Things You Need to Know - Socorro Islands

The following information is specific to our trips to Socorro Islands. Details about the boat, services, amenities, deposits, cancellations, trip insurance and more can be found under General Information.

Diving

The crew of Quino el Guardian will be glad to help you in any way possible to make your visit to the Socorro Islands an unforgettable experience. Our Socorro Islands season runs from the beginning of November to the end of May. Diving at the Socorro Islands is amazing and it provides the chance for large animal encounters - it truly is where the wild things are! The main attractions in the Socorro Islands are large pelagic animals including Manta Rays, dolphins, Humpback Whales and seven different types of sharks including Hammerhead Sharks. Due to the Revillagigedo biosphere regulations, divers are prohibited from carrying lights and knifes or the wearing of gloves when diving anywhere in the Socorro Islands. Only camera lights are permitted ll diving is daytime diving: there are no night dives Weather and conditions permitting, the first day divers enjoy 3 to 4 dives. Four dives per day are scheduled at Socorro (except for the day we check in at the Naval Station and it is 3 dives) and San Benedicto islands. Three dives are scheduled per day at Roca Partida. All of our trips have two dive masters on board to lead dives and assist divers We have two inflatables (pangas) with drivers vigilantly watching for bubbles and retrieving divers upon surfacing We provide 80 cubic foot aluminum tanks that are both DIN & yoke compatible

"Seasons" for Certain Animal Encounters

While it is always up to mother nature about what you will see underwater, these are the general guidelines:
Humpback Whales
Mid-February to Mid-April
Whale Sharks
November-December and May
All other animals are there the entire Socorro season.
We've been asked about Hammerheads and if there is a season and there is not. However, a full moon means higher currents and higher currents typically mean more animals.
The crew of Quino el Guardian will do its utmost to ensure that you receive the most opportunities for safe animal encounters as possible while respecting the animals and their environment.

Getting to the Boat

Quino el Guardian is located at Marina Puerto Los Cabos in San Jose del Cabo. All guests must travel to San Jose del Cabo (SJD). Guests are responsible for their own transportation to and from the boat. The marina is about 25 minutes from the airport.
Quino el Guardian is located at Marina Puerto Los Cabos in San Jose del Cabo.
All guests must travel to San Jose del Cabo Airport (SJD). Guests are responsible for their own transportation to or from the boat. The marina is about 25 minutes from the airport.
After you collect your bags and leave customs, you will enter a lobby.
Go the the TAXI stand.
There are two recommended ways to get from the airport to the marina:

TAXI

You can take a taxi directly from the airport to the marina. The cost is approximately $60 US.

COLLECTIVO (SHUTTLE) & A TAXI

This is the most economical way to get from the airport to the marina.
At the TAXI stand, ask for a collectivo. A collectivo is a very nice shuttle that takes about 9 passengers and drops people at the hotels. This costs approximately $15US. Since you’re going to San Jose you will be dropped off first. You can have the collectivo drop you off at the Hotel Tropicana. Once at the Hotel Tropicana, they can request a TAXI to the Marina Los Cabos. You shouldn't pay more than $10 US. It's about a 15 minute ride from the hotel to the marina.
By choosing the Collectivo & Taxi method, you can expect to pay about $25 US.

Arrival

Fly into San Jose del Cabo (SJD) the day of departure. Arrive at the boat between 5pm-7pm. A wonderful dinner will be served at 7pm and then guests can relax on board the boat. The Quino departs shortly after dinner.

Return

We arrive in San Jose during the early morning hours of the last day of the trip. All passengers must disembark by 8:30am. We do not provide transportation to and from the airport. We can assist you in making arrangements for transportation if you would like.The boat will return to the Marina during the evening and passengers will be ready to depart the morning of the last day of your trip. A continental breakfast will be provided the last morning of the trip and guest must disembark by 8:30am. At the end your trip the crew will call taxis to get everyone to the airport or their hotels depending on where you want to go.

Suggested Gear & Clothing

Diving

Besides your normal dive gear, each diver is required to have one dive computer as well as a safety sausage (SMB) and whistle.
We absolutely recommend exposure protection (wetsuits/light drysuits) on all of our trips. What you will need greatly depends on your personal comfort level.
In Socorro, water temperatures range from 75 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit depending on the time of year you visit.

The following water temperatures are averages - please come appropriately prepared:
December - 80 F
January - 75 F
February - 75 F
March - 75 F
April - 75 F
May - 80 F

ON THE SURFACE

Dress is very casual, shorts, t-shirts, swimsuit cover-ups. Bring a light jacket/sweatshirt for the evenings just in case. Do not forget your hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Remember - You Are Going 250 Miles Out to Sea

Depending on the conditions, there can be times that the sea can be rough. There are several over the counter remedies that can help you. Should you have a propensity to motion sickness or are concerned that you might develop symptoms, please prepare yourself with preventive measures before departure.

Average surface water temperatures:

November 80F (26C)
December 80F (26C)
January 75F (24C)
February 75F (24C)
March 75F (24C)
April 75F (24C)
May 80F (26C)

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