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Join us in December 2028 for an unforgettable liveaboard diving adventure to Socorro Island in Mexico’s remote Revillagigedo Islands. Located about 240 miles south of Cabo San Lucas, this world-renowned destination offers pristine waters, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and some of the best big-animal diving on the planet.

Your journey begins in Cabo, where you can relax and explore before boarding for this once-in-a-lifetime expedition to a truly isolated and spectacular marine environment.

Socorro

Socorro is famous for its incredible marine life encounters, especially its giant oceanic manta rays – often called the “friendliest mantas” for their curious and interactive nature. Divers can also encounter bottlenose dolphins, whale sharks, and up to 10 shark species, including hammerheads and silky sharks. Combined with large schools of fish and the chance to hear or even see migrating humpback whales, every dive promises an awe-inspiring experience in one of the ocean’s most vibrant ecosystems.

Dates

December 11-19, 2028

More Info

Yacht: Nautilus Explorer

Packages

All prices are in USD & include taxes.

Hot Tub Upper Deck

Superior Suite: $4,800 per person, double occupancy (1 King & Two Twin Beds) – SOLD OUT

Premium Suite: $4,395 per person, double occupancy (1 King & Two Twin Beds) – SOLD OUT

Lower Deck (Staterooms) – AVAILABLE 

  • Room A & B – Single/Solo Traveler Room: $4,800 – single occupancy (1 King Bed) – SOLD OUT
  • Rooms C, D, E, F, G, H: $3,795 per person, double occupancy – (Twin Bed & Double Bed)
  • Room J – Triple Stateroom: $3,695 per person, double occupancy (Three bunk beds)

Only 2 will be filled with guests, and 1 will be for storage/extra space. If three would like to share this space, reach out.

Duration

9 days/8 nights

Included

  • 8 nights on the luxurious Nautilus Belle Amie
  • All Meals & snacks
  • Diving (approx 3-4 dives a day) & regular air tanks
  • Diving “butler” service on the Nautilus Belle Amie
  • Experienced dive guides
  • Nautilus Lifeline, SMB, Dive Alert Signal Device
  • Presentations on marine life
  • Travel with a marine biologist and travel/educational expert
  • Photography advice & tips
  • Private charter just for our group

Excluded

  • International and domestic flights
  • Dive Insurance
  • Travel Insurance
  • Nitrox
  • Rental Gear
  • Alcoholic beverages & “fancy” coffees
  • Gratuities
  • Socorro Island Park Fee (approx. $960.00 USD per person, added to your invoice)
  • Port fee ($35.00 USD per person, paid on board)
  • Transfers to/from SeaCreatures and/or the airport
  • Hotels prior to/after liveaboard

How to secure your spot

Please note that this trip has limited spots. The following payments will be required:

Deposit 

  • $1,000 USD deposit.

Payments

  • First payment due June 02, 2027
  • Second payment due March 02, 2028
  • Final payment due June 02, 2028
  • $960 USD Socorro Marine Park fee added to invoice (e.g $172 per day x 8 days). Retirees and educators ask about discounts and exemptions. 

We will be in touch via email for your payment. We recommend purchasing your flights into Los Cabos, Mexico (SJD), as soon as possible to secure reasonably priced tickets.

For more information and availability, please email amanda@amandadelaforce.com.

About the Diving

The Nautilus Explorer caters to divers of varying experience levels, though we recommend having your Advanced Open Water certification and at least 50 logged dives to fully enjoy this trip. The onboard experience is flexible and diver-focused, allowing you to choose the level of independence that suits you best. Highly experienced, self-reliant divers often have the freedom to dive more independently and may access sites early, while those seeking additional support can dive alongside the expert crew, who are happy to guide you from gearing up through to your return to the vessel. Most guests fall somewhere in between, and the crew ensures everyone is well supported for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Diving operations are run efficiently using multiple skiffs that act as “water taxis,” dropping divers at sites and picking them up promptly upon surfacing—so there’s no waiting in the sun.

December offers some of the best conditions in Socorro, with water temperatures reaching up to 28°C (82°F). We recommend bringing at least a 3mm wetsuit, though you should choose exposure protection that keeps you comfortable in warm tropical conditions.

Itinerary

December 11, 2028: We’ll meet at SeaCreatures in downtown Cabo in the late afternoon (exact time TBC) for check-in. Between 7-8 pm, the Nautilus Belle Amie crew will bring us and our gear to the boat for boarding. We’ll settle into our cabins and begin our overnight cruise to Socorro. *Possible Backscatter photo and video workshop in the afternoon (TBC).

December 12, 2028: Relaxing day at sea as we continue traveling to the Revillagigedo Islands, with our first planned stop at San Benedicto Island by evening. During the day, we’ll participate in safety briefings, unpack and set up dive gear, learn more about giant mantas, and enjoy cocktail hour and sunsets as we cruise.

December 13-17, 2028: Diving begins and continues for 5 days. Our focus will be on diving with the world’s “friendliest mantas”, bottlenose dolphins, up to ten species of sharks, and loads of fish. December is one of the best chances for whale shark encounters, too. We’ll start our diving at San Benedicto Island and make our way around the Revillagigedo Archipelago, diving at favorite sites such as El Canyon, the Boiler, Red Rocks, Roca Partida, Cabo Pearce, Punta Tosca, and Roca O’Neal. The plan is to average 4 dives a day; the day we check in at the local navy base will likely be 3 dives.

December 18, 2028: We’ll begin our early morning voyage back to Cabo San Lucas with another relaxing day at sea.

December 19, 2028: Arrival back into Cabo San Lucas is estimated at 8:30 am. We’ll say our goodbyes and disembark the Nautilus Belle Amie. Please do not schedule departing flights before 1 pm to allow enough time to get to the airport and check in, etc.

Additional Pre-Trip Info

Note that several dives may be quite challenging and unsuitable for divers with lower levels of experience. Note that weather conditions influence Mother Ocean.

Getting There

Arrival Airport: Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) 

From North America

Many airlines within North America fly into Los Cabos, Mexico. Please plan to arrive no later than early afternoon on December 11, 2028.

From Australia

For most, the first international port of entry will be the United States. The closest US airports are Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Everyone flying to the US must clear immigration and customs, even if you are continuing onward to Mexico. There is currently no option to stay in transit in the US.

If you have a connecting flight, you’ll drop your luggage at baggage re-check or at the ticket counters and head back through security to your connecting flight to Cabo San Lucas (SJD) airport. You might consider a layover in California before continuing on to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Please plan to arrive by early afternoon on December 11, 2028.

From Europe

For most, traveling via the US and onward to Mexico will be the most efficient way to get to Cabo San Lucas. Alternatively, flights to Mexico City (MEX) and onward to Cabo San Lucas (SJD).

About the Nautilus Explorer

  • Launched in 2015 and designed specifically for diving in Socorro
  • Has 17 comfortable suites, each with its own bathroom/shower and individually controlled air conditioning
  • Offers a huge dive deck with ample space for everyone to get ready for diving
  • Relax in the upper sun deck, which includes a hot tub and a fully stocked bar
  • Constructed with heavy steel for stabilization, designed for ocean crossings
  • 17 crew members on board
  • ISM Safety Certified
  • Comfortable indoor dining & lounging area to work on photos, relax, and socialise
Group of divers and ocean travelers sharing experiences on a marine expedition

Why Travel with OceanLife?

OceanLife expeditions are designed for divers and snorkellers who want more than a holiday. Every journey is personally led by Amanda Delaforce, a marine biologist with more than 25 years of field experience and over 30 years of diving experience. Her knowledge of marine life, underwater photography, and responsible wildlife encounters adds depth to every adventure. Each destination is carefully selected for its exceptional marine encounters and trusted local operators. Read more

Ready for Your Next Adventure?

We look forward to sharing this unforgettable experience with you. Curious what it’s like to travel with OceanLife? Explore our Testimonials to hear from past guests.

Questions? Feel free to contact us. We’d love to hear from you!

More Info

Bookings, Payment, Cancellation Policy and Force Majeure in relation to the Tour

TERMS & CONDITIONS

These Terms & Conditions apply to all bookings made with Amanda Delaforce Photography and Travel Pty Ltd (ABN 26 661 237 734), trading as OceanLife Scuba Expeditions (“OceanLife Scuba Expeditions”, “we”, “us” or “our”).

1. Insurance

  • OceanLife Scuba Expeditions highly recommends that all guests purchase comprehensive personal travel and dive insurance as soon as possible after confirming their travel plans. Your insurance policy should provide adequate cover for, at a minimum, trip cancellation, medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, scuba diving activities, missed or delayed flights, baggage loss or delay, travel interruptions and personal liability. We recommend Dive Assure or DAN for dive insurance. Dive Assure offers both annual and short-term (per trip) Dive and Travel Insurance policies. You can purchase a policy here – https://app.diveassure.com/#/registration/main/process/0/int/0/18669/en-intl
  • Evidence of adequate travel and dive insurance must be provided prior to departure.
  • All diving, snorkelling and in-water activities are conducted by our appointed in-country operator(s), including liveaboard vessel operators and local dive centres, who maintain responsibility for their own operational procedures, safety standards and applicable insurance requirements. While participating in diving, snorkelling or swimming activities, you are required to comply with all instructions given by the Captain, Dive Instructor, Divemaster or other authorised crew members.

2. Bookings and Payments

  • Bookings made more than 100 days before the commencement of the trip require a non-refundable deposit of USD $1000 per passenger.
  • All deposits are non-refundable.
  • Bookings made within 100 days of the commencement of the trip require payment in full to secure the booking.
  • Final payment is due no later than 100 days before the commencement of the trip. A final payment reminder will be sent prior to the due date.
  • Each guest is required to complete a Dive Trip Questionnaire (which may include a Dive Medical Assessment where applicable) before receiving final trip confirmation. The completed questionnaire must be returned to OceanLife Scuba Expeditions before final payment is made.
  • Guests are required to disclose all relevant medical conditions honestly and completely. Failure to disclose relevant medical information, or providing false or misleading information, may result in OceanLife Scuba Expeditions refusing participation where the condition may affect the safety of the guest, other participants or the safe operation of the expedition.
  • Guests are responsible for ensuring they hold valid passports, visas, permits, vaccinations and any other documentation required for entry into the destination country or countries. OceanLife Scuba Expeditions accepts no responsibility for denied boarding, refused entry or additional costs resulting from incomplete, expired or invalid travel documentation.

3. Amendment and Cancellation Policy

  • All deposits are non-refundable.
  • The total trip cost becomes 100% non-refundable within 100 days of the scheduled departure date. This applies to deposits and all subsequent payments, except where otherwise required by law.
  • If you cancel your booking 100 days or more before departure, and your place can be resold, a trip credit equal to your remaining balance (less a USD $300 administration fee) will be issued. The credit must be used on another OceanLife Scuba Expeditions trip departing within two (2) years of the cancellation date.
  • If you cancel your booking within 99 days of departure, no refund or trip credit will be issued.
  • If a guest misses the commencement of the expedition or any part of the itinerary due to delayed or cancelled flights, missed connections, immigration delays, baggage delays, weather events or other travel disruptions, no refund, credit or alternative arrangements will be provided by OceanLife Scuba Expeditions. Any eligible costs should be claimed through the guest’s travel insurance policy.
  • OceanLife Scuba Expeditions reserves the right to amend itineraries, accommodation, vessels, dive sites, schedules, guides or expedition leaders where reasonably necessary due to weather, sea conditions, safety considerations, wildlife activity, mechanical issues, operational requirements, government directives or other circumstances beyond our reasonable control. Such changes do not constitute grounds for compensation or refund.

4. Force Majeure

  • OceanLife Scuba Expeditions shall not be liable for any delay, alteration, cancellation or failure to deliver a trip where such circumstances are caused by events beyond our reasonable control.
  • A Force Majeure Event includes, but is not limited to, acts of God, war, terrorism, fire, flood, severe weather, natural disasters, epidemics or pandemics, industrial disputes, strikes, civil unrest, acts of government or regulatory authorities, the inability to obtain licences or permits, delays caused by subcontractors or suppliers, telecommunications failures, material shortages or any other event beyond our reasonable control.

5. Guest Responsibilities

  • Guests participating in scuba diving must hold the minimum certification required for the expedition and provide proof of certification if requested.
  • Guests agree to dive within the limits of their certification, experience and current medical fitness, and to follow all instructions provided by dive professionals, vessel crew and expedition staff.
  • Guests are responsible for arriving at the designated departure location at the required time. OceanLife Scuba Expeditions is not responsible for missed departures resulting from delayed or cancelled flights, missed connections, immigration delays, baggage delays, weather events or other travel disruptions beyond our reasonable control. Any costs, losses or expenses incurred as a result of these disruptions are the responsibility of the guest and should be claimed through the guest’s travel insurance policy, where covered.
  • Guests are responsible for the care and security of their own dive equipment, camera equipment, luggage and personal belongings throughout the expedition.
  • Wildlife sightings are natural events and cannot be guaranteed. OceanLife Scuba Expeditions makes no representation or warranty that any particular marine species, wildlife encounter or photographic opportunity will occur during an expedition.
  • OceanLife Scuba Expeditions reserves the right to refuse participation or remove any guest from an expedition, without refund, where their behaviour is considered unsafe, abusive, disruptive, illegal, intoxicated, or likely to place themselves, other guests, crew members or the expedition at risk.

6. Liability and Obligations

  • OceanLife Scuba Expeditions acts as an expedition organiser and booking agent for accommodation providers, liveaboards, dive operators, transport providers and other third-party suppliers.
  • We choose our in-country dive operators carefully. We check that they hold the correct permits, licences, vessel registrations and insurance before we work with them. Once you’re on the water, they’re responsible for running the trip safely under their own procedures, not ours.
  • To the maximum extent permitted by law, OceanLife Scuba Expeditions accepts no responsibility for any loss, damage, injury, delay or expense arising from the acts, omissions or default of any third-party supplier involved in delivering any component of the expedition.
  • Participation in scuba diving, snorkelling and other adventure activities involves inherent risks which may result in serious injury, permanent disability or death. These risks include, but are not limited to, decompression sickness, arterial gas embolism, hyperbaric injuries requiring recompression treatment, equipment failure, adverse weather, strong currents, remote locations where emergency medical assistance may be delayed, and encounters with wild marine life that may result in stings, bites or other injuries.
  • Guests acknowledge these inherent risks and voluntarily participate in these activities at their own risk. Participants are responsible for ensuring they are medically fit to participate, exercising reasonable care, following all safety instructions and complying with directions provided by the vessel crew, dive professionals and expedition leaders.
  • To the maximum extent permitted by law, OceanLife Scuba Expeditions shall not be liable for any personal injury, illness or death suffered directly or indirectly as a result of participation in the expedition or associated activities. We are also not liable for any consequential loss, including loss of income, profits, enjoyment or opportunity, nor for the loss, theft or damage of personal belongings before, during or after the expedition.
  • Nothing in these Terms & Conditions excludes, restricts or modifies any rights or remedies that cannot lawfully be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law or any other applicable legislation.

7. Privacy & Data Collection Notice

OceanLife Scuba Expeditions collects personal information, including contact details, payment information and, where relevant to trip participation, health and medical information, in order to process bookings, arrange travel and diving activities, and communicate with guests. Health information collected through our Dive Trip Questionnaire is used solely to assess fitness to dive and may be shared with our appointed in-country dive operators for safety purposes. We do not sell personal information to third parties. By using this website or booking a trip, you consent to the collection and use of your information as described here.

8. Photography

During the expedition, OceanLife Scuba Expeditions and its representatives may capture photographs and video footage for promotional, educational and marketing purposes. Unless you notify us in writing before departure, you consent to the use of images or video in which you may appear on our website, social media channels, printed publications and other promotional material without compensation.

9. Governing Law

These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of Queensland, Australia. Any dispute arising out of or in connection with these Terms & Conditions shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Queensland, Australia.

By placing a booking with Amanda Delaforce Photography and Travel Pty Ltd (ABN 26 661 237 734), trading as OceanLife Scuba Expeditions, you acknowledge that you have read, understood and accepted these Terms & Conditions and the Cancellation Policy.

Entry Requirements for Mexico

Most travelers to Mexico can enter the country under the following conditions:

  • A valid passport with more than six months of validity (Mexican authorities require a passport to be valid for the duration of the stay in Mexico, but transit countries and airline companies may have other requirements).
  • A properly completed Multiple Migratory Form (FMM). The FMM can be obtained from the airline or at the port of entry, but to expedite your border registration, you can now fill it out and print it in advance. Read more
    • Remember to keep the FMM in a safe place during your trip! You will be asked for it at your departure from Mexico.
  • The Immigration Authorities at the port of entry may request certain documents to prove the purpose of your visit, depending on the activity you will undertake in Mexico:
    • Tourism: Hotel reservation, itinerary, and return tickets (to home or another country)
OceanLife Scuba Expeditions | Socorro, 2028