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Sharks & Mantas

Nov-June

Mexico

UD Rating – 4 Star

Solmar V

Experience Socorro with Solmar V and discover why it is a dream dive destination for divers around the world

Solmar V is a 34 metre boat that takes you to the top dive sites around Socorro and the Sea of Cortez. The experienced crew know the best dive spots and provide expert guidance during your trip.

Solmar V offers a range of trip durations with two exciting routes to choose from, ensuring there's something for everyone. Led by an experienced captain, a friendly crew, and knowledgeable dive masters, you’ll be guided every step of the way. They’re always on hand to answer any questions or provide assistance with the boat or the itinerary, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience!

Solmar V comfortably accommodates 22 guests. All cabins come with an air conditioning unit with individual climate controls, storage and an en-suite shower room. The food aboard is a variety of local and international cuisine suiting the needs of most customers, any dietary requirements must be stated at the time of booking so the chef can adhere to any guest’s needs.

The large dining area is equipped with tables and chairs providing ample space for divers to enjoy their meals throughout the day. This is also a great place for divers to catch up at the end of each day to discuss their diving experiences. The sun deck is equipped with tables and chairs making it the perfect place to relax after a long day’s diving. The dive deck has individual gear lockers, camera tables, and showers. Most dives are done from inflatable pangas, depending on the dive site.

Single Cabin

The single cabin on the Solmar V is a private room that provides a cozy and comfortable environment for solo travelers. The cabin is air-conditioned with an ensuite bathroom and has storage space for personal belongings.

  • Single bed
  • Air conditioning
  • Private bathroom

Standard Cabin

Each Standard Cabin on the Solmar V features two twin size beds (bunk style), storage space for personal belongings, and an ensuite bathroom. Every bathroom is stocked with eco-friendly and biodegradable toiletries. Air conditioning is also included.

  • Twin beds
  • Air conditioning
  • Private bathroom

Superior Cabin

The Superior Cabin on Solmar V has bunk-style beds, storage space for personal belongings, and an ensuite bathroom. Every bathroom is stocked with eco-friendly and biodegradable toiletries. Air conditioning is also included.

  • Double and single bed
  • Air conditioning
  • Private bathroom

Route Options

Born from volacanoes, Socorro is one of four islands that make up the Revillagigedo Archipelago, They sit in a unique geographical location that attracts some of the most mesmerising marine life in the world.

From giant manta rays, 10+ shark species, dolphins, to the occasional whale. Experience Socorro with Solmar V and discover why it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and dream dive destination for divers around the world.

The Socorro Islands, also known as the Revillagigedo Archipelago, consists of San Benedicto Island, Socorro Island, Roca Partida and Clarion. They are wild, remote and unpredictable. Giant mantas, humpback whales, playful dolphins, tuna, over 7 shark species, and the occasional orca gives you the best animal diving on earth! San Benedicto is home to the famous dive site 'Boiler' where friendly Giant Pacific Mantas gather as well as humpback whales and hammerhead sharks. Roca Partida is a small pinnacle where shelves give refuge to many creatures such as sleeping whitetip sharks. Socorro Island's sealife include the mantas that endlessly circle the island gorging themselves on the plankton rich and crystal-clear blue waters that surround the Volcano.

The Socorro season runs from November to May every year.

Sample Itinerary:

Day 1: Meet & Greet
Day 2: Navigation
Day 3: Check in Dive + 3 Dives
Day 4: 3-4 Dives
Day 5: 3-4 Dives
Day 6: 3-4 Dives
Day 7: Navigation
Day 8: Disembark in the morning after breakfast

15 Days 14 Nights

The ocean habitat of the Sea of Cortez supports super-pods of over 1,000 dolphins, vast schools of acrobatic mobula rays, and thriving colonies of sea lions along its rugged coastline. Nearly 900 fish species inhabit these waters, including 77 found nowhere else on Earth. At least 26 seabird species breed on the region’s islands. The Sea of Cortez also serves as a vital feeding and breeding ground for large marine mammals, including blue, humpback, gray, sperm, pilot, Baird’s beaked, and Bryde’s whales.DAY 1 Embarking at San Jose´ del Cabo

DAY 2 Diving Cabo Pulmo National Park
DAY 3 Diving La Reina & La Reinita
DAY 4 Diving Isla Espi´ritu Santo: Roca Swany + Ferry Salvatierra
DAY 5 Diving Isla Espi´ritu Santo: Fang Ming + C59
DAY 6 Diving San Francisquito
DAY 7 Diving Las Animas
DAY 8 Diving Loreto: Isla Danzante + Isla del Carmen
DAY 9 Diving Loreto: Isla Coronado
DAY 10 Navigation to Isla San Pedro Martir with Ocean Safari
DAY 11 Diving San Pedro Martir
DAY 12 Diving Isla Salsipuedes
DAY 13 Bahi´a de los A´ngeles: Snorkel Whale Sharks + 2 Sea Lions Dives
DAY 14 Diving Angel de la Guardia
DAY 15 Disembark at Puerto Pen~asco

15 Days 14 Nights

In Magdalena Bay, guests witness the breathtaking natural phenomenon of the Sardine Run—a dramatic display of marine life as striped gray whales, humpback whales, blue whales, bait balls, marlins, sea lion colonies, mobula rays, and sea lions hunt massive schools of sardines.

Wildlife encounters take place aboard small pangas operated by local companies, providing an authentic and sustainable snorkeling experience while directly supporting the local community.

The journey continues to the Socorro Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most celebrated diving destinations. Over seven days, with up to four dives per day, divers encounter giant manta rays, more than ten species of sharks, dolphins, and the extraordinary pelagic life of the Eastern Pacific Ocean.

Day 1 - Boarding at Cabo San Lucas (18:00 PM)
Day 2 - Isla Santa Margarita (USS H-1 o Indiana) (Día 2 buceos, 1 buceo de check in)
Day 3 - Bahia Magdalena (Ocean Safary y Bait ball full day with local pangas)
Day 4 - Bahia Magdalena (Ocean Safary y Bait ball full day with local pangas)
Day 5 - Bahia Magdalena (Ocean Safary y Bait ball full day with local pangas)
Day 6 - Navitation to Roca Partida (Revillagigedo)
Day 7 - Roca Partida (3-4 dives)
Day 8 - Roca Partida (3-4 dives)
Day 9 - Isla Socorro (3-4 dives)
Day 10 - Isla Socorro (3 dives- Naval inspection)
Day 11 - Isla Socorro (3-4 dives)
Day 12 - Isla San Benedicto (3-4 dives)
Day 13 - Isla San Benedicto (3-4 dives)
Day 14 - Navigation to Cabo San Lucas
Day 15 - Disembarking at Cabo San Lucas (08:30 AM)

8 Days 7 Nights

Guests aboard the Solmar V are invited to explore the breathtaking underwater world of the Sea of Cortez, famously dubbed “The Aquarium of the World” by Jacques Cousteau. This region is renowned for its vibrant coral reefs, dramatic underwater rock formations, and extraordinary marine biodiversity. From playful sea lions to majestic hammerhead sharks, the Sea of Cortez delivers crystal-clear waters and unforgettable wildlife encounters, making it an exceptional destination for divers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Day 1: Embarkation
Guests board the vessel at the designated meeting point at the Fuel Dock in Marina Puerto Los Cabos, with embarkation beginning at 5:00 PM. The vessel departs the marina at 7:00 PM to begin the journey.

Days 2–7: Diving (weather and sea conditions permitting)
Day 2: Diving at Cabo Pulmo
Day 3: Diving at Cerralvo Island
Day 4: Diving at Isla San José
Day 5: Diving at Las Ánimas
Day 6: Diving at El Bajo
Day 7: Diving at Espíritu Santo
Day 8: Disembarkation
The vessel returns to Marina Puerto Los Cabos at approximately 8:30 AM. Guests are asked to disembark after breakfast, between 7:30 and 8:30 AM.

Vessel Details

Year Built / Refurbished Built in 1980 / Renovated in 2006
Length & Width 34m x 7m
Speed 10 knots
Engines 2 x detroit twin turbo engines with 500 hp each
Generators 2 x detriot 6-71 with delco ac 75kw
Communication & Navigation Systems Satellite navigation system, E.P.I.R.B. Distress System, compass, video depth sounder, GPS, Radio VHF/DSC/SSB
Entertainment TV/DVD, surround sound entertainment system and presentations
Emergency Equipment Oxygen system, Medic First Aid Kit aboard
Air Compressors 3 × bauer air compressors
Equipment Rental Equipment rental available - see price list below
Dive Deck Spacious dive deck with individual gear lockers
Equipment Rental Hood: USD24
Equipment Rental The equipment rental prices listed above are per person per trip and are payable to Amigos del Mar directly
BCD $70-$90 per trip
Regulator $70-$90 per trip
Dive Computer $95-$115 per trip
Wetsuit 5mm $70-$90 per trip
Mask $30-$50 per trip
Fins $30-$50 per trip
Full Equipment - Dive computer not included $240-$280 per trip

Available Experiences

ITINERARIES AVAILABLE IN THIS DESTINATION

Marcelina

Friday, 06 December 2013

Fabulous Fiji by Marcelina Jesus on Sport Diver Magazine

Lured by the promise of world-class reefs and adrenaline-fueled shark encounters Marcelina Jesus ventures to the wild islands of Fiji.

Fabulous Fiji by Marcelina Jesus on Sport Diver Magazine

What Our Customers Have To Say

Reviews from our Clients, Journalists, Photo Pro's and our own Experts

Our reviews and blogs are an additional guide to evaluate of the holiday is exactley what you are looking for or not. Some love an Eco-Resort, some love air-con and a flat screen TV, we aim to ensure you get what you are looking for, at great value for money.

The Boiler

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

"The Boiler" at San Benedicto is world-renowned for the up-close and personal encounters divers experience with the Giant Pacific manta ray. This pelagic, which is a relative of the shark, can grow to a wingspan of over twenty feet, yet they are gentle giants. Mantas commonly greet divers upon their arrival and stay as long as there are divers around.

  • Dive Type: Boat Dive
  • Diver Level: Open Water Diver
  • Max Depth: 35

The Canyon

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Located on the south side of San Benedicto, The Canyon is likely to provide you with more unforgettable experiences with marine mega-fauna. Mantas are often seen here too! Sharks are more the order of the day at The Canyon with healthy numbers of silky sharks, Galapagos sharks and hammerhead sharks being the most frequently sighted. While the silkies and Galapagos sharks may travel solo or in small groups, the hammerheads can be present in vast schools. There are also swirling clouds of reef fish cascading up and down the slope, and always a chance of a passing pod of dolphins, making it a great site for photography.

  • Dive Type: Boat Dive
  • Diver Level: Open Water Diver
  • Max Depth: 30

Cabo Pearce

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Cabo Pearce is located on the east side of Socorro Island. Look around immediately after you roll in – you might be surrounded by bottlenose dolphins. And if you are even luckier, they might be in the mood for company. Nothing is better than spending your whole dive with 20 to 30 friendly dolphins. But don't despair if the cetaceans are scarce –this is a great site for sharks, particularly whale sharks and there are plenty of giant manta rays.

  • Dive Type: Boat Dive
  • Diver Level: Open Water Diver
  • Max Depth: 30

The Aquarium

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

On the east of the island is a site popular with macro photographers – given its name it is no suprise that there are plenty of fish. The garish orange Clarion angelfish form large schools – the juveniles have bright blue flashes which fade as they mature. Lots of red-tailed triggerfish and crosshatch triggerfish roam this site.

  • Dive Type: Boat Dive
  • Diver Level: Open Water Diver
  • Max Depth: 18

El Fondeadero

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

El Fondeadero is often dove first. It's generally pretty calm and not too deep so its where some boats go checkout dive. There are three large pinnacles full of lobster, fish, eels and occasionally shark.

  • Dive Type: Boat Dive
  • Diver Level: Open Water Diver
  • Max Depth: 18

Roca Partida

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Roca is a guano covered pinnacle about 85 miles from San Benedicto Island. As long as a football field, the pinnacle is in the middle of nowhere and is a magnet to pelagics. This is where Imany sharks, mantas, huge schools of fish, and whalesharks have been seen on past trips. Mantas, sharks and large schools of skip jack and yellowtail can also be seen.

  • Dive Type: Boat Dive
  • Diver Level: Open Water Diver
  • Max Depth: 40

El Bajo

Los Cabos, Mexico

El Bajo is well known to have hammerhead sharks, whale sharks and marlin. There are three seamounts and even the pinnacles of the reefs are still 59 to 72 ft of deep. Mostly we do drift dives here from one of the pinnacle to 98 ft aiming to see hammerhead sharks.

During diving here, you can be surrounded by hundreds of bonitos or skip jacks. Then a hundred of parent-child hammerhead sharks pass by you snaking their head and body! It is a thrilling experience!

Besides that, you can see marlin passing in front of you and whale sharks swimming passing you on the way to descent or ascent. “El Bajo” is captivating with so many gorgeous big-fish, it is so hard to take a break until you get back on board.

  • Dive Type:
  • Diver Level: Open Water Diver
  • Max Depth: 22m

Las Animas

Los Cabos, Mexico

A diving point only reachable by diving liveaboard trips.
Longnose hawkfish and giant diamond stingrays swimming around various kinds of sea fans.Big eye trevallies swirl around and hummber heads and sea tutles come around.

  • Dive Type: Boat Dive
  • Diver Level: Open Water Diver
  • Max Depth: 9.5m

Fang Ming Wreck

Los Cabos, Mexico

The Fang Ming was a Chinese ship of 54 meters in length that served to transport illegal immigrants; therefore it was confiscated by the government of Mexico. After a while, in 1999 it was sunk by the government in order to create an artificial reef.The Fang Ming was a Chinese ship of 54 meters in length that served to transport illegal immigrants; therefore it was confiscated by the government of Mexico. After a while, in 1999 it was sunk by the government in order to create an artificial reef.



Sea turtles common.

  • Dive Type: Wreck Dive
  • Diver Level: Open Water Diver
  • Max Depth: 22m

La Reina

Los Cabos, Mexico

Rock formation, north of Cerralvo Island. This site is one of the most beautiful in the area. There you will be able to dive with giant manta rays, mackerel bull, turtles, numerous schools of tropical fish offering unforgettable color shows, a variety of corals and more.

  • Dive Type: Boat Dive
  • Diver Level: Open Water Diver
  • Max Depth: 25m
Dates Duration Route Room Type Price
16 Jun 2025
25 Jun 2025
9 Nights Socorro Islands Superior Cabin £3079
4 Jul 2025
11 Jul 2025
7 Nights Sea of Cortez Trip Superior Cabin £2000
28 Dec 2025
6 Jan 2026
9 Nights Socorro Islands Superior Cabin £3359
6 Jan 2026
14 Jan 2026
8 Nights Socorro Islands Superior Cabin £2959
30 Jan 2026
9 Feb 2026
10 Nights Socorro Islands Superior Cabin £3319
9 Feb 2026
17 Feb 2026
8 Nights Socorro Islands Superior Cabin £2959
25 Feb 2026
5 Mar 2026
8 Nights Socorro Islands Standard Cabin £2799
15 Mar 2026
23 Mar 2026
8 Nights Socorro Islands Superior Cabin £2959
31 Mar 2026
8 Apr 2026
8 Nights Socorro Islands Standard Cabin £2799
8 Apr 2026
16 Apr 2026
8 Nights Socorro Islands Superior Cabin £2959
26 Apr 2026
4 May 2026
8 Nights Socorro Islands Superior Cabin £2959
4 May 2026
12 May 2026
8 Nights Socorro Islands Superior Cabin £2959
12 May 2026
20 May 2026
8 Nights Socorro Islands Superior Cabin £2959
28 May 2026
5 Jun 2026
8 Nights Socorro Islands Superior Cabin £2959
9 Jul 2026
16 Jul 2026
7 Nights Sea of Cortez Trip Superior Cabin £2000
16 Jul 2026
23 Jul 2026
7 Nights Sea of Cortez Trip Superior Cabin £2000
23 Jul 2026
30 Jul 2026
7 Nights Sea of Cortez Trip Superior Cabin £2000
9 Sep 2026
23 Sep 2026
14 Nights Sea of Cortez Unlimited Superior Cabin £4159
25 Sep 2026
9 Oct 2026
14 Nights Sea of Cortez Unlimited Superior Cabin £4159
16 Oct 2026
30 Oct 2026
14 Nights Magdalena Bay & Socorro Islands Superior Cabin £4959
1 Nov 2026
9 Nov 2026
8 Nights Socorro Islands Superior Cabin £2959
9 Nov 2026
17 Nov 2026
8 Nights Socorro Islands Superior Cabin £2959
25 Nov 2026
3 Dec 2026
8 Nights Socorro Islands Superior Cabin £2959
3 Dec 2026
13 Dec 2026
10 Nights Socorro Islands Superior Cabin £3319
13 Dec 2026
21 Dec 2026
8 Nights Socorro Islands Superior Cabin £2959
21 Dec 2026
29 Dec 2026
8 Nights Socorro Islands Superior Cabin £3359
29 Dec 2026
6 Jan 2027
8 Nights Socorro Islands Superior Cabin £3359
6 Jan 2027
14 Jan 2027
8 Nights Socorro Islands Superior Cabin £3079
14 Jan 2027
22 Jan 2027
8 Nights Socorro Islands Superior Cabin £3079
22 Jan 2027
30 Jan 2027
8 Nights Socorro Islands Superior Cabin £3079
30 Jan 2027
7 Feb 2027
8 Nights Socorro Islands Superior Cabin £3079
17 Feb 2027
25 Feb 2027
8 Nights Socorro Islands Superior Cabin £3079
25 Feb 2027
6 Mar 2027
9 Nights Socorro Islands Superior Cabin £3239
6 Mar 2027
14 Mar 2027
8 Nights Socorro Islands Superior Cabin £3079
14 Mar 2027
22 Mar 2027
8 Nights Socorro Islands Superior Cabin £3079
22 Mar 2027
30 Mar 2027
8 Nights Socorro Islands Superior Cabin £3079
30 Mar 2027
7 Apr 2027
8 Nights Socorro Islands Superior Cabin £3079
7 Apr 2027
16 Apr 2027
9 Nights Socorro Islands Superior Cabin £3239
16 Apr 2027
24 Apr 2027
8 Nights Socorro Islands Superior Cabin £3079
24 Apr 2027
2 May 2027
8 Nights Socorro Islands Superior Cabin £3079
2 May 2027
10 May 2027
8 Nights Socorro Islands Superior Cabin £3079
10 May 2027
18 May 2027
8 Nights Socorro Islands Superior Cabin £3079
18 May 2027
26 May 2027
8 Nights Socorro Islands Superior Cabin £3079
26 May 2027
3 Jun 2027
8 Nights Socorro Islands Superior Cabin £3079
9 Jul 2027
16 Jul 2027
7 Nights Sea of Cortez Trip Superior Cabin £2119
16 Jul 2027
23 Jul 2027
7 Nights Sea of Cortez Trip Superior Cabin £2119
23 Jul 2027
30 Jul 2027
7 Nights Sea of Cortez Trip Superior Cabin £2119
9 Sep 2027
23 Sep 2027
14 Nights Sea of Cortez Unlimited Superior Cabin £4159
25 Sep 2027
9 Oct 2027
14 Nights Sea of Cortez Unlimited Superior Cabin £4159
16 Oct 2027
30 Oct 2027
14 Nights Magdalena Bay & Socorro Islands Superior Cabin £5519
1 Nov 2027
9 Nov 2027
8 Nights Socorro Islands Superior Cabin £3079
9 Nov 2027
17 Nov 2027
8 Nights Socorro Islands Superior Cabin £3079
17 Nov 2027
25 Nov 2027
8 Nights Socorro Islands Superior Cabin £3079
25 Nov 2027
3 Dec 2027
8 Nights Socorro Islands Superior Cabin £3079
13 Dec 2027
21 Dec 2027
8 Nights Socorro Islands Superior Cabin £3079
21 Dec 2027
29 Dec 2027
8 Nights Socorro Islands Superior Cabin £3359
29 Dec 2027
6 Jan 2028
8 Nights Socorro Islands Superior Cabin £3359