Explore Socorro Island
Socorro Island, located about 650 miles west and offshore of Puerto Vallarta, along with San Benedicto Island, Roca Partida, and Clarion, make up the Revillagigedo Archipelago. Sometimes, these islands are called the “Mexican Galápagos”. This comparison to the Galápagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador is made with good reason; like the Galápagos Islands, the Revillagigedo Archipelago also has a volcanic history, a rich diversity of terrestrial and marine life including many endemic species, and is considered to be a national park, a marine reserve, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since Socorro Island is the best-known island of the group, sometimes the Revillagigedo Archipelago is collectively called Socorro. Socorro is a must-see for lovers of megafauna, specifically marine mammals. Humpback whales, hammerheads, and whale sharks (oh my!) are frequent visitors of this island, and encounters with them while diving can be expected.
Due to the remote nature of these islands, their dive sites can only be explored via liveaboard dive boats that depart from the ports of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, Mexico. The ideal time to visit Socorro is in boreal winter and spring, with water temperatures generally no cooler than 21°C and at its warmest, 28°C. Socorro is recommended for experienced divers only, due to the strong currents and deep nature of most dive sites.
In general, many of Socorro’s dive sites consist of underwater pinnacles, which are column-like pointed rock structures. For example, Roca Partida, “Roca O’Neal”, and “The Boiler” are three popular dive sites with pinnacles as their focal point.
Top Socorro Island DIve Sites
1. Cabo Pierce
Located on Socorro Island's east side, Cabo Pierce is renowned for its frequent sightings of manta rays, dolphins, and humpback whales. It is suitable for advanced divers due to its depth and currents. Scuba diving is the primary activity here. This site is within a protected area, emphasizing the preservation of its vibrant marine life.
2. Punta Tosca
Also on the eastern side of Socorro Island, Punta Tosca offers thrilling encounters with dolphins, along with occasional sightings of silky, Galapagos, tiger, and hammerhead sharks. Parts of the site reach depths of 40m, making it ideal for advanced scuba divers. It is part of an ecologically important zone, home to majestic megafauna.
3. Roca O’Neal
Known as Hammerhead Central, this site features a pinnacle that flattens at 10m depth. Advanced divers can explore the cave below. Scuba diving is the main activity, with numerous shark species, including hammerheads, traversing the area. It is a notable spot for ecological diversity.
4. The Aquarium
Aptly named for its abundance of marine life, The Aquarium allows divers to get close to surface-whales. This site is suitable for both scuba diving and freediving, catering to intermediate divers. It showcases a diverse array of marine species in a vibrant underwater setting.
5. Roca Partida
Considered one of the best dive spots in Socorro, Roca Partida features a split pinnacle that rises 35m above the water and plunges 40m below. This site is fit for advanced divers, offering scuba diving experiences that include encounters with tuna, mackerel, marlin, manta rays, and various shark species. It is a key ecological zone, teeming with pelagic life.