Socorro Giant Manta Citizen Science Expedition 2027

Join us on an unforgettable liveaboard expedition to the Revillagigedo Archipelago! The Socorro Islands are located approximately 540 kilometers south of Baja California, and benefit from being a fully protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. This stunning dive destination is often referred to as the Galápagos of Mexico due to its incredible biodiversity.

During this trip, you will have the opportunity to explore the three volcanic islands of Socorro, San Benedicto, and Roca Partida. Dive into crystal clear waters teeming with marine life, including one of the largest aggregations of sharks and oceanic manta rays in the world. The giant mantas are the main attraction. Watching these gentle giants feed is absolutely mesmerizing as they swoop around the volcanic backdrops. The dolphins are known to sometimes steal the show as they seem to enjoy interacting with divers. Keep your eyes peeled for hammerheads, humpback whales, tuna, tiger sharks, silvertip sharks, octopus and many other marine species as you navigate the pristine waters surrounding these remote islands.

The reliable liveaboard vessel is equipped with all the amenities you need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay including spacious cabins, delicious meals prepared by the onboard chef, and a dedicated dive deck for easy access to the stunning underwater world of the Revillagigedo archipelago. There will also be a scientist on board conducting research and educating the guests on the conservation of Socorro. Divers will have a chance to assist in some research tasks and attend presentations throughout the trip.

This trip will also host one of the top manta scientists in the world - Dr. Mauricio Hoyos!!! Guests will have the chance to watch him tag mantas, and attend his presentations where he talks about his research projects and the status of the giant mantas in the area. Here is additional information on Dr. Hoyos:

Dr. Mauricio Hoyos is the Director and Co-founder of Pelagios Kakunjá. His main research areas include parenting, reproduction, movement patterns, habitat use, ecology, and behavior of sharks. Based in La Paz, he has studied several species of sharks in various parts of the world: Guadalupe Island, Gulf of California, Revillagigedo Archipelago, Playa del Carmen, Cancún, and Isla Mujeres (Mexico), Clipperton (France), Cocos Island (Costa Rica), Malpelo (Colombia), Los Roques (Venezuela), and the British Virgin Islands (England). He has been studying sharks since 1998 and is part of the scientific committee of several marine reserves in Mexico. Dr. Hoyos has actively participated in outreach and education activities on shark conservation, giving around 300 talks to primary school children, as well as to secondary and university students. He has also published 86 articles in peer-reviewed international scientific journals, 4 book chapters, 1 book, and 4 manuals of best practices in protected marine areas.

Join the Apex Ocean Travel family and embark on an epic adventure with us to uncover the magic of mantas. Book your spot on our liveaboard expedition today and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

info@apexoceantravel.com

**Apex Ocean Travel will be sponsoring the purchase of a satellite tag for Mauricio to deploy to learn more about the movements of mantas, so we can better protect them. We will also be donating profits from this expedition to support Heroes Del Mar, a non-profit that helps educate local children around Baja on marine topics, and provides them the opportunity to get scuba certified.

Héroes del Mar unites us with the children of small Mexican fishing communities. Together, we examine the importance of the oceans, man's effect on marine life, and how we can all work together to conserve the ocean and its inhabitants. We explore the problems the oceans face to create solutions for our future. Our main objective is to "pass the torch" to the next generation of conservationists while presenting new opportunities for their education and careers for the future.

Alex Schmidt and/or Nik Manger

Rocio Del Mar Liveaboard

Rocio Del Mar is a spacious and stable motor yacht that explores the vibrant diving spots along Mexico's Pacific coast. This vessel specializes in thrilling expeditions centered around encounters with sharks, mantas, dolphins, humpback whales, sea lions, and more! Guests can anticipate immersive, expert-guided diving experiences lasting a week or longer, complemented by excellent amenities tailored for divers and underwater photographers. With opportunities for up to four dives daily, the itinerary promises ample time exploring the marine wonders. Above water, guests can unwind in a convivial atmosphere, enjoying top-notch hospitality and mingling with fellow adventurers. The captain, steward, panga drivers, divemasters, and engineer work together as a team to ensure your comfort and safety and that you come away feeling like you have a new family in Mexico. Prepare for an amazing week of diving, and come ready to eat!

110’ with a 25’ beam
Custom-designed and built specifically for divers in 2008
Takes 20 divers
10 Private Staterooms for two people with ensuite bathroom
External stabilizers

MAIN DECK
6 cabins with 2 XL twin bunks (cabins 1-6)
2 cabins with a queen bed (cabins 7-8)
Dive deck
Large fully equipped camera table
Bathroom on the dive deck
Two freshwater showers

UPPER DECK
2 Staterooms with a double bed and single bunk (cabins 9-10)
Large salon with oversized furniture, television, and a computer station
Covered patio with comfortable outdoor furniture for relaxing

TOP DECK
Shaded sun deck with deck chairs
Outdoor kitchen and serving area

All interior areas are fully air-conditioned, including cabins, salon, galley, and hallways
Voltage is 110, and outlets are just like in the US
The vessel receives complete service every June