Giant Mantas at Socorro Island- Nautilus Liveaboards

Socorro Island: Loads of sharks and incredible giant mantas.

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 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.

Socorro Schedule & Rates

“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

Socorro Photo & Video Gallery

Check out our Socorro galleries for more photos, and videos, and our blog for the stories!

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

Overall it was (again) an amazing experience: Excellent ship, tasty food, professional and helpful crew, and above all great dives with the gentle giant mantas and playful dolphins. The last 15 years we’ve dived all over the world, but Socorro is definitely one of our favourite places.

Dec 2017