Islas Revillagigedo
18.836826,-112.772775
The Revillagigedo Islands are an archipelago approximately 500 km south-southwest of the tip of the Baja California Sur. The volcanic Islands of Socorro, San Benedicto and Roca Partida (see photo to right) are regular diving destinations. The season for diving is from November to May. The climate is sub-tropical and water temperatures vary considerably depending on the time of year.
Dive boats leave from the Cabos San Lucas area and take about 24-28 hours to arrive at the archipelago. It is an open ocean crossing and can be rough at times.
Diving at these islands is best known for close-up encounters with friendly but endangered giant Oceanic Manta Rays and includes, depending on the time of year playful Dolphins, breaching Humpback Whales, various Rays, large schools of Jacks and at least 7 Shark species including Whale Sharks. During a dive you may be lucky to hear the singing of a whale - an extraordinarily beautiful experience.
In November 2017, Mexico’s President signed a decree creating the Revillagigedo National Park, expanding the previous small marine reserve around the archipelago. At 148,000 square kilometers, it is now the largest fully protected marine reserve in North America. Bravo! Viva México!
The area represents an exceptional convergence of two marine regions: the Northeastern Pacific and the Eastern Pacific. More specifically, the archipelago lies along the junction where the California and Equatorial currents mix, generating a complex and highly productive transition zone. The islands and surrounding waters are rich in marine life and recognized as important stopovers for a wide range of species.
