The best dive liveaboards in Socorro

Located almost 500-kilometres from the coast of Baja California, the remote Revillagigedo Archipelago can only be explored onboard a dive liveaboard. This protected pelagic hotspot offers some of the East Pacific’s most exciting diving experiences and is a highlight on the calendar of almost all liveaboards operating off Mexico’s Pacific coast.

But which of Socorro’s dive liveaboards is right for you? With our first-hand experience of the islands, as well as feedback from our guests, we've created a detailed look at the top liveaboards that sail to Socorro, including what sets each one apart and why you might choose it for your next liveaboard dive adventure.

Please note: The fee for entering Socorro National Park has risen. From 1st Jan 2025, the cost is now 3,266 MXN pesos per day of diving, per person.

Nautilus Explorer liveaboard is a steel-hulled, SOLAS-certified dive ship that carries up to 25 divers in 13 en-suite cabins. Facilities include a hot tub to warm up in after dives, a sun deck, media room with editing stations, and a focus on safety. Nitrox is available, and the vessel is particularly well-equipped for underwater photographers, with spacious camera tables and even support for media production. Itineraries last between 8 to 10 days, with 5-7 days of diving at Socorro depending on the trip, and up to four dives per day. The liveaboard’s standout feature is its stability and spacious layout, ideal for those prioritising comfort and safety.

Why ZuBlu’s guests love Nautilus Explorer: Great option for underwater photographers thanks to extensive photo and video support.

Launched in July 2025, Quino del Mar is the newest addition to the fleet of Socorro liveaboards, and it offers 10 private staterooms for a maximum of 20 guests. This modern 36-meter vessel includes stabilisers for comfort, ample dive deck space, a dedicated camera table, and freshwater showers on deck. Nitrox is availability and the liveaboard offers 10-day itineraries with about 6 diving days around Socorro and 3 to 4 dives per day. Quino del Mar is unique for its citizen science-themed trips and research-focused expeditions, making it an ideal choice for divers seeking more than just a vacation.

Why ZuBlu’s guests love Quino del Mar: A brand new liveaboard run by one of the most experienced operators.

Rocio del Mar liveaboard is a well-established and much-loved liveaboard with 10 en-suite cabins that accommodate up to 20 guests. This 27-meter vessel offers a spacious dive deck, camera table, air-conditioned salon, and high safety standards. Nitrox is available, and the vessel caters well to photographers. Standard itineraries last 10 days, including about 6 days of diving at Socorro with up to four dives daily. Rocio del Mar is praised for its friendly crew, comfortable accommodations, and well-run operations, making it a great all-around choice for divers seeking reliability and good service.

Why ZuBlu’s guests love Rocio del Mar: A trusted, well-run liveaboard with consistently high guest satisfaction.

Solmar V liveaboard is one of the most renowned liveaboards operating in Socorro. It accommodates up to 22 guests in double and single cabins. The vessel features a spacious salon, sun deck, air conditioning throughout, and a well-organised dive deck. It offers unlimited Nitrox, which is included in the trip cost, and supports photographers with a dedicated camera table, rinse tanks, and charging stations. The guest-to-guide ratio is around one guide per six divers, and single cabins are available, making it an attractive option for solo travelers. Itineraries range from 8 to 15 days, typically including 5 to 7 diving days at Socorro with up to four dives per day. Solmar V is known for its veteran crew and consistent service, offering a reliable and comfortable option with strong appeal for photographers and solo divers.

Why ZuBlu’s guests love Solmar V: Ideal for solo divers thanks to available single cabins and a long-standing reputation for quality service.

Valentina liveaboard is another popular vessel operating in Socorro, offering trips to both Socorro and the Sea of Cortez. The liveaboard accommodates up to 20 guests, offers Nitrox, and includes Wi-Fi and camera facilities. Itineraries usually span 8 to 10 days with 5-6 diving days and up to 4 dives per day. Valentina is known for its comfortable layout and generous inclusions like complimentary beer and wine, making it a good mid-range choice for divers who want comfort and convenience.

Why ZuBlu’s guests love Valentina: Great value with comfort-focused amenities and complimentary extras like beer and wine.

Nautilus UnderSea liveaboard is a smaller, more intimate liveaboard with 9 cabins for up to 19 guests. Originally a research vessel, it retains a functional layout with a dedicated camera station, gear storage, and a sturdy steel hull. Nitrox is available, and the liveaboard is popular with photographers and divers seeking a liveaboard trip with smaller groups. Itineraries normally lasting 8 to 11 days with the longer trips offering 7 days of diving and up to four dives each day. While there are no dedicated single cabins, the small guest capacity creates an inviting atmosphere, perfect for those who prefer more a more intimate, more personalised liveaboard experience.

Why ZuBlu’s guests love Nautilus UnderSea: Perfect for divers looking for a smaller group experience onboard one of the Nautilus fleet liveaboards.

The ZuBlu travel team know the Socorro liveaboards and their itineraries well, and are happy to help you find one that is right for you. Each of these liveaboards offers something different to divers - whether you're a solo diver looking for a single cabin, a photographer traveling in a group, or a diver looking for a more luxury liveaboard, you can be sure we’ll find out the ideal trip. Socorro delivers unforgettable encounters, and with the right liveaboard, you can experience it in comfort, safety, and style.

Ready to book your liveaboard trip to the Socorro Island? Learn more about booking your liveaboard below.

Lean more about booking a liveaboard in the Socorro Islands >>>