By Mark Murphy

Socorro, January 2025 with Oyster Diving

Picture this: giant manta rays gliding effortlessly, playful dolphins pirouetting around you, and a majestic whale shark stealing the spotlight. That’s exactly what awaited me and 14 fellow divers from Oyster Diving on our unforgettable journey to Socorro. It was a dream six years in the making, sparked by a recommendation from a seasoned diver I met in the Galapagos. His words echoed in my head: “If anywhere rivals the magic of the Galapagos, it’s Socorro.” And he was absolutely right.

The Socorro Journey Begins

Our adventure started with a flight from London to Cabo San Lucas via Dallas, where we allowed ourselves a couple of days to unwind, adjust to the time zone, and soak up the vibrant energy of this coastal paradise. Cabo San Lucas is a gem, boasting a stunning marina teeming with curious sea lions, buzzing bars, and an array of restaurants. Hidden within the rustic backstreets were Tarantino-esque bars where locals served ice-cold brews, tangy margaritas, and tacos so good they felt otherworldly. For those craving sand and sea, the expansive beaches offered a sun-soaked escape, fringed with lively eateries.

One highlight was a whale-watching tour that brought us face-to-face with humpback whales and their calves. For just $70, we experienced the raw beauty of these gentle giants as they surfaced to breathe in the crisp ocean air. It was worth every penny.

All Aboard the Belle Amie

Later, we met our fellow divers and the crew of the Belle Amie at SeeCreatures. After safety briefings, we boarded this exceptional liveaboard operated by Nautilus Liveaboards. The Belle Amie, a steel-hulled beauty designed for stability and comfort, promised luxury at sea. Spacious cabins, boutique-style suites, and a sun deck perfect for mingling made it feel like a floating resort. The crew’s professionalism, warmth, and tireless dedication set the tone for an extraordinary experience. From safety drills to nightly captain’s briefings, they ensured we were in the best hands.

Diving into the Magic of Socorro

The Socorro Islands, a cluster of four volcanic outposts 250 miles off Baja’s coast, are a diver’s paradise. After a 24-hour sail, we reached our first stop: San Benedicto Island. Here, we plunged into a world where reality felt like a dream. Giant oceanic manta rays, with wingspans up to 5 meters, danced gracefully around us. They made eye contact—an experience so profound it’s hard to put into words. Dolphins joined the spectacle, spinning and leaping as if performing just for us. They weren’t shy, either, getting close enough to make every camera click count.

Sharks were ever-present, from sleek silvertips, silkies to white tips and Galapagos sharks. It was an underwater theatre of wonder.

Next, we arrived at Socorro Island, where the magic reached new heights. Mantas, dolphins, turtles, and schools of curious pufferfish filled every dive. On one memorable descent, we were greeted by a pod of dolphins, only to see a 4-meter tiger shark gliding through the group. Two more tiger sharks lingered in the distance, their curiosity palpable as they observed these strange bubble-blowing creatures.

Our third destination, Roca Partida, wasn’t an island but a towering rock pinnacle that plunged into the depths. The visibility was spectacular, revealing caverns filled with resting white-tip sharks and silvertips patrolling the waters. The pièce de résistance? A 5-meter whale shark that graced us with its presence, lingering long enough for every diver to capture a memory and fill their SD cards.

The Final Farewell

As we sailed the 25-hour journey back, the camaraderie among divers flourished. Photos and videos were shared, and the crew edited them into a heartwarming memento. The trip wasn’t just unforgettable—it was life-changing, rivalling even the Galapagos.

Tips for Future Socorro Adventurers

• Plan for a Layover: Spending a couple of days in Cabo before the trip helped us recover from the long journey and prepare for the diving ahead. It also cushions against potential flight delays.
• Stay Warm: In January, water temperatures hover around 23-24°C. A 5mm wetsuit suffices for most, but if you feel the cold, opt for a semi-dry suit.
• Pack Smart: Bring plenty of SD card space for your camera, but don’t forget to savour the underwater world with your own eyes.
• Stay Protected: High SPF sunscreen and hydration are a must, along with a cozy hoodie for breezy evenings.

Oyster Diving is fully ATOL and TTA bonded, offering bespoke diving holidays worldwide. Whether it’s shark diving in the Red Sea, tiger sharks in the Maldives, or the vibrant reefs of the Philippines, our team is ready to craft your next adventure. Interested in Socorro or another bucket-list destination? Email us at holidays@oysterdiving.com for a no-obligation quote.

Dive into your next adventure with Oyster Diving. Your underwater dreams await!

Contact Oyster Diving Holidays now to book your next Socorro Dive Adventure:

T: 0800 699 0243  E: holidays@oysterdiving.com

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