Are you looking for a remote dive destination where you are surrounded by giant animals on every dive and feel like you’ve stepped into a marine life documentary? Or perhaps you’ve always dreamed of diving the Galapagos islands but can’t quite find the time or money to make it there? Then pack your fins, because the Revillagigedo Islands—aka the “Galápagos of Mexico”—are calling your name!
This volcanic archipelago, usually referred to as “Socorro”, is tucked away in the Pacific about 250 miles south of Baja California. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a dream for scuba divers. Let’s take a deep dive (pun intended) into why this remote paradise deserves a top spot on your scuba bucket list.
If you have any questions regarding a trip you’ve already booked or would like more information about a new booking, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
1. it’s in the middle of nowhere.
and yes, that is 100% a good thing. the only way to dive Socorro is via liveaboard, and there are only approximately 10 boats that even make it out there. this means incredible footage without hundreds of day trippers in the background. the boats typically depart from Cabo San Lucas and take about 24 hours in open water to cross over.
give a big shoutout to the genius who invented OOO auto-replies and lose yourself in the wonders of remote diving.
2. mind-blowing marine life encounters.
The Revillagigedo Islands are home to the big stuff. Think oceanic manta rays with wingspans as wide as a small airplane, pods of playful dolphins, Galapagos sharks, silkies, tigers, hammerheads, silvertips, and the list goes on.
if that’s not big enough for you, whale sharks are also frequently spotted around November and December.
still not impressed? try heading out there in February or march for higher chances of humpback encounters.
3. unique underwater topography.
The archipelago includes four main islands— San Benedicto, Roca Partida, Socorro, and Clarión. Each offers their own unique dive experience.
•San Benedicto: home to two incredible dive sites – the boiler and el canyon. the boiler is a cleaning station for manta rays much like an underwater spa, while the canyon is one of the most iconic dive sites in the region. With its mild-to-strong currents and incredible biodiversity, el canyon is full of surprises.
•Roca Partida: A lone pinnacle in the middle of the ocean, Roca Partida feels like the underwater version of a Manhattan skyscraper with thousands of residents cruising around it. Expect massive schools of jacks, tuna, and—you guessed it—sharks, sharks, sharks.
•Socorro Island: The “main” island is where you’re most likely to encounter dolphins and humpbacks.
•Clarión Island: the most remote of the Revillagigedo Islands, you will feel like you’ve journeyed to the edge of the world. The waters around Clarión are home to massive schools of jacks and tuna, and you’ll often spot hammerheads and Galápagos sharks cruising the depths.
4. the most social mantas in the world.
The manta rays here deserve their own fan club. These gentle giants aren’t just big; they’re friendly. They’ll swim up close, twirl gracefully, and even make eye contact. It’s like they know you’re here to admire them, and they’re putting on a show just for you.
