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Dive Review of Nautilus Explorer in
Mexico (Western)/Revillagigedos

Nautilus Explorer, Jan, 2012,

by Michael J. Millet, CA, US (Top Contributor Top Contributor 96 reports with 61 Helpful votes). Report 6445.

No photos available at this time

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

Accommodations 4 stars Food 4 stars
Service and Attitude N/A Environmental Sensitivity 5 stars
Dive Operation 4 stars Shore Diving N/A
Snorkeling N/A
Value for $$ 4 stars
Beginners 1 stars
Advanced 5 stars
Comments This was my 5th trip to the Revillagigedos Archipelago (RA) aboard the Nautilus Explorer. This trip began a bit dicey. One of the diesel engines was in need of repair, and the boat was having some difficulty getting the necessary parts. So the 1st day of the trip we did a couple of dives in local waters about Cabo San Lucas. It was cold and dark -- not an uplifting experience. Normally the 1st day is spent motoring down to San Benedicto Island. Fortunately, the engine was repaired by the next morning and we headed out. We lost one day of diving at RA.

We spent a day diving at the Boiler at San Benedicto Island (SBI). This is an awesome location for Mantas. We encountered several on most dives including large, black mantas. The water seemed a bit colder this year, and the visibility has been better on past trips. The next day was spent at Socorro Island with 3 dives at Cabo Pearce; for some reason we didn't get to Punta Tosca. More close manta encounters and a brief encounter with dolphins; lots of octopus. The Viz was so-so.

The next 2 days were spent at Roca Partida, which is known for its shark encounters -- hammerheads, silvertips, whitetips, Galapagos, dusky, silky. The Viz was much better at this location. 8 dives at this location is more than enough; I would have preferred one day here and more time at SBI or Socorro especially since we lost a day of diving at RA.

The last dive day was spent back at SBI. We attempted to dive the Canyon dive site but the current was too strong. So we enjoyed the mantas at the Boiler for a second day. Very nice.

Since this was my 5th trip on this boat to the RA, I am obviously please with the service and the diving. However, as noted above, the camera table needs to be expanded, and I thought the food did not have the variety as past trips. In addition, there has been no response to inquiries regarding any compensation for the lost day of diving at RA.

Nevertheless, I will probably make a 6th trip to the RA on the NE.
Websites Nautilus Explorer   

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience Over 1000 dives
Where else diving All over the Caribbean; PNG, GBR, Micronesia, Philippines, Solomon Islands, Indonesia, Galapagos, Fiji, Socorro, Palau
Closest Airport Getting There

Dive Conditions

Weather sunny, windy, cloudy, dry Seas choppy, surge
Water Temp 70-73°F / 21-23°C Wetsuit Thickness 5
Water Visibility 25-75 Ft/ 8-23 M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile yes
Enforced diving restrictions No deco; 60 minute dives; no night diving
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 2 stars Large Fish 5 stars
Large Pelagics 5 stars

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

Subject Matter 5 stars Boat Facilities 3 stars
Overall rating for UWP's 4 stars Shore Facilities N/A
UW Photo Comments The mantas and sharks are awesome subjects for both video and photos; crew handle cameras efficiently and with care. Camera table needs to be enlarged; continually moving gear around to find a bit of space.
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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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