NCRD Blog

Our Trip to the Socorro Islands

04 Apr 2011 7:41 PM | Anonymous

Rob and I just returned from an AMAZING trip to the Revillagigedo archipelago (aka Socorro islands) on the Rocio del Mar. The Revillagigedo archipelago is composed of 4 islands: San Benedicto, Socorro, Roca Partida (a rock really) and Clarion. We boarded the Rocio del Mar in San Jose del Cabo and after a 28-hour crossing, reached our first destination. The seas were rough and sea sickness medicine is highly recommended. Over 6 days of diving we visited San Benedicto, Socorro and Roca Partida. Due to the significant distance, travel between the islands occurs at night. This is deep wall diving, almost all dives were over 100 fsw with the bottom well over the limits of recreational diving. You must be comfortable doing ascents in blue water without visual reference. Currents can be strong and visibility varied between 30 to 60 feet during our trip. Water temperatures were in the high 60s to low 70s. Rob and I dived with 7mm full suits and were comfortable. These islands are famous for pelagic action with giant pacific manta rays, various shark species (hammerhead, galapagos, white tips, silver tips, silkies), dolphins and humpback whales. They all showed up on our trip!. The boat is simple but very stable and functional, the crew is great, the food is delicious, and diving is only limited in terms of duration and no deco diving is allowed. You can choose to do your own diving or follow the DMs. Nitrox is available on board (which is really necessary due to the depth of the dives), and night diving is not allowed by park regulations. We did 3 to 4 dives a day with long surface interval (at least 2 hours) either from the boat or from the zodiacs. These islands are very isolated so it is important to dive conservatively; the closest chamber is in Cabo San Lucas. Diving there is definitely for experienced divers.

I posted a selection of photos on my profile for your enjoyment.

Happy diving!

Christophe

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