Slow Trip for Giant Manta Ray Sightings

Location: The Navy Base on Socorro Island, Cabo Pearce, Socorro Island, Islas Revillagigedos

Comments: Today started with the obligatory check-in at Base Naval de Isla Socorro (the navy base on Socorro Island). To our surprise, there were 80 ecotourists from Guadalajara, Mexico at the base!! The sergeant in charge of the boarding party that inspected the Nautilus Explorer told us that there were people scuba diving, hiking, birdwatching, clambering up the volcano and having a very interesting time. The navy apparently organized the trip for a group of Mexican scientists. It sounded like an awesome experience. Personally, I would love to see some of the lizards that are endemic to Socorro Island.

One of our hostesses has been having GI problems and the doctor from the Navy hospital on the island came onboard, checked her out, and took her ashore for shots, medication and observation. We are extremely grateful to the Commandante and his staff for their gracious help, concern and hospitality.

We spent the rest of the day at Cabo Pearce where the diving was very good. Divers saw a large school of hammerhead sharks above the outer cleaning station (in approximately 50 feet of water), smaller groups of hammerhead sharks as well as Galapagos and silky sharks.

The only disappointment was that only one giant manta ray showed up today. This has been a VERY slow trip for manta sightings and we are feverishly hoping to bump into them soon. Mantas are not resident to one dive site and it’s a case of checking out all of our favourite sites until we find them. The irony is that we had fantastic manta interaction on the very first dive of this trip!! Tomorrow: Punta Tosca, hoping for tiger sharks.

–Captain Mike

 

Weather: Clear, sunny, winds from the north at 20 knots, 6 – 8 foot seas outside, sheltered on the lee side of Socorro Island.. Air temperature 82°F. Beautiful!

Water: Water temperature of 74°F. Visibility 100 feet. Stong current mid-afternoon onwards.

By Nautilus Staff

Updates, exciting information and other news from the staff at Nautilus Liveaboards.