Solmar V has been pioneering diving adventures in some of the world's last wildernesses for over 20 years. Today this distinctive green and yellow vessel is best known for the truly astonishing pelagic encounters and unsurpassed topside service. Dive the remote Revillagigedo islands, 250 miles off the Mexican Pacific coastline. Here giant manta play at cleaning stations on Socorro and San Benedicto while sharks school in vast numbers off the steep walls of Roca Partida. Or if you are looking for the ultimate in shark encounters, come face to face with the Great Whites of Guadalupe islands. No matter which itinerary you chose, you are certain of effortless luxury and diving to remember! Solmar V sleeps up to 22 guests for their signature Socorro itinerary. There are 12 cabins in total, divided into standard and superior cabins. All cabins are below decks. There are 6 superior and 4 standard cabins. 2 single cabins. The single cabins can be requested at time of booking but cannot be guaranteed. All cabins have individual air con. TV with DVD and en suite. Bathroom and dive deck towels are provided as are basic toiletries. Solmar V has been lovingly maintained and refurbished to ensure all mod cons are available for your convenience and safety. The saloon is the focus of life onboard and there are few crews as attentive as those on Solmar V. The food is exemplary - fresh fruit, vegetables, home made soup and mouth watering international or Mexican dishes. Tuck in and enjoy! Relax with your fellow divers over a glass of house wine or beer and trade thrilling tales from the day's encounters. There is a sun deck upstairs with shaded area. The dive deck is large, with generous space between dive stations. A large camera table with tiered storage keeps your camera kit safe. And there are 4 large rinse tanks (2 dedicated to cameras) for rinsing kit down as well as 2 warm showers on the back deck. Some dives are made from the main boat and the rear dive platform easily holds several divers at once. When you cannot dive from the boat, there are 2 tenders which are handled with expert precision. Be advised: Pacific Fleet requires all guests to have a minimum of 50 dives to join the trip. As most dive sites of Socorro Islands are deeper than 18 m they require all divers to be Advanced Open Water certified. Open Water certified divers can join on board, but it will be mandatory to take the PADI Deep Adventure Dive onboard the Solmar V. Be advised: As of November 2023 Solmar V is a nitrox only vessel. If you are not nitox certified, the PADI Nitrox course is available onboard ($250) or they can assist with PADI e-learning and the course can be finished on board ($50)
There are 2 single staterooms - Each mahogany-detailed stateroom features air conditioning with individual controls, a private marine head, sink and shower. All staterooms have top-of-the-line mattresses and down pillows and new carpet.
There are 4 standard staterooms All rooms feature individual air conditioning, a private marine head, sink and shower. They also have top-of-the-line mattresses and down pillows and new carpet.
There are 6 superior staterooms—these are slightly larger than the Standard cabins and are in the middle of the boat. Luxury and comfort are the specialties. The vessel was specifically designed with comfort in mind.
The interior of the Solmar V is outfitted in brass, rich mahogany, granite table tops and is completely carpeted. It is a gracious and beautiful boat.
Please note these prices may not include flights. Click select for the full holiday details
Angela Phillips
David Lusher
Had a fantastic trip on Solmar v in Feb 2014. Hump back whales, giant manta and many sharks. The boat was the best as were the guides and crew, awsome diving.
Sally May
I'm back today and had a wonderful time! The Solmar V was fantastic in every way... the diving, the crew, the other divers. If you haven't yet seen their youtube video for our week then you can watch it and see/hear how happy I was!
Deb Bash
I just returned from the trip to Socorro (April 9-17, 2013), and it was the trip of a life time! This is the second time I have been on the boat (first time in 1996 in the Sea of Cortez). The staff is outstanding, the food generous and delicious, and the diving fantastic. The humpback whales were still at the islands and we were able to get close enough to almost touch... The mantas were not quite as cooperative, but that is okay. The water temperature was 72 and the air a little chilly, so warm clothes for the deck are a must. The diving is from the dive platform on the boat or the pangas, and the staff helps with gear. Using Nitrox was easy and analyzers were provided. There are currents, surges, and potential rough water, so not for a very beginner diver. I had a fantastic time, and would highly recommend this trip!
Maureen & Richard
I don’t know where to start in thanking you and everyone on the Solmar V for working so hard to make this a very memorable and special trip, but here goes. The Solmar V is a well run vessel, Captain Gerrardo, his crew and the dive guides hard working, helpful, attentive, friendly, everyone working together, everyone hands on, everyone a well oiled cog in a motivated team. Your dive guides on the Solmar V are very special and Richard and I were very impressed by them, especially their highly developed and intuitive sixth sense underwater in supervising each group without being intrusive or overtly controlling, they appeared to know where each member of their group was in the water at all times. My encounters with the Mantas at Socorro and San Benedicto were unforgettable; these large, graceful and playful animals were captivating, engaging and enjoying the interactions as much as me, they all appeared to have a well developed sense of curiosity and the ability to have fun.
Ledean Paden
Thanks so much for the great two trips Alan and I have taken on your boat. We had a wonderful time and look forward to another trip next year. You have the best crew we have seen on any liveaboards, and the boat was in top notch shape. You don't see that very often!
Stuart Cutcher
I had a fantastic trip on Solmar V in January, 2011. I have been on many liveaboards in Australia as well as in Palau and Papua New Guinea. Solmar V exceeded all my high expectations. In addition to the nice mix of guests from around the world, the staff were fabulous, vessel well cared for, food sensational and great diving. I had to give myself a mental check when I said I was tired of looking at mantas! Solmar V delivered mantas galore, hammerhead sharks in mass and dolphins and whales just to mix it up a little. The winter sunsets and sunrises were spectacular as was the topography of the islands. Would I recommend Solmar V: absolutely for anyone interested in big critters!
Cancun is around 11 hours flying time direct from London. Los Cabos is around 18-20hours indirect flying time.
Mexico's Carribbean coastline is famous for the cenotes dives. Cozumel's rich drift dives and the whalesharks of Isla Mujeres. On the Pacific coast, the remote locations mean pelagics. The diving on this side is more advanced, more rugged and action packed.
View entry requirements here There are no COVID-19 specific entry requirements regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status. You don’t need to provide proof of your vaccination status for entry to Mexico. From 18th March, when you travel to England from abroad you: do not need to take any COVID-19 tests before you travel or after you arrive do not need to fill in a UK passenger locator form do not need to quarantine when you arrive This applies whether you are vaccinated or not. It includes people who are transiting through England. Updated 13 SEP 2022
Both the east and west coasts of Mexico enjoy a warm climate. It's a brilliant place for winter sun! For the Caribbean coastline, you can expect more rain over our summer months, but this tends to be in the evenings. It can be stormier between July - September and humidity higher. Los Cabos is more arid, with a year round average air temp of around 25-28 degrees.
There are direct flights from London to Cancun with BA, Thomson or Virgin. If you are travelling to the Pacific coastline Los Cabos, then you will usually find your flight requires a stop en route. Aero Mexico, United and Delta airlines generally offer the fastest routings. You must have a valid ESTA before travel or transit through the USA. We are able to book most major airlines. If you have a specific airline you prefer to fly with, simply let us know in your booking request. A supplement may apply for regional departures. Times and any applicable supplements will be confirmed by your travel consultant before you finalise your holiday. If you wish to make your own flight arrangements to either Cancun or Los Cabos, let us know and we can remove the cost of the international flights from your quote. We are unfortunately not able to redeem airmiles on your behalf. Please do not confirm any flight arrangements yourself before your holiday is confirmed by us.
If you are travelling to the Pacific coastline Los Cabos, then you will usually find your flight requires a stop en route. This may be in the USA or Meixco City. Depending on your travel dates, you may need to overnight en route.
UK passport holders are able to obtain a visa on entry to Mexico. Please ensure your passport has 6 months validity from your return date to prevent any issues with immigration. if your flights transit through the USA, you MUST have a valid ESTA or visa before travel. It is your responsibility to ensure your passport is valid and you fulfil entry requirements. Previous travel to certain countries (eg Cuba, Sudan) will exclude you from the ESTA programme and you will need to apply for a visa before travel. Regulations can change: please review current FCO advice: click here to review
Scuba Travel requires all of our customers to have diving insurance. Please make sure that you have appropriate cover for your diving activities. We also strongly recommend you have travel insurance. It's worth taking out travel insurance once you have paid your deposit to ensure you are covered for unforeseen events and cancellation.
Your covid proof of vaccination must match your passport name and flight ticket name. Please speak to your local GP or check out the latest NHS advice on updating your NHS details or for other travel immunisations: click here to go to the NHS
You will be able to manage your booking online once you have been ticketed (after you have paid your holiday balance). Most airlines will now enable you to select your seating at this point. There may be a small charge for prebookable seating before online check in opens. Please speak to the airline for more information about charges.
As you are flying with a scheduled airline, you will be able to check in online with your airline. Please visit their website for more information about when online check in opens.
An airport lounge is a great way to start your holiday or to while away flight connections in comfort. Scuba Travel works with Lounge Pass to offer a huge range of affordable airport lounges around the world. click here for more info on Lounge Pass
Prebook your airport parking to save money! If you have a long way to travel, why not also look at booking an airport hotel. These aren't as expensive as you might think. click here for holiday extras
On arrival for any of our Mexico holidays, you will be met and taken to your hotel or liveaboard. Simply make your way to through baggage reclaim and immigrations. Your transfer will be waiting for you with a board with your name, resort or liveaboard. If you have any issues at all locating your rep, please contact us. We have an emergency contact, manned by a member of the team here in the UK. Please call 0044 7747 488 002. We will be able to help your rep locate you in the airport.
Where possible, all transfers are included in the cost of your holiday. If you are unsure, please confirm the arrangements on your holiday package before travel. If you are using a hotel at the end of a liveaboard on a day use basis, you usually have to join the airport shuttle service. Please confirm any local costs and times with the hotel before you start your day use package.
You will be advised locally of your transfer times at the end of your holiday. The departure tax of approx. 900 Mexican Pesos is payable locally in cash only. Scottish and Irish pounds, travellers' cheques, credit and debit cards are not accepted.
Tipping is a very personal decision and should reflect the service you received, we are always asked to give tipping guidelines. In general, we suggest a tip of 10-15% of the cost of your boat trip. The tips are given to the captain and divided evenly among the crew at the end of your trip. We ask that your tips be in cash or travellers checks, we accept no credit cards or personal checks aboard Solmar V.
US Dollars are recommended. Solmar V only take cash and does not accept any kind of debit or credit cards.
The Solmar V communicates twice daily with either either Mexican home base or U.S. Office by Satellite Phone. Although they discourage conducting business while out on your Solmar V expedition, they realize that sometimes it is necessary to communicate with your office or home. Guests are welcome to use the phone system and will be assisted by the captain. Your call will be charged at Satellite minute rates ranging from $4 - $5 U.S. dollars per minute. Remember the phone and email system is primarily for boat operations and emergency use.
Onboard voltage is 110 AC, just like in the United States. Solmar V also have a number of 220 charging stations for their overseas guests.
A local dive centre is recommended for all kit hire required. Please advise us when making your reservation that you will need equipment and full details can be advised before travel
Courses are not generally taught on board
There is a small, limited boutique that sells Tshirts, caps and other mementos onboard.
Nitrox is $150 per diver per trip for our regular 9 day trips, longer trips may cost more
A typical deposit for a holiday to Solmar V is 30%, although this will depend on your exact flight option and travel class. Larger deposits may be required for some flight options (eg premium economy/business class).
We accept mastercard and visa debit or credit cards. If you would like a pay by link to complete check out via email please let us know and it can be set up for you. We do not take AMEX. All non sterling card payments and UK business debit cards will be subject to the 3% surcharge. Alternatively, you are welcome to pay via bank transfer. Overseas bank transfers must add £8 to the sterling total to cover international handling fees. We are not able to accept PayPal transactions or personal cheques.
If you have booked as part of a group, you can still call and pay directly without needing to go via your group leader. Please have your trip reference number to hand to help us locate your holiday as quickly as possible. You will receive a transaction receipt - your group leader will forward your ATOL certificate and booking confirmation
Are you one of Scuba Travel's repeat customers? Over 60% of our customers trust Scuba Travel to book their next diving holiday, time after time.
And we believe you deserve a huge thanks for your ongoing support over the years, which is what our repeater discount is all about! Travel with us again in either 12 months or 24 months and you will qualify for a discount. That's all you have to do. No forms, no numbers to remember, no fuss, just a good honest price reduction.
The Revillagigedo islands are one of Mexico's most impressive treasures. This marine park is home to droves of pelagics, making it well deserving of the nickname Mexico's Little Galapagos. It's best known residents are the giant Pacific manta, who ... Learn more about Giant Mantas of Socorro
Solmar V is a classic Socorro liveaboard, with the most experienced crew Mexico has to offer - at an affordable price. This is the pelagic life adventure you have been waiting for
Call us or email to bookWe would be more than happy to help you. Our travel advisors are at your service to help you.
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This was by far one of the best holidays of my life (25.03.14) Solmar V is a great boat with a Suberb crew! thank you Caroline for all of help getting this booked.