Our expedition will cover the volcanic islands of Socorro, San Benedicto, and Roca Partida of the Revillagigedo Archipelago. Known as the “Galápagos of Mexico” the archipelago is the largest marine protected area in North America and a UNESCO world heritage site. This iconic dive destination contains over 360 species of fish – 26 endemic to the islands – five species of sea turtles, as well as one of the largest aggregations of sharks and friendly manta rays in the world Watch NatGeo Artivle
The Revillagigedo Archipiélago represents an exceptional convergence of two marine biogeographic regions: the Northeastern Pacific and Eastern Pacific. More particularly, the area lies along the junction where the California and Equatorial current mix generating a complex and highly productive transition zone. It was named a UNESCO world heritage site in 2016 [See UNESCO article]
The area has been declared a Mexican biosphere reserve since 1994. But the ecosystem has truly flourished in the last 5 years since the expansion of the protection from fishing and resource extraction to cover over 57,000 square miles, the largest in North America [Smithsonian article]. It serves as a testimony of what humanity can accomplish through environmental protection.
This destination can only be dived by a live-aboard dive vessel. It takes approximately 26-28 hours one-way to reach the islands. This is an excellent dive destination for large pelagic animals due to the islands’ open ocean nature, which sometimes includes currents and choppy conditions. The underwater topography consists of rocky outcroppings, boulders, and some incredible walls. There is not much in the way of coral, as this is a cooler water destination.
These islands are a spectacular magnet for the largest ocean pelagic animals in the world. Animals include schooling hammerhead sharks, tiger sharks, friendly bottlenose dolphins, silky sharks, Galapagos sharks, clouds of jacks and barracuda, tuna, wahoo, oceanic white tip sharks, and manta rays. Occasionally there are magnificent sightings of humpback whales and whale sharks.
Manta Rays are the claim to fame for Socorro Islands. The island where they predominately congregate is San Benedicto. The magical dive site called “The Boiler” is a submerged sea mount and cleaning station. More than a half dozen mantas frequent this pinnacle regularly. The mantas in the Revillagigedo Islands are friendly and enjoy the presence of humans. This is truly an exceptional place to experience the manta magic.
