Liveaboards
Liveaboards
Solmar V is not a cruise. It is an expedition. A floating basecamp that lets us go far beyond the coastline and deep into the wild Pacific. Without her, these places would stay out of reach.
The boat is built for this kind of work: long crossings, remote anchorages, days spent chasing life where it is happening, not where it is easy. Solmar V takes us where day boats cannot go.
The isolated pinnacles of Socorro, where giant mantas glide through the currents. The open waters of Magdalena Bay, where marlins and sharks tear through massive baitballs. The hidden corners of the Sea of Cortez, where life explodes in all directions. Every dive is different. One day you might drift beside a wall of hammerheads. The next, circle with mantas so close you can see their eyes tracking yours. At the surface, dolphins race the bow. In the shallows, sea lions twist through the light. Life onboard follows the rhythm of the sea: wake early, gear up, roll in, share stories over a meal, dive again, and watch the sun drop behind endless water. The crew reads the ocean like few can, choosing where to go and when, based on what is out there that day.
And it is Solmar V that makes this possible. She carries us out, keeps us out, and brings us into places most divers will never see. For those of us who live for this kind of adventure, there is no better way to explore the Pacific.
Yes, we have mentioned Solmar V a lot. But that is because it is Solmar V.
Socorro Islands Expedition
Cross 250 miles of open ocean to reach the Socorro Islands, one of the planet’s most remote and alive dive destinations. Each day unfolds in volcanic seascapes where giant mantas glide by, dolphins dance in the blue, and schools of sharks patrol deep drop offs. The plan shifts daily, with the captain and crew adjusting routes based on wildlife and weather to give you the best encounters. It is raw Pacific diving with four dives a day, in nine or eleven day itineraries running from November to June. Minimum fifty dives are required, and this is for those who want to dive where few boats go and witness nature in its rawest form.
Magdalena Bay + Socorro Combo Expedition
For the ultimate two part adventure, the Magdalena Bay and Socorro Combo starts with five days of pure adrenaline, chasing baitballs in Magdalena Bay as marlins, sharks, sea lions, and whales explode through the action. You will snorkel some of the wildest surface events the Pacific offers, fast, thrilling, and unpredictable. Then, head offshore for seven days of deep diving at Socorro, with giant mantas, shark schools, dolphins, and untouched pinnacles. This single fifteen day expedition is offered once a year, designed for ocean chasers who want big animal encounters both above and below the surface.
Sea of Cortez Expeditions
Further north, the Sea of Cortez, known as the Aquarium of the World, offers a constantly shifting stage of life. Wake up surrounded by desert islands and rich blue water, ready to dive vibrant reefs, snorkel with sea lions, drift with mobulas, or search for dolphins and whales. Mobula rays, whale sharks, hammerheads, sea lions, tropical fish, macro critters, and seabirds fill these waters. Choose your pace: a seven day expedition blending ocean adventure and Baja landscapes, or a fifteen day Unlimited voyage for full immersion, traveling from Cabo Pulmo to Bahia de los Angeles. For anyone ready to explore this legendary sea, whether for one week or for the adventure of a lifetime.
Amenities
Air-conditioned cabins with ensuite bathrooms (2 twins or 1 double configuration)
Spacious salon with entertainment system
Dining area with chef-prepared meals (vegan/vegetarian/gluten-free options available with notice)
Dive deck with personal storage, rinse tanks, showers
Camera table and charging stations for photographers
Sun deck for relaxation between dives
Wi-Fi: Limited satellite internet available (email/basic messaging only)
What’s included
Unlimited Nitrox (certification required)
Up to 4 dives per day (weather dependent)
All meals, snacks, beer and wine with dinner, plus an option for hard liquor.
Tanks, weights, and weight belts
Marine park fees (unless otherwise noted)
Transfers from designated pick-up point in port city
Requirements
Certification: Open Water minimum; Advanced + Nitrox highly recommended
Experience: Adavance Open Water or Deep dive adventure PADI, or 30 logged dive for Sea of Cortez
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months; Mexican visa not required for most nationalities
Travel Insurance: Required for all guests
Medical Form: Must be filled and signed prior to trip
No-touch policy: Strict adherence to responsible wildlife interaction
What is not
Flights and airport transfers
Crew tips (recommended $250–$350 USD per diver)
Dive gear rental (full set rental approx. $150–200 USD/trip)
Trip insurance (required), dive accident insurance (DAN or similar)
Plan ahead: Trips fill up 6–12 months in advance, especially Socorro & Mag Bay
Deposit: Typically 30–50% to confirm booking; balance due 90 days before departure
Cancellation policy: Review terms carefully—many liveaboards are non-refundable after deposit
Ask about group rates or private charters if booking for multiple guests or travel influencers
Booking tips
At DIP Expeditions, every journey aboard the Solmar V is more than just an adventure—it’s a commitment to the ocean. Each expedition directly supports marine research and conservation efforts in the Revillagigedo Archipelago and the Sea of Cortez, while also empowering local communities and partnering with Baja-based suppliers. Onboard, we follow low-waste practices and enforce reef-safe diving policies to minimize our environmental footprint. When you travel with us, you’re not only exploring extraordinary marine ecosystems—you’re helping to protect them. Travel with purpose. Dive with heart. Protect what you love.
