And what are the Revillagigedo Islands, you ask? They consist of four volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean, and they are beloved by divers because of the unique ecosystem which exists under the blue waters. Where else in the world can you see dolphins, mantas, sharks, whale sharks, whales and other creatures together in one area? Where else can you actually play with dolphins in the wild? Where else do Manta Rays seek out divers so they can play with their bubbles? And the sharks! White tips, Tigers, Silkies, Galapagos, and Hammerheads together on the same dive site. It is nothing short of miraculous.

Boobies roosted while we stayed at San Benedicto Island

I just returned from diving these incredible islands, and I want to share with you the wonder and beauty of these animals. I am planning to write five posts about my incredible experience, both above, and below, the water. I traveled alone, but met up with 21 other divers from around the world. US, Canada, Australia, Switzerland, Mexico, England, Scotland, South Africa, Sweden, and a British national living in Qatar. It is truly a privilege to spend time with people who come from other backgrounds, other cultures, other places. We are all so different, and at the same time, so alike. I love the differing languages within the English language, “Oh I love your swimming costume”. “I plan to have a bit of a lie in”. “Did you fill your bottle?” Swimming Costume! I just love that for bathing suit! A bit of a lie in is sleeping late. The bottle isn’t booze…it’s the air tank! It makes me smile just to hear the different accents and phrases every day. (The most frequently asked question? “What are the Yanks up to? Donald Trump?!!!!!”)

These people came together for one purpose: to dive the Revillagigedo Islands. Socorro, San Benedicto, Roca Partida, and Clarion Island are the four in the Archipelago, but to my knowledge, Clarion is just too far out to make it worth the trip. The other three have all of the dive spots we visit. This was my second trip to Socorro, and my third trip on the Solmar V. The service, staff and food on the Solmar V is excellent, absolutely superb. The boat needs a bit of updating, though, I must say. The boat is getting a little tired though it is still satisfactory. I don’t think it has changed at all since my August 2010 trip to Guadalupe Island to dive with the Great White Sharks. As I said, though, everything else is wonderful.

Cabins on dive boats tend to be small, but my cabin on this trip was the smallest ever! I could barely turn around in it, and did not really try to, but it had ample storage, a bed with more storage, and a combo shower/toilet sink. Divers do not spend much time in their cabins, so they are really just for showering and sleeping.

To be continued! Stay tuned for Part 2, Socorro Island.

For more from Tam, visit www.travelswithtam.com.