Socorro Island closed by the Mexican Military

[spt29970]

Hi All,

I just got back last night from a trip to the Revillagigedos on the Nautilus Explorer. I will write a trip report in a few days when I have a chance to go through my images. However, I thought I would let you know about a recent development. We spent two days at San Benedicto and two days at Roca Partida. On the night that we were planning to move the boat to Socorro, we were informed that the Mexican Military has closed Socorro Island until some time in mid March! San Benedicto and Roca Partida will remain open, but diving at Socorro is currently off limits. On my trip we spent an extra day at San Benedicto. We then returned to Cabo a day early because the weather was deteriorating and the forecast called for 20-25 ft swells. It was time to go because the vis at San Benedicto had dropped dramatically so there was no point in staying. Even in the lea of the island there were some pretty impressive waves crashing into the cliff with spray going up over 100 ft into the air. It was still a great trip but not being able to dive Socorro was a blow. More later.

 

[robint]

Wow! I hope someone can let us know WHY this happened. Are they using it for military training (like San Clemente Island off Calif is closed sometimes because the US Navy is using it)????

 

[spt29970]

Yes. They said that the island was being closed for "naval excersizes". I thought immediately of San Clemente closures. I just wish that the closure had been published in advance. There are only three boats that make it out to Socorro so it wouldn't have been too onerous to let them know, but this is the military we are talking about. They have their own way of doing things.

 

[Augustus]

Thats weird. Where do the boats check in now if Socorro is off limits. All the trips I have done required a check in off of the military base. Royal pain in the ass since you lost upto half a day or more of diving.

 

[diverjill]

We will be staying just outside of Cabo the 2nd week of March. Sounds like Socorro is not an option, can anyone recommend a outfit for day trips?

 

[spt29970]

I don't know much about Cabo day trip operators, but just so you know, Socorro is NEVER a day trip. It is 250 nautical miles from Cabo!