The best dive liveaboards in Socorro

Located almost 500-kilometres from the coast of Baja California, the remote Revillagigedo Archipelago is a liveaboard-only dive destination. This protected pelagic hotspot offers some of the East Pacific’s most exciting diving experiences and is a highlight on the calendar of almost all liveaboards operating off Mexico’s western coast.

But which of Socorro’s dive safari vessels is right for you? With our first-hand experience of the islands, as well as feedback from our guests, our dive travel experts have identified Socorro’s best liveaboards. Keep reading to find your favourite.

Update: The fee for entering Socorro National Park has risen, now costing $1,811 pesos per day of diving.

• The world’s first fully SOLAS certified dive ship
• Extensive soundproofing to guarantee a good night’s sleep
• Individual camera stations, nitrox fills, and rebreather assistance

The Nautilus Explorer liveaboard is another robust dive liveaboard within the Nautilus Fleet. At 40-metres long, this modern liveaboard feels more like a hotel than a motor yacht, offering cosy yet spacious interiors complete with carpets and comfortable seating. And, extensive soundproofing on board means guests are guaranteed a good night’s sleep.

Guests will find a wide choice of accommodation on board, from co-ed triple occupancy staterooms to premium suites with floor to ceiling picture windows, private lounge spaces and bathtubs. Of course, Nautilus Explorer’s comfortable amenities continue throughout the diving activities, with individual camera stations, nitrox fills, rebreather assistance, and more.

What makes Nautilus Explorer great for safety and comfort? Nautilus Explorer is the world’s first fully SOLAS certified dive ship – bringing its safety standards in line with some of the largest cruise ships in the world – while its passive stability systems provide a remarkably easy ride. 

• Brand new spacious liveaboard launching in 2025
• Designed for scuba diving and citizen science in mind
• Comfortable cabins, and plenty of space to relax in

Launching in July 2025, Quino Del Mar liveaboard is set to redefine liveaboard diving in Mexico. With 10 private staterooms, each boasting en-suite bathrooms, this 36-meter vessel offers unparalleled comfort for up to 20 divers. Designed with built-in stabilizers and spacious common areas, Quino del Mar ensures smooth sailing and a comfortable journey. Like its sister liveaboard Rocio del Mar, what sets Quino del Mar apart is its commitment to providing an intimate and personalized diving experience, combining modern amenities with top-notch diving facilities.

Quino del Mar is designed with diver comfort in mind, featuring 10 private staterooms, each accommodating two guests and equipped with en-suite bathrooms for added privacy and convenience.

What makes Quino del Mar ideal for guests looking for luxury? As well as its spacious cabins, the main deck features a spacious galley and dining room where guests can indulge in delicious meals between dives. A large salon provides a comfortable space for relaxation, equipped with entertainment options. The upper deck offers a patio area perfect for unwinding, while the top deck boasts a shaded sundeck furnished with deck chairs, ideal for soaking in panoramic ocean views.

• Stable motor yacht with plenty of room for guests to spread out
• Adventurous voyages with naturalist-led underwater exploration
• Camera facilities, nitrox fills, and up to four dives per day

Rocio del Mar liveaboard is the sibling vessel of Quino El Guardian, ensuring the same high standards expected from the Mexico Liveaboards fleet. This vessel comes well-equipped with plenty of room to spread out between dives, including indoor and outdoor relaxation spaces furnished with comfortable facilities.

When it comes to diving, this stable motor yacht offers fun and adventurous voyages packed with naturalist-led underwater exploration. The vessel’s spacious dive deck provides easy access to the custom zodiacs, and features warm showers, fresh towels and individual gear storage for maximum comfort. Experienced divers will relish the opportunity to dive up to four times a day and can also make the most of camera facilities and nitrox fills.

What makes Rocio del Mar suitable for sociable divers? The inviting communal spaces on board Rocio del Mar help to create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere that is ideal for sociable divers interested in getting to know fellow guests.

• Legendary liveaboard operated by the reputed Pacific Fleet
• Nitrox, gear storage, spacious zodiacs, and camera care stations
• Well-equipped cabins for various budgets and travel styles

Solmar V is a legendary Mexican dive liveaboard operated by the reputed Pacific Fleet. At 34-metres long, this vessel comfortably accommodates up to 22 guests in well-appointed accommodation. A variety of cabin configurations are on offer, designed to cater to differing budgets and preferences.

Divers who opt for this vessel can expect to dive up to four times a day from the spacious accompanying zodiacs, making the most of additional facilities such as nitrox, camera care stations, and complimentary nautilus lifelines.

What makes Solmar V great for solo divers? Solmar V offers one of the only dedicated single staterooms in the region, making it perfect for solo travellers. Divers travelling alone will also find this vessel’s multiple indoor and outdoor social spaces and informal atmosphere ideal for interacting with other guests.

• Seasonal marine life themed itineraries
• Superb service and some of the region's best-reviewed dining
• Nitrox, gear storage, comfortable zodiacs, and a camera table

Valentina is a striking steel-hulled vessel operating exciting dive safaris in Mexico under the flag of the Fun Azul fleet. And, while Valentina is one of the more costly liveaboards in this list, you can expect plenty of bang for every buck. For a start, the vessel boasts some of the region’s best-reviewed dining, offering a bold and ever-changing menu of Mexican, European, and Asian dishes.

This spacious and stable vessel has been a firm favourite among experienced divers in Socorro. Scuba-friendly features custom-designed zodiacs for comfortable and convenient diving, as well as warm showers, individual equipment storage, and a modern camera table with blow-dry facilities located on the dive deck. Nitrox is also available for certified guests at an additional cost.

What stands out among Valentina’s added extras? Trips aboard Valentina include one extra day of diving in Socorro, when compared to typical itineraries, as well as a range of complimentary perks including free wifi and an open bar. 

• Former research vessel completely refitted for liveaboard diving
• Well-suited to long open-ocean crossings
• Nitrox fills, rebreather assistance, and camera facilities

The fantastic Nautilus UnderSea liveaboard is a former research vessel completely refitted for liveaboard diving, delivering contemporary comfort in the remote Revillagigedo Archipelago and beyond. This stabilised, steel-hulled vessel is particularly well-suited to long open-ocean crossings, ensuring guests arrive at their diving destination feeling well-rested and ready for adventure.

Part of the respected Nautilus Fleet, this vessel caters to a variety of underwater explorers, offering diverse itineraries, intuitive signature service and convenient facilities. From nitrox fills and rebreather assistance, to huge camera preparation tables and complimentary GPS safety beacons.

What makes Nautilus UnderSea suitable for differently-abled guests? Nautilus UnderSea aims to make Mexico’s remotest destinations more accessible than ever, featuring one of the region’s only cabins compatible with adaptive-diving.