Scuba Diving in Socorro Island
General Info
Socorro Island is a world-class scuba diving destination, attracting people from all over the world with its immense marine biodiversity. Given that the Revillagigedo Archipelago is known by many as Socorro Islands, we will expand on the diving that takes place not only around the main island of Socorro but also around the other islands that make up the archipelago.
Diving Info
This wild and remote area can only be visited via liveaboard and most trips last at least seven days. The trip from the Baja Peninsula to the Socorro Islands typically takes about 24 hours. Consequently, Socorro appeals more to advanced, well-traveled divers with plenty dives under their belt and those experienced in diving in choppy waters.
While the Socorro Islands are rivaled but few other places in the world when it comes to large stuff, this is not an area for coral reefs. Don’t expect colorful reefs or critters, because you will hardly find any. Don’t bring your macro lens because you will probably not need them. But do bring your wide lens instead!
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When to Visit
Diving Conditions
The water temperature in the Socorro archipelago ranges from 23 to 27° C (75 to 82° F) depending on the time of year. The lowest water temperatures are typically recorded between January and March while the highest temperatures around Socorro can found between the months of July and October.
According to most reports, the currents are mild to moderate, but they can get very strong depending on location and time of the year. Liveaboard operators may make changes to the itinerary in case of severe diving conditions.
Visibility is typically very good in this region, but the presence of wind, rain, current, and tide can negatively affect water visibility. The average visibility is 30 meters (100 feet) but can drop to about 15 meters (50 feet).
Types of Diving
Highlights
Roca Partida
The smallest islet in the Revillagigedo/Socorro archipelago, Roca Partida is a guano-covered pinnacle that acts as a magnet for large pelagic species such as whale sharks, white tip sharks, hammerheads, manta rays, as well as huge schools of jacks and tuna.
The Boiler
Not far from the San Benedicto Island lies a large pinnacle where an interesting phenomenon occurs. The surf and swell running across the pinnacle’s top five the illusion that the water is boiling, hence the name. What makes this dive site so popular is the cleaning station where giant Pacific manta rays gather to get cleaned by the clarion angelfish. Tiger sharks and humpback whales may also make an appearance.
The Canyon
Another popular dive site off San Benedicto Island is The Canyon. The spot is popular because of the shark action; silky sharks, hammerheads, and Galapagos sharks frequently gather here, on the south side of the island. There’s also a good chance to spot dolphins.
Punta Tosca
Located off the main island of Socorro, Punta Tosca is where you can swim with the friendly dolphins, manta rays, sharks, and many other marine creatures of all sizes. It is also one of the most colorful dives in this rather colorless archipelago.
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