Rocio Del Mar Liveaboard

(23 REVIEWS)

Rocio del Mar liveaboard, Mexico

Socorro Islands (9 Nights), Sea of Cortez (7 nights) and Explore Baja (12 nights) | From $385++/night

The Rocio Del Mar is one of the best dive liveaboards specializing in trips to the Sea of Cortez and Socorro Islands in Mexico. This 89-foot liveaboard yacht offers 10 cabins for up to 20 divers.

rocio del mar's key features

What we particularly like about the Rocio Del Mar liveaboard is how knowledgeable and friendly the dive staff are, the stability of the boat which is very important for the typically rough navigation to the Socorro Islands, the AMAZING Mexican food served aboard, and the sufficient space for underwater photographers to prepare their equipment before and after each dive. The Rocio Del Mar's got everything an avid diver and underwater photographer could need for an epic scuba diving trip in Socorro and the Sea of Cortez!

Location

Embarkation from San José Del Cabo (SJD) for Socorro and Puerto Penasco for the Sea of Cortez.

Dive Overview

Excellent big animal diving in Socorro with giant mantas, lots of sharks, humpback whales, and whale sharks. The Sea of Cortez is great for mammals and macro with large biomass of aquatic life.

Learn more on the diving in Socorro Islands and Sea of Cortez

Check Out This Awesome Video of diving the Sea of Cortez on board the Rocio Del Mar:

And see how is it to dive the Socorro Islands on the Rocio Del Mar:

Back to Menu

Accommodations

Types of Cabins, Amenities and Photos

Rocio Del Mar Cabin Overview

10 comfortable guest staterooms on two decks. All have private bathrooms with hot shower stalls, western-style toilets, lavatories, and above height window. Each cabin is carpeted and air-conditioned. There are room-length windows with privacy curtains and convenient gear and clothes storage drawers beneath the beds.

Cabin 1 - 6 (LEFT) & Cabin 7 & 8 (RIGHT)

Cabin 9 & 10 (LEFT) and Bathroom (RIGHT)

Rocio Del Mar Cabin Details

Eight cabins on the main deck - four on the port and starboard side. 6 cabins feature two single beds with reading lights. 2 cabins feature a double bed with lots of storage space underneath. Adjustable reading lights to focus the illumination without disturbing your cabin-mate.

There are two staterooms on the second deck behind the bridge on the port and starboard side. Each features a full-size lower bed and a single-size bed on top with adjustable reading lights.

Back to Menu

General Facilities

Dining Room & Salon

Camera Table & Dive Platform

Sundeck & Outdoor Kitchen

Rocio Del Mar Boat Features

Air-conditioning
Carpets
Storage space
En-suite bathrooms
Salon
Sundeck
Spacious dining area
Bar
Lounge area
Outdoor kitchen

Rocio Del Mar Dive Facilities

DIN Adaptors
Nitrox
Camera table
Wet gear storage

Back to Menu

Food & Drinks Aboard Rocio Del Mar

Each day starts early with a continental breakfast with fresh fruit, cereals, bagels, yogurt, bread, and freshly brewed coffee. After the first dive, guests enjoy a full, plated breakfast. After the second dive, guests will be served a full, plated lunch with a hot homemade soup to start. In the afternoon, they serve a large snack often of sandwiches, fruit, cheeses, and more. For dinner guests enjoy a three-course, plated meal with a salad, entrée, and dessert. Hot and cold beverages are always available including canned soft drinks. Divers also enjoy complimentary beer and wine after their last dive of the day. They can accommodate any special dietary needs.

Back to Menu

Rocio Del Mar Deck Plan

Back to Menu

Schedule, RATES & Availability

Rocio Del Mar Liveaboard Schedule & Rates

Book Now Button

Prices are per person in USD and are inclusive of all taxes. See the full 'Inclusions & Exclusions'. Click on 'Booking Request' to see available cabin options and to book.

Inclusions

Your accommodation and housekeeping
All meals, snacks, and beverages (including complimentary beer and wine)
Marine park fees
Port fees
Up to four guided dives per day (conditions permitting)
Tanks, air, and weights
Dinner on the day of embarking/breakfast on the day of disembarkation depending on the itinerary

Exclusions

Anything purchased on board
Gear
Clothing and sundries
Dive training and certifications
Equipment rental
National Park fees
Transfers
$120 Nitrox fee (if desired)
Crew Gratuity

Back to Menu Other Options

RAtes & Availability

For more information on rates and availability email us at info@bluewaterdivetravel.com or call us at +1-310-915-6677 and we will gladly help you plan your dream dive vacation!

Back to Menu

Dive Information & Itineraries

Book Now Button

Dive the Midriff Islands (7 Nights)

With clear, deep waters, abundant sea life, golden sandy beaches, and inspiring vistas, the Sea of Cortez - known as the Gulf of California - is a breathtaking destination for scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, boating, and exploring diverse marine creatures. Legendary diver Jacques Cousteau described the Sea of Cortez as the "world's aquarium". Dive on untouched walls and reefs abounding in marine life. Encounter large and small whale species, whale sharks, jumping mobula rays, and sea lion colonies.

Day 1. Embark at 5:00 p.m. Puerto Peñasco, leave at 6:00 p.m.
Day 2. Wake up at Refugio Bay on Angel Island Potential Dive sites: Angel Rock, La Vela, Lolo’s Cove, El Jardin
Day 3. Angel Island Potential Dive sites: Andrea’s Eagle, El Aquario, Las Vivoras, Las Vivoras Night Dive
Day 4. Salsipuedes Potential Dive sites: Los Cuervos, El Caballo, In Animas, El Lavadero, El Lavadero Night Dive
Day 5. San Pedro Martir Potential Dive sites: Ravijunco, Xareni’s Pinnacle, Coromel, Morrito
Day 6. San Pedro Martir Potential Dive sites: El Arroyo, Punta Martir (Sea Lions), Chayo’s Cove
Day 7. Start trip back to Puerto Peñasco Potential Dive sites: El Pescador, Baja Ca., Animas in Bahia de Los Angeles with whale sharks, La Ventana.
Day 8. Disembark between 7:00 am.

Back to Menu Other Options

Dive the Socorro Islands Itinerary (8 Nights)

Socorro Island is the most diverse in flora, fauna, and topography. The islands lie 250 miles off Baja Mexico's southern shore. When embarking on a trip to the Socorro Islands; possible destinations on the itinerary are San Benedicto, Socorro, Roca Partida, and Clarion Islands. These islands are a spectacular magnet for the largest ocean pelagic animals in the world. Schooling Hammerhead sharks, Tiger sharks, dolphins, silky sharks, Galapagos sharks, clouds of jacks and barracuda, tuna, wahoo, oceanic white tips sharks, whale sharks, and mantas.

Day 1 - Departure 9:00 a.m. For all 9-night trips in 2020, boarding is at 5:00 p.m. at San Jose del Cabo on the day of departure.
Day 2 - Rocio del Mar arrives at San Benedicto around 11:00 a.m. Start Diving! 2 dives scheduled...
Day 3 – San Benedicto, 4 dives scheduled.
Day 4 – Roca Partida, 3 dives scheduled.
Day 5 – Roca Partida, 3 dives scheduled.
Day 6 – Socorro Island, 4 dives scheduled.
Day 7 – San Benedicto, schedule 4 dives. At the end of this day, we will start our departure to San Jose del Cabo.
Day 8 – Arrive at San Jose del Cabo around 11 p.m. Guests may sleep on the boat.
Day 9 - Disembark by 8:30 a.m.

Back to Menu Other Options

Socorro islands, including clarion - san jose del cabo to san jose del cabo - 13 nights

Day 1 - Board Rocio del Mar at 5 pm in San Jose del Cabo
Day 2 - Day at Sea
Day 3 - San Benedicto, 4 dives scheduled
Day 4 - Socorro, 3 dives + Navy Inspection scheduled
Day 5 - Roca Partida, 3 dives scheduled
Day 6 - Roca Partida, 2 dives scheduled - leave for Clarion after the second dive
Day 7 - Clarion, 3-4 dives scheduled (depends on the weather during the crossing)
Day 8 - Clarion, 2 dives scheduled - leave Clarion after second dive
Day 9 - Roca Partida, 3 dives scheduled
Day 10 - Socorro, 4 dives scheduled
Day 11 - Open - we will go wherever conditions are best, i.e. San Benedicto or Socorro, 4 dives scheduled
Day 12 - Open - we will go wherever conditions are best, i.e. San Benedicto or Socorro, 4 dives scheduled
Day 13 - Day at Sea
Day 14 - Disembark at approximately 8:30 am in San Jose Del Cabo

Back to Menu Other Options

Explore Baja - San Jose del Cabo to Puerto Peñasco Itinerary (12 Nights)

The bio-diversity between the Northern and Southern Sea of Cortez is incredible. Diving the entire Baja is spectacular. The sea life we witness on the surface from the boat, dinghy, or snorkeling is fantastic. Dolphins, sea lions, pilot whales, humpback whales, blue fin whales, orca, and sperm whales. Flying mantas, blue and brown-footed boobie birds, cormorants, frigate birds, and the endemic yellow-footed gulls.

Day 1. Check-in at the boat at 5:00 p.m. - San Jose del Cabo
Day 2. Cabo Pulmo
Day 3. Isla Cerralvo
Day 4. El Bajo, Shipwreck (fang ming). Visit La Paz for the afternoon
Day 5. Early hike on San Francisco Island, Dora's Pinnacle, Los Islotes
Day 6. Animas
Day 7. Coronado, walk Loreto Mission Square in the evening
Day 8. Isla Alfonso
Day 9. San Pedro Martir
Day 10. Animas and Salsipuedes
Day 11. Bahia de Los Angeles - Whale Sharks, El Pescador
Day 12. Angel Island
Day 13. Disembark 8:30 a.m.

Back to Menu Other Options

Explore Baja - Puerto Peñasco to San Jose del Cabo Itinerary (12 Nights)

Day 1. Check in at the boat at 5:00 p.m. - Puerto Peñasco
Day 2. Angel Island
Day 3. Bahia de Los Angeles - Whale Sharks, El Pescador
Day 4. Animas and Salsipuedes
Day 5. San Pedro Martir
Day 6. Isla Alfonso
Day 7. Coronado, walk Loreto Mission Square in the evening
Day 8. Animas
Day 9. Early hike on San Francisco Island, Dora's Pinnacle, Los Islotes
Day 10. El Bajo, Shipwreck (fang ming). Visit La Paz for the afternoon
Day 11. Cerralvo
Day 12. Cabo Pulmo
Day 13. Disembark 8:30 a.m.

Back to Menu Other Options

Other Information

Boat Specifications

Year built: 2010
Year renovated: 2014
Length: 110'
Top speed: 10 knots
Cruising speed: 8.5 knots
Engines: 2 x Perkins
Max guests: 20
Number of cabins: 10
Number of bathrooms: 11
Tenders: 2 x Yamaha 75hp
Water capacity: 40000lts
Fuel capacity: 60000 lts
Freshwater maker: 7000 lts per day

Practical Information

Time Zone: UTC-6
Local Currency: MXN (Mexican Peso)
Language Spoken: English & Spanish
Electricity: 110 V
Payment Onboard: US, Mexican and European currency, Traveler’s checks and Credit Cards

Back to Menu

Got Questions? Ready to Book?

Call us today at +1-310-915-6677 or email us info@bluewaterdivetravel.com

And let us book your dream vacation!

Back to Menu

Underwater Gallery

Back to Menu

Reviews (23)

sunny121

1 Reviews

Mark as helpful

Overall Value

Accommodations

Marine Life

Food

This Bluewater Travel dive trip with photography expert Vijay was the best dive trip of many I've taken. I'd go back to the Sea of Cortez again and again because the sea life was so amazing. We saw seals, whale sharks, jawfish, and many other wonders. The seals were especially playful, and we stayed an extra day to enjoy them. The diving was great for beginners to experienced, and the staff of the Rocio Del Mar were attentive and safety oriented. The boat had two zodiac tenders to take us out and pick us up. The food was outstanding, and the double occupancy quarters were as expected. Overall a 5 star trip. I would recommend!

Visited on 07/2015 - Submitted on 03/12/2021

TroyEverett

1 Reviews

Mark as helpful

Overall Value

Accommodations

Marine Life

Food

In February 2021, I completed a 10 day trip to Socorro on the Rocio Del Mar liveaboard. Several years ago, I had learned about the Rocio from divers while on a liveaboard in Indonesia. Socorro had been on my bucket list for some time and I was determined to get on the Rocio given its reputation as an outstanding dive operation with excellent food. The operation certainly lived up to its reputation. The crew were clearly experienced, knowledgeable about the Socorro ecosystem, and genuinely seemed to care about the safety and well-being of the divers. My divemaster was Ben and he is top notch! Most of the dive groups only had 6 divers. After being on the boat for 10 days, I came to understand the well deserved reputation for great food. There was terrific variety in the menu and the food always tasted fresh and well prepared. The soups were outstanding and welcomed after diving in the cool waters. The boat is basic in nature and amenities, but is it well maintained and very clean. I gave the accommodations 4 stars as the room was quite small (even for liveaboard standards).

If you have a preference for big animals, you simply can't beat Socorro. Multiple shark species were present every day, and frequently we encountered dolphins, jacks, mantas, and other schooling fish. One of the groups had the pleasure of diving with a whale and several groups saw whale sharks.

I strongly recommend the Rocio if you are contemplating a trip to Socorro!

Visited on 02/2021 - Submitted on 03/12/2021

Images

Top Reviewer

Cindy Shaw

Huntington Beach, CA
United States

11 Reviews

Mark as helpful

Overall Value

Accommodations

Marine Life

Food

I have taken 4 trips on the Rocio Del Mar now and will go back again for sure. When she first started her dive charters to the Midriff Islands several years ago, I jumped at the chance to explore that part of the Sea of Cortes. The crew on board included many who actually helped build the boat with the owners, Dora and LoLo. On my 4th trip this November with them, this time to the Socorro Islands, most of these same crew members are still on the Rocio and welcomed us like family. It is a boat and crew that is warm and friendly, not cold in any way. A chef on board, Pancho for us prepared amazing hot soups with the midday meals and always had a variety of fresh fruit and snacks available. He was excellent and gracious about accommodating food sensitivities including my gluten intolerance and others allergies or preferences. He even baked special desserts for me. We had a room in the bow with a double sized single mattress bunk which was well padded even for female hips and had plenty of room for two. The shower and toilet area is small but your own and plenty adequate. Shampoo and conditioner is supplied in a wall mounted dispenser too. The dive deck allows plenty of space to get in and out of gear with a small storage area for small stuff. The crew returns your gear to your space between dives. Wetsuits hang in the open air to dry. I do recommend bringing 2 so you can alternate while one drys out. The trip they offer between SanJose Del Cabo and Rocky point allows an opportunity to dive the whole Sea of Cortes, truly a sense of exploration. The diving in the Sea of Cortes is unique and diverse. We found all types of colorful stars including several different basket stars. Damsels, rays, blennies, myriad nudibranchs, and so many more made each dive site unique as we worked our way from the northern end of the Sea of Cortes to the southern tip. The super curious and playful sea lions at Los Islotes were among my favorites along with the jumping mobulas. I go back repeatedly and will continue to choose Rocio DelMar whenever I can!

Visited on 11/2013 - Submitted on 01/29/2014

rcondlyffe

1 Reviews

Mark as helpful

Overall Value

Accommodations

Marine Life

Food

I was recently onboard the Rocio Del Mar liveaboard for Bluewater's Socorro Big Animal February 2021 Photo Workshop... and what a week it was!
This was my first time on the Rocio Del Mar, a liveaboard approx 100' long that holds up to 20 guests. It was a very enjoyable home for the week...
The main level en-suite bunk accommodation design with the two beds at 90 degrees from each other was a smart design for maximizing available light from the window (which many liveaboard cabins don't have), creating storage space and giving two guests (who didn't know each other before the trip) the feeling of more personal space.
The boat's port/starboard stabilizer system provided extra stability on the 24 hour journey out to Socorro.
The dive deck is adequately sized and the camera table, while not the biggest, was adequate even for a photo workshop. Having the dining area below deck with no windows was new to me and made some guests feel uncomfortable if the boat was rocking... but the food was first rate. Several meals were Mexican and were particularly good.
The dive guides were fantastic. They had all worked for the operation for several years - a good sign they enjoy their work, and got on well together. They were engaging to the guests and helpful.
All diving was from zodiacs and the journey from mother ship to dive site was never more than a few minutes. The dive guides were obviously very familiar with the sites and how to get the best out of the dives.
Without getting too detailed on what creatures were seen at each specific dive site, I'll say that each of the 3 islands visited yielded great experiences. Plentiful Manta Rays, Dolphins, sharks (Scalloped Hammerheads, Silver Tips, White Tip Reef, Galalpagos, Tiger, Silky) were seen on multiple dives. This was my second trip to Socorro and neither has disappointed me. I will go again. We also heard Humpbacks singing (February was good timing for Humpback sightings), and on the last dive of the week one group (not mine, sadly) actually saw two Humpbacks while in the water!!
As I mentioned, this was actually a photo workshop. It was led by Nirupam, who is also the Editor of Bluewater's uwphotographyguide.com. I enjoy photo workshops because diving with other photographers is different from diving with non-photographers. The priorities and goals differ and means diving with other photographers is usually more productive. I'm also of the mind that being with other photographers provides new learning opportunities, no matter how experienced someone is. Nirupam was a great host - his vast knowledge of a wide range of cameras meant he was able to provide assistance to anyone who wanted it. He also had the foresight to group video shooters together (there were 3 dive groups in total), a move that worked well. His optional classroom sessions were well structured and well attended. 1:1 guidance was also offered. I really enjoyed meeting and diving with Nirupam.
All in all, a fantastic trip. Socorro is an awesome destination, and I feel its good value for money compared to Cocos Island and Galapagos, which often get mentioned in there same breath.

Visited on 02/2021 - Submitted on 03/12/2021

Top Reviewer

SUBARCH

Huntington Beach, CA
United States

9 Reviews

Mark as helpful

Overall Value

Accommodations

Marine Life

Food

Islas Revillagigedo on Rocio del Mar

In November of 2013 Cindy and I scheduled a live-aboard trip on the Rocio del Mar to the Islas Revillagigedo or Socorro Islands as they are more commonly known. This was our second attempt to visit these remote islands, our first thwarted by a rather substantial hurricane.
The Rocio del Mar is a staunch, custom built, 100-foot dive boat that has been in service since late 2008. Built, owned and operated by the husband and wife team of Lolo and Dora Sandoval, with long serving professional crew, it is, in my opinion the best live-aboard operating in Baja. Guest accommodations are ten comfortable, double cabins, each with AC, bathroom and shower. For the UW photographer there is a dedicated camera table on the dive deck along with camera work space and entertainment center in the second deck lounge. Both the individual cabins and the second deck lounge along with the dive deck camera table have outlets for charging cameras and other equipment at standard US 110 volts. For diving convenience, each diver has their own space and gear storage area with close access to the twin stairs leading to the panga boarding, swim step area. This access and dive deck area makes the Rocio the perfect vessel for dive adventurers. Gas choices aboard include Nitrox at 32 percent or air.
We departed from San Jose del Cabo and spent the next 26 hours running to the southwest in calm seas. Taking the opportunity to do a final equipment check still left plenty of time to get acquainted with new dive buddies and relax on Rocio’s spacious sun deck or lounge area or to just flake out in your cabin for a nap.
Bright and early on the second morning, we arrived at San Benedicto Island and into the water we went! First dive found us with turtles and white-tip sharks and the next dive we were in the water with mantas. From then on, over the next five days it was nothing but awesome diving. Dolphins, turtles, sharks – white tip, silver tip, Galapagos, silky and hammerhead – wahoo, BIG tuna, mantas, mantas, mantas, dolphin and finally we were visited by a very accommodating whale shark on our last day at Roca Partida. These along with the usual reef and rock suspects along with gentle seas made this a spectacular trip. All dives were from large rigid-hull inflatables with a typical ratio of four divers for each dive master. Except for the more rigorous dives when the dive briefing was more specific, buddy pairs have pretty much free rein to wander a bit and to chase the images they want.
As far as the amenities on Rocio they are excellent. Beginning with the stability of the vessel which provides the easiest ride I have ever encountered on a live-aboard vessel. That is not to say that the Rocio doesn’t move in the swell, but the vessel has a very gentle ride that is enhanced by the use of paravanes on long transits which makes for an easier more relaxing voyage. Food on the Rocio – what can I say but excellent and abundant. Poncho the Rocio’s chef provides amazing food, everything from snacks –fresh fruits, goat cheese, taco bites and more – to the amazing cooked to order breakfasts and the diverse and delicious dinners. On my several cruises aboard Rocio, it is SOP that the guests will give Pancho and his creations standing ovations several times over the course of the trip. The rest of the crew is first class as well.. Panga operators Julio and Everado have been with Rocio since she began operating and their skill and safety awareness make even the challenging dive easier and safer for the divers. Aurelio the Rocio’s engineer, is sort of the guy behind the scenes, but if there is a mechanical problem whether the ship’s equipment dive equipment or a funky strobe connection he can usually handle it.
Again, I’ll say for diving the Sea of Cortez or the Revillagigedo Islands there is not a better diving live-aboard experience to be had than the Rocio del Mar and her excellent crew.

Visited on 11/2013 - Submitted on 02/23/2014

Show All Reviews (23)