Diving in Socorro Islands (Revillagigedo)

Hawksbill Turtle

Destination note

Less common than green turtles but reliably sighted. Found around the rocky volcanic walls of Cabo Pearce and Punta Tosca, often probing crevices for sponges.

Spotted Eagle Ray

Destination note

Common year-round. Most frequently seen at Cabo Pearce and Punta Tosca. Often in small groups of 2-5, sometimes solitary. Their graceful flight through the blue water makes them a Socorro highlight.

Green Sea Turtle

Destination note

Common year-round at Socorro. Frequently sighted at Cabo Pearce, Punta Tosca, and shallower areas. Often seen resting on the bottom or grazing on algae on volcanic rocks.

Pacific Eagle Ray

General species description, not specific to this destination

A large, spectacular pelagic ray with a white-spotted dark back and a prominent duck-like snout, recently recognized as a distinct Eastern Pacific species.

Great Hammerhead

Destination note

Occasional from December to May. Typically solitary — distinct from the schooling scalloped hammerheads. Most often sighted at Roca Partida and The Boiler during the warm season.

Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin

Destination note

Common year-round. Frequently encountered at Cabo Pearce, The Boiler, and during liveaboard crossings between islands. Pods of 10-30 individuals are typical. Often ride the bow wave of the liveaboard on approach.

Socorro Wrasse

General species description, not specific to this destination

A small, colorful reef fish endemic to the rocky volcanic reefs of the Revillagigedo Archipelago, displaying a vibrant green and orange body.

Townsend's Shearwater

General species description, not specific to this destination

A critically endangered, medium-sized seabird that breeds exclusively on Socorro Island, spending most of its life foraging in the productive surrounding waters.

Socorro Damselfish

General species description, not specific to this destination

A dusky brown damselfish endemic to the Revillagigedo Islands, known for its extremely aggressive territorial defense of its algae gardens.

Panamic Green Moray

Destination note

Common year-round in volcanic crevices and under boulders. Slightly more abundant in shallower water (5-20m) than the giant moray. Often seen at Punta Tosca and Cabo Pearce.

Pacific Crevalle Jack

Destination note

Common year-round, particularly at Roca Partida and The Boiler. Often solitary or in small groups of 3-6. They patrol the edges of baitfish schools, picking off stragglers.

barberfish

Destination note

Common year-round at cleaning stations throughout the archipelago. Particularly abundant at The Boiler cleaning station where mantas come to be cleaned. Often in groups of 5-15 at a station.