REVILLAGIGEDOS ISLANDS / SOCORRO ISLANDS EXPEDITION 2008
February 2-10, 2008 aboard the M/V Solmar V Live-aboard Dive Vessel
Join photographers Eric Cheng and Dr. Alexander Mustard on an expedition aboard the M/V Solmar V to the Revillagigedos Islands (also known as the Socorro Islands), 250 miles south of the southern tip of Baja California, Mexico.
The M/V Solmar V Live-aboard dive vessel
On a single exploratory trip in December of 2006, we had hours in the water with multiple manta rays, who repeatedly approached within touching distance to play in our bubbles. The manta rays are there to be cleaned by clarion angelfish, and are what the islands are best known for.
We also had underwater encounters with schools of tuna and jacks, whale sharks, white-tip reef sharks, friendly groupers, and much more. The underwater topography of the Revillagigedos Islands is an incredible site to behold, and the scale of the vertical drop-off at Roca Partida must be seen to be believed.
Our trip dates in early February also present us with the highest chance for encounters with humpback whales. In years past, the Solmar V has had excellent encounters with a mother and calf pair. Note that while humpbacks will most likely be in the area, encounters (as with all wildlife encounters) are not guaranteed.
Pricing:
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Standard Stateroom: USD $3175 (6 spots)
Superior Stateroom: USD $3275 (12 spots)
$1,000 non-refundable deposit secures your spot
$2,175 (or $2,275 for Superior) due October 2, 2007
All staterooms are double-occupancy and feature private head and shower. Price does not include airfare or Nitrox. A $15 chamber fee will also apply, to be paid in cash onboard.
Stateroom description:
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The main differences between the "standard" and "superior" staterooms are location and size. Both categories have the same amenities including private head/shower, air conditioning, TV/DVD player. The standard rooms are located in the bow of the boat and the superior rooms are in the middle. The mid-section of all boats has less motion than the bow section. If you are prone to motion sickness, a superior room is recommended. The superior rooms are also a little bigger but not greatly so.
More info:
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M/V Solmar V - http://solmarv.com
M/V Solmar V FAQ - http://solmarv.com/faq.html
Eric Cheng's Socorro Gallery, 2006 - http://flickr.com/photos/echeng/sets/72157594412413584/
How to book:
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Please contact Eric Cheng or Alex Mustard if you're interested in booking!
Trip has booked full. Waiting list positions available.
Description of the M/V Solmar V, taken from SolmarV.com:
The Solmar V is a 112’ luxury live-aboard dive vessel based in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico since 1992.
Now under new ownership, the Solmar V is a true four-season live-aboard that takes advantage of weather patterns to provide optimal diving year-round.
We journey 250 miles south of Los Cabos into the eastern Pacific Ocean to the Revillagigedos Islands—more commonly known as the Socorro Islands—to dance with the Giant Pacific manta ray, cavort with dolphins, dodge seven different species of sharks and thrill to an occasional lucky interaction with the migrating humpback whale population. This is remote, adventure diving at its finest.
The Sea of Cortez is one of the youngest and most fertile seas on earth, containing over 850 species of reef fish, as well as the famous flying mobulas and an assortment of schooling pelagics and tropicals. We've been diving the Sea of Cortez for over 25 years, and we call it home.
See SolmarV.com for more information about the boat and operation.
Divers hang out with a giant Pacific manta ray
White-tip reef sharks cruise the sheer walls of Roca Partida
Dramatic wave action presents a great background for a school of fish
Whale sharks cruise these waters
Friendly fish!
