Socorro Island Diving - When to Go - Best Months to Visit

We visit the islands between November and mid June as this is outside of the late June - October hurricane season. This is also an ideal time to see both manta rays and humpback whales. Manta Rays and most species of shark are resident at the islands throughout our Nov - June dive window. Humpback whales migrate here between late January and early April to breed and calve. Whale sharks also visit the islands and are usually best seen in November and December.

Schools of hammerhead sharks, tuna and silky sharks are usually best seen in May and June when the waters are at their warmest.

The Crossing & Sea Conditions

The crossing to Socorro is 250 miles for which wave heights are usually 1.5 - 2 metres which is not a problem for a solid liveaboard boat. The sea state can also be flat calm. Occasionally (maybe once per once per season) we experience 3 metre seas. Most anchorages are sheltered and calm, but it is important to note that diving at Roca Partida is staged in open ocean. Each trip itinerary is planned around the best possible diving conditions at this fantastic little pinnacle in the middle of the ocean sitting in 3,300 metres (11,000 feet) of water.

Visibility, Water Temperatures & Currents

Visibility is usually very good up to 40 metres. Visibility is unlikely to fall as low as 10 metres, but if it does then we can move to an alternative dive site. Currents vary from none to medium. Water temperature: 28°C in November dropping to 21°C in February and then rising back up to 25°C by early June. Please do not be put off by the colder temperatures in February as this is the best time to see humpback whales.