Rocio Del Mar is a 110ft (34m) long steel-hulled liveaboard that explores Mexico's Pacific waters all year round, visiting Socorro, the Midriff Islands and the Sea of Cortez depending on your choice of itinerary. Up to 22 divers can be accommodated on board in cabins with private bathrooms on a range of different trips operating out of Puerto Penasco or San Jose del Cabo.
You can enjoy a free glass of beer or wine in the air-conditioned lounge or dedicated dining area, although the open air shaded sun deck is a more popular spot with its soft furnishings and ever-changing views of the Pacific ocean. Sea kayaks are available for those who wish to explore the islands during surface times.
10 crew attend to your every need and the scuba diving activities are conducted both from the stern of the mothership and from inflatable tenders, depending on the nature of the dive site. Nitrox is available at additional charge. The well-organized dive deck includes a camera table and rinse tank plus individual equipment stations.
Rocio Del Mar is comfortable and roomy without being palatial and is sure to satisfy the needs of those who seek an unforgettable Mexican liveaboard experience.
Socorro Islands (10 Days / 9 Nights - 25 Dives)
Trip highlights: whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, shark action, dolphins, manta rays, whales, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, cage diving, caverns, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, very popular, wall diving, wreck diving
Dive sites and activities: San Benedicto, Roca Partida, Socorro Island
Day 1
Rocio Del Mar is located at the new marina in Puerto Los Cabos in San Jose del Cabo, which is 25 minutes from the airport. You will need to make your own way to the boat. Dinner will be served once all guests are on board. The captain and crew will welcome you and show you to your cabin. The liveaboard departs after midnight and you will arrive at San Benedicto in the evening of the next day. Meals will be served while at sea.
Days 2-9
Diving at the Socorro Islands is an unforgettable experience due to its large animal encounters. Mantas rays, dolphins, humpback whales (during the winter months) and 7 different types of sharks, including hammerheads, can be seen during your diving safari. Schools of trevallies, barracuda and tuna will be seen on each of the 2 or 3 dives during the first day, while 4 dives will be the norm for the rest of the tour, although there are no night dives are scheduled. You can also expect 3 dives while at Roca Partida, where tons of fish and sharks (whitetip, silvertip, silky, Galapagos, but also hammerheads and whale sharks when conditions are right). A unique experience! When not diving you can kayak or simply relax and familiarize with other guests on board.
An American style breakfast consists of pancakes, waffles muffins, toast, egg dishes, fresh fruit, juices, hot chocolate, coffee or tea will boost your energy for the active morning ahead. Lunch is typically sandwiches, burgers, fish tacos, fresh vegetables and fruit. Dinner starts with fresh vegetable salad, homemade soups, and has local fresh seafood or meat dishes as main courses. Desserts are made daily.
Only 2 dives on the penultimate day of the safari, before heading back to the mainland in the afternoon.
Day 10
A continental breakfast will be provided on the last morning of the trip before all guests disembark. The crew can assist you with making arrangements for transportation to the airport or your hotel.
Sea of Cortez North & Midriff Islands (8 Days / 7 Nights - 24 Dives)
Trip highlights: whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, shark action, dolphins, manta rays, whales, seals/sea lions, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, cage diving, caverns, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, very popular, wall diving, wreck diving
Dive sites and activities: Angel Rock, El Jardin, El Aquario, Las Vivoras, In Animas, El Lavadero, Xareni's Pinnacle, Punta Martir, Chayo's Cove, El Pescador and Animas in Bahia Los Angeles
Day 1
Rocio Del Mar leaves Puerto Penasco late afternoon on Saturday, but you can check in from 5 pm onwards. The tour leader will assign you to your cabin and dive station so that you can unpack and get your gear ready for the diving on the next day. You will need to show your scuba diving certification cards and proof of dive insurance. Dinner is served at 7 pm.
Days 2-7
3 or 4 daily dives in clear and deep waters inhabited by abundant sea life. The Sea of Cortez hosts many migratory species, such as humpback whales that you have the chance to see from the boat when the yacht will be around San Pedro Martir, manta rays, leatherback sea turtles, mobula rays, dolphins, octopus and much more. One highlight of your vacation will be the sight of sea lion colonies on the Midriff Islands: curious sea lions will come close and tug at your fins or blow bubbles in front of you. A unique experience! When not diving you can hike and explore uninhabited islands, kayak, or simply relax and familiarize with other guests on board.
An American style breakfast consists of pancakes, waffles muffins, toast, egg dishes, fresh fruit, juices, hot chocolate, coffee or tea will boost your energy for the active morning ahead. Lunch is typically sandwiches, burgers, fish tacos, fresh vegetables and fruit. Dinner starts with fresh vegetable salad, homemade soups, and has local fresh seafood or meat dishes as main courses. Desserts are made daily.
Only 2 dives on the last day of the safari, before heading back to Puerto Penasco in the afternoon (for itineraries commencing in San José del Cabo and ending in Puerto Peñasco).
Day 8
Disembark the following Saturday morning after a continental breakfast. Please schedule your travel accordingly.
[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].
The liveaboard crew of 10 comprise:
- Cruise Leader/Divemaster
- 2 Divemasters
- Captain
- Cook
- Engineer
- 4 Deck Hands/Stewards
Nitrox - 2 motorized dive dinghies - 580ft² (54m²) dive deck & 236ft² (22m²) platform with 2 ladders, hot water showers & toilet - Camera table, separate rinse tank & charging stations - 430ft² (40m²) main deck air-conditioned saloon with TV, DVD, music system, movie library, fish ID books, general books & games - 430ft² 40m² lower deck dining room - Satellite telephone - 690ft² (64m²) partially-shaded sundeck with sun beds & mattresses - Sea kayaks - Drinking water dispenser