"The Place For The Big Stuff"

December 1st - 10th, 2010

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.

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.

There are lots of sharks in the Revillagigedos Islands - hammerhead schools, white tips, silver tips, silkies, duskies, Galapagos and occasionally tigers.

We have encountered up to 7 species of sharks on a single dive! There are several hammerhead cleaning stations that we visit each trip, weather permitting. Whale sharks are a special treat at the islands, they find us in November/December and late April/May.

We also encounter pods of wild bottlenose dolphin on a regular basis and from January through March, these islands are home to a large population of humpback whales, that come here to breed and calve. We have observed several newborn humpbacks in the years we’ve been fortunate enough to visit these remote and pristine islands. In the last few years the frequency of underwater encounters with humpbacks has increased dramatically. The scientists who visit the Revillagigedos Islands every year to study the migrating whale population tell us that after twelve years of encountering the SOLMAR V, the humpbacks now recognize our vessel and so the opportunity for underwater encounters improves. Add to the mix extremely large tuna (the world record yellowfin is from these waters), wahoo, thick schools of jacks and many other big critters along with endemic tropicals found nowhere else in the world, and you have the BEST BIG ANIMAL DIVING ON EARTH!!

Does this sound interesting to you?  If so the best place to get more information is to visit the Solmar V Website. You will find information about the  Socorro Itinerary, Maps, Accommodations and many other important details.

The information that they have on their website is very informative and I Highly Encourage you to check it out.  Click here to go to the Solmar V website.

Solmar V Package Details

Here are some of the details that we have at this time.

Most often it is advised to arrive at least one day ahead of the vessel departure from port.  The Solmar V will leave port at 4:00pm on Thursday December 2nd.  The Solmar V is located at the marina in downtown Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, one of Mexico's fastest growing oceanside resorts. Due to increased airline service, it is now very easy to get to the Solmar V from or through the U.S. (for our clients abroad). The international airport for our area is San Jose del Cabo. When searching online at one of the airlines or agency sites, use airline code SJD.

Cabo San Lucas, where the sea, sun and desert join to cast an air of mystery and romance over all who visit. Cabo was once a tranquil fishing village and, in times long ago, a hangout for pirates. Although no longer the fishing village of old, and not many of the old pirates are seen around town any more, the magic of Cabo remains.

Cabo is still small and charming by any standards, with a population of under 40,000. And with the number of activities available to the visitor, you could easily imagine that you are in a giant amusement park.  You may want arrive a few days early and explore all that Cabo has to offer.  You can then board the Solmar V refreshed and ready to dive.  The extra time will also allow for any misplaced baggage by the airlines to catch up with you.  Not that the airlines would ever do that!

The Solmar V has two different staterooms available.  The Standard and the Superior.  The package price for a Standard stateroom is $3498 and the Superior stateroom is $3597.  Go to the Accommodations to find out the differences between these staterooms.

Prices include three meals per day, snacks, beverages including soft drinks, beer, and wine with dinner (any other alcoholic drinks are extra), tanks, weights and weight belts.  These prices have the 10% Mexican tax included.  Pricing on the Solmar V website does not include the Mexican tax.

How Do I Sign Up?

It is easy to join us, you just need to send a $300 deposit to hold a spot. It may seem crazy putting down $300 over a year in advance of a trip, however, that is what it takes to go on this kind of adventure. I know that things can come up and you don't want to lose your deposit so here is the cancellation policy:

1) No penalty 9 months before departure.
2) 10% of charter rate if cancelled later than 180 days before departure.
3) 30% of charter rate if cancelled later than 90 days before departure.
4) 50% of charter rate if cancelled later than 60 days before departure.
5) NO REFUNDS WITHIN 60 DAYS OF DEPARTURE.

You can sign up now and have until January of 2010 to cancel without losing your deposit.

Payment Schedule: Initial deposit of 10% ($300) due Immediately, additional 30% due April 2010, balance due September 2010.

Hey, the upside is that this will give you plenty of time to save the necessary funds. Please join me on this great adventure.

As time gets closer we will try and secure a group airline rate, however, you may make your own arrangements.  We will also be working on airport transfers and hotel accommodations.  Once again you may make your own arrangements.

Please contact Northwest Divers via phone for additional information.

These prices are based on the latest information, and are subject to changes without notice and booking deadlines.