Revillagigedo Islands
Islands Remote Mexican Pacific volcanic islands and marine reserve
A remote Mexican Pacific archipelago, the Revillagigedo Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage site prized by divers for manta rays, sharks and large pelagic life. Access is by expedition cruises from Colima/Manzanillo with permits.
The Revillagigedo Islands are a remote volcanic archipelago in the eastern Pacific Ocean, administered by Mexico and located off the country’s Pacific coast. The group is internationally recognised for its rich marine biodiversity and large populations of pelagic marine species.
The ensemble includes four principal islands - Socorro, San Benedicto, Roca Partida and Clarión - that provide nesting habitat for seabirds and numerous endemic terrestrial species, and are surrounded by deep ocean that attracts large pelagic life. The surrounding seas are prized by scientists and experienced divers for encounters with mantas, sharks and large schools of fish.
The islands were placed under strict protection and were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for their intact marine ecosystems. Human presence is limited to scientific personnel and authorised visitors, and the archipelago is managed to protect its biodiversity and breeding colonies.
Geographically the group lies hundreds of kilometres off Mexico’s Pacific coast in the State of Colima and represents one of the most remote island groups in the eastern Pacific.
- UNESCO and protection status: Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site for its outstanding marine biodiversity and intact pelagic ecosystems; the islands form a large marine protected area with restricted access.
- Access restrictions: Access is tightly controlled-visitors generally reach the islands by authorised scientific or liveaboard dive vessels and special permits are required to land or dive.
What to See #
- Socorro Island: Socorro Island - the largest island, with volcanic terrain and the main base for scientific stations and visiting research vessels.
- San Benedicto and Roca Partida: San Benedicto and Roca Partida - smaller volcanic islands and sea stacks that host important seabird colonies and are prime dive sites for pelagic species.
- Clarión Island: Clarión Island - the westernmost major island in the group, with arid terrain and its own endemic plant and bird species.
How to Get to Revillagigedo Islands #
The Revillagigedo Islands (Islas Revillagigedo) are remote oceanic islands and are reachable only by sea or special flights; they are not served by regular commercial airlines or public ferries. Access is restricted and requires permits from Mexican authorities; most visitors visit on liveaboard dive expeditions or research/agency-chartered vessels that depart from ports on the Mexican Pacific coast (expeditions typically run from ports such as Cabo San Lucas or Manzanillo).
Tips for Visiting Revillagigedo Islands #
- Book a place on an authorized liveaboard well in advance - access to the Revillagigedo (Socorro) islands is tightly regulated with limited permits and popular departures fill months ahead.
- Expect a long ocean transit (often 24-36 hours from mainland ports such as Cabo San Lucas or Manzanillo); choose a liveaboard with good sea-sickness preparations and confirm transit details when you book.
- Plan your trip in the main season (roughly November-June) when large pelagics (manta rays, sharks and whales) are most commonly encountered and operators run full itineraries.
- Travel only with licensed operators: landings and dive sites are controlled by Mexican authorities and solo/independent visits are not permitted.
Best Time to Visit Revillagigedo Islands #
For diving and wildlife encounters around the Revillagigedo Islands, plan between November and May when seas are calmer and visibility is best.
