Socorro-May?

[Brian2828]

I'm looking for a liveaboard trip in May and Socorro is high on my list. Most of the trip reports I find online are from November-February. The Nautilus website describes May as "bait ball" season. I don't know what that means in terms of likely conditions. There are a few slots open on the two Nautilus boats and Solmar 5 but I'll need to choose soon. Has anyone been to the islands this time of year? I'm most interested in mantas and whale sharks and would prefer to go when viz is likely to be decent. Any thoughts/experiences?

Thanks,
Brian

 

[ocdiver1]

Hey Brian, went to the Socorros late May last year on the Nautilus. The one thing id worry about in May is what we experienced...the effects of an early season hurricane which had passed through the area several weeks before us, which destroyed vis at San Benedicto and Socorro, but Roca Partida wasn't effected and had conditions as good there as on previous trips to the Socorros. Did see a whale shark, but May is not considered the best time for that...while not especially known for whale shark sightings better chances exist early in the season nov-dec. Plenty of mantas at SB and Socorro, but in very poor vis as mentioned, also numerous sightings of dolphins, hammerheads, Galapagos sharks throughout the trip. I'd also read that "bait ball" season comment from Nautilus, but didn't witness anything like that on the trip (nor on any prior trips).

 

[PADI Travel]

Hi Brian!

Unfortunately in May you will miss whale shark season. However, the warmer water means a better chance of seeing manta rays, and you’ll have the added bonus of shark season. The Nautilus website is correct. A bait ball arrives during the spring and the hammerheads, oceanic whitetips and reef sharks follow suit. The visibility in May should be quite good as well. It usually is around 30 meters outside of November and December. If you’re interested in seeing the marine life charts for Socorro and would also like to know more about the weather averages, you can take a look at our page about Mexico’s Central Pacific Coast.

Have a great trip!