MV Southern Sport is one of the liveaboard diving charter vessels from the renowned local operators, Club Cantamar, among the first names in Mexico liveaboards. This 115 ft / 35m aluminum-hulled motor yacht splits its time between the magnificent Socorro Island region and the unforgettable shark mecca of Guadalupe Island. It is renowned for its great crew teamwork.
Accommodating 18 guests in comfort, MV Southern Sport's main deck has an air-conditioned saloon with TV, DVD and music, plus a library of movies and books for your entertainment. The connecting dining area is where you will be served your meals and complimentary beverages: both soft drinks as well as beer and wine. This is the social hub of the liveaboard together with the shaded area of the sundeck which features comfortable, in-built surround seating and a barbecue station.
Divers will appreciate features such as the 2 Yamaha inflatable dive tenders, scuba tanks of 10, 12 and 15 liters, nitrox, hot and cold showers and a toilet on the dive deck, for those urgent post-dive moments! Southern Sport's emphasis on safety is evidenced by the liveaboard boat's stability in the water, and the provision of individual lost diver devices, mandatory dive insurance on all its liveaboard charters and a re-compression chamber on board its sister ship Sea Escape. Photographers will note the dive deck's camera table and camera rinse tank, as well as the many charging points around the liveaboard vessel.
So if safety, comfort, service, a boat full of facilities, and an operator of good reputation are all on your Mexican liveaboard wishlist, be a sport and enjoy the southern hospitality of M/V Southern Sport.
There are 9 cabins on the Southern Sport: On the upper deck of the liveaboard are 2 double bed Suites and 3 Comfort Plus (1 double, 2 twin bunk bed) cabins. All upper deck cabins have ensuite bathrooms. There are 4 Comfort twin bed cabins (with bunk beds), 2 on the main deck and 2 on the lower deck. The 2 main deck cabins share 1 bathroom, the other 2 have a private bathroom in the hallway.
All the cabins have:
Air-conditioning (some with individual control settings)
Upper and lower deck cabins have private bathroom with toilet and hot water shower cubicle, hand basin, toiletries and towels
Main deck cabins share 1 bathroom
Upper and main deck cabins have windows or portholes
Reading lights
Cabinet, shelves and mirror
2 flat pin sockets for 110V electricity, 2 round pin for 220V
Bedding
Life jackets
Fire warning system
No. of bathrooms / showers - 7 / 7 - hot water
Socorro Islands (9 Days / 8 Nights - 20 Dives)
Trip highlights: whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, shark action, dolphins, manta rays, whales, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, drift diving, off the beaten track, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: San Benedicto, Socorro, Roca Partida
Day 1
The Southern Sport liveaboard sets sail from San José del Cabo during the morning. As you cruise towards San Benedicto Island in the Revillagigedo Islands, a dive orientation and safety briefing will prepare you for the adventures ahead. You'll arrive at the island early the following morning, ready for your first dive. Throughout the transit, enjoy provided meals and complimentary beer and wine. Unwind in the main saloon with a film, soak up the sun on the deck, or simply relax in the shade with a good book.
Core Days
Prepare for an unparalleled liveaboard diving adventure, with up to 4 dives each day exploring the legendary sites around Socorro, San Benedicto, and Roca Partida. These remote volcanic outcrops, collectively known as the Revillagigedo Islands, are a magnet for immense marine biodiversity. You will find yourself surrounded by vast schools of fish and patrolled by an impressive array of shark species, including imposing silvertips, schooling hammerheads, and robust Galapagos sharks. If your trip takes place in November, you may be graced by the gentle, colossal presence of a whale shark.
A true highlight is Roca Partida, the smallest of the 3 islands yet arguably the most spectacular. It is famous for its resident population of majestic oceanic manta rays, which often interact curiously with divers. This submerged pinnacle is also a stage for incredible underwater surprises; at the right time of year, pods of playful dolphins and even the awe-inspiring humpback whales can make an appearance. The sheer concentration of life and the potential for unexpected encounters make every descent unique, compelling you to dive this extraordinary site over and over again to discover all its secrets.
Day 9
On your final morning, savour a breakfast as you share fond farewells with the Southern Sport crew and the fellow adventurers who have shared this unforgettable expedition with you.
[Information is best estimate in ideal circumstances and subject to changes beyond our control. The itinerary is a guide only and may be adapted to best suit the weather, tides, currents, availability and other prevailing events. Price is for the cruise, not for an exact number of dives].
Aboard the Southern Sport liveaboard, all meals are served in the indoor saloon, though you are always welcome to take your plate to the partially covered sun deck to enjoy the fresh ocean air.
The culinary experience is designed to keep you energized and satisfied throughout your adventure. The day begins with cookies and hot drinks available upon waking - perfect before your first dive of the day. A full breakfast is then served, offering a spread such as cereals, yoghurt, eggs, sausages, toast, and beans. Lunches and dinners are varied and flavoursome, rotating through themed menus including Mexican cuisine, fresh seafood, international dishes, and special BBQ meals. With a large contingent of customers from the USA, you can be sure of generous portions.
Should you need a boost between dives, complimentary snacks (candy bars, ice cream, cookies, pastries, fruit) and hot drinks are available in the afternoon. A selection of soft drinks, water, and juices are provided throughout the day to keep you hydrated. Please note, while the provided menu is extensive, any additional or specific alcoholic beverages beyond the scheduled offerings should be confirmed with the crew. All dietary requirements can be catered for - please send advanced notice.
"There were plenty of issues with the boat:
> Leaving much later than indicated on day 1 and much longer journey due to due technical or administrative issues, and a sick captain; we only arrived on the evening of day 2. The boat was in an overall desolate condition, strong rocking of the boat, freezing aircon which couldn't be adjusted individually, brown salt water coming out of shower, overall cleanliness of the boat was below standard, lax safety protocols. The worst boat I have even been on (and I have been on many different boats of all budgets)." - Sophie Kubik, Germany, 9 March 2024 ...
"The positives were the wonderful dives at sea lion colonies, lovely night dive with mobulas, very good food, nice and cordial service from both divemasters and crew members.
However in general, the group got the impression that the captain was not interested in sailing around to see the most interesting dive sites (official cause was port closure by the Mexican authorities). Apart from one day, we only did 2 or 3 dives a day - not enough to go back there, which is a pity because the Sea of Cortez is a place worth returning to." - Mariusz Pilat, Poland, 28 November 2022 ...
"2 dive instructors for 17 divers. Had my own cabin and bathroom. Rent all gears at 30 USD/day (without a dive computer). Pick-up from a recommended hotel. Free taxi to hotel after disembarking. Unlimited food of a variety." - Yuyao Wang, China, 8 January 2015 ...
DEPARTURE SCHEDULE & PRICES
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MORE TRIP DETAILS
Notes: In the event of cancellation by the Southern Sport for any reason, there will be no reimbursement so the liveaboard operator states that it is mandatory for all guests to have travel insurance coverage for this event.
Dive experience: Socorro Islands - Advanced Open Water Divers and min. 60 logged dives required. Sea of Cortez - open water license only.
Cruise price per person includes: Cabin accommodation, breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, drinking water, soft drinks, hot drinks, local beer and wine (in moderate quantities), transfers (for Socorro and Guadalupe trips) to the boat from recommended hotels, dives (as detailed in the trips above), experienced English-speaking divemasters (1 guide for 9 divers for Socorro trips), lost diver radio locators (deposit required), standard tanks, weights and weightbelts, sales tax on cruise price.
Cruise price per person excludes (mandatory, unless customer provides own): Marine park and port fees (Socorro USD703 per trip, Guadalupe USD350 per trip), scuba equipment (USD25 per dive day), dive and travel insurance (to cover trip cancellation). Note: park fees are waived for retirees and pensioners over the age of 60 years old. A 75% discount on park fees is available for active students and teachers. Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival (Credit cards are accepted for nitrox and rental gear only, all other payments must be in cash).
Optional extras: Alcoholic drinks (spirits), nitrox fills for enriched air divers (USD125 per trip), large tanks (USD17 per dive day), torches. Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival. Note: prices of items purchased onboard are subject to change.
How to get there: Socorro: Southern Sport's liveaboard diving charters depart at 10 in the morning from San José del Cabo for trips to the Socorro Islands. Guests fly into Los Cabos international airport (SJD) approximately 45 minutes drive from the town. You should plan to arrive the day before departure. Transfers to the boat are available from San José del Cabo hotels at 7 am on the day of departure.
The liveaboard returns to port late at night on the final evening and guests disembark at 8 am on checkout day. Due to the long journey back to port, there is no concern with the 'no flying after diving' guideline.
For more details, including airlines, see our Mexico tourist information section.
Non-diver rate: 20% off the published price.
Single supplement (if you do not want to share accommodation): This is optional - single travelers may choose to pay the regular fare by agreeing to share a cabin, or pay a supplement of 70% of the published price for sole occupancy of a cabin.
Dive clubs and group discounts: Pay for 9 guests and 1 extra person can join the cruise in a Comfort cabin free of charge (total 10+ guests).
Whole boat charter rate (per night): Pay for 16 guests and 2 additional persons can join the cruise free of charge.
Click to view product. Special discounted trips highlighted in yellow
