Dive Site: El Boiler

Dive site facts: El Boiler

Depth

To 35 m

Current

Moderate to strong

Visibility

Often 15–30+ m

Water temperature

20–28°C

Entry

Liveaboard tender

Level

Advanced

Dive type

Pinnacle, big animals, pelagic

Region / port

Revillagigedo Archipelago, Mexico

Coordinates

18.711222, -110.940882

Conditions & Currents

Diving at El Boiler is characterized by the presence of currents, which can vary in strength, making it suitable for advanced divers. The site is an open water area, and occasionally strong currents and significant waves can be encountered. Divers often find themselves navigating currents, especially when observing manta rays that utilize these flows. The unique interaction with mantas at El Boiler often involves them circling gracefully in the current or hovering in divers' bubbles, suggesting a need for good buoyancy and positioning. Visibility is generally excellent, often exceeding 30 meters, though occasional plankton blooms, particularly in spring, can reduce it slightly. These nutrient-rich waters are precisely what attract the large pelagic species. Due to its remote location, safety stops typically occur in blue water, requiring divers to be comfortable and proficient in such c

Marine life & sighting chances

Giant Pacific Manta Ray

November–May · common

Hammerhead shark

November–May · occasional

Galapagos shark

November–May · occasional

Silvertip shark

November–May · occasional

Bottlenose dolphin

November–May · common

Jack

Year-round · common

Tuna

Year-round · occasional

Lobster

Year-round · occasional

Octopus

Year-round · occasional

Clarion Angelfish

Year-round · common

Humpback whale

January–April · occasional

Whale shark

November–December · occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at El Boiler typically begin with a descent from a tender boat to the submerged pinnacle. Divers navigate around the roughly oval-shaped pinnacle, which rises from a depth of 35 meters to just below the surface. The main focus is observing the diverse pelagic life, particularly the giant manta rays that frequent the cleaning stations along the pinnacle's sides. The dive route often involves circling the pinnacle multiple times, allowing for extended interactions with the mantas, sharks, and dolphins that patrol the area. Due to potential strong currents, divers need to maintain excellent buoyancy control and be prepared for blue-water drifts. The dive typically culminates in a blue-water safety stop, with divers ascending to meet the tender boat.

Underwater photography

El Boiler is a dream for wide-angle photography, focusing on the abundant large pelagic marine life. A fisheye or wide-angle rectilinear lens is essential to capture the grandeur of giant manta rays, often with wingspans up to 7 meters, as they interact closely with divers. You'll also want to be ready for schooling sharks and playful dolphins, requiring quick adjustments to settings and framing. Strobe positioning is crucial to illuminate subjects in the deep blue and minimize backscatter, especially given the potential for plankton blooms. Consider using multiple strobes or a powerful video light. Buoyancy control is paramount, not only for safety in currents but also to maintain position for clean shots without disturbing the environment or other divers. Always respect marine life, maintaining distance and never chasing or touching, to ensure natural behaviors for your images.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• El Canyon – San Benedicto Island

  South end of San Benedicto, known for cleaning stations and large pelagics including hammerheads, Galapagos, and silky sharks.

• Cabo Pearce – Socorro Island

  East side of Socorro Island, with a calm cove and regular bottlenose dolphin encounters.

• Roca Partida

  A lonely pinnacle 120km west of Socorro, a magnet for sea life including pelagics, creolefish, and often visited by humpback whales.

• San Benedicto - El Fondeadero

  San Benedicto Island, part of Mexico's Revillagigedo Archipelago, is a prime destination for divers seeking thrilling encounters with…

Getting there & logistics

Access to El Boiler and the Revillagigedo Archipelago is exclusively via liveaboard, due to the remote nature of the islands. Most liveaboard trips depart from Cabo San Lucas or San Jose del Cabo, both located in Baja California Sur. The closest international airport is Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), offering flights from the United States, Canada, and other Mexican cities. Travelers typically fly into SJD, often arriving a day early to account for potential travel delays. The journey from Cabo San Lucas to the Revillagigedo Archipelago involves a crossing of at least 24 hours, depending on weather conditions. Liveaboard itineraries typically last several days, including the travel time to and from the islands. Divers should be aware of marine park fees, which contribute to the conservation efforts of this protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. These expeditions combine comfortable accommodations, gourmet meals, and expert guides for an immersive experience with large marine animals.

Safety & environment

Diving at El Boiler, like other sites in the Revillagigedo Archipelago, requires a high level of diver experience, with advanced certification and at least 50 logged dives often recommended. This is due to the remote location, potential for strong currents, deep dive profiles, and the necessity for blue-water safety stops. Divers should be comfortable in open ocean conditions and proficient in buoyancy control. Evacuation in this remote region can be complex and prolonged, emphasizing the critical importance of comprehensive dive insurance that covers emergency medical treatment and air evacuation. Divers must adhere to strict marine park regulations, including a no-touch policy for all marine life, especially the interactive mantas and dolphins, to ensure their well-being and maintain natural behaviors. Nearest recompression chambers are on the mainland in Mexico, requiring significant travel time in case of an emergency.

Who it suits, and who it doesn't

FAQ

El Boiler FAQ

Liveaboards diving El Boiler

These liveaboards may visit El Boiler on selected itineraries, the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Nautilus Explorer

Mexico

25 guests45 m

Valentina

Mexico

20 guests38 m

Rocio del Mar

Mexico

20 guests34 m

Nautilus Under Sea

Mexico

19 guests32 m

Nautilus Belle Amie

Mexico

32 guests45 m

Quino del Mar

Mexico

20 guests36 m

Nautilus Gallant Lady

Mexico

12 guests35 m