Where to book
Diving on the Rocio del Mar liveaboard
Rocio del Mar has two itineraries: one to Socorro Island and the other to the Sea of Cortez, both featuring some of the best dive sites in Mexico. All trips depart from either San Jose del Cabo or Puerto Penasco, Mexico. The excursions last between six to 13 days.
The Socorro Island itinerary runs from November to May. Socorro is part of the Revillagigedo Islands, a group of volcanic islands known for their unique ecosystem. Marine life includes schooling hammerheads, tuna, tiger sharks, whale sharks, and manta rays. With Rocio del Mar, you’ll dive in Socorro, San Benedicto, Roca Partida and, on the longer expeditions, Corion Island.
Although the waters are the calmest during this time of year, Socorro is nonetheless known for strong currents, so you should have some experience diving in that environment.
The Sea of Cortez itinerary is broken down into three different routes. The Midriff Islands, from July to September, offer wall and reef diving and potential encounters with whale sharks and playful sea lions.
Explore Baja from September-October offers everything from whale sharks and mobula rays to nudibranchs and seahorses.
Finally, the Southern safari, also in September and October, features big colonies of sea lions, hammerhead sharks, and reef fish.
Rocio del Mar also runs themed trips, including family-only trips, women-only trips, and photo workshops. You can also rent the boat for a private liveaboard trip.
Regardless of the itinerary, many dive sites have strong currents, so you’ll need an SMB. Because these are also bluewater dives, this liveaboard trip is best suited for advanced divers. There is nitrox onboard (surcharge), and if you’re not already certified, you can get your nitrox certification on the trip.
The Rocio del Mar has a limited selection of rental scuba gear, so you’ll have to bring your own or reserve it ASAP. They only rent out BCDs, regulators, and Shearwater Peregrine dive computers. So, at a minimum, bring your SMB, fins, mask, and wetsuit. Depending on the time of year and location, water temperatures range from 73 to 80 F (23 to 26 C).
Highlights:
- Year-round diving
- Strong currents
- Pelagic encounters
- Nitrox certification available onboard
Onboard the Rocio del Mar
Measuring 110 feet (33 m) long, the Rocio del Mar can accommodate 20 people in 10 staterooms, spread over two decks. You’ll find eight cabins on the main deck—six with two single beds, and two with a double bed and extra storage space. The other two staterooms are on the upper deck, both with a full-size bed and a single bed. All cabins have air-conditioning, an ensuite bathroom, and some storage space.
Shared interior spaces include an air-conditioned salon with couches, a TV, a public computer, and a small library. The spacious dining room, where all meals are served, is on the lower deck at the front.
There’s also a shaded open-air salon with benches where you can chat and enjoy the breathtaking views. If you want to sunbathe and lounge, the top deck is the place to be.
Rocio del Mar’s huge dive deck has benches, storage space, hangers, and tables to keep the area tidy. There’s also a camera table to store and charge your camera equipment and other dive electronics. There’s a water-level platform for easy entry into the water and transfer onto the tenders for dives that are a bit further out. There are also two freshwater rinse showers.
Highlights:
- Large dive deck
- Water-level dive platform
- Indoor and outdoor salon
Dining onboard the Rocio del Mar
The day starts with an American-style breakfast featuring favorites like pancakes and eggs. pancakes, Lunches include homemade soup, a protein, and plenty of veggies. Come mid-afternoon, you can indulge in mini-sandwiches, nachos, guacamole, and other snacks.
Three-course dinners include a plated salad, a main course with seafood or meat, vegetables, pasta, and potatoes. The meal ends with a homemade dessert. Weather permitting, there may also be a barbecue on the top deck, where the chef prepares a delicious carne asada.
Hot drinks and soft drinks are part of the dive package. Alcohol is not included, but you can enjoy a complimentary local beer or wine after your last dive of the day.
Upon booking, you can let the crew know if you have any dietary requirements. Rocio del Mar can accommodate most requests, including vegetarian, vegan, and most food allergies, with advanced notice.
Highlights:
- Complimentary local beer or wine at the end of the day
- Barbecue on the top deck
- Caters to special dietary requirements
Things we like:
- Year-round access to Mexico’s best diving
- Diving with pelagics
- Possibility to do nitrox course onboard
- Available for private hire and custom itineraries
- Complimentary local beer or wine at the end of the day
Things we don't like:
- National park fees not included
- Limited rental gear available
Key Facts
| Year Built | 2008 |
| Max Divers | 20 |
| Price Range | Mid-range |
| Trip Length | 8+ Nights |
| Internet | No |
| Nitrox | Yes ($) |
| Equipment Rental | Yes ($) |
| Camera Station | Yes |
| Air Conditioning | Yes |
| Min. Logged Dives | No minimum |
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