Nautilus Explorer, Mexico

Name: Socorro - Giant Mantas, Sharks and Dolphins (Cabo San Lucas - Cabo San Lucas)
Start: 2026-11-11
End: 2026-11-19
Location: Mexico

8.9 Fabulous

Nitrox available
Jacuzzi / Hot Tub
En-Suite bathrooms
Aircon Cabins
Non-Diver (Snorkeler) Friendly
Warm Water Showers

from $ 230 / day Check dates

“The scuba diving was some of the best experiences of our diving lives.”
Giancarlo D, United States

Highlights

Dive with giant mantas and humpback whales in Socorro
Constructed with heavy steel and stabilizers for smooth ocean crossings
Certified by Transport Canada as the first and only SOLAS ISM passenger ship with the same safety certificate as the largest cruise ships in the world

Sister ship to the Nautilus Belle Amie, the 35m Nautilus Explorer Liveaboard was custom built for divers to explore the amazing sites of Guadalupe and the Socorro Islands, Mexico. Built by divers, for divers for stability, comfort, and safety, the Nautilus Explorer liveaboard comprises 13 cabins, ranging from a cost-effective mixed-gender triple occupancy stateroom to a luxurious premium suite. On the lower deck are 8 twin/double cabins and 1 triple cabin. The hot tub deck has 3 superior suites and the premium suite, which features a separate lounge and floor-to-ceiling picture window. All cabins are equipped with individually controlled AC and private en-suite bathrooms.

The Nautilus Explorer has many well-designed social areas. There are two upper-floor sun decks and a hot tub deck where guests can relax with a glass of wine or frosty beer under the evening stars. The main salon has large panoramic windows in front of the dive deck. It has couches, a dedicated PC and Mac computer for video editing, and a 42-inch plasma TV. Onboard dining consists of freshly made dishes, including homemade bread, pastries, and soups combining North American, European, and Mexican flavors.

The Nautilus Explorer schedules itineraries to the incredible sites of the Socorro Islands, famous for manta rays, humpback whales, and vast schools of fish. The back of the boat is home to the dive deck, with a 5-ton hydraulic crane, water-level platform, and reinforced steel deck for film and scientific crews. Nitrox is also available for certified divers, and the Nautilus Explorer is rebreather-friendly.

Book your Nautilus Explorer liveaboard today.

Choose your departure date

Date

Itinerary

Price

Select

25 Aug

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,795

FULL

30 Aug

8 Days / 7 Nights

Female Shared Cabin.

$ 2,545

Select Cabin only 1 space left

06 Sep

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 2,545

Select Cabin only 2 spaces left

13 Sep

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 1,845

FULL

20 Sep

8 Days / 7 Nights

Female Shared Cabin.

$ 2,795

Select Cabin only 1 space left

27 Sep

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 2,645

FULL

04 Oct

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 2,645

FULL

11 Oct

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 2,645

FULL

18 Oct

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 2,645

FULL

25 Oct

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,895

FULL

11 Nov

9 Days / 8 Nights

$ 3,445

FULL

19 Nov

9 Days / 8 Nights

$ 3,445

FULL

Included: Drinking Water, Soft drinks, Tea & Coffee, Welcome Cocktails, Full-Board Meal Plan (All meals), Snacks, Special Dinner, Diving Package, Kayaks, Stand Up Paddleboard, Cabin Towels, Complimentary Toiletries, Deck Towels.

Required Extras: 5% VAT, Dive Insurance, National Park Fees (100-192 USD / day), Port Fees (35 USD).

Optional Extras: Travel Insurance, Gratuities, Airport Transfer, Hotel Transfer, Alcoholic Beverages, Nitrox, Nitrox Course, Private Dive Guide, Rental Gear, Scuba Diving Courses, WiFi internet.

Book now, pay later: You can easily place your booking online. We will then hold the spaces for you and you can confirm with a payment later.

* Extra fees are shown per person.

Pay by bank transfer or online with

Best Price Guaranteed

Boat features

Jacuzzi / Hot Tub
En-Suite bathrooms
Aircon Cabins
Non-Diver (Snorkeler) Friendly
Warm Water Showers
Air Conditioned saloon
Sun Deck
Camera Station
Stand Up Paddleboard
Nearly 1:1 Crew-to-Guest Ratio
Kayaks On-Board
Seaview Cabins
Paid Internet
Non-Smoking Rooms
Camera room
Custom built for diving
Charging stations
Indoor Saloon
Laundry Service
Audio & video entertainment
Observation Deck
BBQ Area
Available for Charter
Local & International Crew
Snorkeling Equipment
Outside Showers
Leisure Deck
Daily housekeeping
Bar

Food & Drinks

Fine Cuisine
Vegan Options
Vegetarian Options
Free Soft Drinks
Beer available
Wine Available
Fine Wines Selection
Welcome Cocktails
Snacks All Day
Buffet style
Western Food
Local Food
Set Menu Dinner

If you have any specific dietary requirements whilst on-board your cruise, you can add this to your special requests on step 2 of the booking form. We advise limiting these requests to religious beliefs or food allergies.

Diving

Nitrox available
Shaded Diving Area
DIN Adaptors
Rebreather Support
Rinse Hoses
Dive deck
Tenders for diving
Sidemount Diving

Languages Spoken

The crew speaks English and Spanish.

Gear Rental

Equipment is available for rent on this boat. Please provide your rental needs on the booking form. If the rental gear is not included in the price, you will need to pay for it on board the boat. Show prices

Drawings & Vessel Layouts

Cabin Types

Boat Specifications

Year built: 2000

Year renovated: 2015

Length: 132 feet

Beam: 27 feet

Cruising speed: 11-12 mph

Max guests: 25

Number of cabins: 13

Tenders: 38' skiff

Water capacity: Unlimited with high capacity watermakers

Freshwater maker: 3600 gallons per day

Boat navigation and safety

Radar
Depth Sounder
GPS
Radio VHF/DSC/SSB
Emergency Rafts
Life Vests
Fire Alarm & Fire Extinguishers
First Aid Kits
Satellite & mobile phones
Crew trained in first aid
Emergency flares

Nautilus Explorer Reviews

8.9 Fabulous

Vessel

8.1
Crew

8.9
Food

9.6
Diving

9.3
Value

8.3

9.2 Superb
tess B
Switzerland

Top
Great trip, an idyllic break out of time. I received good advice from the dive center about my equipment. The team is top notch and the meals were very good. Being the only boat on the sites was great and it helped to enjoy the dives even more.
Recommended for
Dives. Service. Meals.
05 Jul, 2026

Translated from French

8.8 Fabulous
Kevin S
United States

Socorro - beautiful, unspoiled, remote and totally worth it!
Socorro is a beautiful destination, remote and unspoiled Large animals were plentiful (sharks of several species, giant manta rays, whale shark, dolphins) - exceeded my expectations This trip requires good physical conditioning - diving is not off the platform but rather requires motoring on a small rubber skiff boat to the dive sites, sometimes in choppy waves
Recommended for
Dive guides were focused on safety and comfort of all guests. Cabin was spacious and comfortable (I stayed in the owner's suite). Crew was friendly and courteous.
16 Jun, 2026

9.2 Superb
Guylaine L
Canada

If you like pelagic, archipelago de revillagigedo is the place to go!
It is not just the crew that are friendly but also the dolphins and the mantas!! What and incredible expérience!
Recommended for
The diving was amazing! It blow my mind! It was my 2nd Time and it Will not be the last. The crew!! They are friendly, professional and they know they stuff! Thyms up for everybody!. The good was really good! Thank at the chefs!.
18 May, 2026

9.2 Superb
David P
Canada

Great week at Socorro - March 2025!
Great experience. Cruising out and back to the islands were pretty easy. Coming back there was a pretty good swell, but the boat handled it with ease. Destination was gorgeous and we saw everything we hoped to - and more!
Recommended for
Great dive guides - knowledgeable, personable and safety conscious!. The support staff were terrific as well - always friendly and helpful!. Boat was nice and stable both while cruising and when anchored over night..
19 Mar, 2025

8.8 Fabulous
Mario G
Germany

Very special dive experience
Good guidance at diving, some great underwater impressions.
Recommended for
Crew, especially Daniela and Felipe. Food variation. Good communication.
05 Jun, 2025

9.2 Superb
Ievgen P
Ukraine

One of the best LiveAboards I have ever had!
Experience with mantas is absolutely amazing!
Recommended for
Dive guides are involved with the see life!
21 Apr, 2021

10 Exceptional
Gina G
United States

Just awesome!
Mantas, whale sharks and the fun spirit of all crew members. Everyone was kind and helpful, food was fabulous, Team Chevron was a perfect fit and and a great time was had by all! Upon our return we signed up for the Guadalupe Great White trip for September - lets do it again!!!
Recommended for
Marine life, crew spirit, service
27 Jun, 2021

8.8 Fabulous
Aldo C
Italy

perfect trip, holiday and dives
This holiday for us was unforgettable, the dives in these pristine places and with no other boats on the dive site is priceless. The whole crew amazed us a lot with their professionalism and versatility. They tried to satisfy our every request and were always very present and kind. Every dive was a highlight. Thanks especially to the commander, Casey and Juan
Recommended for
dive guides, spots, organization
26 Dec, 2019

Translated from Italian

9.2 Superb
Vickie B
United States

Hard working & friendly crew made the diving enjoyable; great dive sites.
Excellent overall experience, great dive sites though visibility not always cooperative. Appreciated the photo tips at the dive shop. Dive masters were extremely helpful & crew work very hard!!
Recommended for
Dive team helpfulness. Friendly staff. Great group of staff.
29 Sep, 2025

10 Exceptional
Kevin D
Mexico

Best dive trip ever
Incredible wildlife, great food, great cabin
Recommended for
Dive masters, Location, Comfort
17 Dec, 2021

103 reviews

8.9 Fabulous
103 Verified Reviews

Sort reviews by:

9.2 Superb
Stefan H
United Kingdom

Excellent dive guides
I can’t say that this was the best diving ever, nor the most modern boat, BUT the dive team (Celi, Ima and Feli) were magnificent and really made the trip worthwhile. Swimming with whale sharks was extraordinary; as was playing with sea lions. Well organised and premium service.
Recommended for
Whalesharks. Dive Guides. Sundeck and lounge.
22 Oct, 2024

8.8 Fabulous
Stephanie F
United States

Other worldly experience.
It was amazing to see the giant manta just swimming right in front of you. They were so elegant and majestic. It was also fun to play in a pod of dolphins, and we saw schools of hammerheads. As my first liveaboard experience this trips was absolutely amazing. The dive masters were very experienced and did a great job keeping everyone safe. The crew was exceptional, and always had great food and conversation for us.
Recommended for
Dive masters, staff friendliness, making new friends from all over the world
01 Apr, 2020

10 Exceptional
Adam T
United States

Unbelievable in EVERY way
Unbelievable, world-class diving and once-in-a-lifetime pelagic marine life encounters. Great crew and great boat.
Recommended for
the diving and the crew
09 Dec, 2023

9.2 Superb
Viola G
Austria

One of the best diving experiences I ever had!
We got lucky to see all of the big ones and some of them impressively close up, it was just amazing!
Recommended for
The kindness of the whole crew, the under water wildelife and the great food after an exciting dive.
03 Jul, 2023

9.2 Superb
Richard W
Austria

Really expensive, but an unforgettable trip
The boat is no longer new, but in perfect condition.... The whole team did an incredible job, and the chef was great and very motivated. The dives themselves were as described by LifeAboard, the absolute highlight were three dives very close to a female humpback whale resting at Roca Partida with her playful baby, who did not let herself be disturbed by the divers - unforgettable!
Recommended for
Dive with Humpback + Baby, countless sharks, and the sight of "Roca Partida"
16 Mar, 2022

Translated from German

8.4 Very good
KWANGMIN L
South Korea

Best place to see mantaray
Socorro is a best place where you can easily meet the friendly mantaray. You can see manta every diving, and Mantas are around the divers. That one is enough to come here. And also Crews are so nice and kind. Food is excellent.
Recommended for
Diving, Crews, Food
06 Nov, 2022

9.6 Exceptional
Rita R
United States

Best Trip Ever, and I've been to Australia's Live aboard, it doesn't hold a candle to the Nautilus Explorer. I'm already booking for next year!
Seeing so many beautiful Great White Sharks in one location. I was very pleased with all the staff and services onboard. Captain Lowel, Dulce, Dani, Pato, Steve, and so many more were so welcoming and helpful. Bravo to all the staff on the Nautilus Explorer, and I can't wait to come back again next year. Thank you for a great vacation! Rita Ringle
Recommended for
Non judgemental. Very helpful. Fun Staff
30 Oct, 2018

10 Exceptional
Sanjay K
India

THE DIFFERENCE MAKER
Diving: Mantas (duh!) - have seen many before but the interaction in the sites like El Boiler and Roca Partida are second to none. Dolphins ( all over the place in El Boiler) Hammerheads ( Roca Partida) Tiger Shark and Whale shark ( if you are lucky - in El Bolier) Night Snorkel with Silky sharks Super awesome marine life in all sites Safety: Excellent emphasis given to safety and procedures on the dive. Non Diving: Round the clock service makes the whole diving at sea part a breeze Excellent Food: I am a vegetarian and I slept well fed on burger, steak and all other nights. Round the clock food. Look forward to the hot coco with Baileys post the night snorkel. Brilliant Staff: You are sure to make life long friends on this boat, so be ready to bawl like a baby when you are leaving. I am definitely not done with Soccoro or The Nautilus Fleet. I thought I would move on to the Galapagos or elsewhere, but there would be no reasons given the richness of dive experience that is available in this one package.
Recommended for
The boat ( spacious, very comfortable and easily a home) The staff ( diving and non-diving, easily the best staff I have dived with - so loving, caring and accomodating) The food
07 Jun, 2018

8.4 Very good
Alexander B
Portugal

Nice trip with a very professional crew.
The boat is aged, but the diving operation is professional and organized.
Recommended for
Crew. Organization. Fate.
09 Mar, 2026

Translated from Portuguese

9.6 Exceptional
Claudia R
Germany

Amazing experience
We did two days, 8 dives in Cabo Pearce with the Giant Mantas. There also was a big school of hammerheads and we were being surrounded by dolphins. The chef was brilliant. I don't know how he managed to serve 24 tenderloins simultaneously in exactly the way we had ordered it. The lectures were more than interesting.
Recommended for
Giant Mantas, Dolphins, Hammerheads
30 Dec, 2022

8.8 Fabulous
Marc V
France

High expectations, met and exceeded
The manta and dolphin encounters are like nothing on the planet - animals have become used to the respect and love that divers feel for them and will come to play with you. The divemasters are about the best we’ve ever come across; friendly and always ready to help, and attentive to what the dive team was doing. Finally, the service from the hostesses and the chef, was simply amazing.
Recommended for
The animal encounters, the friendly and authentic crew, the awesome location
04 Jun, 2018

9.6 Exceptional
Marcel R
Germany

Tolles Boot, super Crew!
Diving with the dolphins and manta rays is definitely second to none. I've never been so close to such fantastic animals.
Recommended for
Diving, Crew, Group
27 May, 2019

9.2 Superb
JEESAN O
Canada

My trip and the boat was excellent
My first liveaboard trip and boy it was one for the books. I'll be back.
Recommended for
Diving, crew, food
07 Feb, 2023

10 Exceptional
Daniela S
Germany

Great Trip!
Everything was just great. The crew was amazing. They helped us whenever possible. Food was very delicious. The dives were great. I felt safe all the time. It was an incredible trip and I completely recommend it. Btw, I was traveling by myself and made new friends easily. If you are considering booking a trip on this boat, just book it!
Recommended for
Sharks, crew, food
26 Sep, 2021

9.6 Exceptional
Kale W
United States

Amazing
Amazing trip, great crew. Hope to do it again someday.
Recommended for
Crew, sharks, food
08 Nov, 2017

9.6 Exceptional
Yanxin H
United States

Great fun, great service
Best snorkeling experience i have ever had. Dolphins, pilot whales, and whalesharks at only an arm's distance. Also thanks to pascal who fixed My fins 'the mexican way'. The food was good 2/3 The time, tacos are so delicious but i wish they could give up cooking chicken breasrts or beef chops and serve them The fancy way. Made me feel sorry for the animal.
Recommended for
Snorkeling was great. The Crew are always ready to help. The Bed was very comfy.
19 Jul, 2026

8.0 Very good
Louis M
France

the cabine is too short for two peaople no storage space
good experience but tyred too many dives en a day
Recommended for
the guides. the competence. the food.
22 May, 2026

8.4 Very good
Gražina B
Lithuania

Great trip
Good boat although a bit dated, but kept clean. Plenty of food at breakfast and lunch, dinner - not so much:) The cabins were cleaned everyday (beds were made and towels were changed). The staff is very helpful and supportive. The only negative moment was the last day of sailing, when the crew was cleaning all the boat.
Recommended for
Roca Partida dive site. Great breakfast. Friendly staff.
26 Jan, 2026

9.2 Superb
Giancarlo D
United States

Great diving and great crew made this an awesome trip
We had such a great trip and all the crew was top notch and very helpful. The scuba diving was some of the best experiences of our diving lives.
Recommended for
Great crew/staff/dive masters. Great diving. Wonderful fellow guests.
28 Jun, 2025

10 Exceptional
Luciana D
United States

Amazing
The crew was amazing! they truly made us feel special! Great food and service ! the cabin was very comfortable and clean. Bathroom could be bigger but it's a boat so no surprises there. The marine life was outstanding ! Loved every minute and can't wait to go back !!!
Recommended for
the crew, the food, the ship
04 Apr, 2023