19 – 27 JAN 2024

DIVE SOCORRO

MMF has partnered with local researchers for an unprecedented dive and research trip to Socorro where the team onboard will be deploying satellite tags on giant mantas!

Dive Socorro, Mexico

19 – 27 JAN ‘24

Socorro is where the wild (and big) things are. A megafauna trip of epic proportions is where we can expect close encounters with giant manta rays and dolphins and exciting sightings of sharks and other marine mammals set on the backdrop of dramatic oceanic islands, pinnacles, and geological formations.

Led by MMF founders Dr. Andrea Marshall and Dr. Simon J Pierce, the expedition will also include the esteemed local Socorro researcher Madalena Cabral, a PhD candidate in Ecology and Environmental Management, currently working with satellite telemetry data on giant oceanic manta rays in the Revillagigedos Archipelago.

 

Trip Highlights

  • Led by world-renowned marine researchers, and MMF co-founders, Dr. Andrea Marshall and Dr. Simon J Pierce.

  • Joining the trip will be Pelagios Kakunjá researcher, Madalena Cabral, who will be deploying satellite tags on giant manta rays for her doctoral research.

  • The opportunity to experience extraordinary encounters with marine megafauna like giant manta rays, dolphins, schooling sharks, and migrating whales in their natural habitat.

  • Travelling aboard The Nautilus UnderSea, a legendary exploration vessel that has been hosting scientific and filming expeditions since 1968.

  • 100% of profit from the trip supports MMF’s marine research

 

Trip details

Date

19 –27 January 2024

Hosts

MMF Cofounders Dr. Andrea Marshall, Dr. Simon J Pierce, and Pelagios Kakunjá researcher Madalena Cabral.

Dive Highlights

Socorro and Mexico’s Revillagigedo Archipelago were recently upgraded to UNESCO World Heritage status and are world-famous for megafauna sightings. Regular encounters with giant manta rays, hammerhead sharks, silky sharks, whale sharks, dolphins, and whales are the main attractions.

Price per person based on shared occupancy.

  • Premium Suite: $4,750

  • Stateroom: $4,250

  • Triple room: $4,050

    • 8 day / 8 night liveaboard cruise on the Nautilus Undersea

    • Up to four dives a day on diving days> All onboard meals and snacks

    • Tea, coffee, and water

    • Tanks, weights, belt and guide

    • Surfacer marker safety buoy and Nautilus LifeLine Marine Rescue Radio

    • Taxes, port and Socorro Island park fees

    • $375 voucher redeemable onboard

    • Day 1 Complimentary Backscatter Photography lesson and afternoon warm up dive

    • Presentations from Dr. Andrea Marshall and Dr. Simon Pierce

    • International flights and internal flights to Cabo San Lucas

    • Onshore accommodation (if necessary)

    • Dive courses (available only pre-departure)

    • NITROX ($100 for 5 days)

    • Dive gear rental *

    • Alcohol and soft drinks

    • Use of on-board wifi and satellite phone (available for a fee)

    • On-board massages and spa treatments (not available)

    • Encouraged gratuity

    • Travel insurance **

    * Price depends on equipment needed

    ** Dive insurance required, and general travel insurance is highly recommended

 

Enquire Now

 

Dive Highlights

Your 8 day/8 night expedition will visit the famous dive sites on Socorro and San Benedicto Islands and Roca Partida, giving you the best chance to experience extraordinary encounters with giant manta rays, dolphins, schooling sharks and migrating whales. 

The islands in Mexico’s Revillagigedo Archipelago are part of North America’s largest Marine Protected Area (148,087 km2) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, protecting critical habitats for some of the worlds’ biggest marine creatures and boasting the closest encounters with giant manta rays in the world!

Here in this remote location, the deep navy blues of the Pacific Ocean are punctured by the dramatic island scenery of emerald greens, slate, and oceanic spires painted white by visiting marine birds. We are excited to explore these world-heritage sites and share our in-depth knowledge of manta rays, whale sharks, and other shark species that frequent this extraordinary location.

 

Your guides to the Socorro, Mexico.

Led by MMF founders Dr. Andrea Marshall and Dr. Simon J Pierce, the expedition will also include the esteemed local Socorro researcher Madalena Cabral, a PhD candidate in Ecology and Environmental Management, currently working with satellite telemetry data on giant oceanic manta rays in the Revillagigedos Archipelago.

 

DR. ANDREA MARSHALL

Dr. Marshall was the first person in the world to complete a PhD on manta rays. After her thesis, she stayed in Mozambique to spearhead the conservation of manta rays in the region and around the world. She is the lead author of the IUCN’s Red List assessments for both species of manta rays and is a member of the IUCN Shark Specialist Group. Andrea featured in the BBC Natural World documentary ‘Andrea: Queen of Mantas’ as well as the broadcaster’s award-winning trilogy ‘Sharks.’ In 2013, she was inducted into the ranks of National Geographic’s Explorers as an Emerging Explorer in recognition of her efforts to protect these threatened rays.

 

DR. SIMON PIERCE

Dr. Pierce founded MMF’s flagship research program on whale sharks, and is a world expert on the species. Simon works globally on whale shark conservation issues, and led the most recent IUCN Red List assessment that classified whale sharks as endangered. He is also a scientific advisor to the online global whale shark database, and regional co-chair of the IUCN Shark Specialist Group.

 

The Nautilus UnderSea

 

Retrofitted and upgraded in 2017, the contemporary and spacious 27m (105 ft) Nautilus Undersea is a legendary vessel for offshore adventure. The original exploration vessel has accompanied scientific and filming expeditions (e.g., Dr. Silvia Earle, IMAX, and James Bond films, to name a few) since her debut in 1968.

Carrying 19 passengers, a highly competent and safety oriented crew of nine is on hand to ensure guest comfort and satisfaction, including many special dietary requirements.

 

Dive amenities

Dive amenities include a dedicated dive deck offering air and NITROX fills. The dedicated camera station gives underwater shutterbugs extra space to set up and recharge. The dive service caters to divers of different experience levels with several ‘dive taxi’ speed boats that can quickly bring divers to and out of the water. This customizable service allows highly experienced divers to have the first splash and those still building their expertise to take the time needed under the care of a dive professional.

Accomodation

The Nautilus UnderSea features nine comfortable private bathroom and shower en suite cabins, individually climate controlled to your preference, with either king/double or twin/single/triple bed configurations. The Premium Suite is situated on the top deck with immediate access to the sundeck and offers impressive cabin views. The twin stateroom on the main deck also provides excellent views. The rest of the berth cabins offer classic porthole views one would expect on an oceanic voyage.

Lounge areas

There are indoor and outdoor lounge areas, a dining area, an entertainment area, a library, and a full-service bar that allows you to be as sociable as you wish. The sundeck and an outdoor hot tub are perfect for sundowners, stargazing, and whale spotting. 

Lounge

Dining

Sun deck

Premium Suite

Stateroom

Triple Stateroom

Trip details

Date

19 –27 January 2024

Hosts

MMF Cofounders Dr. Andrea Marshall, Dr. Simon J Pierce, and Pelagios Kakunjá researcher Madalena Cabral.

Dive Highlights

Socorro and Mexico’s Revillagigedo Archipelago were recently upgraded to UNESCO World Heritage status and are world-famous for megafauna sightings. Regular encounters with giant manta rays, hammerhead sharks, silky sharks, whale sharks, dolphins, and whales are the main attractions.

Price per person based on shared occupancy.

  • Premium Suite: $4,750

  • Stateroom: $4,250

  • Triple room: $4,050

    • 8 day / 8 night liveaboard cruise on the Nautilus Undersea

    • Up to four dives a day on diving days> All onboard meals and snacks

    • Tea, coffee, and water

    • Tanks, weights, belt and guide

    • Surfacer marker safety buoy and Nautilus LifeLine Marine Rescue Radio

    • Taxes, port and Socorro Island park fees

    • $375 voucher redeemable onboard

    • Day 1 Complimentary Backscatter Photography lesson and afternoon warm up dive

    • Presentations from Dr. Andrea Marshall and Dr. Simon Pierce

    • International flights and internal flights to Cabo San Lucas

    • Onshore accommodation (if necessary)

    • Dive courses (available only pre-departure)

    • NITROX ($100 for 5 days)

    • Dive gear rental *

    • Alcohol and soft drinks

    • Use of on-board wifi and satellite phone (available for a fee)

    • On-board massages and spa treatments (not available)

    • Encouraged gratuity

    • Travel insurance **

    * Price depends on equipment needed

    ** Dive insurance required, and general travel insurance is highly recommended

 

Enquire Now

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