Rocio Del Mar Liveaboard - Bluewater Dive Travel

Rocio Del Mar Liveaboard

4.6739130434783
(23 REVIEWS)
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Rocio del Mar liveaboard, Mexico

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

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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:

 

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Accommodations

Types of Cabins, Amenities and Photos

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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.

Rocio Del Mar Rocio Del Mar

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

Rocio Del Mar Rocio Del Mar

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. 

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General Facilities

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 Rocio Del Mar liveaboard Rocio Del Mar

Dining Room & Salon

Rocio Del Mar Rocio Del Mar liveaboard

Camera Table & Dive Platform

Rocio Del Mar Rocio Del Mar

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
 

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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. 

Rocio Del Mar Rocio Del Mar 

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Rocio Del Mar Deck Plan

Rocio Del Mar 

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Schedule, RATES & Availability

Rocio Del Mar Liveaboard Schedule & Rates

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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

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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!

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Dive Information & Itineraries

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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Explore Baja - Puerto Peñasco to San Jose del Cabo 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. - 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.
 

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Other Information

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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

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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!

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Underwater Gallery 

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Reviews (23)

4
3
4
5

First, I have to say that the staff of the RDM are fantastic. I mean, super. What I liked most about them was that, from the captain on down, they all worked together. It wasn't unusual to see deckhands take the wheel or the captain carry out the trash. They really consider themselves equal and they are always smiling! Loved it. Normally, this comes from the top down. So I commend the captain for creating a positive environment where everyone is happy. It was great.

1. The food: We are vegetarians, and there were others who were gluten free and lactose intolerant. It was seamless. Our chef, who couldn't have been more than 29, by the way, didn't miss a beat. I never once had to send anything back because it wasn't vegetarian. Neither did anyone else with food issues. He and his staff delivered amazing food, 100% of the time.

2. Our dive guid, Ivan, was first class and fun (and funny!). He let us explore on our own and was right there if we needed help or guidance. He showed me a number of things and I got great pictures!!

3. The beds were super comfortable! I heard a number of people make this comment too!

If I were to make a few suggestions:

a. All the dives were great. I just felt that we tended to spend a lot of time in the same spots on a couple of days. Still, I loved it anyway. I just think we could have moved around a bit more.

b. The rooms are small, but comfortable. We had the double bed. In the photo on their site, it looks like the bed is a perfect square/rectangle. That's because the photo is distorted. If you are both tall, you should opt for the room with the two single beds. One side of the double bed is significantly shorter, as you are in the bow of the boat and it curves in. We were fortunate in that one of us is four inches shorter. He still had to bend his legs when he slept. Also, the toilet seats are made of cheap plastic. If you are sitting on the toilet and move the wrong way, you could really nip your, well, you know.... :-)

c. I think the guides are little too sticky on dive times. It's 60 minutes - even if you have 1500psi air left. And even if the ship isn't going anywhere. On other liveaboards, you can dive till you have 5-600psi left. I thought there wasn't much need to be so strict about this. Still, it didn't affect how fun it all was.

d. Finally, I really DO think the ship could use a modern update to its decor. The paint and decorative elements are very 70s-80s (even though they said it was all updated in 2015). It's not a big deal, really. I just thought that a modern touch would make it more appealing. And the flimsy plastic lawn chairs on the top deck are just not something I would expect on a liveaboard that costs over $3000 (when you factor in tips and fees).

Even with my suggestions, which I hope are seen as minor and constructive, I think this is a fantastic operation. Everyone works very hard to make sure you have a good time. I will be back - even if my suggestions aren't implemented - because the people and diving were great!

Thank you!

Visited on 08/2016 - Submitted on 08/06/2016
5
3
5
5

I relatively recently went aboard the Rocio Del Mar on one of their Sea of Cortez routes. The experience was amazing, I would gladly repeat the same trip, although I have very strong plans to go back onboard to join their Socorro trips!

Most importantly for a review on the Rocio - the dive crew is absolutely amazing. I've been on a number of liveaboards and have never experienced such a great crew. They are always anticipating your needs, being professional but also relaxed and friendly, and just overall awesome.

Food - the food is absolutely phenomenal. Each meal was completely different, and all amazing. We did topside BBQs which were really really cool, and all dinners were 3 course meals.

Accommodations - rooms are fine, there is nothing fancy or spectacular about them but they get the job done. Most bedrooms offer 2 twin beds in an L shape, which is nice as you don't have anyone directly on top of you, nor is the upper bed too high that it's too difficult to get in & out.
The one strange thing about the boat is that the dining area is in the bottom front of the hull. I definitely prefer a dining area where it's center-hull, and multiple windows so you can see the views, enjoy the seabreeze, etc. Being down in the bottom hull feels like you're on a fishing boat or something and it's more bumpy. Besides this small thing though, everything about this boat and crew is fantastic!

Visited on 11/2017 - Submitted on 11/01/2017
  • Top Reviewer
Bowling Green, KY
United States
5
3
5
3

The Rocio is not a luxury boat, but it is very comfortable and seaworthy. The food is good and the crew warm and friendly. I have made two trips on this boat and hope to return to do the third itinerary they offer, Socorro diving is nothing short of exciting ! The animals are magnificent , my personal favorites are the giant mantas. They come in close enough for even a rookie like me to pop off a few decent shots. This boat brings the dinghy literally onto the back deck of the boat for diver loading and unloading , it's brilliant ! Allowing for safe entry and exit every dive, I love it ! Mark Strickland was our trip leader . I found him to be open, helpful and full of information about photography (of course), but also very knowledge concerning the sea life. We often enjoyed conversations pertaining to the subjects we came to see as well as how to best "get the shot ". The workshops were not overwhelming or intimidating for a novice like me with a small point and shoot. I would easily encourage anyone who wants to see and experience thrilling large animal action to give this trip, boat and Mark Strickland an opportunity to show you how it done ! Especially if you have a camera of any size or calibre ;8-) Enjoy !

Visited on 04/2017 - Submitted on 11/02/2017
5
5
5
5

Diving the Sea of Cortez with the Rocio Del Mar photo workshop was one of the most amazing experiences I have had underwater. The crew on this boat is very professional and safety is the number one priority. Finding fun dive sites is the second. Julio was the captain and he is one of the nicest people I have ever met. A very competent captain, we had some pretty rough seas, but he kept us informed and we felt safe. Peter and Louis always made sure we saw the best of each dive site. The macro in the sea of Cortez is very unique, we got some amazing shots and were able to learn how to edit them for the best presentation.

The sea lions are the highlight of the trip, very playful and animated. I would go again just to dive with them. We went to Bahai de Los Angeles and swam with juvenile whale sharks, they were very curious. I think there were more than 6 or 7 at a time, we got some really awesome pics. The boat is set up perfectly for a photography workshop. The dive deck and camera tables were very well equipped and very spacious. The dive times were very well organized. Everyone had enough space to store what they needed in the baskets and also on the camera table.

The rooms were actually pretty spacious compared to other liveaboards. Plenty of drawers and space under the bed for storage. Did I mention the food? Joshua was our cook, I have food allergies and am a vegan. He was able to accommodate with amazing 5-star meals and snacks.

Visited on 05/2020 - Submitted on 05/08/2020
5
5
5
4

Have done Socorro twice with Rocio Del Mar. The boat and the crew are both fantastic! Food is great, and they did a great job accommodating my vegan diet (and making me a birthday cake). Cabins are a decent size and configured to have reasonable space for getting ready for dives.

Amazing big critter diving, with abundant mantas, white tips, silkies, and dolphins (the one dive I skipped on the last trip was the one at Roca Partida where the whale shark showed up).

Would do it again in a heartbeat.

Visited on 11/2019 - Submitted on 06/16/2020

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