The waters surrounding Cabo are teeming with wildlife, providing the perfect setting for viewing marine life via snorkeling and scuba excursions. To delve even deeper into the complex ecosystem located in this area, one may want to venture further afield to the Socorro Island in Cabo San Lucas.
Occasionally referred to as the Socorro Islands, this set of four islands that lie approximately 240 miles southwest of Cabo San Lucas are actually named the Revillagigedo Islands. The largest island of this archipelago has the name of Socorro, which is where the term Socorro Islands comes from. The islands are uninhabited and lack resources except for a couple of navy bases. Several bird species come here to nest, where you will find Nazca Booby, the Northeast Pacific Brown Booby, the Sooty Tern, and Brown Noddy, among others.
The real draw to the Socorro Islands is the excellent diving opportunities that lie in the rich waters surrounding the archipelago. In fact, they are nicknamed the “Mexican Galapagos” thanks to their thriving ecosystem. Due to their distance from Cabo San Lucas and the lack of resources on land, travelers heading to the Islands secure a liveaboard boat excursion that usually lasts around eight days, completing numerous dives throughout the trip.
Marine Life in the Socorro Islands
The Socorro Island in Cabo San Lucas is listed as a marine reserve and national park of Mexico as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is a trip to add to your bucket list! Scuba diving here means swimming among large marine animals such as giant manta rays, playful dolphins, humpback whales, a variety of rays, whale sharks, and a handful of other shark species. The creatures seen here are a scuba diver’s dream!
Getting from Cabo to Socorro Island
Trips from Cabo to Socorro Island are best left for experienced divers. The boat trip alone takes approximately 24 hours to reach the islands. The diving season runs from November to May, with whale sharks often spotted from July through December and humpback whales being seen from January to April. Companies such as Nautilus Dive Adventures, Solmar V, and Aggressor Adventures, to name a few, offer liveaboard excursions to the Socorro Islands.
Land-Based Fun to Enjoy Upon Return
While a trip to the sensational and remote Socorro Islands is bound to be the adventure of a lifetime, there’s plenty of options for fun waiting upon a traveler’s return to central Los Cabos. Whether you’re one for savory stops or a visitor that can’t wait to indulge in encounters with culture and history, there’s plenty to keep minds occupied and imaginations soaring in Los Cabos. Here are a few options to add to your list when you’ve successfully crossed Socorro Islands off your must-see itinerary.
Explore San Jose del Cabo
Where Cabo San Lucas has earned a wonderful reputation revolving around vibrant nightlife and exciting daytime adventures, it’s counterpoint, known as San Jose del Cabo, is known for being a more traditional center of culture, history and architecture. Those visitors to the area that are looking to indulge in moments of authentic connection with Mexican culture just might find what they’re looking for more readily in this area of town. Located south of the airport, San Jose del Cabo is often fondly referred to as Old Town, and while it definitely hosts its own collection of resorts, it’s also a place where you can wander the streets of the main plaza, admiring churches dating back centuries and shopping storefronts where handcrafted goods are on display.
San Jose del Cabo is also known for its many art galleries and walking through the artists’ corridor is always an inspiring moment for those that crave a touch of creativity during their visit. Traditional and savory fare is easy to find in this are where people-watching is a common pastime from the comfort of charming restaurants serving up the best of local seafood. When you’ve had your fill of wandering through the town, make some time to unwind on the sand with a trip to nearby Palmilla Beach. Here, the waves are turquoise and the shoreline is sugar-white inspiring endless moments of tranquility and a great place to capture a photo or two.
If you happen to be a visitor that’s just as skilled at diving as they are on the greens, a trip to the Palmilla Golf Club is a must. This scenic, yet challenging stop is great for those who are looking to refine their skills in a setting that inspires the imagination. Golfers can choose from one of three 9-hole courses that are settled within the club’s parameters and no matter which you select, it’s sure to be as fun as it is a testament to trying something new!
Book Your Accommodations
Cabo is the natural jumping-off point for embarking on an adventure to the Socorro Islands. Why not enjoy several days in Cabo before or after your trip? At Sun Cabo, we offer luxurious accommodations for your stay before you embark on the journey of a lifetime to the Socorro Islands. Contact us today! Plan a week-long vacation to Los Cabos and book one of our beautiful Pedregal weekly vacation rentals now. Click here to explore our 30-day vacation rentals in Cabo San Lucas!