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Socorro Islands:  Dec. 2-12, 2012
Solmar V luxury live-aboard dive vessel Cabo San Lucas, Mexico | The Revillagigedos Archipelago, more commonly called Socorro is located in the eastern Pacific Ocean approximately 250 miles south of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico – at the tip of the Baja peninsula. These islands have been compared to the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador or Cocos Island in Costa Rica because of the big animal encounters they provide. | www.solmarv.com
 The Solmar V is a 112’ luxury live-aboard dive vessel based in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico since 1992.
 Check out a YouTube trip report | Socorro Islands Group Dive Trip | Solmar V luxury live-aboard video report of a trip recently enjoyed by RJ Leslie, your Scuba Center host for Socorro.
Solmar V luxury live-aboard dive vessel Cabo San Lucas, Mexico | Socorro Islands live-aboard diving | The Revillagigedos Islands consist of 4 islands – San Benedicto Island, Socorro Island, Roca Partida and Clarion. We simply call them Socorro. They are wild, remote and unpredictable and have been called the Mexican Galapagos. This area is famous for up close and personal encounters with the Giant Pacific manta ray, which can grow to 22 feet from wingtip to wingtip. We’ve been interacting with these gentle giants since 1992 and as a result of having worked with several manta researchers over the years, we have extensive ID’s on most of them and special relationships with many of them. We absolutely do not chase or ride the mantas, and we allow our interaction with them to be initiated by the mantas themselves. We believe that their continued willingness to interact with divers is due to the respect we have shown for them over the years. San Benedicto is by far the best location in the world to experience and photograph these gentle giants. The feeling of a wild animal this large deliberately interacting with you is something you will never forget. | www.solmarv.comThe Solmar V is a true four-season live-aboard that takes advantage of weather patterns to provide optimal diving year-round.

They journey 250 miles south of Los Cabos into the eastern Pacific Ocean to the Revillagigedos Islands—more commonly known as the Socorro Islands—to dance with the Giant Pacific manta ray, cavort with dolphins, dodge seven different species of sharks and thrill to an occasional lucky interaction with the migrating humpback whale population. This is remote, adventure diving at its finest.

The Sea of Cortez is one of the youngest and most fertile seas on earth, containing over 850 species of reef fish, as well as the famous flying mobulas and an assortment of schooling pelagics and tropicals.

Solomar V Lounge | The interior of the Solmar V is outfitted in brass, rich mahogany, granite table tops and is completely carpeted. It is a gracious and beautiful boat. The salon comfortably seats all of our guests and offers a large-screen HDTV, VCR, DVD player and stereo system. | Socorro live-aboard dive trip | www.solmarv.com

Solomar V is the only luxury live-aboard dive vessel departing from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico—well within range of the most exciting diving in the Sea of Cortez and Soccoro Islands. The Solmar V travels with a crew of 10 and a maximum of 22 divers.

"As our guest, you will receive unmatched service and comfort while experiencing the best big animal diving on earth!"

Side scanning sonar, multiple radar systems and the most modern electronic marine technology package provide an excellent compliment to their experienced crew. Twin compressors, with cascade storage for fast filling, provide guests with an endless air supply and quick fills between dives. Two main engines and three full-time generators power the Solmar V to a top cruising speed of 11 knots. Two freshwater makers produce 1,600 gallons per day, more than adequate for the passenger capacity.
Photographers love the Solmar V because it is the best way to get to the best big animal diving on Earth!
Includes:

  • Accommodations: 8 nts / 9 days standard level accommodations

  • Diving: Tanks, weights and belts included ($125 charge if Nitrox certified and you choose to dive Nitrox during the trip.) One dive computer per diver is required.

  • Meal Plan: Three gourmet meals per day, snacks between meals, beverages including soft drinks, beer and wine with dinner (any other alcoholic drinks extra)

  • Taxes: Port fees, fuel surcharges and national park fees included

  • Mexican IVA Tax: 11% IVA tax is included in the rate quoted
Not included in the package:  

  • Air: R/T air to Cabo San Lucas is not provided at this time. (We will review options for contracted air in January 2012)

  • Ground Transfers: R/T transfers are not provided. It is best to arrange transfer at the airport.

  • Incidental charges: Individual group members will be responsible for their own charges including but not limited to beverages and bar bill, telephone, internet usage, sightseeing, equipment rental of any sort, gratuities and any other items of a personal nature.
Please note the following:  

  • Scuba certification card, proof of scuba insurance and a signed Solmar V LLC liability and waiver form required for each client.  We recommend all divers purchase DAN membership

  • We highly recommend all travelers purchase travel insurance.

  • $15 Chamber donation collected from each person at the boat on day of departure.

  • A passport is required for travel.
Dates: Dec. 2-12, 2012

Trip Cost: $3,549 (+ Air)

  

All rates quoted by Scuba Center include a 2% discount for cash/check payments.

Reservations / Deposit / Payment Information and Schedule:

  • $500 deposit is required at registration

  • $1500 due May 1, 2012

  • Balance due September 1, 2012
Registration: An application for this trip must be completed by each traveler at the time of registration. You may pick up a trip application at either store or print out our Scuba Center Trip Application. Complete the application and fax, mail or drop off in person with a $500 non-refundable deposit per person.
For more information, contact: Tom Pederson
(651) 283-7983, or Tom Benson at Scuba Center.

DAN Membership & Diving Insurance

 

Sample packing checklist