Please advise which ship you think is best. My hope is to receive answers from those that have been on both.
Socorro: Rocio del Mar or Nautilus?
- Thread starter chillyinCanada
- Start date
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I'm in as well. These are our choices as well. Adding to Chilly's question, best time of the year for pelagics?
Beer and wine included on Rocio, extra charge on Nautilus. Duh! (No, I haven't been on either.)
mantajohn
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I'm on RDM in May & am planning on taking 5mm - plus hood/vest for the 3rd/4th dives of each day. Will let you know how it works out in a TR when i return.
From what i can see, temps in Dec & May look broadly similar at around 78F.
We used 5mm in Cocos in Sept 2012 & it was fine.
From what i can see, temps in Dec & May look broadly similar at around 78F.
We used 5mm in Cocos in Sept 2012 & it was fine.
OP
Mossman, I knew that would be your answer and so haven't bothered to call you about it. Perhaps next question is when can you meet me aboard? 
first round is on me.
---------- Post added February 24th, 2014 at 01:03 PM ----------
OK Gang, if we aren't able to get input from divers who've been on both, how about some criticisms of the boat you did dive on. I'm hoping to book a single cabin but also interested in the pangas. How was the dive deck, what involved with boarding the pangas from dive deck, comfort of divers during transfer to dive site and re-entries after dives. Perhaps you could also comment on public areas comfort and roominess or lack thereof. I've only ever been on one liveaboard before and the ship was 200' with only 12 divers though had capacity for 16. So as you can see I've been spoiled now.
first round is on me.---------- Post added February 24th, 2014 at 01:03 PM ----------
OK Gang, if we aren't able to get input from divers who've been on both, how about some criticisms of the boat you did dive on. I'm hoping to book a single cabin but also interested in the pangas. How was the dive deck, what involved with boarding the pangas from dive deck, comfort of divers during transfer to dive site and re-entries after dives. Perhaps you could also comment on public areas comfort and roominess or lack thereof. I've only ever been on one liveaboard before and the ship was 200' with only 12 divers though had capacity for 16. So as you can see I've been spoiled now.
Doubler
Contributor
I have been on the NE and the crew/food/diveop are top notch. NOT a fan of their dive deck. When not being used as a dive deck it is the berth for their Panga, it is slanted at about 15 degrees, has large trip hazard rollers in the deck, no seats to don and doff gear. If you are short it is a real PITA. Hated it. Other than that it is an outstanding operation.
Hintermann
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I have not yet been on either but am going on the RdM in May 2015. I seriously looked at all 3 - NE, S-V and RdM. I am sure the first two are excellent boats in their own right but there is something fresh about the RdM that appeals. I made my decision last year because they ticked all the right boxes during my enquiries - superb e-mail responses by Dora, early opening of booking schedule, 15-litr tanks on request and so on. They were also the best value, but admittedly the difference is small. But since I made that booking I have heard nothing but positive reports about those who have been on the RdM and so I am very happy that I made the right choice.
I have heard that Dora's husband designed the boat and made it as guest-friendly as possible without compromising on safety issues. Looking forward to the trip.
I have heard that Dora's husband designed the boat and made it as guest-friendly as possible without compromising on safety issues. Looking forward to the trip.
OP
Uh oh, I'm short!! Nautilus . . .I guess I'll never know ye.
scubafanatic
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The boat DOES have places to sit down and gear up, only the final stage of the 'gear up' is done standing up where you 'back into' the spot where your BCD/tank 'unit' is stowed and you slip the BCD/tank 'on'. If you're "short" in stature, just grab a spot on the shallow end of the ramp (either grab a spot when you 1st board the boat or maybe the boat can reserve such a spot for you.)
OP
Well, now you're talking!! That sounds great!
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