Rocio del Mar

Location: Mexico

Rating: 4.6/5 (2026 reviews)

Rocio del Mar

About Rocio del Mar

The Rocio del Mar, a 33.5-meter liveaboard, provides access to Mexico's diverse Pacific and Sea of Cortez marine environments.

Mexico's Pacific coast presents two fundamentally different underwater worlds. The Sea of Cortez, a long and protected gulf, functions as a massive nursery whose nutrient-rich waters support dense schools of fish, sea lion colonies, and hammerhead sharks. Far south, in the open ocean, the Revillagigedo Archipelago—known as Socorro—rises from the deep. These volcanic pinnacles are magnets for global pelagic travelers, including giant oceanic manta rays and a formidable variety of sharks. The Rocio del Mar is a vessel engineered for this region, offering a stable base for expeditions into both marine provinces. Its design prioritizes range and durability, essential for reaching remote offshore sites. Diving is organized for efficiency in small groups. The dive deck provides individual gear stations, and two fast inflatable pangas transport divers to sites for precise drop-offs. All dives are guided. With a maximum of 20 guests, the boat runs three small groups led by experienced local divemasters, ensuring personal attention. A dedicated camera table and rinse tanks serve photographers. While open water certification is sufficient for the Sea of Cortez, the challenging conditions of Socorro require a minimum of 50 logged dives. Life aboard is designed for comfort on extended voyages. The vessel accommodates 20 guests in ten staterooms, each with a private en-suite bathroom and individual climate control. For social time, the interior features a comfortable saloon and a separate library. Outside, multiple decks offer generous space. The main sun deck is furnished for lounging, while a higher observation deck provides unobstructed views for spotting surface activity. An outdoor BBQ area also serves as a casual gathering spot. The culinary program is an integral part of the journey. A professional chef prepares a varied menu blending international and local Mexican flavors, typically served buffet-style. This format offers a wide selection of fresh dishes. Snacks and beverages are available throughout the day to keep divers fueled and hydrated. The crew can accommodate most dietary needs with advance notice. The post-dive atmosphere is often centered around sharing a drink and appetizers while recounting the day's sightings. Built in 2008, the Rocio del Mar is a purpose-built expeditionary vessel measuring 33.5 meters long with a 7.6-meter beam. Its steel hull is designed for long-distance oceanic travel. A key feature for guest comfort is the external stabilizer system, which significantly reduces ship roll during open-water crossings to the Socorro Islands. This provides a more stable platform while cruising and at anchor. With a capacity limited to just 20 guests, the vessel maintains an intimate and uncrowded feel. The vessel operates itineraries timed to marine life migrations. From November through May, Rocio del Mar focuses on the Socorro Islands, departing from San José del Cabo for encounters with giant mantas and sharks. These trips are for advanced divers comfortable with blue-water conditions. In summer and early fall, the boat explores the Midriff Islands in the Sea of Cortez from Puerto Peñasco. These voyages suit a wider range of certified divers, offering interactions with sea lions and high biodiversity. This dual focus makes Rocio del Mar an excellent platform for divers seeking either world-class pelagic action or rich, varied ecosystems.

Vessel Specifications

Cabins

Itineraries

Sea of Cortez - Explore Baja (Puerto Peñasco - San José Del Cabo)

Duration: 13D/12N

Embarkation: Puerto Peñasco, Mexico

Embark on a 13-day, 700-mile expedition aboard the Rocio del Mar, traversing the entire Sea of Cortez from Puerto Peñasco to San José del Cabo. This unique journey links the cool, nutrient-rich Midriff Islands with the warmer tropical reefs of the south in one comprehensive trip. Expect around 33 dives over 11 diving days, exploring remote walls, pinnacles, two shipwrecks, and engaging in mobula ray night dives and encounters with sea lion colonies. A special highlight includes a snorkel stop wi

Socorro Islands

Duration: 14D/13N

Embarkation: San Jose Del Cabo

برنامج الرحلة المقترح اليوم الأول - الصعود على متن القارب الساعة 5 مساءً / يُقدم العشاء الساعة 7 مساءً / ينطلق القارب بعد ذلك بوقت قصير اليوم الثاني - في عرض البحر اليوم الثالث - 11 غطسة، من 3 إلى 4 غطسات يوميًا اليوم الثاني عشر - 4 غطسات مُجدولة - في نهاية اليوم، نبدأ رحلة العودة إلى سان خوسيه ديل كابو اليوم الثالث عشر - في عرض البحر اليوم الرابع عشر - الوصول إلى سان خوسيه ديل كابو في ساعات الصباح الباكر - النزول من القارب الساعة 8:30 صباحًا يستطيع معظم الغواصين تسمية ثلاث جزر من أرخبيل

Archipielago de Revillagigedo / Socorro Island

Duration: 10D/9N

Embarkation: San Jose Del Cabo

Divers must be openwater certified and we highly recommend a minimum of 50 dives

Sea of Cortez - Explore Baja (Puerto Peñasco - San José Del Cabo)

Duration: 12 nights

Embarkation: Puerto Peñasco, Mexico

Embark on a 13-day journey through the Sea of Cortez, a magnificent marine ecosystem often referred to as "the world's aquarium" by Jacques Cousteau. This expedition promises an immersive experience in one of the most biodiverse waters on Earth, exploring pristine walls, vibrant reefs, and rich underwater landscapes. Divers can anticipate encountering a variety of marine life, from playful sea lions to schooling pelagics and colorful reef fish. This trip offers a comprehensive exploration of the

Sea of Cortez - Explore Baja (San José Del Cabo - Puerto Peñasco)

Duration: 12 nights

Embarkation: San José Del Cabo, Mexico

Explore over 700 miles of the Sea of Cortez, delving into the Midriff Islands known for their clear, warm waters. This adventure combines the vibrant marine life of the southern region with the diverse ecosystems of the northern reaches. Divers can expect a mix of colorful blennies, dancing jawfish, and sea horses, with opportunities to encounter large and small whale species, snorkel with whale sharks, and observe schooling mobula rays. The journey promises a fantastic sunrise, clear skies, and

Socorro Islands

Duration: 13 nights

Embarkation: San Jose Del Cabo

Embark on a pelagic-focused expedition to the Socorro Islands, a remote volcanic archipelago southwest of Baja California Sur. This itinerary offers encounters with large marine life, including various shark species, giant manta rays, and playful dolphins in open ocean conditions. Expect deep clear waters and a wild, expansive underwater environment characteristic of offshore seamounts. The journey primarily focuses on the Revillagigedo Archipelago's iconic dive sites, known for significant biom

Socorro Islands

Duration: 9 nights

Embarkation: San Jose Del Cabo

Embark on a remote pelagic expedition to Mexico's Socorro Islands, a volcanic archipelago forming part of the Revillagigedo National Park. These isolated seamounts attract large aggregations of open ocean species, offering consistent encounters with giant manta rays, various shark species including schooling hammerheads and silvertips, and playful dolphins. Humpback whales are also a common sight during the winter months. This itinerary focuses on drift dives around the islands, exploring deep p

Socorro Islands (San Jose Del Cabo - San Jose Del Cabo)

Duration: 10D/9N

Embarkation: San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico

This liveaboard adventure explores the Revillagigedo Archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the 'Galapagos of Mexico'. The remote islands of Socorro, San Benedicto, Clarion, and Roca Partida offer unmatched pelagic encounters in clear, blue waters. Divers can anticipate exhilarating interactions with various shark species, manta rays, and during certain seasons, humpback whales. The Rocio del Mar provides a comfortable and well-equipped platform for discovering this biodiverse marine

Combination Sea of Cortez & Socorro (San Jose Del Cabo - San Jose Del Cabo)

Duration: 14D/13N

Embarkation: San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico

Embark on an unforgettable liveaboard adventure in Mexico, exploring the legendary waters of Socorro and the wild beauty of the Sea of Cortez. This itinerary promises action-packed diving days and relaxing sea crossings. Guests can also enjoy time on board and take in the stunning natural surroundings. The trip offers incredible opportunities for big-animal encounters and vibrant marine biodiversity.

Sea of Cortez - Southern Safari

Duration: 9 nights

Embarkation: San Jose Del Cabo