The Mantas are Coming!

October 2006

The Solmar V has just completed her wilderness "Shark Diving Adventures" in Guadalupe, Mexico, to rave reviews. For the uninitiated, this combines the unbelievable Great White Shark Cage Diving with the luxury amenities that we feature on all of our Solmar cruises.

Great Whites were seen in consistent numbers, the water was clear, and (for Guadalupe) a nice, warm 71 degrees. California divers, you DO know that 71 degrees is warm! For all other readers, we‚ll be returning to Socorro and the Revillagigedos on Oct. 30, where "warm" equals 80 degrees!

In the meantime, for a couple of weeks in October, we‚ll be touring the marine wilderness of the Sea of Cortez, and the vessel is full on all cruises. Guests do return as repeat visitors to sample the diving in the world‚s richest sea, and while Socorro still remains our most popular tour, there is still some fantastic diving in the Sea of Cortez.

Each year, we return to Socorro and are greeted by our resident population of Giant Mantas (some spanning more than 20 feet, 7m wing tip to wing tip). We check all of our favorite manta hang-outs (the dive site "The Boiler" is the most famous) and each year we find increasing numbers of Mantas eager to interact with visiting divers.

Mantas need some space (and no fishing) to thrive. And the wilderness world of The Socorro Islands (San Benedicto, Socorro, and Roca Partida) some 230 miles from Cabo San Lucas is a perfect environment for them. Protected by the Mexican Government (with regulations stricter than our US National Parks), this is an area where we‚ve seen wilderness encounters with Mantas, Whale Sharks, Humpback Whales, and seven different types of Sharks GROW each year!

So, despite having made this return journey to Socorro each year since 1992, it remains one of the most exciting times of the year for us! Remote, wilderness diving at its best, delivered in the luxury style of the Solmar V.

And, remember that the Solmar V is now completely refitted. NITROX is available. New mattresses in the cabins and upgraded luxury amenities throughout the ship. SEA WAVE email and SAT PHONE capability if you need to stay in touch with home.

While we think that "Wilderness is The Ultimate Luxury", we are also dedicated to providing the luxury accommodations to enjoy it to the fullest.  

This article is from the Solmar V eNEWS Article Archive. Photo by Dan Delaney.