Open water diver

Sharks & Mantas

November - June

Mexico

UD Rating – 4.5 Star

Solmar V

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

Solmar V offers thrilling liveaboard adventures to the Revillagigedo Archipelago (Socorro, San Benedicto, Roca Partida, and Clarión), as well as the Sea of Cortez and combination routes. Divers enjoy up to four dives daily, encountering giant mantas, dolphins, sharks, and occasional whales during crossings and open-ocean explorations.

At 112 ft, Solmar V is a steel-hulled liveaboard designed for comfort and endurance. She accommodates 22 guests in 12 air-conditioned cabins with ensuite bathrooms. Onboard features include a shaded dive deck, camera and charging stations, Nitrox-only diving, and two tenders. Powered by twin 500 hp engines, Solmar V cruises steadily through Mexico’s most remote diving regions.

Single Cabin

The single cabin on the boat is a private room that provides a cozy and comfortable environment for solo travelers.

  • Single bed
  • Air conditioning
  • Private bathroom

Standard Cabin

The main difference between the standard and superior cabins is the location and size of the cabin. Both categories have the same amenities. The standard rooms are located in the bow of the boat and the superior rooms are in the middle.

  • Twin beds
  • Air conditioning
  • Private bathroom

Superior Cabin

The main difference between the standard and superior cabins is the location and size of the cabin. Both categories have the same amenities. The standard rooms are located in the bow of the boat and the superior rooms are in the middle.

  • 2 Double beds
  • 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.

15 Days 14 Nights

Day 1 – Check-in in Cabo San Lucas
Guests begin their journey in Cabo San Lucas with check-in and luggage drop-off at the El Tesoro Hotel between 11:00 AM and 4:30 PM. The land crew is on hand to assist with registration, luggage tagging, and equipment rental fittings. Those staying at other hotels may still complete check-in and leave their luggage at El Tesoro before enjoying the afternoon in town or at one of the partner restaurants. All guests are required to return to the check-in room by 6:00 PM for group transfer to the Solmar V. Boarding is only possible after the check-in process is completed, and all luggage must be handed over before 4:30 PM, as bags cannot be taken directly to the vessel.

Day 2 – Navigation to the Revillagigedo Islands
The Solmar V departs Cabo San Lucas and begins its voyage toward the remote Revillagigedo Archipelago. Guests enjoy a full day at sea as the vessel makes its way to the first diving destination.

Days 3 to 7 – Diving the Socorro Islands
Over the next five days, guests immerse themselves in world-class diving at the Socorro Islands. With three to four dives scheduled daily, the itinerary includes iconic sites such as The Canyon, The Boiler, Socorro, and the dramatic pinnacle of Roca Partida.

Day 8 – Navigation to the Sea of Cortez
The Solmar V sets course back toward the Sea of Cortez. Guests enjoy a day at sea, relaxing on board as the crew prepares for the next stage of diving adventures.

Days 9 to 14 – Diving in the Sea of Cortez
The following six days are dedicated to exploring some of the most renowned dive sites in the Sea of Cortez, weather and sea conditions permitting. The adventure begins at Cabo Pulmo, followed by dives at Cerralvo Island, Isla San José, Las Ánimas, El Bajo, and Espiritu Santo. Each day offers a different underwater experience, from vibrant reefs to pelagic encounters.

Day 15 – Disembarkation in Cabo San Lucas
The Solmar V returns to Marina del Rey in Cabo San Lucas at approximately 7:30 AM. After breakfast, guests disembark between 7:30 and 8:30 AM, concluding their liveaboard expedition.

Vessel Details

Year Built / Refurbished Built in 1980 / Renovated in 2006
Length & Width 29.44 meters x 7.24 meters
Cruising speed 9.5 to 11 knots
Engines Two 500 HP Detroit
No. of cabins 12
Water capacity 4,920 liters
Fuel capacity 35,000 liters
Fresh water maker 227.12 liters per hour
Navigation and safety Crew trained in First Aid , Depth sounders (crew only) , EPIRB Distress system , Emergency Rafts , Alarm & Fire Extinguishers , Emergency Oxygen , Life Vests , Radio VHF / DSC / SSB
Tenders 2 Suzuki
DIN / Yoke adaptors Available
Nitrox Available
Tech diving Yes, on full charter
Rebreather friendly Yes, on full charter
Rinse hoses Available
Dive deck Available
Camera and charging station Available
BCD 75 USD per 7 nights, 80 USD per 8 nights, 85 USD per 10 nights
Regulator 75 USD per 7 nights, 80 USD per 8 nights, 85 USD per 10 nights
Wetsuit 75 USD per 7 nights, 80 USD per 8 nights, 85 USD per 10 nights
Hooded vest 35 USD per 7 nights, 40 USD per 8 nights, 45 USD per 10 nights
Mask 35 USD per 7 nights, 40 USD per 8 nights, 45 USD per 10 nights
Fins 35 USD per 7 nights, 40 USD per 8 nights, 45 USD per 10 nights
Full Equipment 250 USD per 7 nights, 260 USD per 8 nights, 270 USD per 10 nights
Dive computer 100 USD per 7 nights, 105 USD per 8 nights, 110 USD per 10 nights
15Liter / 100 cubic feet tank 95 USD per 7 nights, 100 USD per 8 nights, 105 USD per 10 nights

Available Experiences

ITINERARIES AVAILABLE IN THIS DESTINATION

Marcelina

Friday, 06 December 2013

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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

Famous for schooling hammerheads, whale sharks, and marlin, El Bajo is a must-dive seamount. The site features three pinnacles rising to 59–72 ft, with drift dives often descending to around 98 ft in search of hammerheads. Divers may be surrounded by hundreds of bonitos or skipjacks, then suddenly encounter a school of hammerheads gliding past—a truly thrilling sight. Marlin and whale sharks are also frequent visitors, making El Bajo one of Baja’s most exciting big-fish destinations.

  • 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

Cerralvo

Los Cabos, Mexico

The triangle between Espiritu Santo, Carpenter Rock on the west side of Cerralvo, and Las Ventanas on the Baja peninsula is considered one of the best places in the world to witness mobula rays. This region is teeming with marine life like never before, offering unforgettable encounters with a variety of ocean giants. Guests may have the chance to see a mother blue whale and her calf, humpback whales, whale sharks, cow nose rays, and large pods of dolphins. Patience is key—sometimes it takes up to ten splashes before the mobulas allow snorkelers and freedivers into their midst—but those who wait are rewarded with truly breathtaking and intimate experiences in the water.

  • Dive Type: Boat Dive
  • Diver Level: Open Water Diver
  • Max Depth: 25m

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
17 Feb 2026
25 Feb 2026
8 Nights Socorro Islands Superior Cabin £2959
15 Mar 2026
23 Mar 2026
8 Nights Socorro Islands Superior Cabin £2959
31 Mar 2026
8 Apr 2026
8 Nights Socorro Islands Superior Cabin £2959
16 Apr 2026
26 Apr 2026
10 Nights Socorro Islands Standard Cabin £3159
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
20 May 2026
28 May 2026
8 Nights Socorro Islands Superior Cabin £2959
28 May 2026
5 Jun 2026
8 Nights Socorro Islands Superior Cabin £2959
5 Jun 2026
19 Jun 2026
14 Nights Socorro Islands & Sea of Cortez Superior Cabin £4959
22 Jun 2026
6 Jul 2026
14 Nights Socorro Islands & Sea of Cortez Superior Cabin £4959
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
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
3 Jun 2027
17 Jun 2027
14 Nights Socorro Islands & Sea of Cortez Superior Cabin £4959
17 Jun 2027
1 Jul 2027
14 Nights Socorro Islands & Sea of Cortez Superior Cabin £4959
2 Jul 2027
9 Jul 2027
7 Nights Sea of Cortez Trip Superior Cabin £2119
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
6 Jan 2028
14 Jan 2028
8 Nights Socorro Islands Superior Cabin £3079
14 Jan 2028
22 Jan 2028
8 Nights Socorro Islands Superior Cabin £3079
22 Jan 2028
30 Jan 2028
8 Nights Socorro Islands Superior Cabin £3079