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 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.

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. 

• Featured in movies and used to make documentaries
• Fewer guests ensure a streamlined and stress-free experience
• “Eat, sleep, dive, repeat" ethos with up to four tanks per day

Southern Sport is a sleek and fast dive liveaboard built in the USA, capable of tackling remote destinations such as Socorro. This vessel’s elegant style has seen it featured in movies, while its impressive functionality mean it is also utilised for documentaries. Relaxed social spaces and cosy cabins create an atmosphere of laid-back comfort, while the experienced crew are experts at delivering dream experiences from the peripheries, appearing when needed before fading once again into the backdrop.

As one of the region's most spacious options, holding fewer guests than most liveaboards its size, Southern Sport guarantees stress-free scuba diving from start to finish – complete with camera facilities, nitrox fills, and more. 

Whilst on board Southern Sport, guests will enjoy an "eat, sleep, dive, repeat" experience, with up to four dives per day, interspersed with marine megafauna snorkelling activities during surface intervals.

• Ex-fishing boat that now embarks on adventurous diving expeditions
• Completely refitted with scuba diving and citizen science in mind
• Well-designed dive deck doubles up as a research lab

Quino El Guardian is an ex-fishing boat that now embarks on adventurous diving expeditions as part of the Mexico Liveaboards fleet. Since its humble beginnings, this vessel has been completely refitted with scuba diving and citizen science in mind, promising engaging and action-packed experiences off Mexico’s Pacific coast. With a focus on research and education, Quino El Guardian does away with unnecessary frills on the surface, but packs in plenty of extra thrills beneath the waves.

This vessel’s well-designed dive deck doubles up as a research lab and comes complete with convenient showers, lavatories and a spacious camera table. Equipment rental, nitrox fills and even nitrox courses can also be provided at an additional cost.

Guests exploring with Quino el Guardian can dive and live alongside marine biologists, conservationists and industry experts, both learning from them and assisting with their research, with absolutely no minimum requirements for participation.

• 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 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.

The homely 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.

Solmar V features one of the only 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.

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 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.

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.