By: Torben Lonne
The Socorro Vortex was once a Canadian coastguard vessel that was built for exploration and the deep blue still. Since its redesign, it is now solely used for liveaboard cruising and scuba diving trips all around Mexico. The Socorro Vortex has a luxurious cabin and is fitted with the latest modern amenities that will make your stay more safe and comfortable. You can also go dive into the submarine for the opportunity to explore marine life more thoroughly.
Our Overall Review
Things we like:
-
Many people were happy with the safety oriented crew -
Some people said the liveaboard was in pristine condition and spacious
-
Divers were raving about the 16 knots cruising speed of the liveaboard
-
Some of the divers said they had great underwater photo moments
-
The food is great with a mix of local and international cuisines
Things we don't like:
-
Many people felt the dive briefings did not cover all of their concerns
Diving on the Socorro Vortex in Mexico
Socorro Vortex liveaboard
The Socorro Vortex was built in 1981 and renovated in 2019 to its prestige that we are witnessing today. It has a top speed of 21 knots and a cruising speed that is 16 knots that is fairly fast for a liveaboard. The liveaboard can accommodate up to 14-18 guests in luxurious cabins. All the cabins are air-conditioned and have en-suite bathrooms with a soft carpet that aids in comfortability. The food is also excellently prepared by the seasoned chef who brings international and local cuisine together. This is a one of a kind liveaboard that is sure to make an impression on your memory bank.
Interior and features
The Socorro Vortex has house 14 guests and a maximum of 18 guests because four of the staterooms can be converted into triple occupancy cabins. Seven cabins are divided into, three luxury staterooms, two junior suites and one king on the main deck and one master suite on the upper deck. These lavish cabins all have en-suite bathrooms, a private head, sink and TV/DVD player. Moreover, the cabins have pillow-top mattresses with down pillows for added comfort. All of these cabins are fitted with soft carpets that give it a homely feeling.
The liveaboard has WiFi and high-speed internet to keep you connected to the world. There is also a salon that has comfortable couches for catching up with a fellow guest. There is a big flat-screen TV along with a full stock bar where you can enjoy various beverages on your stay.
The dining area is where most of your meals will be served. There is comfortable seating where you will have a great view of the ocean. Outside you will find an alfresco dining area as well as an open-air lounge on the sun deck with sun loungers to soak up the sun. There is also a Jacuzzi where you can relax under the stars after a long day of diving.
Dive deck on the Socorro Vortex
The platform is equipped to handle novice and experienced divers alike. The Socorro Vortex was built with scuba divers in mind this why there is enough space to move around and store your diving equipment. The crew is also on standby to give you a helping hand wherever needed. You will find that the Socorro Vortex is a nitrox only vessel and this is given complimentary to the entire guests on board.
Food on the liveaboard
The liveaboard will ensure that you never go hungry and they always supply enough for second and third helpings. Meals will either be served in the dining room or at the Sky Bridge Bar&Grill area. Your pallet will enjoy a selection of local and international cuisines that are served buffet style. The chef will serve gourmet meals, fruit platters, snacks, appetizers and a BBQ on the decks of the liveaboard. All beverages are included in your meal plans including beer and wine.
Itineraries
The Socorro Vortex will take you on a journey of a lifetime along the Socorro and Guadalupe Islands. The fairly new liveaboard will expose you to an abundance of large pelagic marine life that includes, hammerheads, dolphins, mantas and white tip reef sharks.
Comments
Well, there’s one reason not to go on the Socorro Vortex currently. It struck a rock and sunk. From what I understand, nobody was on anchor watch during the night and it broke loose from anchor and drifted ashore. That’s very poor pilotage. I was supposed to be on the very next voyage. So far I have not received my money back.