Captain’s Blog and Video – schooling hammerheads and friendly giant pacific Mantas – Socorro

Enroute to Socorro from the Sea of Cortez, Baja California, Mexico
After a few days exploring the Sea of Cortez we are now back in the open Pacific ocean and again in search of more big animals. We emerged from the Sea of Cortez near Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and gradually began feeling the change in motion of the Nautilus as we passed from the more sheltered waters into the gently rolling swell of the Pacific. With a fairly large swell forecast we first headed westward, and not in the direction of the Socorro Islands, in order to gain a better angle on the expected swell. We are now back on course with the big rolling swells passing under us from the stern making for a very comfortable ride. Our first stop tomorrow morning will be the island of San Benedicto, well known for its schooling hammerheads and friendly giant pacific Mantas. With 10 days of diving still left in this expedition we will have lots of time to explore all 4 of the Socorro Islands, including the rarely visited Clarion Island. Updates from Isla San Benedicto to come tomorrow, so stay tuned!
Captain Gordon Kipp
Weather: Swell WNW 10ft at 15seconds, wind N 10-15kts, skies mostly clear, air temp 22C