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Dive Review of Solmar V in
Mexico (Western)/Socorro Is

Solmar V: "Mantas everywhere", Apr, 2017,

by Gareth Richards, OH, US (Sr. Reviewer Sr. Reviewer 9 reports with 13 Helpful votes). Report 9839.

No photos available at this time

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

Accommodations 3 stars Food 5 stars
Service and Attitude 5 stars Environmental Sensitivity 4 stars
Dive Operation 5 stars Shore Diving N/A
Snorkeling N/A
Value for $$ 4 stars
Beginners 1 stars
Advanced 5 stars
Comments Second trip on the Solmar in 9 months. Diving was excellent. Mantas plentiful. Current strong on a couple of dives, but in general low. One dolphin pod encounter. Only downside was behavior of some other divers who insisted on chasing the mantas with gopros on selfie sticks. This drove the mantas away and spoiled it for others. Food by chef Tony continues to be excellent. My vegetarian wife was (again) treated to specially prepared meals. Amazing what Tony and crew can do. 5 stars for the trip; however I am not a fan of the Solmar cabins. If you go, be aware the accomodations are small. In my eyes it's worth it for the mantas at least once.

We traveled in late April 2017. This is near the end of the Socorro season and after the whale season. We have also been there in November. If we return, we would definitely aim for the Whale season (February-March).
Websites Solmar V   

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience 251-500 dives
Where else diving Galapagos, Cocos, Philippines, GBR, NZ, Bahamas, Mexico, Cayman, US Keys, Mediterranean
Closest Airport SJD Getting There

Dive Conditions

Weather sunny, dry Seas calm
Water Temp 77-79°F / 25-26°C Wetsuit Thickness 5
Water Visibility 30-70 Ft/ 9-21 M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile yes
Enforced diving restrictions Can dive with or without guide. Solo diver must be certified and equipped. 50-60 min limit due to panga pickup.
Liveaboard? yes Nitrox Available? yes

What I Saw

Sharks Lots Mantas Squadrons
Dolphins Schools Whale Sharks None
Turtles None Whales None
Corals N/A Tropical Fish 3 stars
Small Critters N/A Large Fish N/A
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 dedicated camera area on dive deck. Plenty of 110v outlets. Dedicated camera tank. Panga drivers experienced in handling cameras.
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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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