occupancy stateroom with private head/shower
3 gourmet meals per day, snacks, beverages including soft drinks, beer and wine with dinner (any other alcoholic drinks are extra)
All diving with weight system
Reserve permits

Trip Cost Excludes

Airport transfers
All airfare & airport taxes
10% Mexican Tax
All pre and post-trip hotel stays
Gear rental
Mexican tourist entry visa ($25)
$15 chamber fee, nitrox
Satellite phone calls and emails-available at nominal cost

Note A fuel surcharge may be imposed if diesel prices spike, but will be capped at a max of US$75 per passenger.

All trips depart promptly at 4:00 p.m. and return the night prior to return date on schedule below. Clients stay on board that night and disembark after breakfast the next day which ends up being the return date on the above schedule.

Normal full boat capacity is 22 divers.

Dates
2009 Dates

Jan 28 – Feb 05
Feb 07 – 15
Feb 18 – 26
Feb 28 – Mar 08
Mar 11 – 19
Mar 21 – 29
Apr 04 – 12
Apr 14 – 22
Apr 25 – May 03
May 06 – 14
May 16 – 24
Oct 31 – Nov 08
Nov 13 – 21
Nov 22 – 30
Dec 03 – 11
Dec 12 – 20
Dec 27 – Jan 04

2010 Dates

Jan 06 – 14
Jan 16 – 24
Jan 27 – Feb 04
Feb 06 – 14
Feb 16 – 24
Feb 27 – Mar 07
Mar 09 – 17
Mar 19 – 27
Mar 28 – Apr 05
Apr 07 – 15
Apr 17 – 25
Apr 27 – May 05
May 07 – 15
May 16 – 24
May 26 – Jun 03
Oct 31 – Nov 08
Nov 11 – 19
Nov 20 – 28
Dec 02 – 10
Dec 11 – 19
Dec 26 – Jan 03

Enquiry

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Socorro Islands
Socorro Islands Seasons & Conditions

The Revillagigedos Islands trips are only available November through May due to weather conditions. During these months all the mantas and sharks are plentiful. The water temps are 75F – 80F in November, December, beginning of January and late April and May.

In late January, February, March and the beginning of April the water varies between around 70F – 74F, but the humpback whales visit Socorro during the cooler water months. You can hear these gentle giants singing on almost every dive and as previously mentioned, underwater encounters with these whales are increasing every year.

There is really no best time to dive these islands, the diving is unsurpassed through-out the season. For divers looking for adventure, wilderness diving and the opportunity to photograph or interact with some of the planet’s biggest creatures, these islands cannot be beat!

MS Solmar V

The Solmar V is a 112’ luxury live-aboard dive vessel based in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico since 1992.
Now under new ownership, the Solmar V is a true four-season liveaboard that takes advantage of weather patterns to provide optimal diving year-round.

We journey 250 miles south of Los Cabos into the eastern Pacific Ocean to the Revillagigedos Islands – more commonly known as the Socorro Islands – to dance with the Giant Pacific manta ray, cavort with dolphins, dodge seven different species of sharks and thrill to an occasional lucky interaction with the migrating humpback whale population. This is remote, adventure diving at its finest.

The Sea of Cortez is one of the youngest and most fertile seas on earth, containing over 850 species of reef fish, as well as the famous flying mobulas and an assortment of schooling pelagics and tropicals. We’ve been diving the Sea of Cortez for over 25 years, and we call it home.

In August and September, we are based in Ensenada, Mexico and follow the ultimate apex predator to Guadalupe Island, 180 miles offshore. This is rapidly becoming the world’s best location to dive in custom-built shark cages with great white sharks. Because we use hookah instead of scuba tanks on these trips, you do not need to be a certified scuba diver to enjoy the rush of going eyeball to eyeball with a 16′ great white shark.

Diving with Great White Sharks! MS Solmar V, Isla Guadalupe, Mexico

Tim — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 09:32:55 +0000

Solmar V, in conjunction with Great White Adventures, offers submersible cage diving on our Isla Guadalupe expeditions.

Isla Guadalupe, Mexico is the marquis destination for viewing Great White Sharks. it has a reputation as the world’s best place to encounter these animals and is home to arguably the most prolific population of Great Whales on earth.

The MV Solmar V in Isla Guadalupe

The waters surrounding the island are a Mexican national biosphere reserve, and we are a proud partner in marine conservation and research.

Isla Guadalupe is a utopia for photographers, videographers and shark fans who long for pristine views and close encounters. The sharks here are mostly large sub-adults between 8′-15′ and do not bear many mating scars, which makes them makes them perfect models for your camera. Larger mature female sharks typically begin arriving at the island in October. Visibility is exceptional, averaging 90-100 ft. or more and water temperatures are 65-72 degrees.

The submersible cage allows us to descend a little further into the world of the Great White Shark. Although the submersible cage is only 20′ below the surface of the water, it provides a completely different perspective to your Great White Shark diving experience. A Great White Adventures safety diver escorts one diver at a time on these 20-minute dives. We rotate all divers who wish to experience the submersible cage as many times as conditions will allow. The view offered by the submersible cage is a photographers’ dream come true. You are actually surrounded on all sides by the apex predator of the sea. We have had an exceptional response from our guests about how phenomenal this experience is. Both professional and amateur photographers rave about the different angles available to capture the mighty Great White Sharks of Isla Guadalupe.

Total itinerary is 4 nights on Solmar V returning to San Diego on Day 05 and includes all meals, snacks, soft drinks and beer. While on the Solmar V, you will enjoy gourmet dining daily and wine will be served with dinner. Hope to see you aboard!

Itinerary

Day 00 / Arrive San Diego by today

Day 01 / San Diego – Ensenada – Solmar V – Guadalupe
Luxury motor coach transfer to Ensenada, Mexico at 9 am arriving to SOLMAR V by 12 noon with immediate departure to Guadalupe Island.

Day 02 / Arrive Guadalupe – cage diving
Arrive early morning to Guadalupe Island and after setting up the cages and starting the chum line, we start rotating teams into the cages. Cage diving all day.

Days 03 & 04 / Guadalupe – cage diving – return to Ensenada
Cage diving all day to your hearts content with plenty of great photo opportunities. Remember we also have a 2 man cage that is lowered 20 ft. for a different perspective. Must be certified for this cage and you are accompanied by one of our shark experts. Start back to Ensenada at the end of Day 04.

Day 05 / Ensenada – San Diego
Arrive to port mid-day where the luxury motor coach will be waiting to take you back to San Diego. Return time to San Diego is between 4 – 6 pm depending on border traffic. We recommend arranging your flights after 8 pm this evening or the next day. We can help with hotel arrangements this evening or you can book your own at one of the online agencies such as Expedia or Travelocity.

Trip Cost

5D Trip Cost

US$2,900 Per Person

Inclusions / Exclusions

Trip Cost Includes

Return bus transfer San Diego – Ensenada – San Diego
Accommodation in double occupancy stateroom with private head/shower
3 gourmet meals per day, snacks, beverages including soft drinks, beer and wine with dinner (any other alcoholic drinks are extra)
All diving with weight system
Reserve permits

Trip Cost Excludes

All airfare & airport taxes
10% Mexican Tax
All pre and post-trip hotel stays
Gear rental
Mexican tourist entry visa ($25)
Satellite phone calls and emails-available at nominal cost

Note A fuel surcharge may be imposed if diesel prices spike, but will be capped at a max of US$75 per passenger.

Departure Dates

2009

Jul 28 – Aug 01
Aug 02 – 06
Aug 07 – 11
Aug 12 – 16
Aug 17 – 21
Aug 22 – 26
Sep 01 – 05
Sep 06 – 10
Sep 13 – 17
Sep 18 – 22
Sep 23 – 27
Sep 28 – Oct 02
Oct 03 – 07
Oct 08 – 12
Oct 13 – 17

2010

Dates to be advised

Enquiry Form

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Solmar V