The Revillagigedo Islands belong to the state of Colima, Mexico, despite their location in the Pacific Ocean, hundreds of kilometers off the coast of Manzanillo, which can only be reached by sea from that port.
They are an archipelago of volcanic islands (Socorro, Clarión, San Benedicto, and Roca Partida). They are part of a National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, a protected natural area of great importance due to its unique biodiversity.
Islas Revillagigedo, Mexico — Known as the “Galápagos of Mexico,” the Revillagigedo Archipelago has become one of the world’s premier destinations for diving with giant oceanic manta rays (Mobula birostris). Located in the Pacific Ocean, about 240 miles off the coast of Baja California, the remote islands offer a pristine marine environment where divers can witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
The Giant Manta Diving Experience has drawn international attention, with expeditions to Socorro Island and surrounding waters providing rare opportunities to swim alongside mantas with wingspans of up to seven meters. Unlike reef mantas, these oceanic giants are known for their inquisitive behavior, often approaching divers and circling them gracefully, creating unforgettable underwater encounters.
Beyond mantas, the Revillagigedo National Park teems with marine megafauna. Divers frequently encounter pods of dolphins, humpback whales (seasonally between January and April), and more than ten species of sharks, including hammerheads, Galápagos, silky, and even whale sharks. The archipelago’s isolation and strict conservation measures have preserved its ecosystems, making it a haven for biodiversity.
Expeditions typically last eight to nine days aboard liveaboard vessels, offering divers not only close contact with mantas but also educational programs led by marine biologists. Organizations such as the Manta Trust collaborate with local operators to raise awareness about manta conservation, emphasizing the importance of protecting these vulnerable species from threats like overfishing and habitat degradation.
For travelers, the Giant Manta Diving Experience is more than an adventure—it is a chance to connect with one of the ocean’s most iconic species in a setting that remains largely untouched by human activity. As Mexico continues to promote sustainable tourism, Revillagigedo stands out as a shining example of how conservation and adventure can coexist.
Source: Divernet
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