Introducing the 112-foot SOLMAR V to Socorro Islands and Sea of Cortez, one of the most luxurious live-aboard dive vessels in the world. SOLMAR V is the only luxury live-aboard vessel departing from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico well within range of the most exciting diving in the Sea of Cortez and Soccoro Islands. As our guest, you will receive unmatched service and comfort while experiencing The Best Big Animal Diving on Earth!

The Socorro Islands, correctly called Revillagigedos Archipielago, are located 250 miles due south into the Pacific Ocean from the tip of the Baja Peninsula, Mexico. These islands have been compared to Galapagos or Coccos in the quality of Big Animal encounters they provide. They have in fact been called "Mexican Galapagos". There are a lot of sharks - huge hammerhead schools, white tips, silver tips, silkys, duskies, galapagos & occasionally tigers. We have counted up to 7 species of shark on JUST ONE DIVE! These islands are famous for unbelievable encounters with Giant Mantas. These winged giants are up to 22 feet across and it is common to be in the water with 5 to 12 of these winged giants at once. This may seem like an exaggeration but it definitely is not! They seem to enjoy interaction with scuba divers thinking we are giant cleaner fish and once they arrive stay with our divers all day long. It has been said by many well-known underwater photographers that "there is no better place in the world to shoot giant mantas. The water is blue, there is plenty of mantas and they even seem to pose for your camera". We also encounter wild Bottlenose Dolphin on a regular basis and from January through March these islands are home to a large population of Humpback Whales that come here to breed and calve. In the last few years the frequency of underwater encounters with these gentle giants have increased dramatically. The scientists that visit these islands every year to study these whales tell us that after eight years of encountering the SOLMAR V, they now recognize our vessel and so our chances for encounters get better and better. Throw in Whale Sharks, Giant Tuna (the world record yellowfin is from these waters), Wahoo and many other BIG critters along with endemic tropicals found nowhere else in the world and you have The BEST BIG ANIMAL DIVING ON EARTH!!

These Islands are only available November through mid-June due to weather conditions. During these months all the mantas and sharks are plentiful. The water temps are 78 - 82 F in November, December, beginning of January and late April and May. In late January, February, March and the beginning of April the water is just a little cooler down to 70 - 74 F. BUT the Humpback Whales visit Socorro in great numbers during these cooler water months. You can hear these gentle giants singing on almost every dive and as previously mentioned, underwater encounters with these whales are on the increase every year. There is really no best time to dive these islands. The diving is great thoughout the season. For divers looking to photograph or interact with some of the planets biggest creatures these islands can not be beat!

When not diving the Socorro Islands, the SOLMAR V heads north from Cabo San Lucas into the Sea of Cortez. This body of water located between the Baja Peninsula and the mainland of Mexico is one of the youngest and most fertile seas on earth. The SOLMAR V visits this area from mid-June to November. During this time the water is warm (76 - 84 F) and the visibility ranges from 60 - 100+ ft. The Sea of Cortez contains over 850 species of reef fish. Along with these huge schools of tropicals, game fish such as jacks, tuna, wahoo, marlin and others can be found. The Sea of Cortez is also home to many endemic species, such as the cortez angel and cortez damsel, found nowhere else in the world. We also encounter whale sharks, hammerheads, orcas, whales, dolphins, and of course our friendly sea lions(not found at Socorro). This area is mainly calm and the distance between dive destinations is not far. Although there are some advanced dives most of the diving is moderate. This is a great trip for those looking for a live-aboard experience in calm water with both big and small marine animal encounters.

The SOLMAR V holds 22 divers when full. The SOLMAR V has been designed to handle this amount without crowding or other inconveniences. The dive deck is very spacious and there are no bottlenecks. This keeps the divers flowing in and out of the water quite nicely.

The salon seats 22 very comfortably in booth style seating without having to take shifts as on other boats. It is truly a diver friendly vessel even with a full load. Although diving is the primary reason for your trip aboard Solmar V, it is only part of your vacation experience. The galley and lounge have been carefully designed to guarantee a most enjoyable setting. Our main salon comfortably seats all of our guests, is fully air-conditioned and designed with a rich mahogany interior. Televisions with VCRs are available for your entertainment both in the salon and in each stateroom. Each day brings three gourmet meals, prepared by our chef and served to you by our staff. Snacks and afternoon receptions, along with beer, wine and soda, are all included in the price of your trip. Our entire crew is familiar with the Cape region. Our dive masters are provided by Amigos Del Mar who have over 25 years of diving experience in our area. Side scanning sonar, multiple radar systems, and the most modern electronic marine technology package provide an excellent complement to an experienced crew. Twin compressors, with cascade storage for fast filling, provide our guests with an endless air supply so providing quick fills between dives. Two main engines and three full-time generators power Solmar V to a cruising speed of 11 knots. Two fresh water makers produce 1,600 gallons per day, more than adequate to fully support the Solmar V's showers and guest services. Our 12 individual staterooms are air-conditioned, have private bathrooms with sink, shower and head. They also come equipped with a color television and built-in VCR. Although there is a video library clients are encouraged to bring their own tapes for viewing.