You can see mantas in many places around the world. But nowhere else boasts a population of giant mantas that literally seek out interaction with divers and snorkellers. The behaviour these giant mantas exhibit is almost inexplicable. These gentle giants with a wingspan up to 20 feet consistently approach divers for intimate eye-to-eye encounters. If you are able to be calm and still in the water, you are almost sure to experience what we call “manta love.” While mantas are the main reason to voyage out to Socorro, there are lots of other animals to see, including schooling hammerheads and silky sharks, plus 8 other species of sharks, bottlenose dolphins that consistently hang out with divers at certain dive sites, large schools of pelagic fish, and, in season, humpback whales.
“Today was my best diving ever! Within four minutes, as I was just checking my depth, a dolphin came within arms length and wanted to play. Within seconds another 5 showed up! I think we had 15-20 on the site at one time. I believe it was an official “play date.” As I turned around to take more video of the dolphins, two mantas showed up and they were trying to imitate the dolphins by diving down and up. The dolphins and mantas stayed with us for the entire dive! This was my first time on a liveaboard dive boat and I have been so impressed with the staff and safety of the boat. The staff were there to care for our every need and they worked together very well. You could tell they really enjoy what they do. I would return to the Belle Amie again and highly recommend you give them a try. Did I mention the food was delicious!?”
– Francie R., March 2018
Your journey with us will include four dives per day (subject to weather and unforeseeable circumstances)—each an opportunity to encounter resident pods of playful dolphins. You may also see up to 10 varieties of shark: schooling scalloped hammerheads, solitary giant hammerheads, Galápagos, whitetip reef, silver-tip, silky, tiger and oceanic whitetips. The list also includes whale sharks and dusky sharks and on occasion even a thresher shark.
Wildlife Calendar
Socorro features the friendliest giant mantas in the world, humpbacks, wild pelagic dolphins and up to 10 species of sharks.
Water Temperatures & Visibility
Surface weather is similar to southern California climate. Very warm during the day, and chilly at night.
Where is Socorro?
Socorro Island is part of the Revillagigedos, a group of small islands off the coast of Baja California, Mexico. Dive sites include Socorro, San Benedicto & Roca Partida but may change due to ocean conditions. Our goal is to provide you with the best possible diving.
Nautilus Odysseys Ep. 12 – Dreaming of Dolphins
Nautilus Odysseys Ep. 13 – Here Comes The Sun
The whole crew was all very very friendly and tried their very best in every way to make our stay comfortable and memorable. We witnessed the seamless team work and the very best service was delivered. Particularly impressed with the warm face of the Captain and humour of Martyn. Friendly smiles from Peter and Syliver and Osa. I had a great time here and will sure come back for more!
Mar 2018
Everyone was exceptional, it’s quite difficult to call out anyone in specific. That being said, Silvia made the entire trip feel like we were in a five star resort, but with a personal and warm touch. Damien was exceptionally caring and worked with me and my knee injury to ensure that I not only was safe, but every dive was fun and Mario was exceptional in every interaction from the dive deck to the launch. Although everyone was amazing, they did stand out.
Feb 2018
I would also like to make a special mention of Dave. Our dive group hadn’t gotten the opportunity to see Mantas yet and he spotted one from the skiff for me and told me to jump in! It was the absolute best moment for me and it wouldn’t have happened without him! I love Chiva and The food was AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!
Feb 2018
This is my FIFTH trip aboard the Nautilus Belle Amie – 3 trips to Guadalupe/2 trips to Socorro and I already have my Guadalupe 2018 and Guadalupe 2019 trips booked. This is the Best ship and crew…always a wonderful experience…all day diving, all day food, all day fun!! Crew genuinely loves to see you and do everything they can to make your trip memorable!
Jan 2018
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Enjoy our Cabo Dive Center at the Tesoro Los Cabos. Boarding begins at 8:00 PM.
Day 2
At Sea. Evening arrival at San Benedicto Island.
Activities:
- Safety Briefing
- Diver Orientation
- Manta 101
- Cocktail Hour
Day 3
Diving Day! San Benedicto is home to the friendliest giant mantas in the world!
Activities:
- 4 dives
- Our famous Mexico Taco Fiesta on the upper deck
- Manta ID
Day 4
Dive at Socorro Island. Night snorkel with Silky Sharks.
Activities:
- 3 dives
- + Snorkeling with silky sharks under flood lights
- Manta ID
Day 5
Dive at Socorro Island.
Activities:
- 4 dives
- Shark Behaviour
- Manta ID
Day 6
Dive at Roca Partida.
Activities:
- 4 dives
- Manta ID
Day 7
Dive at Roca Partida.
Activities:
- Chase the Ace: Win the jackpot and help conservation
- Manta ID
Day 8
Voyage home. Making our way back to Los Cabos.
Activities:
- Ship shop
- Trip slide show
- Cocktail with friends
Day 9
Disembarkation at 8:30 AM.
Activities:
- We recommend that you book your return flights for 10:00 AM or later