Diving off Archipelago Revillagigo, also known as Socorro Islands is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. In every single dive, there was something mind-blowing to see. Manta Rays were galore! Sharks and friendly dolphins coming by to say hello. I could not have asked for more.
Let’s get into the details of my trip to the Socorro Islands.
Aboard the Nautilus Undersea
It all started when a friend and divemaster narrated his experience of this place. I was truly enthralled. Little did I know that a wish for a new experience would turn out to be the adventure of a lifetime. After being carried across the Pacific Ocean in what was the most pleasant 24 hours of travel I’ve ever had, we anchored for the night in darkness. Only a good night’s sleep separated us from the beginning of an underwater adventure where I would be swimming with beings from another world.
Diving off Socorro Island
Early in the morning we donned our diving gear and descended into a world far away from any I had seen before in my past diving trips. Within minutes I was in an environment that I had only dreamt of before.
First, I was welcomed by the shear rock formations of San Benedicto which is the home of beautiful healthy and sparking coral, curious swimming trumpet fish, star fish of many kinds, sea anemones, and tropical fish of so many colors and varieties that it boggles the mind. As I absorbed the beauty of the rock formations and these gentle creatures, I felt the light dim for a moment. I looked up to see a winged beauty, a lovely and majestic Giant Manta coming to investigate us, aliens from another world that had come to invade her home.
Within minutes of her graceful passing, I also saw other magnificent beings, sharks of many varieties including silver and white-tipped, Galapagos, and tiger sharks, disinterestedly passing us by as if we were too insignificant to deserve any special attention from these awesome life forms.
It’s funny but if somebody had asked me before the trip what was my favorite dive ever, I would have had to wrack my brains for an answer. But today, I am very clear about it. My top dives underwater have been right here in Socorro with the crew of Under Sea Hunters. From Octopi everywhere…they don´t advertise that part…Hammerheads, Galapagos, whitetips, silvertips, and silky sharks, to the most majestic mantas you will ever dive with – you get it all here.
I also want to mention the friendliest bottlenose dolphins you can ever find swimming by at a touching distance. Did I mention seeing breaching humpback whales throughout the day on the surface? That was the icing on the cake.
Overall, An Ethereal Experience
This trip has changed me in ways I never expected. I feel that I have become a part of a much bigger world, a diverse world where I am not only a small part but also have a responsibility to protect, both through my behavior and advocacy. This will not be my last visit but the next time I will come with reverence only made possible by a new appreciation of how vast and welcoming the ocean world can be for those willing to be humbled.
Great Hospitality
This great trip would not have been possible without the professionalism, knowledge, and friendliness of the crew, the amazing food, and the comfortable accommodation. 5 stars all the way around!!!!
