Shoal of fish swimming under an overhang in Socorro with a shark lurking beneath.

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The Revillagigedo Archipelago – Mexico’s Remote Dive Paradise

Socorro, part of the Revillagigedo Archipelago, lies +-400 km's (250 miles) off the coast of Mexico in the Pacific Ocean. Often called the “Mexican Galápagos”, these volcanic islands are famed for their exhilarating diving and the chance to encounter some of the ocean’s most iconic giants. With no permanent human population and only liveaboards accessing the region, the environment remains pristine, offering divers an untouched underwater wilderness.

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Why Visit Socorro?

Encounters with Ocean Giants

Socorro promises some of the most thrilling diving on the planet. With crystal-clear waters teeming with pelagic life, every dive brings the possibility of heart-stopping encounters – from gliding mantas to hunting sharks and breaching humpbacks.

Socorro is world-renowned for close, intimate interactions with oceanic manta rays, often brushing past divers with a curiosity few places on Earth can match. Alongside mantas, the islands host a staggering variety of sharks – hammerheads, silkies, Galápagos sharks, silvertips, and the occasional tiger shark. Add playful dolphins, migrating whales, and swirling schools of tuna and jacks, and you have a destination like no other.

Belly of a Manta Ray as it glides over the divers giving the perfect camera shot

Best Time to Visit

Seasons of Spectacle

Each season in Socorro offers unique highlights, making it a destination worth visiting from November through June. Whether you seek the haunting songs of humpbacks, the ballet of mantas, or the adrenaline rush of shark dives, there is always something extraordinary happening beneath the surface.

🌀 November to January

Humpback whales pass through, with hammerheads in large schools.

🌀 February to April

Peak manta encounters, with plentiful shark activity and dolphin interactions.

🌀 May to June

Calm seas, clearer water, and the possibility of whale shark sightings.

Planning a trip to Socorro means understanding its remote conditions and unique requirements. Here are answers to the most common questions:

Yes. Socorro is best suited for advanced divers due to strong currents, deep dives, and remote conditions. A minimum of 50 logged dives is usually required.

Water temperatures range from 21–28°C (70–82°F), depending on the season. A 5–7mm wetsuit is recommended, with a hooded vest in cooler months.

Generally no, Socorro is completely off-grid. Most liveaboards do not offer internet during trips, making this the perfect chance to disconnect.

All liveaboards have onboard power with standard 110V US plugs. Some vessels provide adaptors.

No, malaria is not a concern in Socorro.

Good physical fitness and strong diving skills are recommended due to challenging conditions and long days at sea.

Where to Stay

Access to Socorro is only possible by liveaboard, departing from Cabo San Lucas. Indigo Safaris offers carefully selected vessels that prioritise comfort, safety, and exceptional dive experiences. Expect spacious cabins, professional dive crews, and itineraries designed to maximise time with Socorro’s marine life.

Dolphin showing it's belly to the cameraman, head facing up with 2 other dolphins in the picture at Socorro while scuba diving.
Friendly Dolphin in the blue looking at the camera while diving in Socorro

Giving Back

By visiting Socorro, you support marine conservation in the Revillagigedo Archipelago. Strict regulations limit fishing and protect the islands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, ensuring these waters remain a sanctuary for pelagic life. Many of the liveaboards Indigo Safaris partners with contribute to ongoing research and protection projects.

Giving Back
Divers observing a "nest" of white tips reef sharks resting in an overhang in Socorro
Redtail triggerfish at Socorro while diving
Socorro Tender boat with divers coming up after the dive and an island in the background
Silver Tip Shark swimming by with reef below it at Socorro
Socorros diver hovering above the reef with shark swimming straight at him.
Octopus camoflauging itself with the reef at Socorro
Manta under belly, swimming over the camera man, diving in Socorro. The manta ray is primarily black with a large white patch on its belly.
Manta Ray swimming over a diver in Socorro
Manta gliding past the camera man, wings both up as it flies effortlessly through the water.
Manta swimming toward the camera, mandibles
Giant Manta at Socorro swimming toward camera, and heading downwards.
Manta underbelly at Socorro - mostly black with big white patch.
Guests on Nautilus boat in Socorro enjoying evening sundowners in the jacuzzi.
View of the Roca Partida outcrop around Socorro Island with the Nautilus Liveaboard next to it.
Flying Manta passing by the camera in Socorro on a dive. Like giving a high five.
2 dolphins swimming with their backs to the camera man while diving Socorro Islands
Dolphin showing it's belly to the cameraman, head facing up with 2 other dolphins in the picture at Socorro while scuba diving.
Friendly Dolphin in the blue looking at the camera while diving in Socorro
Belly of a Manta Ray as it glides over the divers giving the perfect camera shot
Shoal of fish swimming under an overhang in Socorro with a shark lurking beneath.
Divers observing a "nest" of white tips reef sharks resting in an overhang in Socorro
Redtail triggerfish at Socorro while diving
Socorro Tender boat with divers coming up after the dive and an island in the background
Silver Tip Shark swimming by with reef below it at Socorro
Socorros diver hovering above the reef with shark swimming straight at him.
Octopus camoflauging itself with the reef at Socorro
Manta under belly, swimming over the camera man, diving in Socorro. The manta ray is primarily black with a large white patch on its belly.
Manta Ray swimming over a diver in Socorro
Manta gliding past the camera man, wings both up as it flies effortlessly through the water.
Manta swimming toward the camera, mandibles
Giant Manta at Socorro swimming toward camera, and heading downwards.
Manta underbelly at Socorro - mostly black with big white patch.
Guests on Nautilus boat in Socorro enjoying evening sundowners in the jacuzzi.
View of the Roca Partida outcrop around Socorro Island with the Nautilus Liveaboard next to it.
Flying Manta passing by the camera in Socorro on a dive. Like giving a high five.
2 dolphins swimming with their backs to the camera man while diving Socorro Islands
Dolphin showing it's belly to the cameraman, head facing up with 2 other dolphins in the picture at Socorro while scuba diving.
Friendly Dolphin in the blue looking at the camera while diving in Socorro
Belly of a Manta Ray as it glides over the divers giving the perfect camera shot
Shoal of fish swimming under an overhang in Socorro with a shark lurking beneath.

Ready to dive into one of the most exhilarating underwater adventures on the planet?

Embark on the ultimate ocean adventure to one of the world’s most exhilarating dive destinations. From soaring manta rays to swirling shark schools, Socorro promises encounters that redefine the meaning of underwater exploration. Let us help you plan your perfect liveaboard journey to this remote Pacific paradise.

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Stories from the Depths of Socorro’s Blue Wilderness

Dive into the wild waters of Socorro, one of the world’s most legendary dive destinations. Known as the Galápagos of Mexico, this remote volcanic island chain in the Revillagigedo Archipelago is home to giant manta rays, playful dolphins, and schooling hammerheads. Our blog brings you closer to the magic — from the best times to visit and liveaboard adventures to the extraordinary marine encounters that make Socorro a true diver’s paradise.