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Dive Review of Nautilus Explorer in
Mexico (Western)/Revillagigados Islands

Nautilus Explorer, Feb, 2007,

by Bob Ewald, KY, USA . Report 3525.

No photos available at this time

Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Accommodations 5 stars Food 3 stars
Service and Attitude 5 stars Environmental Sensitivity N/A
Dive Operation 5 stars Shore Diving 3 stars
Snorkeling N/A
Value for $$ N/A
Beginners 2 stars
Advanced 5 stars
Comments Website contains an excellent, up to date, Captains log, that let us know exactly what to expect and the latest conditions. Boat leaves from Cabo San Lucas and the run to the Revillagegidos (Socorro) Islands takes about 24 hours. Except for one site where we dove from the back of the boat, diving was from a dingy.

We found the boat to be in very good condition with an outstanding crew that catered to every need. At least two dive masters were in the water on every dive and we were free to follow them or go on our own. The primary restriction, as we were frequently admonished, was that, due to the currents around these small islands, if visual contact was lost with the wall or the reef, we should immediately surface as the current could carry us a long way quite quickly. However, currents were generally manageable as long as the diver stayed in protected areas near the walls and reef. There were two dingys in that water at all times and pick-ups were very quick. Water temps were in the low 70s F.

We went to see mantas and mantas we saw, as well as many sharks, including silvertips, reef white tips, Galapagos and silkies. We were told riding mantas was not allowed, but petting mantas on the underside was permitted, as the mantas seemed to enjoy it. That appeared to be so, as the same manta would sometimes make several passes just a few feet above us allowing it to be petted. Humpback whales were around us on a number of dives. We frequently saw them on the surface and could “feel” them singing underwater as well as hearing them. Large schools of jacks were common and a surprising variety of reef fish was seen. On one afternoon we had a visit with a friendly dolphin that also seemed to enjoy being petted and swam with us for 10 minutes or so. Visibility was 50 to 100 feet.

Boat was in excellent condition and the crew seemed very professional. Cabins were reasonably spacious for a live aboard, all with individual heads and showers, and air conditioning that was controllable. Lounge and dining area were spacious and comfortable. Dive deck was larger than most live aboards, with a large camera table on the dive deck. Food was good to excellent, with the usual goodies provided between dives. Crew took good care of cameras and handled them very carefully when handing down and up.

The Nautilus Explorer and the diving get outstanding scores in all categories.

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience Over 1000 dives
Where else diving Palau, Bali, Coco, Fiji, Galapagos, Red Sea, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Hawaii, Multiple Caribbean Locations
Closest Airport Getting There

Dive Conditions

Weather sunny Seas calm
Water Temp 70-72°F / 21-22°C Wetsuit Thickness 7
Water Visibility 50-100 Ft/ 15-30 M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile yes
Enforced diving restrictions 130 feet, no gloves, but generally allowed to dive own profile. Surface immediately in the event visual contact was lost with wall or reef.
Liveaboard? yes Nitrox Available? N/A

What I Saw

Sharks Lots Mantas Squadrons
Dolphins 1 or 2 Whale Sharks None
Turtles None Whales >2
Corals 2 stars Tropical Fish 3 stars
Small Critters 2 stars Large Fish 5 stars
Large Pelagics 5 stars

Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Subject Matter 5 stars Boat Facilities 4 stars
Overall rating for UWP's 5 stars Shore Facilities N/A
UW Photo Comments Large dive deck and photo table. Large dip tank for cameras only. Crew was careful with cameras and cooperative in handing up and down from dingy.
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Note: The information here was reported by the author above, but has NOT been reviewed nor edited by Undercurrent prior to posting on our website. Please report any major problems by writing to us and referencing the report number above.

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