Facebook
Twitter
Since 1992 the Solmar V 112' luxury live-aboard has journeyed south from Cabo San Lucas taking divers there to dance with the giant Pacific manta ray, cavort with dolphins, dodge seven different species of sharks, and thrill to an occasional lucky interaction with migrating humpback whales.
"The Boiler" at San Benedicto is world-renowned for the up-close and personal encounters divers experience with the Giant Pacific manta ray. The area is a cleaning station, not a feeding area for these pelagics, so the visibility can exceed 150'. This species of manta can grow to a wingspan of over twenty feet, yet they are gentle giants. Mantas commonly greet divers upon their arrival and stay as long as there are divers in the water, providing photo opportunities unmatched anywhere.
During the course of more than 300 trips to Socorro the Solmar V crew has kept extensive notes identifying each manta by the markings on their bodies. They have established a special relationship with many of them and have a tremendous respect and admiration for these animals.
In January 2007 Solmar V divers were greeted by a group of five mantas, who seemed to enjoy the divers as much as the divers enjoyed them. The encounter lasted for hours.
Mantas are only some of the large animals seen at San Benedicto. At "The Canyon" divers have spotted schooling hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sharks, silky sharks, duskies, whitetips, dolphins and even an occasional humpback whale or whale shark.
Leaving San Benedicto Island is emotionally difficult, but what waits for divers at the next stop, either Socorro Island or Roca Partida hold even more in store. More on that next month!
The Solmar V has launched a new website at www.solmarV.com which is packed with details about trips, diving, accommodations and dining, and includes a virtual tour of the boat and stunning photos from the destinations they visit.
As part of the new website launch Solmar V is giving you the chance to win one of four FREE TRIPS.
Join the Solmar V Trading Card Treasure Hunt and you can win a free trip to the Socorro Islands or Atomic Aquatics dive gear. Details and more information about other opportunities to win a free trip can be found at www.SolmarV.com or contact us at ask@solmarV.com or call us at (866) 591-4906 or (310) 455-3600.
