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Mexico is a dive destination blessed with some of the most thrilling underwater encounters imaginable. For liveaboard divers it is all about the Pacific coast of Mexico, home to places such as Socorro Island, Guadalupe and the Sea of Cortez. Simply mentioning these locations conjures images of schools of sharks, enormous whales, huge manta rays and other stunning marine megafauna. Few other places can boast such vast marine riches.
Socorro in particular has become something of a rite of passage among serious scuba divers with 2 groups forming: those that have already been and those who want to go. Its stunning array of megafauna has earned it the title of 'Mexico's Galapagos'. Guadalupe is considered by many to be finest location in the world for cage diving with great white sharks. Both locations are far out to sea, making Mexican liveaboard cruises the only choice and lending diving safaris out here a real sense of adventure.
Above the waves, Mexico is a country that fires the imagination: images of old-style bandidos, sleepy sun-drenched towns, lively fiestas and its own distinct and world-famous cuisine. It is renowned for being the ultimate blend of sunshine, entertainment, culture and natural splendor. Lie back on the golden sands or sip a tequila in a beach bar. Indulge in the archaeological wonders of the Mayan culture. Revel in the carnival atmosphere and shake your booty to vibrant Hispanic music. All this and more packed into one exceptional country. Go now before word gets out and everyone has Mexico in their liveaboard diving log books.
We recommend Mexico liveaboards that operate on the Pacific Ocean west coast where the country's best diving is located. Being on the doorstep of the United States, it is obviously popular among US based divers, but it is quickly gaining a worldwide following and is easier to get to than you might think. Check out your Mexico liveaboard options:
The 'Revillagigedos' comprise an archipelago some 250 miles (400 km) from Cabo San Lucas, at the tip of the Baja peninsula. Socorro is famed for encounters with huge manta rays, sharks and humpback whales. Experienced divers who think they have seen it all over the years still step off a Socorro liveaboard with all the wide-eyed enthusiasm of a beginner. With such breathtaking encounters with big animals in impressive numbers, it is understandable why it has been elevated to the ranks of one of the best places on earth to dive with the big stuff. Socorro is often mentioned in the same breath as places like Galapagos and Cocos Island. [More details on these dive sites: Socorro].
Given the non-stop action and occasional surge and current, Socorro is not for divers still struggling with their buoyancy. You will need to have some experience to dive here and be comfortable in open water and with a variety of advanced diving conditions.
Availability can be a problem here in Mexico since liveaboards are very popular and are often fully booked early, so plan and make your reservation well in advance of your travel.
> [More details: Socorro Islands Liveaboard Trips]This is a thin stretch of water lying between the Baja California peninsula to the west and Mexico to the east, and it is bursting with biological riches. Vast schools of hammerhead sharks, colonies of sea lions and even gray whales are common here in this aquarium-like marine haven. [More details on these dive sites: Sea of Cortez].
When you are in the Sea of Cortez you are never far from land. As such these safaris are appropriate for less experienced scuba divers who want the thrill of Mexican liveaboard diving but without the swirling currents and swells of the open Pacific Ocean. There are very few liveaboard options here so you may only see one or two daytrip boats during your cruise.
> [More details: Cortez Sea - Gulf of California Trips]There are also occasional 7 night specialty cruises to Magdalena Bay in October and November. This part of Baja California is the best spot to witness the incredible Sardine Run that attracts the attention of some of the Pacific's biggest predators, such as striped marlins, sharks, dolphins and orcas. It is also a bay that is a famed home for migratory gray whales. [More details on these dive sites: Magdalena Bay].
> [More details: Magdalena Bay Trips]This is a volcanic island 150 miles (240 km) west of Baja California and is a mecca for great white shark cage diving. Guadalupe's shark population is said to be one of the most prolific on Earth. It is also reputed to enjoy superior visibility than any other place where cage diving with great white sharks takes place. Liveaboard charters to Guadalupe are single purpose trips. That purpose is to see as many of these apex predators as you can; up close and personal. [More details on these dive sites: Guadalupe].
You need only to feel comfortable in the water and have a thirst for sharing space at close quarters with these magnificent creatures.
> [More details: Guadalupe Island Trips]
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There are 2 main seasons that influence Mexico liveaboards: the rainy season and the dry season. May through October roughly corresponds to the rainy season where there is an increased chance of hurricanes. November through June is the dry season. During this time northerly winds can blow down from the USA, meaning windier weather and choppier waters.
Altitude also plays a part. Generally the coastal regions maintain a balmy warmth all year round, despite the variations between dry and wet seasons. At altitude however, the temperatures can vary much more and can at times be positively chilly.
Mexico is a year round scuba destination although different seasons apply to the locations within the country. You can find more details on our Mexico diving destinations page.
Your first port of entry into Mexico may be close to your liveaboard diving cruise port of departure. Los Cabos International Airport (a.k.a San Jose del Cabo International airport) is where Socorro customers fly into. Ensenada Internal Airport (or San Diego) services Guadalupe customers. Sea of Cortez customers often fly into Phoenix and take a land transfer to Puerto Penasco.
Otherwise the main international airport is Benito Juarez International Airport in Mexico City. Direct flights arrive here from all over the world, particularly from the Americas. There are also direct flights from European cities like London, Madrid, Paris, Frankfurt and Amsterdam and even from Tokyo. Other international airports include Tijuana, Cancun, Guadalajara and Monterrey. Domestic flights can be booked with AeroMexico.
For complete protection, we strongly recommend travel insurance covering scuba diving and trip cancellation. Our partner program offers affordable, dive-specific policies with instant quotes:
For hotels before/after your Mexico liveaboard dive safari, visit HotelsCombined.com. Browse options, chat with agents online, and book securely. All reservations come with a 'Low Price Guarantee' for the best value:
Got some Mexico travel questions? Find all the answers in our FAQ section. We cover everything from visas to dive requirements.
