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Take a step back from life’s monotony, and daydream of drifting weightlessly through crystal clear waters, surrounded by an explosion of marine life so diverse, so abundant, it feels otherworldly. A shimmering silver wall of sardines swims in unison, as marlins, sea lions, and countless species of whale dart through the massive bait ball in a dazzling hunt! 

For experienced divers yearning for unforgettable underwater adventures, a seemingly cinematic explosion of marine life awaits under Mexico’s crystal-clear waters on this 15-day expedition through Magdalena Bay and the Socorro Islands.

This exclusive 2025 voyage departs on 16 October and returns 30 October, combining four adrenaline-spiked days during Magdalena Bay’s renowned Sardine Run with seven days of world-class diving in the Socorro Islands

With only one opportunity to embark on this adventure, spots are limited—so read on to discover why this trip is a must for every serious diver and marine life enthusiast.

Only One Combo Trip in 2025..! Book Now..!

Contact us: email to: res@liquiddivingadventures.com

Pricing & Booking Details

This exclusive 14-night adventure is a rare opportunity, with pricing as follows:

• Single Cabin: $6,843 USD per person (after a $500 discount), based on single occupancy.
• Standard Cabin: $6,378 per person (after a $500 discount), based on double occupancy.
• Superior Cabin: $6,111 per person (after a $500 discount), based on double occupancy.

Included in the package are three gourmet meals per day, snacks, beverages (including beer and wine with dinner), dive tanks, weights, unlimited Nitrox, and transportation from Hotel El Tesoro to the vessel.

Socorro Islands Park Fees: $192 per guest per night spent in the park (totaling $1,344 for seven nights). The Socorro Park Fee is waived for retired persons. There is also a 75% discount for students and teachers with ID. Ask us for details.

For over 25 years, the Solmar V has been setting the standard for liveaboard diving, offering comfort and unparalleled access to some of the most remote dive sites in the Pacific. This 112-foot, steel-hulled vessel is designed for serious divers who appreciate both adventure and effortless escape. Accommodating up to 22 guests, the ship features well appointed cabins, a spacious lounge area, bar, and sundeck. 

Cabin Options

Single Cabin - A private retreat designed for solo travelers, with air conditioning, ensuite bathroom and ample storage space. 

Standard Cabin - Equipped with two twin beds, these cabins enjoy the same amenities as single cabins, and are located toward the bow of the ship, experiencing more movement while at sea. 

Superior Cabin - Enjoying the same comfort as Standard Cabins, these rooms are located mid-ship and experience the least amount of movement while at sea.

Witness the Spectacle of Magdalena Bay’s Mexican Sardine Run

The journey begins with four exhilarating days in Magdalena Bay, a locale teeming with life and action. The Sardine Run is one of nature’s greatest shows—a mass congregation of sardines that draws an array of apex predators, leading to breathtaking displays of marine hunting behavior. Snorkeling alongside these bait balls, you’ll witness striped marlins slicing through the water with precision, sea lions darting like torpedoes, and the occasional whale joining the frenzy.

This segment of the trip is conducted aboard small pangas, operated by local guides who know these waters intimately. While unforgettably thrilling, these excursions are a sustainable way to experience this natural phenomenon while supporting the local fishing communities. Magdalena Bay is also home to gray and humpback whales, massive schools of mobula rays, and a rich coastal ecosystem teeming with seabirds and marine life.

Dive with Ocean Giants in the Socorro Islands

After leaving Magdalena Bay, the Solmar V sets course for the Socorro Islands–a remote archipelago born from volcanoes, offering some of the best big animal diving on the planet. Famous for its year-round encounters with giant manta rays, the islands are also home to playful dolphins and an astonishing variety of shark species, including hammerheads, silkies, Galápagos sharks, and whale sharks.

The volcanic topography of these islands provides a breathtaking backdrop for divers, with dramatic drop offs, submerged pinnacles, and lush coral formations. Mantas here are known to be especially interactive, often swimming close to divers and maintaining eye contact in an almost mystical way. With four dives per day over seven days, this portion of the expedition promises non-stop thrills and extraordinary wildlife encounters.

Contact us: email to: res@liquiddivingadventures.com

Itinerary Overview

• Day 1: Board the Solmar V in Cabo San Lucas, meet your fellow adventurers, and settle into your cabin.
• Day 2: Check-out dive and a fascinating wreck dive to kick off the adventure.
• Days 3-5: Dive into the heart of Magdalena Bay’s Sardine Run, snorkeling from pangas and witnessing marine predators in action.
• Day 6: Full day at sea, navigating toward the Socorro Islands.
• Days 7-13: Seven epic days of diving at the Socorro Islands, with up to four dives per day featuring mantas, sharks, dolphins, and more.
• Day 14: A relaxing day crossing back to Cabo San Lucas, reminiscing about the adventure over drinks and a final gourmet meal.
• Day 15: Disembark in Cabo San Lucas, carrying unforgettable memories and stunning underwater footage.

A Diver's Paradise Awaits

The Nautilus Explorer embarks on a series of captivating journeys that span across some of the most coveted dive destinations in the world. From the serene waters of the Sea of Cortez to the enchanting Cabo Pulmo Marine Park and the adrenaline-pumping encounters at Guadalupe Island and the Socorro Islands, this liveaboard experience offers divers a chance to explore a diverse range of underwater ecosystems.

Unveiling the Underwater World

One of the most exciting aspects of liveaboard diving is the wide variety of underwater experiences it offers. The Nautilus Explorer specializes in encounters with some of the ocean's most iconic and elusive creatures. Here's a glimpse of what you can expect:

• Great White Sharks: Guadalupe Island is renowned for its thrilling great white shark encounters. These majestic apex predators patrol the waters, offering divers a front-row seat to observe their grace and power. Cage diving at Guadalupe provides a unique opportunity to come face to face with these magnificent creatures.
• Hammerheads and Whale Sharks: The Socorro Islands are a hotspot for hammerhead sharks and the gentle giants of the ocean, whale sharks. Dive into the deep blue and witness the mesmerizing ballet of hammerheads or swim alongside the world's largest fish, the awe-inspiring whale shark.
• Manta Rays and Silky Sharks: Cabo Pulmo Marine Park is a sanctuary for manta rays and silky sharks. Glide alongside these graceful creatures as they navigate the vibrant coral reefs of the park. Encounter silky sharks and other marine species that call this underwater haven home.
• Bait Balls and Giant Mantas: Experience the excitement of bait ball events, where massive schools of fish gather, attracting predators from all directions. Dive into the heart of the action and witness the chaos and beauty of this natural phenomenon. The Nautilus Explorer is also known for encounters with giant mantas, which often grace divers with their majestic presence.
• Sea Lions and Dolphins: Throughout your journey, you'll have the opportunity to interact with playful sea lions and inquisitive dolphins. These intelligent and social marine mammals provide unforgettable moments as they engage with divers in their natural habitat.
• Cabo Pulmo UNESCO Site: Explore the wonders of Cabo Pulmo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with over 6,000 marine species. Dive into vibrant coral reefs and witness the remarkable diversity of marine life in this ecological treasure trove.

Preparing for Your Dive Adventure

Before embarking on your liveaboard voyage with the Nautilus Explorer, it's essential to pack wisely. Here's a checklistto ensure you're well-prepared for an unforgettable diving experience:

• Diving Gear: Pack your essential dive gear, including a mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit, and BCD. Don't forget your dive computer and underwater flashlight for night dives.
• Camera Gear: Capture the magic of the underwater world with your camera gear. Whether you're an amateur or professional photographer, bring your camera, underwater housing, lenses, and strobes to document your encounters.
• Swimwear and Rash Guards: Comfortable swimwear and rash guards are ideal for surface intervals and water activities.
• Sun Protection: Protect yourself from the sun's rays with sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. Lip balm with SPF will keep your lips safe from the sun.
• Clothing: Opt for lightweight, breathable clothing for warm days on deck. A windbreaker or light jacket may be needed for cooler evenings.
• Toiletries and Medications: Bring personal toiletries, prescription medications, and seasickness remedies for a comfortable journey.
• Travel Documents: Safeguard your passport, travel insurance, dive certifications, and any required permits in a waterproof pouch.
• Power Adapters: If you plan to recharge your camera and devices, bring the necessary power adapters and chargers.

As you prepare for your liveaboard adventure with the Nautilus Explorer, ensure your packing list is complete. Capture the wonders of the underwater world with your camera gear, and get ready for thrilling encounters with a diverse array of marine life.

Dive into Extraordinary Moments

A liveaboard journey with the Nautilus Explorer is an invitation to dive into a world of extraordinary moments beneath the surface. Whether you're seeking heart-pounding encounters with great white sharks or tranquil moments with manta rays, this dive adventure promises to leave you with cherished memories and a profound appreciation for the beauty and mystery of the ocean.

For more information and to book your liveaboard experience, visit the Nautilus Explorer website. Get ready to embark on a voyage where each dive is a testament to the wonders of the deep, and every moment is an adventure waiting to be discovered.

Socorro Island rises abruptly from the sea to 1,050 meters (3,440 feet) in elevation at its summit. The island is the emerged summit of a massive, predominately submarine shield volcano. The island is part of the northern Mathematicians Ridge, a mid-ocean ridge that became largely inactive 3.5 million years ago when activity moved to the East Pacific Rise. All four islands along with the many seamounts on the ridge are post-abandonment alkaline volcanoes. Socorro Island is unusual in that it is the only dominantly silicic peralkaline volcanic island in the Pacific Ocean. It most recently erupted in late January-early February 1993, which was a submarine eruption off the coast from Punta Tosca. An earlier eruption was on May 21, 1951. Earlier eruptions probably occurred in 1905, 1896 and 1848. The island's surface is broken by furrows, small craters, and numerous ravines, and covered in lava domes, lava flows and cinder cones. 

There is a naval station, established in 1957, with a population of 250 staff and families living in a village with a church. The village stands on the western side of Bahia Vargas Lozano, a small cove with a rocky beach, about 800 meters east of Cabo Regla, the southernmost point of the island. The station is served by a dock, a local helipad and Isla Socorro airport, located six kilometers to the north. There is a freshwater spring about 5 km northwest of Cabo Regla, at the shoreline of Ensenada Grayson. This is brackish and sometimes covered by the sea at high tide. In the 1950s, a small freshwater seep was known to exist some 45 meters (49 yards) inland at Bahia Lucio Gallardo Pavon, about 800 meters NW of the naval station. 

The islands are located nearly 400 km (250 miles) from the Baja California peninsula. Due to the isolated location, the only way to visit Socorro is through liveaboard. Most visitors begin their trips by arriving at Los Cabos International Airport in Mexico. Then, divers travel 45 minutes to Cabo San Lucas where they take off on a liveaboard. It usually takes about a day for the liveaboard to arrive at the islands. 

The diving season lasts from November to May as that is when the often-rough waters are at their calmest. However, even the calmer waters have strong currents, making this trip best for advanced divers.

Although the Socorro’s waters are not filled with the colorful reefs many divers look out for, the marine life more than makes up for it. Manta rays, dolphins, hammerhead sharks, tiger sharks, are just a few of the common sights in these waters. Humpback whales can even be seen on their migration path through the months of January and February, and the dolphins are known for coming into close contact with divers, most commonly from January to March.  

When divers first arrive at the islands, they often begin their scuba adventure at El Fondeadero. This dive site is located in San Benedicto’s shallower waters where there are three pinnacles and sightings of lobster and eels. The famous sightings of humpback whales are east of Socorro island at the Cabo Pearce dive site. Abundant pelagic life can be seen at the isolated Roca Partida dive site. This site is over 80 miles from San Benedicto and has a pinnacle peaking up out of the water. This site is best suited for advanced divers and has over 100 feet of visibility. 

When planning your next dive trip, make sure the Socorro Islands are at the top of your list. The close encounters with dolphins, sharks, and manta rays at this location are unmatched, and the humpback whale sightings are one of a kind.