tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22574150510682349182024-03-12T18:44:51.311-07:00Captains Log - Diving on the Rocio Del MarA log of the adventures of the Rocio Del Mar Liveaboard and her guests Dora Sandovalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171073913975520748noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257415051068234918.post-15564864671408713202016-02-20T11:24:00.000-07:002016-03-03T13:35:15.479-07:00 Clipperton Big Migrations Trek onboard Quino el Guardian<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv11abGrrtv9_J4hHHtaXcb9K3PHYVFK2LbUbRQvmHYUZpTwvrEHGWKh6Uc8g2DGKikB62A3H7owGcnPBQwJDyKcY_Yg81Yajn1wKJDpMV3kioQdd455xOCVfS774QYy_h97Q93JXF9fqp/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-02-25+at+11.54.12+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv11abGrrtv9_J4hHHtaXcb9K3PHYVFK2LbUbRQvmHYUZpTwvrEHGWKh6Uc8g2DGKikB62A3H7owGcnPBQwJDyKcY_Yg81Yajn1wKJDpMV3kioQdd455xOCVfS774QYy_h97Q93JXF9fqp/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-02-25+at+11.54.12+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: inherit;">It has been about a year since the idea was born: to go on an unique expedition to explore one of the most isolated and historic places in the pacific ocean. The dream started in the restless minds of two couples: Michel and Julie together with Rocio del Mar & Quino el Guardian owners, Dora and Francisco (Lolo).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Their passion for the ocean and the need to protect it influenced Canadians Michel Labrecque and Julie Ouimet, co-owners of N2Pix, to initiate an expedition that would contribute to studies about shark migration in the eastern tropical pacific. </span></div>
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1457 km/786 NM distance from San Jose del Cabo to Clipperton</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The date of departure from San Jose del Cabo, Mexico finally arrived on January 28th. 2016.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This was one of the very few expeditions that have been made to remote Clipperton Island with special permits and authorization of the French Government.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Aboard was a team of three scientists who are particularly interested in making observations about the human impact on such a remote island as well as documenting the presence of large predators. These scientists also planned on continuing their shark migration project using acoustic and satellite tags to track the animals.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">With everything ready, boat, crew, divers, passengers, scientific team and a big number of video and photographic equipment, we set sail at 10:30 in the morning.</span></div>
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Expedition team and crew ready to depart from San José del Cabo</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The long journey of about 1457 km from San José del Cabo to Clipperton (492 km from San José del Cabo to Socorro and the other 965 km from Socorro to Clipperton) took us from latitude 23.06 N, 109.70 W to 10.3 N, 109.21 W, a latitude near the border of Costa Rica and Panama!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our first stop was planned for San Benedicto Island, </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: inherit;">in the Revillagigedo Archipelago, but during the night and part of the morning a strong current slowed the boat a couple of hours and we were not able to dive. Since the weather forecast wasn't looking promising over the next couple days we decided not to stop at all in Revillagigedo.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">During the crossing from Revillagigedo passengers used the free time to work on their computers, read, sleep or just enjoy the opportunity to be in the middle of the pacific and scan the horizon for whales, dolphins and birds. </span></div>
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Captain checking distance and coordinates to Clipperton</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Every night was an organized scientific talk or presentation about different topics hosted by the scientific team on board: White Shark in Guadalupe Island, Clipperton fauna, Shark Tagging protocols, different shark documentaries, etc. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It was also a great time for all the group to get to know each other better, share good times, and lots of laughs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Finally at dawn on February 2nd we were able to see the atoll from the distance! It was a very powerful moment to see the silhouettes of the palm trees (mentioned in many books) and the historical Clipperton Rock keeping in silence unknown secrets of the people and boats that have been there before.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A group of more than 15 dolphins came to swim around the boat and to welcome Quino el Guardian to the island.</span> </span></div>
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Clipperton at last!</div>
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underwater mountain is quite steep and goes deep very close to the surf
breaking zone which makes anchoring very complex and risky. Our captain
managed to anchor safely and immediately we started to prepare
everything for our landing on the island. The energy, excitement and
enthusiasm on board Quino el Guardián was palpable.</span></span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: inherit;">The two pangas scouted the beach trying to find a safe passage to the shore. The waves were breaking and the reef was extremely shallow close to the beach. It was impossible to take a panga all the way in, so we all had to jump into the water and swim trough the surf zone into the beach.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Definitely not an easy maneuver considering that it was required to bring filming and photographic equipment, water, food, etc. At some points it looked more like the D-Day in Normandy, but all passengers were to rise to the occasion, but not without bruises and scrapes! </span></div>
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Landing on Clipperton </div>
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Picture courtesy of Charalampos Babis Bizas</div>
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Taken under special permit #HC/1838/CAB</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The rest of the day was full of exploration: walking around the island trying to listen to the voices of the ghosts and the laughs of the children that lived there for years. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Discovering footprints of history of the lagoon and remains of human presence on the island. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">At some points the Masked and Brown Boobies seemed like they were making fun of us and the bright-orange crabs peeked up at us, curious to see who was visiting and making all the noise!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Clipperton is an uninhabited 6 km2 (2.3 sq mi) coral atoll territory of France. Most of the time it has been an uninhabited island except for the guano miners, the Mexican settlement in 1917 that ended in tragedy (subject of several novels) and the USA military base during WWII. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Nevertheless this little piece of land in the middle of nowhere has called the attention of numerous people during history: business men, pirates, military, governments, international disputes, scientific expeditions and it has been a refuge for many castaways. </span></div>
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Shallow coral reef makes landing using pandas impossible</div>
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Intense sun during exploration day</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Times; line-height: normal;">
Break for lunch and water</div>
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Wreck on the beach</div>
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New French flag</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "times";">Clipperton Rock: mystery, history, treasures</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62ZJiWv1CYZZUKvCmBO5D65Du9PXvXFd4yfLSnkbQ7_u2qqwcXMezS48SiTAvvTzQT9lybpCKJmSLUB69DldZNvO7kTx-Yr98-wqarrRgEl2ClWv7sHE2JCpGWqlPUaWpTXM0P5ccKota/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-02-25+at+11.58.08+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62ZJiWv1CYZZUKvCmBO5D65Du9PXvXFd4yfLSnkbQ7_u2qqwcXMezS48SiTAvvTzQT9lybpCKJmSLUB69DldZNvO7kTx-Yr98-wqarrRgEl2ClWv7sHE2JCpGWqlPUaWpTXM0P5ccKota/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-02-25+at+11.58.08+AM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Times; line-height: normal;">
Human impact on the island: plastic carried by ocean currents</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">During the short time that we spent on the island we were able to feel and experience a little taste of the island. The smell and sound of thousands and thousands of birds and the guano, the difficulties to walk on pieces of sharp dead coral, the intense sun and the lack of fresh water, but at the same time the magnetism of the island and in some way understand why so many people have been hypnotized by Clipperton and its treasures.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">That night, after a rough swim going back to the pangas, the scientific team (Eric, Sandra and Mauricio) lead the first shark tagging attempt of the expedition. It was a fantastic opportunity for all of the 16 passengers to help, learn and participate actively in this important work marine biologist are doing to learn more about the shark migration and to protect them in a better and more effective way.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZuWJ1dTlqTUha9Gho3FRYh-bhhUzMT3NLdQ2AuMkFWKA_how4yDGjUXL-evV3WKt7yNupNxTN_gby9nbQ5fDBdImV8IXtX_pQ_0d9pDG28spCHVxQ6pQpX8D3sEifYtNzgk0_61YL24V/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-02-25+at+12.00.00+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZuWJ1dTlqTUha9Gho3FRYh-bhhUzMT3NLdQ2AuMkFWKA_how4yDGjUXL-evV3WKt7yNupNxTN_gby9nbQ5fDBdImV8IXtX_pQ_0d9pDG28spCHVxQ6pQpX8D3sEifYtNzgk0_61YL24V/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-02-25+at+12.00.00+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shark tagging</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The crew of Quino el Guardian was ready to help them to catch the sharks from the platform and get the shark out of the water (not an easy task when the shark is about 7 feet long). Then two or three passengers had the task of holding the shark and providing it with water running through its mouth to keep it breathing. Some others were in charge of taking notes while others were taking measures. A couple more were assisting directly to take the biopsies and to do the surgical procedure to introduce the acoustic tag in the shark.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Not everything was serious work— on the platform and dive deck it was a lot of laughs and jokes! Everyone was having a great time while learning. And of course from that night nobody will ever forget how that big Galapagos shark slapped Thomas twice!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiumCP8iTiIXfxjj1f1xkyc9bZClfVIznIYF55I3gvWmI6RtS3qJvbqQa0C2uMOKnYYI2aEJW_1XIgGpTzYaNTG3CejW850U_I8BTP-l5JxJ-vQcYAoTV_2Yp1T4hqZkdFkgE2TrA9KBdMt/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-02-25+at+12.00.26+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiumCP8iTiIXfxjj1f1xkyc9bZClfVIznIYF55I3gvWmI6RtS3qJvbqQa0C2uMOKnYYI2aEJW_1XIgGpTzYaNTG3CejW850U_I8BTP-l5JxJ-vQcYAoTV_2Yp1T4hqZkdFkgE2TrA9KBdMt/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-02-25+at+12.00.26+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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Scientists on board: Mauricio Hoyos, Sandra Bessudo and Eric Clua</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The next two days in Clipperton were dedicated to diving. We had a marvelous opportunity to see the huge coral reef on the island full of reef fish and insolent morays. Photographers and videographers were happy collecting images of the endemic species of Clipperton: (<i>Myripristis gildi</i>) Clipperton Cardinal Soldierfish, (<i>Thalassoma robertsoni)</i> Clipperton Rainbow Wrasse, (<i>Xyrichtys wellingtoni</i>) Clipperton Razorfish, (<i>Holacanthus limbaughi) </i>Clipperton Angelfish, (<i>Stegastes baldwini</i>) Baldwin's Major and the (<i>Pseudogramma axelrodi)</i> Axelrod's Reef-bass</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We also saw many baby Silvertip sharks (<i>Carcharhinus albimarginatus</i>) and few Galapagos sharks (<i>Carcharhinus galapagensis</i>) but we missed seeing more large pelagic predators and schools of fish. Maybe over-fishing near the island, "El Niño," and plastic debris are all related to the cause of this.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The
scientific team aboard will take all these observations to the
authorities to keep the pressure on to declare Clipperton and the seas
around the island a Marine Protected Area.</span> </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTR9N3WUFJw3BHndQCgotZaruOn_6evGvirKI4BjswQ0820TgvRZmFBuzSpFtm_P3j6RzVQl9pEyHDC4jg2H7wZ5WVdVNRVzOzm7elJJOGDUpxQKyq8BUJnk-iEw6qyylSCFqdEnlDPObm/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-02-25+at+12.00.56+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTR9N3WUFJw3BHndQCgotZaruOn_6evGvirKI4BjswQ0820TgvRZmFBuzSpFtm_P3j6RzVQl9pEyHDC4jg2H7wZ5WVdVNRVzOzm7elJJOGDUpxQKyq8BUJnk-iEw6qyylSCFqdEnlDPObm/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-02-25+at+12.00.56+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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Alejandro happy after seeing a hammer head shark</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIc_EyGaQ4c3Q9ppRFebXk5WIJINJnB_mHUiRC4-PKaQwcTFwWt599kguMGbR-rvtmjycSlT9LV6KljGM0TM7w97D9JyGepTR9Jw_yloFVwb25AWYVT3OqdYnG0GigourqUl6Yz89ypsJD/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-02-25+at+12.00.45+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIc_EyGaQ4c3Q9ppRFebXk5WIJINJnB_mHUiRC4-PKaQwcTFwWt599kguMGbR-rvtmjycSlT9LV6KljGM0TM7w97D9JyGepTR9Jw_yloFVwb25AWYVT3OqdYnG0GigourqUl6Yz89ypsJD/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-02-25+at+12.00.45+PM.png" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
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Picture: Frankie Rivera</div>
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Taken under special permit #HC/1838/CAB</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXTfUv1g8lxju1Yrmm4nKcFUGUR48rrqRqA6K5OnF-bWMTjdaTDSqrr57s15Ij5pbny5weZX6WCsEElUPb55ZOX3iuNQAjKoRzMu_ZrAhmsRyR5Hme6015ocRiFvLFE74PZOjDXUVHBdvi/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-02-25+at+11.56.30+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXTfUv1g8lxju1Yrmm4nKcFUGUR48rrqRqA6K5OnF-bWMTjdaTDSqrr57s15Ij5pbny5weZX6WCsEElUPb55ZOX3iuNQAjKoRzMu_ZrAhmsRyR5Hme6015ocRiFvLFE74PZOjDXUVHBdvi/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-02-25+at+11.56.30+AM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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The expedition was honored to carry the Explorers Club flag number 213</div>
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http://diveclipperton.n2pix.com</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIG77nlaDs7ekH2KMTdnVtYo7-9dvoZFwxI2sS0jpq5k0WDzNYOLktSRd20L99KC3L3EflqJ9tQupWq1jvQ_ohz3q8AXhUj2CL8ugGLJTCz0B2EhVDGoqlr-5362YkASTQojii8k2neIT7/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-02-25+at+11.56.58+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIG77nlaDs7ekH2KMTdnVtYo7-9dvoZFwxI2sS0jpq5k0WDzNYOLktSRd20L99KC3L3EflqJ9tQupWq1jvQ_ohz3q8AXhUj2CL8ugGLJTCz0B2EhVDGoqlr-5362YkASTQojii8k2neIT7/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-02-25+at+11.56.58+AM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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Steep coral walls around the island</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Unfortunately the wind was increasing day by day and diving conditions were getting more complicated to do safely. Even so, we managed to recover two of the three acoustic receivers Mauricio Hoyos had installed around the island to track sharks and everybody had very nice dives with warm water and good visibility (28 C/82 F and 60 to 80 feet vis)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The afternoon weather report on Thursday Feb 4th brought bad news. The wind was going to pick up with red flags for the next few days. It was a very tough call, but safety since safety comes first, we decided to start making our way back to Socorro Island that night after the shark tagging activity and dinner.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibP2vbg4Qx6eVXwFmI1Tr6ne82oW2wmduMSb4QXMI6iAlAnFIB6rApWIhjAf1MfffYV3Vn3DKjoJrsTXYcdriFJnduY0jKJOLWJfuG1eFJHmtKDajJQm6kxUZRLyY1QTL9bS4ESuSdm86p/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-02-25+at+12.01.40+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibP2vbg4Qx6eVXwFmI1Tr6ne82oW2wmduMSb4QXMI6iAlAnFIB6rApWIhjAf1MfffYV3Vn3DKjoJrsTXYcdriFJnduY0jKJOLWJfuG1eFJHmtKDajJQm6kxUZRLyY1QTL9bS4ESuSdm86p/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-02-25+at+12.01.40+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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Clipperton sunset (last night in the island)</div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: inherit;">Crossing back from Clipperton to Socorro was very tough but it was not enough to remove the smiles and the good mood of the passengers. All my respect to all of them who handled courageously the long journey with rough seas.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The last stage of this expedition was in Revillagigedo Archipelago. Our first stop was in Socorro Island diving in Cabo Pearce. We had really good dives with mantas, dolphins and a couple of Galapagos sharks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The next day we dove on San Benedicto Island. The morning dive was at the famous dive site, El Cañon that gifted us with an incredible safety stop with a huge bait ball of Black Skipjacks with big Galapagos and Silky sharks chasing them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">But the big surprise was on the surface: at least 6 different mantas were feeding in very shallow waters and without a doubt divers got on their fins and masks and jumped in with their cameras to spend at least half an hour swimming with these incredible and peaceful animals.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our next stop was in El Boiler for three more dives entirely with mantas, mantas, and more mantas. It definitely was a fabulous closure for the diving activities of this expedition. San Benedicto: thank you again!</span></div>
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Picture: Frankie Rivera. Manta in San Benedicto Island</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Then it was time to celebrate: Poncho, Carlos and "Flaco" cooked a wonderful dinner on the top deck: mexican tacos! Plus margaritas, beer, wine, cactus salad (nopales) music and the most important ingredient: lots of laughter and happy faces. The feeling of having accomplished a mission invigorated us!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is what a true exploring expedition is: different people from different parts of the world with different objectives come together to create a team that goes to a remote place to discover new things, to bring new information, to do a specific work (science, documentary, etc) and use the best skills of each person onboard to accomplish common goals.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This wasn't easy, it wasn't a recreational tour, it was a real expedition with big challenges, risks, difficult weather, but at the end the good spirit, team work and smart decisions made it a total success.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quino in Socorro Island</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thanks to all of you for sharing this lifetime experience with us, for choosing us as a company and vessel dedicated to these kinds of expeditions and to be part of the humans that want to make a change in the world and help protect it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We'll be waiting for all of you guys on our upcoming adventures!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Text: J<span style="font-family: inherit;">uan David C<span style="font-family: inherit;">ortes (DM)</span></span><br />Photos: Frankie Rivera, Eric Clua, Charalampos Babis Bizas, Juan David Cortés, <a href="http://diveclipperton.n2pix.com/"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(4, 46, 238); color: #042eee;">N2PIX</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">San José del Cabo. February, 2016</span></div>
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juandavidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02309665594597976465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257415051068234918.post-88763033526062331652016-02-17T19:05:00.000-07:002016-02-17T19:05:24.795-07:00A Look Into the Citizen Science Expedition<div style="line-height: normal;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #323333;">When we began the process of redesigning the ship that is now Quino el Guardian, we had a vision of the Quino as a service vessel. We hoped that it could </span><span style="background-color: white;">serve as a research, investigation and education ship. The Citizen Science Expedition that took place in November was exactly the kind of trip we had in mind for Quino el Guardian; an opportunity to engage in research from the comfort and ease of our ship. Below is an article written by diver, artist, and friend of the Rocio del Mar family, Beverly Peterson. We hope you enjoy her in depth description as much as we did. Check our website for more opportunities to engage as a "citizen scientist" or, better yet, book your own charter on our Quino!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold;">Quino El Guardian Citizen Science Dive Expedition</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By: </span><a href="http://www.beverlypetersonartist.com/" style="border: 0px; color: #3caae0; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Beverly Peterson</a></div>
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Almost a month has passed since <a href="http://quinoelguardian.com/"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(60, 170, 224); color: #3caae0;"><b>Quino El Guardian</b></span></a><b> Citizens Science Dive Expedition</b> set sail to the <a href="https://worldsbestdives.com/diving-destinations/scuba-diving-mexico-central-and-south-america/mexico/socorro/"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(60, 170, 224); color: #3caae0;"><b>Revillagigedo Archipelago</b></span></a>, (Socorro Islands), from San Jose del Cabo, Mexico. Each day I think of some part of that trip. I live in La Paz, BCS, Mexico.</div>
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I remember everyone was finally aboard on November 7th and we set sail. The seas were calm, the crossing was gentle.</div>
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The Scientists:</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Frida Lara is a bright, quiet, young woman working on her PhD determining the distribution patterns of sharks by studying the behaviors, conservation and management of sharks through BRUVS and acoustic telemetry.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Robert (Bob) Rubin is a regular guy known in the Marine Biology world as a renowned scientist, considered an expert on Mantas; and,</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>James Ketchum is the co-founder of a non-profit organization for the research and conservation of sharks and other large fish. He tags sharks with transmitters using the data to protect the Revillagigedo Archipelago and other regions.</div>
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The Science Citizens:</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>EA: the Instigator; CG: the World Diver; JC: the Reader; JF: the Free Diver; TS: the Discoverer of Trent’s Cove; CA: the Bandito aka professional photographer for the Expedition; MR: the Electric Charge; and, me BP: the Artist.</div>
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For the three scientists, the Citizens Science trip to Revillagigedo Archipelago was about collecting data to support the important need to secure a 40 miles radius outside the four islands instead of the existing 6 miles radius around each island. Through their work they can show when and where the sharks and mantas travel back and forth between the islands to the Sea Of Cortez and further. Outside the six mile protected zone the sharks, mantas, and other big fish are fair game for net and longline fisherman. The fish snagged by longline fisheries are killed and discarded at sea. The shark fins and manta gills command money but not as much money as the fish do alive. In our country and other islands tourism commands millions of dollars. Aside from money the ocean is a necessary resource we need as a race to exist. All that lives in the ocean is just as necessary. I have included the scientist’s websites at the close so you can see the work they do.</div>
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For me, I went on the expedition to be in the water, to dive with sharks, whales, mantas, dolphins, and fast currents because I love being at sea and under water with these animals. The trip exceeded the idea to “just be” in the aquatic environment. There was a purpose and we, the guests, the crew, eagerly assisted with all that we could. We helped Frida set her BRUVs (underwater GoPro cameras strategically placed in locations recording shark behavior). We helped James tag sharks. We helped Bob collect photographic data. We all had jobs. Presentations on shark and mantas were at night. We sat attentive like kids listening to a bedtime story.</div>
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We tagged five sharks. Some of the sharks had the receiver surgically inserted, the others had the receivers screwed onto the dorsal fin by a Home Depot 12v battery drill. I would not have guessed a home improvement process! All the sharks were female. We learned how to identify gender, take DNA samples, keep the sharks alive by running water into their mouths and out the gills, protected their eyes from light, and how to prevent the tail from thrashing by lassoing the caudal fin (tail fin) and then tightening the noose.</div>
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To tag a shark you have to catch one first, right? Rod and reel, so simple. The Citizen Scientists rallied around the scientific team when it was SHARK FISHING time. Anticipation would ramp up to excitement as we gathered the equipment required for our particular task, maneuver into our stations and wait. We didn’t wait long only a minute or two. Every living cell on deck was charged from the moment the shark took the bait to the time she was released swimming away with stealth and speed.</div>
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So, how many people do you think it took to tag one shark – for our project? This many: A Fisherman. A Tail Roper who lassos the tail which is how we got the shark up seven stairs, by the tail. A Data Recorder. A Timer who calls out minutes to keep the scientist aware of how long the shark has been out of water – not more than 20 minutes is best. A Water/Life Support person to keep water flowing in the mouth and out the gills to keep it alive. Three strong men to hold the shark down. A Scientist doing the tagging. An Assistant Scientist. A photographer. A Measurement taker. A DNA sampler. A total of eleven people.</div>
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It was a privilege to be so close to the sharks, to touch them, to be an inch away from THOSE TEETH, to see the power of their muscular strength, their mystery. Did you know that sharks have a distinct smell? I learned this from Frida. I could smell that smell when they were on deck. How fortunate to be a part of this Expedition.</div>
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<b>Roca Partida</b> is one of my favorite islands even though, on this trip, none of the big fish were seen in mass. El Nino year, no thermocline at 90 to 120 feet, various reasons. Some live boards call Roca Partida “The Hare and The Gorilla.” One rock looks like the head of a rabbit with prominent ears jutting up joined to what looks like the side profile of a Gorilla’s face. That’s Roca Partida, two rocks.</div>
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At El Boiler dive site at San Benedicto we swam with seven Manta’s as they circled us, weaved in and out of the ten divers. Each of us can tell a story about this one “epic dive.” The mantas – mostly female, would loop up and over, bank left or right, exposing their white bellies decorated by their unique black markings like our fingerprints. Just when you thought the Manta swimming straight for you, mouth opened wide, cephalic lobes extended was ready to swallow you up, she would gracefully swim up or bank into an aerobatic turn.</div>
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The Mantas swim so close and of course none of us would swim out of the way because we just had to be “one with the manta.” We would swim with them, under them, don’t touch them, and follow them wherever they swam. Many times I found myself looking eye to eye with these magnificent and memorizing creatures. I can swear the Mantas communicated with me. I could only reply with a smile of recognition and comprehension. I was not any different than any of the other divers…they felt the same. There is no sense of time, just that moment.</div>
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<b>San Benedicto</b> is an interesting volcanic island. In 1952 – so recent – the volcano erupted and created the second half of the island. Lava flow covered by the explosion of white ash covering the new part of the island is everywhere. One day we took a panga ride around the south end of the island right before sunset and I wondered what the volcano explosion looked like as it was creating the second half of the island – it is remarkable to see the result of its creation. At the end of the last dive of the trip we were collecting different size pumice-like rocks that were blown off the island, floating in the water like debris from a ship wreck.</div>
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I see the <a href="https://worldsbestdives.com/listings/quino-el-guardian/"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(60, 170, 224); color: #3caae0;"><b>Quino El Guardian</b></span></a> as a working live aboard dive boat. Sleeping quarters are tight, tight, and tight; four bunks to a berth. Showers and toilets are upstairs on deck which was convenient after dives.</div>
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<b>The crew of Quino El Guardian</b> by far stand out as most outstanding and impressive of my live aboard experiences which are many around the world. The Quino crew are a family. They embrace each diver into their family. We all know how hard crewing is on a live aboard, 24/7, and we are always impressed by the crew’s ability to be so much fun, do all they can to make our dive experience the best BUT this crew is different – they excel. I think this quality of excellence speaks to the owners, Dora and Lolo. Dora and Lolo treat their crew like their family with kindness and respect. The entire Quino El Guardian Citizen’s Science Expedition experience was uniquely special. I can hardly wait to be back aboard.</div>
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<b>Please check out the Scientists' websites below:</b></div>
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Dr. James Ketchum and student Frida Lara: <a href="http://www.pelagioskakunja.org/"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(60, 170, 224); color: #3caae0;">www.pelagioskakunja.org</span></a></div>
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Dr. Robert Rubin: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/PacificMantaResearchGroup"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(60, 170, 224); color: #3caae0;">www.Facebook.com/PacificMantaResearchGroup</span></a>, Bob did a 15 minute “Ted Talk” on Mantas</div>
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rociohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10778979906689046755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257415051068234918.post-15354512107553587202016-01-05T17:54:00.001-07:002016-01-06T09:53:46.814-07:00HAPPY NEW YEAR from Roca Partida!!<div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roca Partida January 1 2016</td></tr>
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Rocio del Mar, guests and crew had the best possible new year! <br />
We celebrated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean <span lang="en">surrounded by blue sky and ocean, diving what on the surface looks like a tiny rock but below the water is a huge wonderland, one of the best dive sites in the world: Roca Partida.</span><br />
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<span lang="en">This
new adventure started on December 27th, when our guests from
Switzerland, USA and Germany boarded the boat, full of
expectations and dive gear. <br />Wind was strong by the time we left the
harbor in San José del Cabo, but our brave guests handled it as well as experienced sailors and we arrived safely and happily to San Benedicto.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDXcwtwGaP5g34_JH4RVASR56AajOLPrPkVKMpOPjZpW3o_UiUxOjTXhafV39QNq3Tb0fABizfbNx_oHEebYhRaYYTSfl2myPyT53qkjnnAchKv4lH4veOxb0eSJc1-yPhjnIxPcMesNa9/s1600/GOPR1235+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDXcwtwGaP5g34_JH4RVASR56AajOLPrPkVKMpOPjZpW3o_UiUxOjTXhafV39QNq3Tb0fABizfbNx_oHEebYhRaYYTSfl2myPyT53qkjnnAchKv4lH4veOxb0eSJc1-yPhjnIxPcMesNa9/s320/GOPR1235+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a><span lang="en"><span lang="en">Mantas
are spectacular here! It seems as though they knew we were celebrating a new
year's trip because they didn't stop swimming and doing acrobatic tricks
in front of our camera lenses. Everyone was blissful. <br /><br />Someone wrote on
the white board that it has been the best check-out dive ever!</span></span><br />
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<span lang="en">Of
course: in this one single dive we had at least 6 different mantas, tons of
green morays, lots of fish and an "adults only show" with reef white tip
sharks mating.</span></div>
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<span lang="en">As can be expected, Poncho worked his magic in the kitchen and everyone loved him. Pam asked us if she could take him home!</span></div>
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<span lang="en">The Swiss group diving with Ronald (DM) decided to change the "Group A"
name to "Les Oranges" because all of them were diving with the same
orange wetsuits! They looked so perfect underwater!</span></div>
<span lang="en">El
Cañon gave us one of the best surprises of the trip: a huge school of
hammerheads that weren't very shy came to swim with us! It was amaizing!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hammer heads at el Cañón. Thanks Tommy for the picture</td></tr>
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<span lang="en">In Socorro island we celebrated New Year's
eve. Poncho and the kitchen team did a supreme job cooking dinner and
providing beautiful details such as grapes, chocolate strawberries,
margaritas and sparkling wine to toast for the new year.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner al fresco on our sun deck</td></tr>
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<span lang="en">We also had another reason to celebrate, Pam's birthday! We honored her special day with</span> delicious<span lang="en"></span> chocolate cake and a mexican sombrero. Happy Birthday Pam!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy birthday, Pam!</td></tr>
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Our
Swiss friends who came on-board for their Dive Center's 10th
anniversary, celebrated the new year in their own surprising way- by shaving their heads! It was <span lang="en">contagious! Soon our dive masters, Gil, Juan (Guarani) and Ronald shaved their heads too! New year, new look!</span></div>
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After this makeover the name of the Swiss group was changed to "les oranges pelés" (peeled oranges). It was a lot of fun!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dive master Gilberto preparing for the shave</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dive master Juan David joins the festivities</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0cZgLFUErH4TiFv5IPKd2ZO9-g_Se4qS_evGlvbJ8dl83D6I99BdcM_MU3qs6VmshyphenhyphenT9dM4HRVVWKkCjywY20_RVF8YO3n8n3klndLpiot1thSsza15EuNcpxmX2tdiFTIvKsutAFQCOq/s1600/IMG_20151231_191736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0cZgLFUErH4TiFv5IPKd2ZO9-g_Se4qS_evGlvbJ8dl83D6I99BdcM_MU3qs6VmshyphenhyphenT9dM4HRVVWKkCjywY20_RVF8YO3n8n3klndLpiot1thSsza15EuNcpxmX2tdiFTIvKsutAFQCOq/s320/IMG_20151231_191736.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New year, new look!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWp8uosi95pDjx4icVN5VOAXMEHjTFtIdKMWoAr_yFZIdNzg6-rZKgoI2F4LQqMvi7dswzSRq_KeRGzlz91TY1ongkWiS4nFGH27sJ6NA7WBacayxkqEfgr5_Rd30YRr2JcAqLLluPFNm-/s1600/IMG_0654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWp8uosi95pDjx4icVN5VOAXMEHjTFtIdKMWoAr_yFZIdNzg6-rZKgoI2F4LQqMvi7dswzSRq_KeRGzlz91TY1ongkWiS4nFGH27sJ6NA7WBacayxkqEfgr5_Rd30YRr2JcAqLLluPFNm-/s320/IMG_0654.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a>During the night we motored to Roca Partida, so with the first light of the new
year's day we were able to jump in the water to dive in one of the best places in
the world.</div>
Roca Partida didn't disappoint us: we had
mantas, sharks, big school of fishes, bait balls, tunas and wahoos
hunting. Those were an incredible and unforgettable dives!<br />
<br />
We want to thank to our guests and friends for celebrating with us this new
year on this unforgettable trip! We hope to see you guys soon diving with
us on Rocio del Mar or Quino el Guardian!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgefPvvgqP_hpddGayAWwihkLKMnriYYDgnM-fcfH-pkKz6R0tfYsN9lKXxUagSSBvhfEz0c7leA0hEYXG8_VV_k86cCZLSMNM4Nf-jHnknlyH7Qt1c4GsJyOvr6h9EyUJxw8YLn8TOpis4/s1600/IMG_20160104_072150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgefPvvgqP_hpddGayAWwihkLKMnriYYDgnM-fcfH-pkKz6R0tfYsN9lKXxUagSSBvhfEz0c7leA0hEYXG8_VV_k86cCZLSMNM4Nf-jHnknlyH7Qt1c4GsJyOvr6h9EyUJxw8YLn8TOpis4/s400/IMG_20160104_072150.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Les oranges pelés<br />
(including RDM crew members Gil, Ronald, and Juan David) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Text: Juan D. Cortés (Dive Master)<br />
Photos: Tommy T. and Juan D. Cortés<br />
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<br />juandavidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02309665594597976465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257415051068234918.post-49426498146345786792015-10-18T14:07:00.001-07:002015-10-18T14:07:38.988-07:00Midriff Islands: September 10-17<span style="font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">With improved visibility and warm temperatures, this week’s trip in the Midriff Islands certainly felt like a luxurious summer vacation! Our dives at Andrea’s Eagle and San Pedro Martir had visibility of up to 60 feet. Almost all dives were in warm waters, between 78 and 88 degrees Fahrenheit. Most passengers were happy diving in swimsuits and lycra; some used their 3mm wetsuits. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimMO-JCcYr1zVSB433JpSzB4eC4JafUwICW_3scSaNnYyEw6y6N9xTIz-zDk3Gml20sh__hZ0c5vs9vk83yonIgX560ksUjPhAFPSobc5FZRZp9e1EchstQso4q9vDYdyLSKDlFRKP6-Gc/s1600/IMG_8445.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimMO-JCcYr1zVSB433JpSzB4eC4JafUwICW_3scSaNnYyEw6y6N9xTIz-zDk3Gml20sh__hZ0c5vs9vk83yonIgX560ksUjPhAFPSobc5FZRZp9e1EchstQso4q9vDYdyLSKDlFRKP6-Gc/s200/IMG_8445.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Not only did we have comfortable conditions, but we were able to see abundant wildlife underwater. The orangethroat pikeblenny fish were ecstatic in their quest to find mates—if we watched them for just a few minutes we could see them perform their mating dance. We also saw many blue spotted jaw fish that were engaged in their own mating ritual, darting in and out of their burrows, faces changed to white. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGQyO5-DgAywoPpzBRb0UhGeazcvalzZfOARbCiichuckiLo7kgysseVa06g64vLv_3-mh5W-PJf4z0jDU91XP2uNVqdbqLskvP2cnuJCm13Y7u4m7xSeX1KoJGFkcDVMExEmEH7s-fhC/s1600/IMG_2152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGQyO5-DgAywoPpzBRb0UhGeazcvalzZfOARbCiichuckiLo7kgysseVa06g64vLv_3-mh5W-PJf4z0jDU91XP2uNVqdbqLskvP2cnuJCm13Y7u4m7xSeX1KoJGFkcDVMExEmEH7s-fhC/s320/IMG_2152.JPG" width="320" /></a>In Lavadero, Andrea’s Eagle, and Los Cuervos we saw giant jaw fish, one with a mouthful of eggs! In San Pedro Martyr we were joined by playful sea lions that would stay with us for 50 min or more. One of the highlights of the week was that we found a group of curious pilot whales swimming by that slowed down to meet us. We were able to snorkel with them for about half an hour and all the passengers were able to see them.</div>
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Another memorable moment was our time snorkeling with the whale sharks in Bahia de los Angeles- it was incredible! We saw all sizes of whale: from 6 foot long calfs to huge 18-20 foot long adults. These magnificent creatures allowed us to swim with them for hours. On Friday, our last diving day, we dove at Punta San Juan and diver Janette found two stargazer fish in one dive! </div>
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Suffice it to say, we had an incredible trip in the Midriff Islands. With our Explore Baja trips coming up, it seems as though the Sea of Cortez Season is trying to send us off with a bang!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dora Sandovalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171073913975520748noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257415051068234918.post-14855500852568427352015-05-18T16:21:00.001-07:002015-05-18T16:21:41.889-07:00Trip Report: Revillagigedo April, 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibfeXl41DfRQT0kX17XFxh4drwAU7Vytgmi7LiEpwP7UXNenhZDXN2FgNvV1kXGBQ6BAtj8wCZwTFpiraOTuAPCVxPKMeVPgmWna2_A4aVxsUdmTD8gf9ycbi_LNnNcvazQZIMtyn_1Y9A/s1600/DSC_1457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibfeXl41DfRQT0kX17XFxh4drwAU7Vytgmi7LiEpwP7UXNenhZDXN2FgNvV1kXGBQ6BAtj8wCZwTFpiraOTuAPCVxPKMeVPgmWna2_A4aVxsUdmTD8gf9ycbi_LNnNcvazQZIMtyn_1Y9A/s320/DSC_1457.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<h2>
What is it with Revillagigedo's mantas?</h2>
<div>
Manta Rays know by different names depending of the location around the world (gigant mantas, devil mantas, etc) are sea animals that live in temperate, tropical and sub-tropical waters.<br />They are pelagic animals and there are two species: Manta Birostris and Manta Alfredi, being Birostris larger than Alfredi.<br /><br /></div>
<div>
In the Revillagigedo's archipelago is possible to see Manta Birostris around the islands, being more common to have diving encounters in Socorro and San Benedicto islands, but time to time it is possible also to see them diving around the mythical dive site of "Roca Partida".</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-uKDXqRYjg96YNTM75YOw0GjRZL8oqz2WZ7b-bYcJduIeJgnoqmTbES5tavtjWdDNXUu3XThUVuqSrEyYEYkvfwzitK0TiE-hgaQ8DrxsKwYy1SQqBlrhO_DXRwOjk6iF_d9tGLBmVOE/s1600/GOPR6112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-uKDXqRYjg96YNTM75YOw0GjRZL8oqz2WZ7b-bYcJduIeJgnoqmTbES5tavtjWdDNXUu3XThUVuqSrEyYEYkvfwzitK0TiE-hgaQ8DrxsKwYy1SQqBlrhO_DXRwOjk6iF_d9tGLBmVOE/s320/GOPR6112.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
Scientific studies on mantas give us an idea that they come near the islands to feed and stop on cleaning stations where the cleaning fishes remove parasites, bacteria from their skin or remove bad tissues from wounds. It is possible too that they get into these areas to mate, but it is unknown if the Mantas calve here<br /><br />Divers can see mantas in many different areas of the ocean: Caribbean, Hawaii, Maldives, Coco's, Malpelo, Philippines, etc.<br />Some divers visiting Revillagigedo's islands for their first time come with low expectations about mantas. Most of them have seen mantas before. What could be different from these mantas to those in other parts of the world? </div>
<div>
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<div>
But then ... the magic begins ....</div>
<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizi8QAG3nd6sN3R_CYoeMqgGZnOdo0cAa2kG71kwvVub7E293KqlN9H3wxX1FdXVLKxaDZ4JSd1Wf33IT_BuaCBXuepy9_d_NlrM1ftsBlTmvTT2eIrBHZixFYWxPTpBkefHb-5MBC6vzp/s1600/DSC_1492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizi8QAG3nd6sN3R_CYoeMqgGZnOdo0cAa2kG71kwvVub7E293KqlN9H3wxX1FdXVLKxaDZ4JSd1Wf33IT_BuaCBXuepy9_d_NlrM1ftsBlTmvTT2eIrBHZixFYWxPTpBkefHb-5MBC6vzp/s400/DSC_1492.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Roca O'neal in Socorro Island</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVbutbrt2CSQ1_G0NePpX2IRSmUhVyvh6zQur6lUOvYJWnqmyeZcogjXPMoFGkSp6M-vX9RbnTVhyyOrpfwBImv11qkekgcgxoutOIBbAWMLG5PgSe8Yi0IWfMYICD3m43iXrGYGNLETih/s1600/GOPR6405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVbutbrt2CSQ1_G0NePpX2IRSmUhVyvh6zQur6lUOvYJWnqmyeZcogjXPMoFGkSp6M-vX9RbnTVhyyOrpfwBImv11qkekgcgxoutOIBbAWMLG5PgSe8Yi0IWfMYICD3m43iXrGYGNLETih/s400/GOPR6405.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Afternoon underwater shadows of Roca Partida</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHC9KKtWXWxwc9uhRzzbiFIibLh-IFIVZ99GAt7S_HFQLG508x9mPVPOYM4tD-AO8JeEcPOJYZMRKraMif7j7A7v5y4KU16LosucDaCjOxn0c6eg1mfZudGr4JhyQeQpclssTieFUvQcHy/s1600/GOPR6271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHC9KKtWXWxwc9uhRzzbiFIibLh-IFIVZ99GAt7S_HFQLG508x9mPVPOYM4tD-AO8JeEcPOJYZMRKraMif7j7A7v5y4KU16LosucDaCjOxn0c6eg1mfZudGr4JhyQeQpclssTieFUvQcHy/s400/GOPR6271.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Manta Birostris in a cleaning station in Socorro Island</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Rocio del Mar liveaboard visits Revillagigedo archipelago from November thru end of May each year. It is a well known dive destination for pelagic life: at least 7 different species of sharks, within whale shark, hammerhead shark, tiger shark, silky shark, galapagos shark, silver tip shark and white tip shark, dolphins, humpback whales, yellow fin tunas, wahoo, different species of jacks and mantas... <b>the giant mantas of Socorro!</b><br />
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<b><br /></b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkRCj6KZXiEjFPe79Ruh18OzSKlo26vk_NURpQc_VP1y-h7-9VhyG6kqc3HuZvB9PqUDwUABn-9jDDTE0K9Uet5T2mQzD1gc6Jm1VWrCpD58DgLUuLEalqtsppj-SDFstFdPA4wDg-WLr/s1600/GOPR6299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkRCj6KZXiEjFPe79Ruh18OzSKlo26vk_NURpQc_VP1y-h7-9VhyG6kqc3HuZvB9PqUDwUABn-9jDDTE0K9Uet5T2mQzD1gc6Jm1VWrCpD58DgLUuLEalqtsppj-SDFstFdPA4wDg-WLr/s320/GOPR6299.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Poncho doing his magic too!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUiIDBwjBqsnG9OT_rX9rI3mSTfzqv4I3keNS1yJCii9CnieOvaTolTrom9xlAlUivlWNj-f1d4bZ4I93JhuvSy45LNIsYh0nbpZaFdl3pZwbRSToxRNJKwQzNg6nXovDUG8VYytRP6gE/s1600/GOPR6092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUiIDBwjBqsnG9OT_rX9rI3mSTfzqv4I3keNS1yJCii9CnieOvaTolTrom9xlAlUivlWNj-f1d4bZ4I93JhuvSy45LNIsYh0nbpZaFdl3pZwbRSToxRNJKwQzNg6nXovDUG8VYytRP6gE/s320/GOPR6092.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Real close encounters with mantas!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
This season 2014-2015 has been a consecutive "niño" year which has brought us warmer waters than usual. This factor has contributed to make sharks look for deeper and colder waters, but at the same time there's something on the ocean conditions that have made the mantas bright like the real stars of the islands!<br /><br /><b>Mantas in the dive menu daily! </b><br />This month of April, Rocio del Mar completed three incredible trips to the islands, having marvelous close encounters with Mantas in almost every single dive in every single site.</div>
<div>
Mantas in Revillagigedo's seems to enjoy divers presence and they look for us, they swim with us, they hoover in top of us posing for pictures and video realizing that they are the queens of the islands!</div>
<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggCBjCzCHCper6nZ6k-9gwqushXFNJUXHLVEf4ty9AcKXR3RHGC84OU9hRXZfiJaSbu9CYexr3BFDcDw000muqE7GuRFKWXmRcVGAUQcrdMqiuBUt7cNjXTZELidaCveoTAnfJxNQ9rZRW/s1600/GOPR6432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggCBjCzCHCper6nZ6k-9gwqushXFNJUXHLVEf4ty9AcKXR3RHGC84OU9hRXZfiJaSbu9CYexr3BFDcDw000muqE7GuRFKWXmRcVGAUQcrdMqiuBUt7cNjXTZELidaCveoTAnfJxNQ9rZRW/s320/GOPR6432.jpg" width="320" /></a>Our divers this month visiting us from USA (different groups from Arizona and other states), Germany, England, Virgin Islands, México and France, have something in common: all of them said that they never expected to have encounters with mantas that close, that frequent, that ... incredible!</div>
<div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div>
A recent diver review from Kansas said: "<span itemprop="reviewBody"> I could never had expected to have the number and quality of manta encounters-- for me, they were the real stars."</span></div>
<div>
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<div>
It is true! diving for 50 minutes with the same manta it's unbelievable! <br />We don't chase the mantas, they come to us, they decide to play with us. They do acrobatic performances like dancing in front of our lenses.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSz1W_uq25Yvzefbah8SSw2q4ED_Uo_j3g4nEQOn6QUEE9OQ_6tVY9vPRcPY3r01u_O9u-hA47cQc55wS9ODW-Ic7Cpp22Ivd07RWUW5RFw4UkjVSoSQpfUL-LPEE1YlGrLtQXkfW9Mpxv/s1600/GOPR6517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSz1W_uq25Yvzefbah8SSw2q4ED_Uo_j3g4nEQOn6QUEE9OQ_6tVY9vPRcPY3r01u_O9u-hA47cQc55wS9ODW-Ic7Cpp22Ivd07RWUW5RFw4UkjVSoSQpfUL-LPEE1YlGrLtQXkfW9Mpxv/s320/GOPR6517.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
Divers won't let us lie about that strong feeling when we jump to the Boiler's dive site in San Benedicto and for the first 2 or 3 minutes it seems that is empty, quiet ... but then one or two mantas start approaching to us like in slow motion, but it is the gentile way the mantas swim and come to say hello.</div>
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They swim around us for some time and suddenly disappear .... it seems that they go out into the blue to call their friends, because just after couple of minutes those mantas come back to the dive site followed by 4 or 6 more mantas!<br />
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Can you believe to dive with 6 to 10 different mantas at the same time for an entire day? That's just a regular day for us in San Benedicto. </div>
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That's the magic of Revillagigedo's mantas and experience any diver should not miss! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">RdM crew always happy!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Not only guests: we are friends and RdM family!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Smiles is the best gratification we can have!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Iy2Agnp7VHEX8Xsjwo2GekTYxR7aVXLpj1rahkLAShjFfxBo6Wv_nE0q71SiI_xCG_Om_HShmNb_f1L77Pe6spJnyrkm-xogkLkKmYWx2Av9n4ejkL3_NAMNLKVQ6LFz_u8v4goHwF1w/s1600/IMG_20150424_192756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Iy2Agnp7VHEX8Xsjwo2GekTYxR7aVXLpj1rahkLAShjFfxBo6Wv_nE0q71SiI_xCG_Om_HShmNb_f1L77Pe6spJnyrkm-xogkLkKmYWx2Av9n4ejkL3_NAMNLKVQ6LFz_u8v4goHwF1w/s320/IMG_20150424_192756.jpg" width="227" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday celebration!</td></tr>
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2014-2015 season is near to its end before tropical hurricanes start hitting this area, few weeks ago we still had the chance to see the last few humpback whales breaching near the boat.<br />We have seen big schools of hammer heads sharks around Roca Partida and swimming between 10 foot long galapagos sharks.</div>
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It is always good to see baby silky and silver tip sharks in Punta Tosca at Socorro Island, it means the ecosystem is healthy and it's our concert to help keeping it that way.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Orcas swimming near the boat in the way back to San José</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUM3cCk80XncwB_wK5XALIk0M-ZUxLSEDGp1EEO-akECKTlOBygtIg_Vz9fBygzH4jvcidsXLL58DVVtRru4qzKI1vZUDZT6OGYebzHot-PYAiyVABlwHk8xyu_oqKY-V7gU1IpXAGyaQ/s1600/DSC_1338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUM3cCk80XncwB_wK5XALIk0M-ZUxLSEDGp1EEO-akECKTlOBygtIg_Vz9fBygzH4jvcidsXLL58DVVtRru4qzKI1vZUDZT6OGYebzHot-PYAiyVABlwHk8xyu_oqKY-V7gU1IpXAGyaQ/s400/DSC_1338.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">DM art ... :-) The Boiler dive site: best place for mantas</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQElMgDFqkRM-lNCdodPPjmH_LWaf8ZYdZ-PBOWDJXRhYBbI16nJBPLQwzgYUbQmpz-Kk46AqazyGngMaJwmT7FWJ5yPM-uAOzyN7Sj746wXP5S9A9mIL2ykJW4iOLXGrmE4nRzKhnb5YS/s1600/DSC_1475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQElMgDFqkRM-lNCdodPPjmH_LWaf8ZYdZ-PBOWDJXRhYBbI16nJBPLQwzgYUbQmpz-Kk46AqazyGngMaJwmT7FWJ5yPM-uAOzyN7Sj746wXP5S9A9mIL2ykJW4iOLXGrmE4nRzKhnb5YS/s400/DSC_1475.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Waking up in Roca Partida</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1D0fg8By_qiIurYuwYxEdtBmehcpEbA_4UQoKQiO93ji_ig-0moCXUadKqWthMmDw8BJWSl7ZFxPEFVql19GJ1ii76q0AoqB12dPSF_QKwzOUH3Ng57_KWCdd4CuSXO9zq33ODTQQlTs/s1600/G0085495_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1D0fg8By_qiIurYuwYxEdtBmehcpEbA_4UQoKQiO93ji_ig-0moCXUadKqWthMmDw8BJWSl7ZFxPEFVql19GJ1ii76q0AoqB12dPSF_QKwzOUH3Ng57_KWCdd4CuSXO9zq33ODTQQlTs/s400/G0085495_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Dolphins!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Baby galapagos shark in Socorro</td></tr>
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Rocio del Mar company and crew are very happy every time we see familiar faces boarding the vessel again with big smiles, big cameras and big expectations for mantas! But the best part of it is when the goal is accomplish and the dream comes true: perfect pictures or seeing mantas for the first time, Thanks for sharing those important moments with us! We'll be waiting to have you on board again very soon!</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #292929; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">By: Juan D Cortés, DM</span></div>
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<span style="color: #292929; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px;">April, 2015</span></span></div>
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Dora Sandovalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171073913975520748noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257415051068234918.post-82259355377561894372015-03-20T23:39:00.001-07:002015-04-10T06:29:25.081-07:00Trip Report, Revillagigedo. February-March, 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One more day in paradise</h2>
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"How was your day?" we ask to our passengers and quite often we have as an answer: "Excellent, it was just one more day in paradise."<br />
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It's true ...<br />
Revillagigedo islands is a paradise. There are not many places on earth where you can truly disconnect from the daily stress: phone, e-mail, social networks, traffic, news, etc. At 280 miles from the coast in the middle of the eastern pacific you can switch a modern and complicated life style for the peaceful dance of the mantas underwater.<br />
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More than that, this little paradise always has hidden surprises.<br />
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These first 3 months of the year have given us fabulous conditions: warm water with plenty of sea life: mantas in almost every dive site, dolphins, sharks, yellow fin tunas, wahoos, big school of jacks of different species and plenty of reef life.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whale watching afternoon tour </td></tr>
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During winter humpback whales arrive to the area. We start to see them spouting, raising their tails before dive and every week we see more whales around the boat.<br />
Some days we try to get closer using our pangas but early in the winter they are more sensitive and they swim away of the engine noise. Still, they give us fantastic shots of their huge tails before swimming deep or making unexpected jumps out of the water. <br />
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They arrive to the marine reserve to mate and to give birth the new generation.<br />
We patiently wait, slowly get close to them and gently get in the water to have the first encounters with them on snorkel.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/greg.sherman.18?fref=ts" target="_blank">Gregory Sherman</a></td></tr>
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Few weeks later there are thousands of whales in the area (more than 1,200). Some of them already have their calfs swimming around. Now the big mamas are more relaxed and confident and we start to see them underwater. From time to time a group of divers have the chance to have a quick look of the family passing by and usually in the afternoon we go out in the pangas to swim close to them and see how the adults teach the babies to hold their breath underwater.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3I0DcpVjc6p_fYWEX5hY-VWrgoYZjDPcM8yxqXzudRFECiDFIBhW7XzDZWUs05ILgjKTVdFztT_s0Bz6gyVuHHZYqks9WGf6GGwCbPnnFddUfxPQp1_Wtuo1TY0elhZd5A5kpbPiDHfwA/s1600/GOPR5245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3I0DcpVjc6p_fYWEX5hY-VWrgoYZjDPcM8yxqXzudRFECiDFIBhW7XzDZWUs05ILgjKTVdFztT_s0Bz6gyVuHHZYqks9WGf6GGwCbPnnFddUfxPQp1_Wtuo1TY0elhZd5A5kpbPiDHfwA/s1600/GOPR5245.jpg" height="255" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always is a good time to see whales around the boat breaching</td></tr>
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And finally near the spring it seems that they are confident enough with the humans and we start to see them constantly during our dives.<br />
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Roca Partida is a very special place to see the whales underwater. Some times we can't see them with our eyes but we see them with the rest of our body: whale songs are so strong that you feel them resonate inside your chest. That experience is something that it's impossible to forget.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXVSXNmuDVV_qqSaC5rYOd9twdG2RlrhT4lvsuJf7ZePA68o8td4HzMm5f__Yy4E1q-Us3mu6avtnf6LFsbBHS7X7DZG_aJZRmkahFWAMPoO4uB4pe632OzAPiI4hG2G2zbxR97oHsw1J/s1600/GOPR4910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXVSXNmuDVV_qqSaC5rYOd9twdG2RlrhT4lvsuJf7ZePA68o8td4HzMm5f__Yy4E1q-Us3mu6avtnf6LFsbBHS7X7DZG_aJZRmkahFWAMPoO4uB4pe632OzAPiI4hG2G2zbxR97oHsw1J/s1600/GOPR4910.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roca Partida</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW-37-OLMknWZCVNBmOeNE0sAp4dk01Z4g3fiBCd4-CsONpJ6VJk5gjoWAaykImK4ZL_XqWt3K1ohyphenhyphenGuSQIvzMNvKI-Nr5EbbJHoYTtHma5tupK0aZioZzHk8XkE74Tbh8E1Tww9GoLOwm/s1600/IY5A4724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW-37-OLMknWZCVNBmOeNE0sAp4dk01Z4g3fiBCd4-CsONpJ6VJk5gjoWAaykImK4ZL_XqWt3K1ohyphenhyphenGuSQIvzMNvKI-Nr5EbbJHoYTtHma5tupK0aZioZzHk8XkE74Tbh8E1Tww9GoLOwm/s1600/IY5A4724.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/greg.sherman.18?fref=ts" target="_blank">Gregory Sherman</a></td></tr>
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It is possible to see the mother, calf and the escort on scuba swimming around the rock or resting without moving at all. Lately we have seen groups of 4 to 6 adult whales together around Roca Partida. They are friendly and allow us to get close enough to take pictures and videos. The bubbles are not a problem and they seem to like to pose to the lens.<br />
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We expect to keep having these very close encounters underwater during the following weeks before they start their migration back to the north. It has been a fantastic whale season.<br />
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And there's more...<br />
Mantas have been around every dive site. Not one or two, but 6 to 9 mantas all together at the same time. The Boiler at San Benedicto Island is the best spot to dive with them.<br />
Imagine a dive site were it is possible to see more than 6 mantas, dolphins and hammer heads: all in a single dive!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc952Ejezx2Zx5UmiQQ2QItZns8Gec5Myg39FVj-aFPiUq1MTCg8T4zlVDpnoqjisbyrTeoYCx_nymB_MjZ2Gkmw4nfvubj_8dR-XoWrHdNob0kOxrBKgSylACdq1dILe3Pa364ybbUpoQ/s1600/GOPR5067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc952Ejezx2Zx5UmiQQ2QItZns8Gec5Myg39FVj-aFPiUq1MTCg8T4zlVDpnoqjisbyrTeoYCx_nymB_MjZ2Gkmw4nfvubj_8dR-XoWrHdNob0kOxrBKgSylACdq1dILe3Pa364ybbUpoQ/s1600/GOPR5067.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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As we said before, there's always a surprise at Revillagigedo: WHALE SHARKS! </div>
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During winter and part of spring is not common to see whale sharks in the area. Probably the water temperature this year (around 75 to 76 degrees) or plenty of nutrients in the water could be the reasons for having whale sharks encounters during these first months of the year. It's rare, but we have seen at least one whale shark on almost every trip.<br />
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It has been fantastic! Divers swimming around Roca O'Neal or Punta Tosca and suddenly a huge shark shows up: tiger? No-- whale shark! . We love to see the surprised and happy faces of our divers when they see these huge and wonderful animals. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uF91uDz8VsTFDu8N2u1yN5i0_VxSzypQltgn7XnvVIqAc9stnsqoNHaes7x8lnQ1TcRX_ES09kXdUOWBkVgDPd8fle4WO0WgnlC-JTL748Izxbz8KlwZr6ce8ZxsMs_dHx0nJbobyuVQ/s1600/GOPR5255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uF91uDz8VsTFDu8N2u1yN5i0_VxSzypQltgn7XnvVIqAc9stnsqoNHaes7x8lnQ1TcRX_ES09kXdUOWBkVgDPd8fle4WO0WgnlC-JTL748Izxbz8KlwZr6ce8ZxsMs_dHx0nJbobyuVQ/s1600/GOPR5255.jpg" height="224" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whale shark in Socorro</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1WBJ0ilcO7IRyPzXhdAklQRytG5IEaIiwrrmH8ekohvnwR5s9jkgnNwg5STuPvRY9WNssS8aLmrQfhXBSQ0l3v5WCJF2ZgY-kcVKcyBNJpDr5On5uIjMAv5OVuYh234BxBks5hRX06IOE/s1600/GOPR4848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1WBJ0ilcO7IRyPzXhdAklQRytG5IEaIiwrrmH8ekohvnwR5s9jkgnNwg5STuPvRY9WNssS8aLmrQfhXBSQ0l3v5WCJF2ZgY-kcVKcyBNJpDr5On5uIjMAv5OVuYh234BxBks5hRX06IOE/s1600/GOPR4848.jpg" height="189" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Divers swimming in the blue looking for hammerhead sharks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqVTu1m_CnOcK8RCvvIhW0ZXvoQK3I9zHfK9VE1Ahzav3WV6zuKSS_jPIwd5hc6McZNAovR6ubnx-cQQkIm8CD7OvAn6JipA3M00K0WefFtABq7gGQ93JyJtbxPqdVbbIHgHMAH81dIlCg/s1600/GOPR4856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqVTu1m_CnOcK8RCvvIhW0ZXvoQK3I9zHfK9VE1Ahzav3WV6zuKSS_jPIwd5hc6McZNAovR6ubnx-cQQkIm8CD7OvAn6JipA3M00K0WefFtABq7gGQ93JyJtbxPqdVbbIHgHMAH81dIlCg/s1600/GOPR4856.jpg" height="201" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ricardo (DM) at the Boiler</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-jiK8XOT4nWK48N3pI_VCwpfMRVIDJx2cYJ-rcbQ4pJoNhyphenhyphenP2BfosUVf5N61Kjl-Sp70Is3SbubIsyviK0vI_91jvu2wM5S2yYCJl8fvejzBn7eg7QfB_diCNUx2zddPICI2bICqfiFT/s1600/GOPR5253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-jiK8XOT4nWK48N3pI_VCwpfMRVIDJx2cYJ-rcbQ4pJoNhyphenhyphenP2BfosUVf5N61Kjl-Sp70Is3SbubIsyviK0vI_91jvu2wM5S2yYCJl8fvejzBn7eg7QfB_diCNUx2zddPICI2bICqfiFT/s1600/GOPR5253.jpg" height="197" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surprise of the week: Whale shark!</td></tr>
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We have had really good trips during this season. Our friends from many different locations of the world (USA, Canada, Germany, Austria, Romania, Portugal, Spain, Netherlands, England, Mexico) have spent with us fabulous days on board not only diving, not only enjoying with big animals underwater, but also feeling at home on board Rocio del Mar.<br />
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We feel pleased when we have divers visiting us for their first, second, forth or sixth time. They experience more than diving and having a fantastic holiday-- they form friendships, family, around our passion: the ocean.</div>
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It is just one more day in paradise ...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtyHXx8rXPJNSCR92e9qI8qdZPA515lTG1ZtdTpxdKajKitnNn5kG-tUJgG8MicG3p0D00GH6sxmKn35zyhIp9qnWkOxSo9n_xKTSifOkmqgHrs963vuMQCvXSXdiH_2QdoHKXKI0WyEsf/s1600/GOPR4883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtyHXx8rXPJNSCR92e9qI8qdZPA515lTG1ZtdTpxdKajKitnNn5kG-tUJgG8MicG3p0D00GH6sxmKn35zyhIp9qnWkOxSo9n_xKTSifOkmqgHrs963vuMQCvXSXdiH_2QdoHKXKI0WyEsf/s1600/GOPR4883.jpg" height="262" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everardo looking for whales</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5pdFUIxnORn-Pbi2G7S5Sm6kOPQsloO9aBzcQPOo123nePLIU-rUicmbf-CEDjSiDvJq8NpMyBBpzL9sri2Db0NCqJR4j8i8RvcfX76DMPk9nhI53qv5Md530ioRLrsbgJ5FvkL7fU0-Z/s1600/DSC_1321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5pdFUIxnORn-Pbi2G7S5Sm6kOPQsloO9aBzcQPOo123nePLIU-rUicmbf-CEDjSiDvJq8NpMyBBpzL9sri2Db0NCqJR4j8i8RvcfX76DMPk9nhI53qv5Md530ioRLrsbgJ5FvkL7fU0-Z/s1600/DSC_1321.jpg" height="230" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">San Benedicto</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid0NjOEkEjqmH1B0hQQN3JrQscZKI8QszRXHnJKx3pyBttlHA0_CkWCe2FsMmfxRydbm_m_3oGbEDEEhIQTtdQHTtiq4wWg7SfNOUVsJl1oVHXDTmZyIv71igMOcnM0zY6xKGHPIcFjNLm/s1600/GOPR4904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid0NjOEkEjqmH1B0hQQN3JrQscZKI8QszRXHnJKx3pyBttlHA0_CkWCe2FsMmfxRydbm_m_3oGbEDEEhIQTtdQHTtiq4wWg7SfNOUVsJl1oVHXDTmZyIv71igMOcnM0zY6xKGHPIcFjNLm/s1600/GOPR4904.jpg" height="246" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roca Partida</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVQFyJdfYiakePqP_9Ey2z89UCWFWSDwFKnckrSNwEsFXEs1MZnVwuA9lliox-89EbGX5Jf0pkiFpy2ZYdNUX3G4LiSpPEk9If5yRaIFUVpFEDOeMajyBCEGNCmdaHDDgx05Ua_gXd4Ku/s1600/GOPR5266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVQFyJdfYiakePqP_9Ey2z89UCWFWSDwFKnckrSNwEsFXEs1MZnVwuA9lliox-89EbGX5Jf0pkiFpy2ZYdNUX3G4LiSpPEk9If5yRaIFUVpFEDOeMajyBCEGNCmdaHDDgx05Ua_gXd4Ku/s1600/GOPR5266.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henry feeling like home .. fantastic!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIy_AEdL3yCGBZb9Hs_eTyEtPhPcDGzZBoa43AKrO7bsYhE25HXphK-uzzNpBdx3wfK3r7JiJW8YNEb94YzGPsplYmBwe6SnQCPO54BHvvphjGfcNM7-VkEy9QJ7HwRcyG4k9fm5kY8zrh/s1600/GOPR5281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIy_AEdL3yCGBZb9Hs_eTyEtPhPcDGzZBoa43AKrO7bsYhE25HXphK-uzzNpBdx3wfK3r7JiJW8YNEb94YzGPsplYmBwe6SnQCPO54BHvvphjGfcNM7-VkEy9QJ7HwRcyG4k9fm5kY8zrh/s1600/GOPR5281.jpg" height="241" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy faces after a fantastic trip! Thank you!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3rYZNBvwmhTJII69sYRCnsggv9yJQyyTMIkPiRZiUZVUu-Ly8AsXyLfNBtqzbDKeXBxskfC4e8unLvzNMqIrMK-O9AU9N3_aMmqFjo4CYahwVLGBTF6huLoX_RRVzbY6LT008mJAxuyTg/s1600/GOPR5140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3rYZNBvwmhTJII69sYRCnsggv9yJQyyTMIkPiRZiUZVUu-Ly8AsXyLfNBtqzbDKeXBxskfC4e8unLvzNMqIrMK-O9AU9N3_aMmqFjo4CYahwVLGBTF6huLoX_RRVzbY6LT008mJAxuyTg/s1600/GOPR5140.jpg" height="272" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guarani (Juan) got the chicken ja ja ja!! -- chicken team!</td></tr>
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By: Juan D Cortés, DM<br />
Pictures: Juan D Cortés and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/greg.sherman.18?fref=ts" target="_blank">Gregory Sherman</a></div>
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Dora Sandovalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171073913975520748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257415051068234918.post-91458940683560103422015-01-07T09:30:00.004-07:002015-01-07T09:30:36.618-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Socorro Islands through the eyes of our Dive Master Tibo. </div>
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Shot with nothing more than a Go Pro. Beautiful work Tibo! </div>
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Dora Sandovalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171073913975520748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257415051068234918.post-33208194685178183552015-01-02T11:27:00.001-07:002015-01-02T11:27:46.092-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9fGYqJ2EUuxc1t_ey9cvIiEVveuKEBjVScEyuQhAQUu7rzpqOTBPEssyoPqLFP1cxZz_638k5HUjFfeb8lP_AVVyp9UVXtaSpeX_fFpsJN7hdxoGtF2pH8RcTwq_tLpW7Uc0_TEslBAIR/s1600/001+greeting+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9fGYqJ2EUuxc1t_ey9cvIiEVveuKEBjVScEyuQhAQUu7rzpqOTBPEssyoPqLFP1cxZz_638k5HUjFfeb8lP_AVVyp9UVXtaSpeX_fFpsJN7hdxoGtF2pH8RcTwq_tLpW7Uc0_TEslBAIR/s320/001+greeting+(1).jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></div>
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Dora Sandovalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171073913975520748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257415051068234918.post-92225325804430270902014-12-23T10:07:00.001-07:002014-12-23T10:07:10.499-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRQeCDgh7DYIwglvzeKMFH3n_jtE9AokuV8bYuuOaAds6L1AiV6oJk6MZuOw9-lCJv2FvbvqZhYstY4wDNagA5dsKlqFrrosyY1BrHIBMoRWFzzyqvAp9oEB6iDAwNW_hZBBwgWeTnrX2-/s1600/001+newsletter+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRQeCDgh7DYIwglvzeKMFH3n_jtE9AokuV8bYuuOaAds6L1AiV6oJk6MZuOw9-lCJv2FvbvqZhYstY4wDNagA5dsKlqFrrosyY1BrHIBMoRWFzzyqvAp9oEB6iDAwNW_hZBBwgWeTnrX2-/s1600/001+newsletter+(1).jpg" height="320" width="256" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.smilebox.com/playBlog/4e4445344d6a49354d7a6b3d0d0a&blogview=true">Click for animation</a><br />Dora Sandovalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171073913975520748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257415051068234918.post-11236036438353952312014-12-09T11:11:00.000-07:002014-12-09T11:12:55.352-07:00Trip Report, Revillagigedo. November, 2014<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">November, great November, unforgettable November.</span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDBgM_Qp_TRxaOtvUrELxp-SCNSiseeMo7xgQzEhvn_X33eQH3brWL2iDuLcJNbYx5KIwIGbnFxp584gUp_tuejWz8Kr1x1WBALjsG4FJr052ET9iE8wmwwivoePIpcTHxygBGYgZcPHs/s1600/GOPR4545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDBgM_Qp_TRxaOtvUrELxp-SCNSiseeMo7xgQzEhvn_X33eQH3brWL2iDuLcJNbYx5KIwIGbnFxp584gUp_tuejWz8Kr1x1WBALjsG4FJr052ET9iE8wmwwivoePIpcTHxygBGYgZcPHs/s1600/GOPR4545.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When one see everything and I mean everything: mantas swimming with divers for 50 minutes, friendly dolphins in groups of 6 or 10 approaching so close that was easy to hug them, school of hammerheads sharks, silky sharks, sail fish, school of tunas, school of jacks and other fishes and one or two whale sharks </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">in the very first dive of a trip, what can one expect on consecutive dives?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">More marine life to see!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There hasn’t been a single dive without mantas or dolphins or sharks or … big, big whale sharks!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“I saw everything I wanted to see on this trip in a single dive” – is something we have heard more than once recently.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSW6L6ua4aQrk31nmpPR4xMjIIWVGOMCSv-l9Qx6Khst88-zcfh-D2hRfJpNc-qEco-IiSW96S44pnrngd7t6OLIaJ7ex7rdnkB-xp6sQXgZ2YTaFHAntZQYs078owkPxTdHNj-hEN_H6D/s1600/GOPR4279_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSW6L6ua4aQrk31nmpPR4xMjIIWVGOMCSv-l9Qx6Khst88-zcfh-D2hRfJpNc-qEco-IiSW96S44pnrngd7t6OLIaJ7ex7rdnkB-xp6sQXgZ2YTaFHAntZQYs078owkPxTdHNj-hEN_H6D/s1600/GOPR4279_1.jpg" height="201" width="320" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rocío del Mar is back to San José del Cabo starting a new diving season at Revillagigedo Islands. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are not enough words to express the magnificence of the islands this past month.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We happily completed the first 3 trips of the season visiting San Benedicto, Socorro and Roca Partida.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Warm water (26-28 C / 78-82 F) and fantastic weather: sunny, mostly calm winds have allowed us to dive in the best dive sites of the national park.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has been crazy; it blows your mind when there are so many mantas, dolphins and sharks that you don’t know where to look!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the Boiler in San Benedicto in a single dive we have seen mantas, not one or two, at least five to nine mantas at the same time!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There have been dolphins, family of dolphins swimming together with divers, approaching to see us, to play with us, to stay vertically still posing for cameras. Also there have been tunas, big fat tunas hunting, followed by a sail fish. Big wahoos, school of cotton mouth jacks, black jacks, white tip sharks and silky sharks. We have seen hammerheads swimming close to the big school of big eye trevally and in the west point of the rock we’ve seen the big, big school of hammerheads diving in circles around divers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A Tiger shark has been around swimming deep but close to the rock ...and this is not all: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">WHALE SHARKS! 30 to 40 feet (10 to 12 mts) whale sharks! Probably pregnant females.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5mJIk9zgrImnVTs-kd0lispAP8K6-3XNa-KbYkVmO3r9w12mD3ahewG_bmLBWFJPui-p63UysAThBP0qOzOxn7unGxywI6XDdUiPEM-twlL8INlZav75i_rP_xUk6O_jCCMNi1BgxMslQ/s1600/GOPR4360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5mJIk9zgrImnVTs-kd0lispAP8K6-3XNa-KbYkVmO3r9w12mD3ahewG_bmLBWFJPui-p63UysAThBP0qOzOxn7unGxywI6XDdUiPEM-twlL8INlZav75i_rP_xUk6O_jCCMNi1BgxMslQ/s1600/GOPR4360.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Socorro Island has been very good too! At Cabo Pearce and Punta Tosca we have seen dolphins and mantas in all dives, but wait, they stay with us almost the entire dive time!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally at Roca Partida we had clear blue waters! Several encounters with whale sharks, probably bigger than the ones we saw at the Boiler in San Benedicto.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This huge whale shark that was slowly swimming in about 90 feet depth was leaded by a family of dolphins that were enjoying swimming in front of the whale shark.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also tunas, hammerheads sharks, plenty of white tip sharks and mantas. Not very common to see mantas at Roca Partida and we have seen at least two mantas at the same time there.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Simple word: FANTASTIC!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not only whale sharks, mantas and dolphins have been exceptional, Poncho, our loved chef has sent everybody back home with some extra pounds! As always our passengers have loved Poncho’s food. Thanks Poncho for your work and as Matthias (Germany) said, - “Poncho cooks with love” – we believe so!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg744-27y559Eerp4QnRRhYI5grF7_48E646u9ky8fltRg6S8ot-KEH0IXbxgiZiKNiyw6zqYCUPkzLDhy5g95En_JwXPk29zQG7VRPCqfheml1aRCJzMZAsg_1MPMR3ARj39hdwP3jVomz/s1600/IMG_20141118_105517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg744-27y559Eerp4QnRRhYI5grF7_48E646u9ky8fltRg6S8ot-KEH0IXbxgiZiKNiyw6zqYCUPkzLDhy5g95En_JwXPk29zQG7VRPCqfheml1aRCJzMZAsg_1MPMR3ARj39hdwP3jVomz/s1600/IMG_20141118_105517.jpg" height="209" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There’s nothing better for us than seeing passengers coming back to dive with us.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We mean it, once you come to Rocío del Mar, you start being part of our family. We have for the second time on board to our friends from Oklahoma (Chris and his gang having a full boat), Gray, Rick and our two loved Colombian sisters.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We also welcome to our family a fantastic group of divers and good friends from North Carolina in the very first trip of the season and passengers from Germany, Alaska, Canada and Mexico City.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We love to see how during 9 days nationalities, languages, culture blend together sharing the same passion for diving and love for our oceans. Dive trips not only give us fantastic dives, it also gives us new friends and that’s something we all share.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMwtE7bgpmNrA74TbRYn0mPlxDzvL2iHHtN1OK-ypXqYUr5MXdiVvfJpZ5kIB2DLfhxOJj1E9jmhmG3baTWD73En_cWl3L1pnq1cjyr_rjgZLyDiuM8yWhbfrrlWqYYykb1sAw3nxjG9Ll/s1600/GOPR4318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMwtE7bgpmNrA74TbRYn0mPlxDzvL2iHHtN1OK-ypXqYUr5MXdiVvfJpZ5kIB2DLfhxOJj1E9jmhmG3baTWD73En_cWl3L1pnq1cjyr_rjgZLyDiuM8yWhbfrrlWqYYykb1sAw3nxjG9Ll/s1600/GOPR4318.jpg" height="283" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRWVGwC_6772wSWUVD2lz9fPYPhhRJ75sarGpy8p_EvoIH14D9aCnX0Rzmx9HcD0MLI8FXD6Cigor63oJxR6T047_wTy9rC_wBEDuTpFSg694YlxNETK_n1kEAI6C8-PS_ncxu80OfZU-7/s1600/GOPR4456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRWVGwC_6772wSWUVD2lz9fPYPhhRJ75sarGpy8p_EvoIH14D9aCnX0Rzmx9HcD0MLI8FXD6Cigor63oJxR6T047_wTy9rC_wBEDuTpFSg694YlxNETK_n1kEAI6C8-PS_ncxu80OfZU-7/s1600/GOPR4456.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">December just arrived and Rocío del Mar and her crew is sailing back to San Benedicto, new adventures to come, more marine life and soon… soon the humpback whales will start to sing in the Revillagigedo’s waters</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for sharing your passion for diving your friendship your experiences, laughs, dreams and time with us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We, all the crew of Rocío del Mar, are very happy to have you onboard and hope to see all of you again very soon!</span><br />
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Dora Sandovalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171073913975520748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257415051068234918.post-73785087820734153032014-12-01T13:57:00.002-07:002014-12-01T20:12:25.233-07:00Explore Baja<div style="background-color: white;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Explore Baja is a unique 13 day trip covering the entire Baja </span>Peninsula<span style="font-size: 12pt;">. Many passengers choose to share this experience with close family or dear friends. This year Mike and his daughter Jennifer joined us and wrote this wonderful note to Rocio Del Mar owner Dora Sandoval. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">My daughter Jennifer and I were guests on the Oct 25</span></span><sup style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">th</sup><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> (Mark Emery) trip.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGd8mecDolYitQJtvLwCfCBenWpegCFuY-86Q2K5U5_xIJzWlRbIewg40TwPAkx5ZiEaQyRDm6b0iHcDzHZH7ues_eC1tFNoY3WAwFqYTB-ZybAr-gi8iBC-ZC-BB1ZxKxzSSrBcgnn5wB/s1600/Day1NorthBoat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGd8mecDolYitQJtvLwCfCBenWpegCFuY-86Q2K5U5_xIJzWlRbIewg40TwPAkx5ZiEaQyRDm6b0iHcDzHZH7ues_eC1tFNoY3WAwFqYTB-ZybAr-gi8iBC-ZC-BB1ZxKxzSSrBcgnn5wB/s1600/Day1NorthBoat.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We enjoyed this trip deeply. I’ve been diving since I was 14 and everything about this experience was top flight. This includes the boat, the location and for sure the crew.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The opportunity to share this experience with Jennifer made it all the better.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank you Mike and Jennifer for sharing your story with us. Photos are taken by Mike and Jennifer. </span></div>
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Our Passengers began their journey in Puerto Penasco at the tip top of the Baja Peninsula. Diving with large Sea Lion colonies and schools of mobula rays. They spent the a glorious day snorkeling with whale sharks at Bahia de los Angeles and there were plenty to choose from. Dolphins and pilot whales were abundant throughout the trip and the passengers were up close and personal with them. The group saw swarms of big eyed jacks as they entered the southern portion of the Baja and schools of fish so thick they could part them with their hands while they proceeded through. They were surprised with hammerhead sightings at El Bajo and Bull Sharks in Cabo Pulmo. The trip came to an end in San Jose del Cabo with 20 new explorers on board. Needless to say this trip has such a variety of experiences that every day of this 13 day expedition is a new adventure!<br />
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Dora Sandovalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171073913975520748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257415051068234918.post-16642280925859754812014-09-16T18:51:00.000-07:002014-09-16T18:51:19.608-07:00Sea of Cortez August 23 - 30th<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">August 23 – 30<sup>th</sup>, 2014 Sea of Cortez.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">This
charter was full of photographers! We
had the privilege of having a very well published and incredible photographer
on board to run the show. Todd Winner
has been diving and photographing marine life since 1990. As a professional underwater photographer and
cinematographer, his work has appeared in commercials, museums and private
collections. Todd is a regular
contributor to Sport Diver and Scuba Diving magazines and has won over 60
international underwater photography competitions. Most importantly he is a repeat and regular
diver with Rocio Del Mar.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
addition to having our photo workshop we welcomed many repeat passengers back
on board and a group of new friends as well.
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<pre style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Once on board dive stations were set up and the camera table was overloaded. We were ready to set sail. Waking to a </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">comprehensive dive briefing and then off to our first dive site L</span><span style="color: #212121; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">a Muela. Divers quickly worked out any kinks with the help of our dive masters and then we were destined for a spectacular trip. </span></pre>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnuLVQMM3ErCStl766O5BtA2RCvKpv3ALp-qJd0FK5VW1TO5KmVCuOI6HUgMffEutCllNwJXcICDFUBkXsTQcDF-X13DdtkI05LzMMxmoPi4xdK0QtfQD99aOC4WevSwsM0lebXzai2nTB/s1600/Todd_Winner-_B2A3098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnuLVQMM3ErCStl766O5BtA2RCvKpv3ALp-qJd0FK5VW1TO5KmVCuOI6HUgMffEutCllNwJXcICDFUBkXsTQcDF-X13DdtkI05LzMMxmoPi4xdK0QtfQD99aOC4WevSwsM0lebXzai2nTB/s1600/Todd_Winner-_B2A3098.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">On
day two we had great water and great viz and a great dive site. We began the morning at Andrea’s Eagle. One of my all time favorites! We hit a little current and were zipped down
with the beautiful wall on our right filled with gorgonians, jeweled eels, nudibranchs,
Cortez and Queen Angels and fields of black corral and giant sea bass on our
right. Once we made the corner we were
protected from the current and spent the remainder of the dive with free
swimming octopus and sea horses a plenty!
We loved the site so much we spent most of the day there. On the other side of the pinnacle is
sand. We had so much fun with the giant
jawfish and their big bulging eyes and impeccably kept houses of sea
shells. We watched the blue spotted
jawfish darting in and out of their holes and the orange throat blennies with
their amazing mating dance. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1eG4nDvGydgRo2rbOOftjIu9A46E-t-AAl4fhpqUknDqfRYMOD4i0GgZvShsRZFJ3SIwZUYH5SDHAOdmkhLFy_NY3tmZS7Fhl4FNnK1lOhBkAr_THsquFB-GtbTu4mozS1ulcUHOliKmT/s1600/IMG_8132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1eG4nDvGydgRo2rbOOftjIu9A46E-t-AAl4fhpqUknDqfRYMOD4i0GgZvShsRZFJ3SIwZUYH5SDHAOdmkhLFy_NY3tmZS7Fhl4FNnK1lOhBkAr_THsquFB-GtbTu4mozS1ulcUHOliKmT/s1600/IMG_8132.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">After 3 dives we went back to La Muela for a night
dive. I have dove this site so many
times but never at night. I was in for a
treat. The water was warm and the
current, nonexistent. I had a goal – to see
the basket stars open at night. I first
found a nudibranch and then a zebra worm and a crazy crab covered in leaves
eating all of the little bits of nutrients in the water. Then I came upon the Basket Star! It was open but as soon as I would shine my light
on it, it would begin to close.
Fortunately, one of my wonderful photographer friends had a red light on
his camera and was able to light it up without disturbing it. It was very cool to watch the twisty arms
moving in the darkness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCIoAKzFiVPeHcZxO2uTaiY2ydOvinOiCN6Kil4SnmmMprh_VPJhMvCc6Nl4mWr2usH-KRh2we4Xh5bpgzAsM9F2wJLRHF4fJAsC5kRI9Thl7E4u9EgMKxnsL59s4biaQ0-OSmd_gCAfmN/s1600/DSC_2177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCIoAKzFiVPeHcZxO2uTaiY2ydOvinOiCN6Kil4SnmmMprh_VPJhMvCc6Nl4mWr2usH-KRh2we4Xh5bpgzAsM9F2wJLRHF4fJAsC5kRI9Thl7E4u9EgMKxnsL59s4biaQ0-OSmd_gCAfmN/s1600/DSC_2177.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We
ran into some weather on this trip and spent another day at Angel de la
Guarda. We were diving Lolo’s Cove and
there was a pod of dolphins, small, maybe 6 -10 just cruising around the
boat. They stayed there for hours. We were off to our next dive and we could see
darkness in the sky. We fell into the
water and I, with some new found camera skills, was having an excellent time. All of a sudden the engines were revving. It was our emergency recall. Our dive master Bob DeFeo quickly rounded us
up and began our accent. The water was a
little rough and we needed to move Rocio to a safer place to anchor
quickly. We boarded the panga and what
did we see? … The dolphins! They followed
us back to the boat and stayed until we boarded, then did the same with our
other panga. Once we were moved to a
safe place to anchor they were gone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaBFJwAXni-jv-x4hPVHuE7bNVWjxrfsfFDSvfqxfYgtRMZMEGqkMOYkhM2U8r4CwB6F99M8rMoVtnQtBOJDfaH80i2aWZUeuQkt8IcQkC2Fq75oJu8lRFGKgt76KdstqxJsFy0Lcg9F7R/s1600/Todd_Winner-_B2A4150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaBFJwAXni-jv-x4hPVHuE7bNVWjxrfsfFDSvfqxfYgtRMZMEGqkMOYkhM2U8r4CwB6F99M8rMoVtnQtBOJDfaH80i2aWZUeuQkt8IcQkC2Fq75oJu8lRFGKgt76KdstqxJsFy0Lcg9F7R/s1600/Todd_Winner-_B2A4150.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">We
then headed to San Pedro Martir. I </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">couldn't</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"> believe it! The dives were
spectacular. We saw so many turtles and
Mobula Rays. The Mobula were jumping out
of the water and we saw schools of them swimming over us at least six times in
one dive. We had 90 foot of viz at Moro
1 and 2 and a wonderfully fun current dive at Ravijunco. We had a fabulous dive at Moro1 beginning
with turtles and mobula rays, then a little fun in some current with the sea
lions. We then headed around the back
side and found a bait ball up above us.
We sat and watched the sea lions in the bait ball it was mesmerizing. Then the sea lions came down to play with
us. We ended the dive with another sea
turtle. We all surfaced having experienced
something very special together. It was
one of those “WOW’ moments that bonds divers together. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
last day is always very special on Rocio.
It is Whale Shark Day. It didn’t
take long and we had found them. Our
panga diver dropped four of our snorkelers into the water at a time and we had
the most stagnate whale shark I’ve ever seen.
Our snorkelers were swimming circles around it. Bob and I found this unacceptable. After a good 30 – 40 minutes we designated
this whale shark a good candidate for the silver boat and took off to find us a
big one – one that makes you work for it.
That we did. We were dropping
passengers off with their own whale sharks and they were swimming off all
Poncho’s good cooking. We had snorkelers
strung all over the Bay of LA. After everyone
had their fill and were tired and bloated from swallowing sea water. I took my turn. I had a big one and he was moving fast. After a few minutes though he slowed down and
I saw that we had lost the rest of the snorkelers. We swam comfortably together for some
time. It was so peaceful and we were
getting more and more shallow. I could
see our shadows together on the white sand below us with only the sound of my
breathing and a feeling of bliss surrounding us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">On
board we had fantastic meals, thank you Poncho for the extra four pounds. Celebrated a silver birthday - as we liked to
call it. Happy Birthday again Nick. Had gourmet coffee provided by Patty from a French
press. Had photo workshops every day
after lunch – courtesy of Todd Winner. Laid
on the deck and watched shooting stars every night. We all enjoyed our roof top Carne Asada dinner
and had some laughs after dinner watching the week’s photo slideshow. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It
was finally time to come home – but not before seeing a pod of dolphins and
pilot whales which swam with us for at least an hour. Not a bad bon voyage! </span> </div>
Dora Sandovalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171073913975520748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257415051068234918.post-91529065844271410092014-08-11T16:09:00.001-07:002014-08-11T16:09:53.722-07:00July 26, 2014 Sea of Cortez Charter<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">This was our fourth trip of the Sea of Cortez
Season 2014. This was the first trip of the Sea of Cortez for
me. With the administrative role, provisioning the trips, the
construction of Quino el Guardian (our new vessel) and of course spending time
with Joaquin I am unable to go on as many trips as I'd like.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">We departed Saturday evening in time to watch the sunset.
Waking up at Refujio, off of Angel Island was majestic. I am reminded of
what compelled me to build this dream of bringing divers and sharing this
incredibly beautiful place where the desert meets the sea.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">After a wonderful day of diving we pile up on the inflatables with
a couple bottles of wine to set out see the sea lions. We've played with
them plenty underwater but riding around Granito Island watching the sunset
seeing the baby sea lions with their mamas as the bulls swim around us barking
at us was so much fun.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The water seasonably warmer. Biologist say it's due to
"el nino". <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Our guests were mostly from the U.S. We did however
have one couple from Romania and another from France. The girls outnumbered
the boys on this trip so we made sure we took advantage of this and gave them a
hard time. In spite of the fact that this was a group of singles and
couples from all over I had the privilege of knowing lots of our guests from
previous trips we got along as though we were life time friends.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozfF-DY5smYWr3QLw4Geo_FvnKfiqSOfcmKRCM9E8NUtoGs4PF1pviLR9aHXhUVEjiWFWR9QT4uJKpB7CGoYNi4bBUtCM2vpcmG9bKmsvwtR3MWdPW6tjZuuhoJKEpPA3ytYztqgybWxN/s1600/sea+lion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozfF-DY5smYWr3QLw4Geo_FvnKfiqSOfcmKRCM9E8NUtoGs4PF1pviLR9aHXhUVEjiWFWR9QT4uJKpB7CGoYNi4bBUtCM2vpcmG9bKmsvwtR3MWdPW6tjZuuhoJKEpPA3ytYztqgybWxN/s1600/sea+lion.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The week sped by in a flurry. A few of the highlights were
jumping mobulas everywhere. We also would see the mobulas swim by on our
dives. It looked like small airplanes flying by. Lots of crazy playful
sea lions. Sperm whales alongside the boat. We brought down
the inflatables, attempting to swim with them, but every time we go close they
would only give us tail. Pat and Jim found the sail fin blennies they had
been looking for all week. We had the coolest night dive ever at el
Lavadero. We wrapped up the week
swimming with the whale sharks. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I will remember this week forever. I have made new lifelong
friends and was able to spend time with my beloved old friends. I had the
privilege of spending the week with Dick Long who is a legend in the dive
community. I would like to close this report with some of his
words. Dick has put words to how I have always felt. Thank you
Dick, Bonita, Susan, Kelly, Pat, Jim, Sorin, Melonia, Francoise, Jonathan,
Rich, Charlie, Andrew, Dave, Elaine, Linda, Mary and Carol for the best week
ever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Susan, I LOVE THE SEA OF CORTEZ!!!! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Words of Dick Long:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Our diving industry is very good at attracting people into scuba
classes. We graduate these students to become “people who dive”. They really
never learn what diving is all about. It is our opportunity to convert these
“people who dive” into “divers”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Why is that so important? Let me explain to you my personal
priorities. It is all about the ocean. The ocean controls everything on the
earth and we all know the ocean is dying. “Diving” is an art form. It is the
most intimate activity between mankind and the ocean. Divers are the humans
that do all of the diving. We are in it, and it is in us and we become part of
the ocean. The diving industry is merely the support system for all of the
divers, nothing more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Why is all of this so important? It is because divers love the
ocean and they will protect what they love. Therefore our opportunity is to
convert divers into “Evangelists for the Ocean”. It is well proven that true
evangelists can overcome incredible odds and have changed the world. Let us
create more “Ocean Evangelists!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Dora Sandovalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171073913975520748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257415051068234918.post-19156550693917183352014-05-30T09:04:00.002-07:002014-05-30T11:21:02.823-07:00Trip Report, Revillagigedo. April 30, May 10, 17 and May 20, 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roca Partida is left behind - waiting for next season</td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One more adventure</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Revillagigedo’s 2013-2014 season is over.<br /><br />So many experiences and unforgettable moments during these fantastic 7 months, more than 400 immersions in the blue and the full of life waters of Socorro, San Benedicto and Roca Partida. No doubt that Revillagigedo is one of the world´s top dive destinations.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Rocio del Mar and her crew are navigating north through the Sea of Cortez, heading to Puerto Peñasco. The vessel will be at the dock for her annual service and maintenance and be ready for her new adventure: Sea of Cortez -Northern Midriff Islands season.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQW-X-L4s2Uv7TGXJVpHFJ9OAgHRGQMa3wn6i4hN-pBbCRb8vVf5IiMmkpn5ADU4I8xWqVsSrDsbFrtGNFCQvhPBW64TWIHa_DdN7_RbeNWAvgYfl26hqGl5srVMwxf0f6KogXncmCr9W6/s1600/IMG_6178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQW-X-L4s2Uv7TGXJVpHFJ9OAgHRGQMa3wn6i4hN-pBbCRb8vVf5IiMmkpn5ADU4I8xWqVsSrDsbFrtGNFCQvhPBW64TWIHa_DdN7_RbeNWAvgYfl26hqGl5srVMwxf0f6KogXncmCr9W6/s1600/IMG_6178.jpg" height="207" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Divers approaching Roca Partida in calm seas</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2w7drTfypzY90JfYgeLzw1e8_TySUsXW-ry6iZ9xzh4Xkwl4Iqgkn8AeOSJyUPGDTIxJFx5HrZTJ8DfE7JAlJeg1_-3HIg0fgJxGibubISAye4XmiLR1WM-DNhdC7Nq4RqxDHSCHSp_-5/s1600/IMG_6189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2w7drTfypzY90JfYgeLzw1e8_TySUsXW-ry6iZ9xzh4Xkwl4Iqgkn8AeOSJyUPGDTIxJFx5HrZTJ8DfE7JAlJeg1_-3HIg0fgJxGibubISAye4XmiLR1WM-DNhdC7Nq4RqxDHSCHSp_-5/s1600/IMG_6189.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Diving is not for everybody, even less will cross half the world on international flights, get into a boat and navigate to distant islands in the Pacific Ocean where only the truly adventurous souls are willing to go. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpzcNk9CGSz-YoNpepr2BtUHYPwBgKA_Pe3r_yn_ND2cM_0xmPtKBQxwHwPQ6XpoHJiwgd3a1yNvRlqLNcYuN1pKj1L5yPEFConoSIuLX2qtXwY-9PW6t0ivjCqKmWrE2p-GNzqnFkFPDs/s1600/IMG_6230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpzcNk9CGSz-YoNpepr2BtUHYPwBgKA_Pe3r_yn_ND2cM_0xmPtKBQxwHwPQ6XpoHJiwgd3a1yNvRlqLNcYuN1pKj1L5yPEFConoSIuLX2qtXwY-9PW6t0ivjCqKmWrE2p-GNzqnFkFPDs/s1600/IMG_6230.jpg" height="220" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Dora and Lolo once had a dream. To have a diving boat and explore remote places. Living an exciting life visiting those unique dive sites where only few people have been there before and where only few ones are willing to go. The dream of true adventure. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has been like that: that is Rocio’s del Mar magic, were dreams come together. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Owners, crew and guests all sharing dreams aboard Rocio del Mar, living true adventures in the Pacific Ocean, watching unique sunrises and sunsets, experiencing the solitude of the open ocean and diving with the most amazing animals.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnGw6rXWAEL4qm8lBN8Cv3N30yk1R86SSD1RNOplp-qvMcJEnM-ZgdgDH3Zz5ZArANDqRG-qG_Ibd4MYtJsQKA9KgXLTqcRGe4LdaeZkatQvKh5caXR6tlL1NQTgfbsPUkSZAaEzCpr81z/s1600/IMG_6053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnGw6rXWAEL4qm8lBN8Cv3N30yk1R86SSD1RNOplp-qvMcJEnM-ZgdgDH3Zz5ZArANDqRG-qG_Ibd4MYtJsQKA9KgXLTqcRGe4LdaeZkatQvKh5caXR6tlL1NQTgfbsPUkSZAaEzCpr81z/s1600/IMG_6053.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoSt7COFYc48YcVgA01CrwaSulmmdX6zIMYNV8l9h8P6AydtrydQ5eutGEWTPJ6X_41P2Qut-a01yup0u-gPKUQoeycsWhaqm7Bj57wt4fdJ4hENlVAIJ_z6Dl-2wHFIcauFP5mWaofE-3/s1600/IMG_6220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoSt7COFYc48YcVgA01CrwaSulmmdX6zIMYNV8l9h8P6AydtrydQ5eutGEWTPJ6X_41P2Qut-a01yup0u-gPKUQoeycsWhaqm7Bj57wt4fdJ4hENlVAIJ_z6Dl-2wHFIcauFP5mWaofE-3/s1600/IMG_6220.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It doesn’t matter age, gender, nationality or previous experience. We all are here to dive, to explore the submerged blue world of Revillagigedo, facing some times wind and strong currents but always with a smile and that spark in the eyes before jumping into the water. Looking to have close encounters with unique marine life: giant mantas, sharks, big schools of fishes, tunas, dolphins and of course humpback whales.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roberto DM, during general briefing</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sun deck ready for steak dinner in Socorro</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dodihLO2AkTH0aceB6SIAkxzDwWtEk5dhVZFwcBfMagubjJ2GQqbLzmQ3aUTIUtdTGRuM82qcvuskdiCcBT3p24HsiFXV1w4PSlsFUDUPh23uZ-3IFmYdNyb9i2lBxv8LVltBGXnt-rl/s1600/IMG_20140430_211055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dodihLO2AkTH0aceB6SIAkxzDwWtEk5dhVZFwcBfMagubjJ2GQqbLzmQ3aUTIUtdTGRuM82qcvuskdiCcBT3p24HsiFXV1w4PSlsFUDUPh23uZ-3IFmYdNyb9i2lBxv8LVltBGXnt-rl/s1600/IMG_20140430_211055.jpg" height="320" width="276" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Food is always good ... thank you Poncho and Joshua</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our last three trips to Revillagigedo have been like that: pure magic, making dreams come true. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fantastic guests from the United Sates, UK, México, Canada, France, Germany, Austria and Israel traveling lots of hours to be here with us.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGivHIlyvCoC0NvydhU1fp-wyZq4jorXg_IBFYPb6l4R5w1TS9NTPvtSXX029keMqCwwnxLt9ZFGpvJWZ7Exx_U6pA8BKzM6C6tXYgpDrE29NFy4hOcoZ1472CYb4rjIUGQyitkj8QRwib/s1600/IMG_6236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGivHIlyvCoC0NvydhU1fp-wyZq4jorXg_IBFYPb6l4R5w1TS9NTPvtSXX029keMqCwwnxLt9ZFGpvJWZ7Exx_U6pA8BKzM6C6tXYgpDrE29NFy4hOcoZ1472CYb4rjIUGQyitkj8QRwib/s1600/IMG_6236.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matt and Joane's wedding anniversary</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0hoSUlUiiRBPkBNDphrDP84JkFgTTBLGKa55Pw58fqfAIU4X5zCkCPxGcMLATdcac4_nljdvDAxkz3m_MxTXMKFaFXq05arIS2qZg_nfnGr7ZbXQOPr-97k_x_ZrE9hWf8dnadusF0MBZ/s1600/IMG_6238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0hoSUlUiiRBPkBNDphrDP84JkFgTTBLGKa55Pw58fqfAIU4X5zCkCPxGcMLATdcac4_nljdvDAxkz3m_MxTXMKFaFXq05arIS2qZg_nfnGr7ZbXQOPr-97k_x_ZrE9hWf8dnadusF0MBZ/s1600/IMG_6238.jpg" height="215" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matt and Bryan's honey moon</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmwYnwP73fNDgD7N9YnFcpT0tFDtu7VQGIr-IlCUvk7HiU4wQLhP2JP1K4l3XFWOatr1lMvPgHIXSfv5hyVOfaydZMNcSg0b_vtqrwjgTFvHvion6_8fnY_r7FgO0Qfj2JRg3Uq4IgBQ2C/s1600/IMG_6222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmwYnwP73fNDgD7N9YnFcpT0tFDtu7VQGIr-IlCUvk7HiU4wQLhP2JP1K4l3XFWOatr1lMvPgHIXSfv5hyVOfaydZMNcSg0b_vtqrwjgTFvHvion6_8fnY_r7FgO0Qfj2JRg3Uq4IgBQ2C/s1600/IMG_6222.jpg" height="219" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Debbie's engagement during the trip</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rocio del Mar was the love boat: we celebrated with our guests Matt and Brian’s honey moon, Debbie and Matthiew’s engagement and Matthew and Joanne’s wedding anniversary.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Diving was fantastic: almost all dives with at least one manta playing with divers, but most of the times we had three, four, even six mantas with us. It was incredible how since the checkout dive mantas were around us and even during the safety stop they came along with us asking to please stay longer playing with them.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emma's birthday cake</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Piñata celebrating birthdays</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_JpEmo-pehtP4_V9jSLJ0Ao-9sxImcRweK1QejaIi20aMYSfpXNiVSeLgxL-8DEz-1dWeZJybaPJgD1C6B6qO9huOVLHA-UplTqNuS3FqK42eu763w7CJPkn22ATMjpUMs_oXPBp_qJa/s1600/IMG_6207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_JpEmo-pehtP4_V9jSLJ0Ao-9sxImcRweK1QejaIi20aMYSfpXNiVSeLgxL-8DEz-1dWeZJybaPJgD1C6B6qO9huOVLHA-UplTqNuS3FqK42eu763w7CJPkn22ATMjpUMs_oXPBp_qJa/s1600/IMG_6207.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ9rszyzobwJQJ0WLC9ikOj5tp9WVjxhNMwvZSL2fn6xduLL0IaF2Nst4AwKO-Fb_AXl_2n9XTjZOAbNdvqyqUPbBEwWwsiTn9XNJpHCk7_zoiVH6nkgDo4WMICHIeZWuGtp6xe_klGp8g/s1600/DSCF5183.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ9rszyzobwJQJ0WLC9ikOj5tp9WVjxhNMwvZSL2fn6xduLL0IaF2Nst4AwKO-Fb_AXl_2n9XTjZOAbNdvqyqUPbBEwWwsiTn9XNJpHCk7_zoiVH6nkgDo4WMICHIeZWuGtp6xe_klGp8g/s1600/DSCF5183.png" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks Steve for this photo with Guarani DM</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had many encounters with curious and friendly dolphins talking to divers and literally dancing underwater in a big party of camera flashes, smiles and bubbles.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Roca Partida has been exceptional. The usual: huge schools of black jacks, big eye trevallies and cotton mouth jacks. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recently we have seen more activity and presence of the stars of the rock: Silvertip sharks schooling, Galapagos sharks racing with yellow fin tunas to catch their dinner, silkie sharks during the safety stops and always around divers were schools of hammerheads making divers hearts jump with each close encounter. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzU1b11pDYPjgJpDajOsqv_Y6ie6UjLUyCFaDWdgyjXDZkynAdYJOoIh4NbHhyphenhyphenWndYchF8dCdjpoS3MVtLlF7mcd5SpzX-hEN6lR3suQTPt_4yp_y6TTvMqWIQxx4lc2vhwq2s3SYLrOT-/s1600/DSCF5259a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzU1b11pDYPjgJpDajOsqv_Y6ie6UjLUyCFaDWdgyjXDZkynAdYJOoIh4NbHhyphenhyphenWndYchF8dCdjpoS3MVtLlF7mcd5SpzX-hEN6lR3suQTPt_4yp_y6TTvMqWIQxx4lc2vhwq2s3SYLrOT-/s1600/DSCF5259a.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great moments with Dolphins in Socorro (Steve)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has been an exceptional season. <br />Our last dive of the season at Cabo Pearce in Socorro island a big whale shark came to say good bye to us waving his tale before he disappeared in the blue.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Hurricane Amanda made us leave Revillagigedo sooner than expected and we finished our last trip diving in Cerralvo island, Espiritu Santo island with sea lions colonies and our last day diving in Cabo Pulmo Marine Park with bull sharks, mobulas and a last sight of a humpback whale on the surface.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Julio and Ever always having fun</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christinne and Klaus during suface interval</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anne Marie from UK</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We want to thank Mother Nature for gifting us with so many positive experiences and the opportunity of seeing true wild life. It gives hope. We all are part of it. We all are committed to protecting our oceans. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But especially we want to thank all of our guests. With out you it wouldn’t be possible to make all of these dreams come true.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have been very happy to share those dreams with all of you and thank you for sharing with us those special life moments: Honeymoons, marriage anniversaries, engagements and birthdays. Thank you for letting us be part of your life and dreams.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />We will always be happy to see you again diving with us, you will always be part of our family and Rocio Del Mar magic.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">… see you in our next adventure on the Sea of Cortez …to keep making dreams come true</span></div>
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Dora Sandovalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171073913975520748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257415051068234918.post-312084812549990112014-04-09T14:10:00.002-07:002014-04-09T16:01:19.763-07:00Trip Report, Revillagigedo. March 17 and March 31, 2014<br />
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<b>Celebrating life! </b><br />
Rocio del Mar just completed two amazing trips to Revillagigedo archipelago.<br />
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Definitely a wonderful way to be close to nature and true wild life.<br />
Sharks, mantas, dolphins, whales all of them are free, are not trained, not baited and gifted divers with magic moments interacting with them, taking pictures and video, swimming together ... celebrating life in the place where life in this planet started: THE OCEAN.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDjiC7JnbXLCM8q-6kOKHskdjO2vPkm8WNvIetDj7AwzSw1Eyv40jPdUhf_eK4ppTKq-GZslT9HIXmhfMNnH5aWLrk3vn2IyJ5JJZjMTKsQPj5f-80QPCtqR3pe6bazVOp1gS7BYAQdmj/s1600/IMG_5915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDjiC7JnbXLCM8q-6kOKHskdjO2vPkm8WNvIetDj7AwzSw1Eyv40jPdUhf_eK4ppTKq-GZslT9HIXmhfMNnH5aWLrk3vn2IyJ5JJZjMTKsQPj5f-80QPCtqR3pe6bazVOp1gS7BYAQdmj/s1600/IMG_5915.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a>We had a 13 day trip from March 17 to 29 with a fantastic group of divers from the UK. Some of them already dove with us in the Sea of Cortez, now visiting for the first time Revillagigedo.<br />
The next regular 9 day trip from March 31 to April 9 we had an international group from Poland, Germany, Quebec, US and Canarias. <br />
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It was very nice to see old friends and passengers aboard again, diving with us after a couple of years (some of them visiting for the 3rd time Revillagigedo) and some others doing their second trip in this same season!!. </div>
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We really want to thank you all for choosing Rocio del Mar and to allowing us to be part of your life experiences, celebrating birthdays, marriage anniversaries and more. </div>
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In the last two weeks the mantas at San Benedicto Island were unusually friendly. Divers know that the mantas at the Boiler dive site are famous for being friendly, but honestly these past weeks they have been closer to divers than ever, hovering on top of the bubbles just a few centimeters above divers heads, swimming with all of us for 4 hours in 4 fantastic dives.</div>
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When we asked our passengers what they wanted to see, most of them answered "humpback whales". Everybody knows winter is good for humpback whales in this area of the pacific ocean. Whales swim long distances from the arctic to give birth and mate in Revillagigedo and in other areas of the mexican coast line. We see them all the time on the surface breaching, hitting their tales and pectoral fins constantly, swimming peacefully with their calf around the boat. Sometimes they are shy and very protective with their babies, swimming away from divers, but during these past weeks, since the babies are getting bigger their whale mothers are more confident and we have been seeing them underwater. Snorkeling and swimming together having more and more encounters on scuba. All groups saw, at least once, whales underwater. Some snorkeling, some on scuba, but everybody was really happy. They came to see whales and the whales were spectacular! Socorro island could be named "whale island".<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq6d0waE2VaQ1KfWf6zVcnC8faIXvZU9l1zx_gQ-zVZDn0NHTW_WZTkYI4ncxOBVlpP-oUx2v6tBija-MaH_bcfplxty83hbKhkb54YOpnGx8-wQI9WJV9LbiaBlLC7RTsIqfkbIr3JGtB/s1600/DSC_0219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq6d0waE2VaQ1KfWf6zVcnC8faIXvZU9l1zx_gQ-zVZDn0NHTW_WZTkYI4ncxOBVlpP-oUx2v6tBija-MaH_bcfplxty83hbKhkb54YOpnGx8-wQI9WJV9LbiaBlLC7RTsIqfkbIr3JGtB/s1600/DSC_0219.jpg" height="253" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Calf <span style="text-align: start;">breaching at Socorro</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMUQv1H4lIFuUVPE4ZVopDwlY0isKxCZnEDcz6qslnXNut1pKNq_Pxs6Zd87m4YhnVCT0-9HdFqcG1WRCRmI3wsF8FnGyfJznzsyrJmVOfy8-O8UWPlZl-15cbvDSAT3kyzVlkrjJX9Gc/s1600/IMG_6082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMUQv1H4lIFuUVPE4ZVopDwlY0isKxCZnEDcz6qslnXNut1pKNq_Pxs6Zd87m4YhnVCT0-9HdFqcG1WRCRmI3wsF8FnGyfJznzsyrJmVOfy8-O8UWPlZl-15cbvDSAT3kyzVlkrjJX9Gc/s1600/IMG_6082.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big humpback whale near Punta Tosca in Socorro</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmP4A1e-aPZZaeovr0eclZaDzxcoqFzIa5TcsWP85ZQGUqe39jZnBESommj_PhJIM-i9AH19x8AsEmmpaJgcuzDpirhE-TvDQhMByBoMM-ZMUYaPdqV1lpv1kCCGGyl5x91cKtvLORzn9D/s1600/IMG_6071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmP4A1e-aPZZaeovr0eclZaDzxcoqFzIa5TcsWP85ZQGUqe39jZnBESommj_PhJIM-i9AH19x8AsEmmpaJgcuzDpirhE-TvDQhMByBoMM-ZMUYaPdqV1lpv1kCCGGyl5x91cKtvLORzn9D/s1600/IMG_6071.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kasia from Poland on whale watching and snorkeling afternoon</td></tr>
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Roca Partida, as usual, was full of surprises. It's impossible to get tired of diving around this small rock in the middle of the ocean. So much life around it all the time. <br />
One dive we saw six of the seven shark species that can be found in Revillagigedo. Isn't it amazing?<br />
Big schools of hammerhead sharks constantly around the rock, this time shallower than previous weeks, getting really close to divers.<br />
Big Galapagos sharks swimming slow, moving silently among divers. Groups of 4 fat silver tip sharks came and went again and again. White tip sharks resting in the terraces and swimming around. Silkie sharks chasing a school of barriletes (<i>Euthynnus lineatus</i>) and suddenly coming from nowhere a friendly whale shark. He was happy around the rock, we saw it on at least three dives and he posed for pictures and video. It was amazing!<br />
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Spending vacations aboard Rocío del Mar is more than excellent dives and marine life encounters. <br />
We also had great time together with, fantastic food and celebrations.<br />
Jim had his 700th dive at the Boiler in San Benedicto Island.<br />
Stuart celebrated his birthday with us during our traditional mexican carne asada night with delicious tacos, spicy sauce and nopales (cactus salad).<br />
Iwona and Jerzy were celebrating their 32nd wedding anniversary.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mexican taco dinner with UK divers</td></tr>
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Alicja and Janusz together have 104 years of diving and were visiting one more time this amazing dive destination: Revillagigedo.<br />
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Alicja (Ala) with 50 years of diving and Janusz 54 years of diving shared with divers and Rocio del Mar crew their experiences, their passion for diving and photography. They are the polish national champions of underwater navigation and shared with us some of their diving history and images. We learned from them that it is always a good time to dive, to travel, to get fascinated with nature's wonders and it is never too late to learn something new, to have a new experience in life, or to meet new people and make new friends from around the world.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdr-Ebw9Ees98rpD1R7qT_-gLdLYf0660JQv6-6VpRaU3sex10HnrVzK1i2_RllzDani6R_TBtCCEojUbvyFCV21Epn4MwdOxgoeP_vNTSCdsITO7bJ03AKLG0s4wMNT2n5IamculxXHfh/s1600/IMG_6066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdr-Ebw9Ees98rpD1R7qT_-gLdLYf0660JQv6-6VpRaU3sex10HnrVzK1i2_RllzDani6R_TBtCCEojUbvyFCV21Epn4MwdOxgoeP_vNTSCdsITO7bJ03AKLG0s4wMNT2n5IamculxXHfh/s1600/IMG_6066.jpg" height="140" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ralph and Jurgen from Germany</td></tr>
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To all of our passengers, THANK YOU! It was a pleasure to have you all aboard Rocio del Mar, we hope to see you again after some years and to share great dives together. We hope to see you again soon.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-TQdjkrrBu5evZdRAKlBmPQ6aVw9nYGZym2fFaO5FfEg-oUm7ibAFDQ3D69IcezIHuZc1sBzHM8e6WeLJZH2Wzms_wnJHVd9dhdvbf5ObSCZm2pAhYskTNQ0lvqKbpsuXiiuth7uQgFi/s1600/IMG_6067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-TQdjkrrBu5evZdRAKlBmPQ6aVw9nYGZym2fFaO5FfEg-oUm7ibAFDQ3D69IcezIHuZc1sBzHM8e6WeLJZH2Wzms_wnJHVd9dhdvbf5ObSCZm2pAhYskTNQ0lvqKbpsuXiiuth7uQgFi/s1600/IMG_6067.jpg" height="320" width="272" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mario and Yves from Quebec</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUzgI6K4uyksCpqPuJgswxaCEUdNitle_lnF5OR_QCSySN0YMJtFBAJx3bm7EKujgOhh6x2Ahg2rokKhv-n88GartVWPIvuzCv2nx05-78skdVNe-HZIhzaAB7ByLF6NDBewnkDQl0DYAJ/s1600/IMG_6068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUzgI6K4uyksCpqPuJgswxaCEUdNitle_lnF5OR_QCSySN0YMJtFBAJx3bm7EKujgOhh6x2Ahg2rokKhv-n88GartVWPIvuzCv2nx05-78skdVNe-HZIhzaAB7ByLF6NDBewnkDQl0DYAJ/s1600/IMG_6068.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mexican, Polish, German and Diving flags</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQmOOTH-igiwedCfR108eoiPxujgPkLYsDwXXUVkPZ9a1YBLO9IMxXv7tw0TCqwhohm6whm3SKcUeOyxziRYMTtLpZP3VynWTRDrqS9Obqk6AF_Ao6thL9LgSEEZpsWxnwSg_Vb1IS0FH/s1600/IMG_6139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQmOOTH-igiwedCfR108eoiPxujgPkLYsDwXXUVkPZ9a1YBLO9IMxXv7tw0TCqwhohm6whm3SKcUeOyxziRYMTtLpZP3VynWTRDrqS9Obqk6AF_Ao6thL9LgSEEZpsWxnwSg_Vb1IS0FH/s1600/IMG_6139.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy faces after the last dive in San Benedicto</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdRPqR9UKw7i2tzj71FXruY610oYL4VfqXfLtDBFsgBSCt6Re-eIlpw5juyYRDEFf8jQRjiIVL9WwdqkGNJ2jZjBSs-TAVF0nnbXTQQOPTntBMoWSKHAZIST-FEKfhzJf_96SIxlnoU73L/s1600/IMG_5874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdRPqR9UKw7i2tzj71FXruY610oYL4VfqXfLtDBFsgBSCt6Re-eIlpw5juyYRDEFf8jQRjiIVL9WwdqkGNJ2jZjBSs-TAVF0nnbXTQQOPTntBMoWSKHAZIST-FEKfhzJf_96SIxlnoU73L/s1600/IMG_5874.jpg" height="320" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steve wanted to stay with us driving a "panga"</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibljFtN34VjIbQgSzqrYD3rzxpg6RIJ6TV-fO__Pi9yrifSXltE3guPjXNVKLyIsD5nBKm97SJwo-POS_PklH8d3QCzMW-DrlPyakltll4Q_6Rhsp90PfSO2meWnUj4koXh1hq3NzRynl7/s1600/DSC_0362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibljFtN34VjIbQgSzqrYD3rzxpg6RIJ6TV-fO__Pi9yrifSXltE3guPjXNVKLyIsD5nBKm97SJwo-POS_PklH8d3QCzMW-DrlPyakltll4Q_6Rhsp90PfSO2meWnUj4koXh1hq3NzRynl7/s1600/DSC_0362.jpg" height="194" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little rest between dives</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOcIscwJJfoK4NJEBn_Dy3DI59tuhOrbOU09XOBxvNg4ZPSIogVdodktirrhTraiNbnwNN_m9uCyMztm7_BiKPuKGEWFJcG0-J7T8tTfD_Q2RDBMWzFkjGLen6Kl3BGdUkWL0oyVkMCGs/s1600/IMG_6092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOcIscwJJfoK4NJEBn_Dy3DI59tuhOrbOU09XOBxvNg4ZPSIogVdodktirrhTraiNbnwNN_m9uCyMztm7_BiKPuKGEWFJcG0-J7T8tTfD_Q2RDBMWzFkjGLen6Kl3BGdUkWL0oyVkMCGs/s1600/IMG_6092.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delicious rib-eye on the grill</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4VwB2T8jwB8y1R_D7U0Xvi3LvwC6-KlMpxmR40MJ50jnmf2s2TKmu34KL113-2gg3RGCHUHRMB3X1WuEivDSzfAAYJ6UqEDzsuL4OtnZOAoOfDGjItUFGSo9B6EyKMs5StJJRWOQx_6xP/s1600/DSC_0355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4VwB2T8jwB8y1R_D7U0Xvi3LvwC6-KlMpxmR40MJ50jnmf2s2TKmu34KL113-2gg3RGCHUHRMB3X1WuEivDSzfAAYJ6UqEDzsuL4OtnZOAoOfDGjItUFGSo9B6EyKMs5StJJRWOQx_6xP/s1600/DSC_0355.jpg" height="222" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gilberto briefing divers</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Next some pictures courtesy of Alicja and Januz:</span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdwLVK5YwlYiPfmS33QWyC8bYpmuKUlNBP-AXn5hP75x4oOfOGJiCY36FhsGwpzFAVqspKNkjRzWeuVl5iYp0U-OaE2i2fslzGve62HJbmuN1_uJdmcmm9C3fAkBAurvq_mpZ6D4z-wRh-/s1600/ala_januz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdwLVK5YwlYiPfmS33QWyC8bYpmuKUlNBP-AXn5hP75x4oOfOGJiCY36FhsGwpzFAVqspKNkjRzWeuVl5iYp0U-OaE2i2fslzGve62HJbmuN1_uJdmcmm9C3fAkBAurvq_mpZ6D4z-wRh-/s1600/ala_januz.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ala and Januz diving in San Benedicto</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirB71bWNul5BpoAySqGf0YMag_ZULqQIWxtXybqkUxjYubTfc4fqn30szjM02xIamx3GWqzE1Z-_Lc7sbGnq3eJsTAgLyrk5MU7iHknePQV1U6beOMzIyQnxQ-lZgYzuajbJV2-5yqt95b/s1600/Scan0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirB71bWNul5BpoAySqGf0YMag_ZULqQIWxtXybqkUxjYubTfc4fqn30szjM02xIamx3GWqzE1Z-_Lc7sbGnq3eJsTAgLyrk5MU7iHknePQV1U6beOMzIyQnxQ-lZgYzuajbJV2-5yqt95b/s1600/Scan0001.jpg" height="400" width="275" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alicja - 50 years of diving</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi47AmAug33F280Y8tBQnA3yI5cFtRZnYImpZunLZYw4rQ1_7gi6Bf6a6_ecdG6r198XoWt8XHJ5oZWIOOAinaPOPDlYsG-1dCOw6Ji5FqnD5Rj56vJOeQWrvUT6GZjYJqCJYOCxcNuUyB7/s1600/img042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi47AmAug33F280Y8tBQnA3yI5cFtRZnYImpZunLZYw4rQ1_7gi6Bf6a6_ecdG6r198XoWt8XHJ5oZWIOOAinaPOPDlYsG-1dCOw6Ji5FqnD5Rj56vJOeQWrvUT6GZjYJqCJYOCxcNuUyB7/s1600/img042.jpg" height="252" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Januz - 54 years diving</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiz7Ye31SKWpx07Jv5i6xzh1WxY2gb1qci7Pw7_jyghbbNpKywsHerSRl8rI37po4o9dNLssMDibMwlu90tri7X02o9UwaTFgihx4VDXklwkIQEDmA8JF9vrXnALLCCqgfLMITRv_xrhRk/s1600/DSC00370.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiz7Ye31SKWpx07Jv5i6xzh1WxY2gb1qci7Pw7_jyghbbNpKywsHerSRl8rI37po4o9dNLssMDibMwlu90tri7X02o9UwaTFgihx4VDXklwkIQEDmA8JF9vrXnALLCCqgfLMITRv_xrhRk/s1600/DSC00370.jpeg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alicja and Januz, current national underwater navigation champions</td></tr>
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One, two, three, four, five, six, seven ... we lost count of how many times a humpback whale was breaching right before us and then a few minutes later another and another .... it was amazing!<br />
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The past two weeks Rocio del Mar completed two trips to Revillagigedo Islands. Mantas (<i>Manta birostris</i>) have been very active around divers: great memories, great pictures, great dives, but the best, many smiles ... that's our best reward.<br />
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We were very happy to receive passengers from China, Singapore, Italy, Brasil, México, Canada and different cities from the United States. Everybody had an extraordinary time.<br />
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As usual we first visited San Benedicto Island. The 5 star dive sites "El Boiler" and "El Cañon" gave us incredible moments: In a single day two tiger shark (<i>Galeocerdo cuvier</i>)sightings, humpback whale (<i>Megaptera novaeangliae</i>) encounters on scuba, mantas (<i>Manta birostris</i>) on almost all dives. But please read carefully: these mantas were enjoying being close to divers, they really wanted to hang out with us and their were 4, 5 or 6 of them in a single dive for more than 50 minutes "flying" above us. It was magical!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz4xOmU1cR7CgMztycW_EEZWnMCkvbWLZAvqGGf4c-No650LnIIk4WL0xLyn_gsIO9Vly7hY4BC_2MgfQn2AwLMkHozUZoIx84xRvrUqXhNjYRU61O4g7T7yT8JZtXmGpBHlsgAdESXUFn/s1600/IMG_5656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz4xOmU1cR7CgMztycW_EEZWnMCkvbWLZAvqGGf4c-No650LnIIk4WL0xLyn_gsIO9Vly7hY4BC_2MgfQn2AwLMkHozUZoIx84xRvrUqXhNjYRU61O4g7T7yT8JZtXmGpBHlsgAdESXUFn/s1600/IMG_5656.jpg" height="320" width="235" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winnie with her nemo lucky hood. <br />
She saw a humpback whale on scuba</td></tr>
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These trips were not only good for diving. Our passengers really felt at home and shared good moments with Poncho (our chef) cooking different dishes from Singapore and China.<br />
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Our next stop was in Socorro Island. We enjoyed mantas, silver tip sharks, hammer head sharks diving at Cabo Pearce. Mantas were all over the dive site: at 15 feet, at 70 feet, we even saw one asking us to play at 90 feet.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeb8fBK3FFWO8BK2QjSvnmil-FNXxk6V4scwEYv_ncqUzSwrEAQydu5emgcpc2y7hZ4nLs8M9Gx8Un7JifX8sPSBTy2GgTw7ubHi9t5KAxY50GMtRxYw0cmCxKdoGQZ32Gg_QPAj24LKUE/s1600/IMG_5727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeb8fBK3FFWO8BK2QjSvnmil-FNXxk6V4scwEYv_ncqUzSwrEAQydu5emgcpc2y7hZ4nLs8M9Gx8Un7JifX8sPSBTy2GgTw7ubHi9t5KAxY50GMtRxYw0cmCxKdoGQZ32Gg_QPAj24LKUE/s1600/IMG_5727.jpg" height="209" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8rLHD0Ju7qMr_n89F7z_vx_8JW1ocR2Lu-V7hSTbAbsTZHQDZanBIAUOJpg-NDj-KaI_DeJfqRLZfjY8yT2U7yX3EaxL9xrpU0wOUVQPxwYgsgRW0z0XtbdJg8VnLunnxxdTt3Ho3c6C-/s1600/IMG_5703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8rLHD0Ju7qMr_n89F7z_vx_8JW1ocR2Lu-V7hSTbAbsTZHQDZanBIAUOJpg-NDj-KaI_DeJfqRLZfjY8yT2U7yX3EaxL9xrpU0wOUVQPxwYgsgRW0z0XtbdJg8VnLunnxxdTt3Ho3c6C-/s1600/IMG_5703.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>Our final stop was at Roca Partida. This tiny rock in the middle of the Pacific is a giant dive site. It is for sure one of the best dive sites in the world. It is difficult to believe the variety of species and high density of their population around this rock. </div>
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But the best is that in a single day of diving it is possible to see at least 5 of the 7 species of sharks that inhabit the Revillagigedo Archipelago.</div>
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Hammerhead sharks were at peace swimming around 90 feet and we had the chance to see big schools of them around the island several times.<br />
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Besides great dives we also had great weather. </div>
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We spent two days at Roca Partida on each trip and enjoyed fabulous food on the top deck celebrating mexican taco nights and sharing with our guests one mexican tradition: the Piñata. It is common in México to celebrate birthday parties with a piñata full of candies and a delicious cake.</div>
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We believe everybody had a great time and filled their expectations of marine life encounters. Weather was great and we expect to keep having these great conditions during the following trips.<br />
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We want to thank all our passengers who dove with us and shared all these great memories. It is our purpose to make you all feel like home during your 9 days visiting these great islands full of life and magic.<br />
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We hope to see you back again aboard the Rocio del Mar.<br />
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<br />Dora Sandovalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171073913975520748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257415051068234918.post-49245990082051536922013-12-05T11:10:00.001-07:002013-12-16T12:13:14.289-07:00Trip Report, Rocío del Mar. Revillagigedo. Nov 22 to Dec 1, 2013<h4>
Rocio del Mar is back to Revillagigedo!!! </h4>
Fantastic weather, good visibility ,79 F degree water temperature and lots of pelagic life to see!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLjaP8ZRyMyHvaKDYKArIiHXXd6paqi85EW9ECRsQaoUlAg9MbgoqBZrf-utSO82EwAg4Z4yW77TZGVHpt5nd0x4BlPN49Z-snJrZ9MMyionnz7pGA0qqDuGGCDsNMd3HHw8Ramh7fqt_A/s1600/IMG_4898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLjaP8ZRyMyHvaKDYKArIiHXXd6paqi85EW9ECRsQaoUlAg9MbgoqBZrf-utSO82EwAg4Z4yW77TZGVHpt5nd0x4BlPN49Z-snJrZ9MMyionnz7pGA0qqDuGGCDsNMd3HHw8Ramh7fqt_A/s320/IMG_4898.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy to be back to Revillagigedo ... new season 2013-2014</td></tr>
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This trip we enjoyed diving with a very nice group. Divers and friends coming from different parts of the world, different jobs, different ages, but all of us meeting with one single objective: our passion for the ocean, our wish to see giant mantas, sharks, and take with us life time memories and lots of pictures!<br />
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Danny, Kelly, Angelo, Phil, Brandon, Patrick and Holly all from the US were diving together with Guarani. Lanny, Peter L, and Peter R, from Netherlands, Baptiste, Time from the US and Alex and Marc from Barcelona were diving in group B with Gil. And Roberto, our new dive master dove with Elliot, John, Bill, Ruth, Cindy, Patrick and Brooke.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUAowod1uA_pW7hKoP6s_q6wiiWPjAoOW4aeUKvq5ea68Q08SHze-Jfz-jBAplWxXqksGKg8KhMq_RvpjFnqjQk_NeA3g5sGxNJVTIaSVTFZ7MVAXwsasjEYYdWtqjreO5Q6dUZ9G919NO/s1600/IMG_4846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUAowod1uA_pW7hKoP6s_q6wiiWPjAoOW4aeUKvq5ea68Q08SHze-Jfz-jBAplWxXqksGKg8KhMq_RvpjFnqjQk_NeA3g5sGxNJVTIaSVTFZ7MVAXwsasjEYYdWtqjreO5Q6dUZ9G919NO/s320/IMG_4846.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice crossing to Revillagigedo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwljo0Q59Bypj6aay5XCahGrjPWn84tW6RpELN_EHOMuM3tlGUjDhkp2UkFRH-7h3i23TBAbGZoYk_qSt971zzSo_SGnAVJPnSMCrWJFEo58d1JEvnHQgpuqtnacM7f3Dxw0-tnRxYXWqx/s1600/IMG_4837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwljo0Q59Bypj6aay5XCahGrjPWn84tW6RpELN_EHOMuM3tlGUjDhkp2UkFRH-7h3i23TBAbGZoYk_qSt971zzSo_SGnAVJPnSMCrWJFEo58d1JEvnHQgpuqtnacM7f3Dxw0-tnRxYXWqx/s320/IMG_4837.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dive teams</td></tr>
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Crossing was smooth and we had wonderful weather. Poncho cooked fantastic food and vegetarian passengers on board were very happy with the different choices Poncho had for them. Actually some of the meet eaters changed to vegetarian choice during the trip! Great job Poncho!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaoMM7Pb-52lFSWKppvnFLkbNJATILPv3IydSPFPmegwmZrVonDNFMbZOkQ09uJOmqBjC1CvQa0oMsGy-BPEjvOnTK0kTocbNZmronyoLX7EaeusDLPjXdVOcR7P3_ad9k-cp44kqzi5P4/s1600/IMG_4835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaoMM7Pb-52lFSWKppvnFLkbNJATILPv3IydSPFPmegwmZrVonDNFMbZOkQ09uJOmqBjC1CvQa0oMsGy-BPEjvOnTK0kTocbNZmronyoLX7EaeusDLPjXdVOcR7P3_ad9k-cp44kqzi5P4/s320/IMG_4835.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gear ready to dive: 6.45 a.m.</td></tr>
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Finally after about 26 hours we arrived to San Benedicto Island, one checkout dive with turtles, white tip sharks (<i>Triaenodon obesus</i>) and giant lobsters at "Las Cuevitas" and we moved to "El Boiler" to dive with 3 fantastic and friendly Giant Mantas (<i>Manta Birostris</i>)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLDosMnx5l7-6TjdwPX-Abe1CaUQ5skOJ55zTdv6wKA22hcE7RrL-2btgkuq_-0RsWGInOftlJL8907RyDvHKU4PLSMpQMuDRbee9lI7LVgVymbWboVetN1mHQTCmaGy4RJDaK1ZjgGy9/s1600/IMG_0097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLDosMnx5l7-6TjdwPX-Abe1CaUQ5skOJ55zTdv6wKA22hcE7RrL-2btgkuq_-0RsWGInOftlJL8907RyDvHKU4PLSMpQMuDRbee9lI7LVgVymbWboVetN1mHQTCmaGy4RJDaK1ZjgGy9/s320/IMG_0097.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friendly mantas at El Boiler, San Benedicto, Revillagigedo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSzz3er4vVdbcuL7uCMdEcHB9F9K1FxVWld-4qaJRikdMAOgKabm3gjvM8yJ91oap-GAlEdbCENirm3iz-liwWP2am_bG_q5H1Z0L-3YSWckGeL-EmTEHNq0hLSvF3iIxV8KC-ogpKPn3n/s1600/IMG_4841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSzz3er4vVdbcuL7uCMdEcHB9F9K1FxVWld-4qaJRikdMAOgKabm3gjvM8yJ91oap-GAlEdbCENirm3iz-liwWP2am_bG_q5H1Z0L-3YSWckGeL-EmTEHNq0hLSvF3iIxV8KC-ogpKPn3n/s320/IMG_4841.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Storm near Socorro Island, Revillagigedo</td></tr>
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Our captain Lolo advised for some wind and rain the next days so we moved to Socorro during the night. "Cabo Pearce" was incredible. Mantas coming on each dive, small groups of hammerheads (<em>Sphyrna lewini)</em>, silver tip sharks (<i>Carcharhinus albimarginatus</i>), octopus, lobsters, and more! The following day we moved to Punta Tosca, it had less activity but still some divers saw dolphins, mantas and more sharks!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqkLhBhVRbfazYa91O4Je_TNm5f17d2htGqPa-x-y1E2c8gSnuVeDzScdUYMhxR1G6zvVxd60X51AFY0Cs9Woy8Rq42Qo6-YfnOlKdYOlua6vVqAGyu_-vyrpViFPeutT5X-QwoZ6xrZVk/s1600/IMG_4861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqkLhBhVRbfazYa91O4Je_TNm5f17d2htGqPa-x-y1E2c8gSnuVeDzScdUYMhxR1G6zvVxd60X51AFY0Cs9Woy8Rq42Qo6-YfnOlKdYOlua6vVqAGyu_-vyrpViFPeutT5X-QwoZ6xrZVk/s320/IMG_4861.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Divers approaching to Punta Tosca, Socorro Island.</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiduzGIKblX4kh86qhHFe9WwfOf6pRfj-n-ZR2EwddCFwmOpHbEFlNL0GujT_IgKt2iqiU38QT3Z0_Cv0PRMWXWU8XDYKtl8KShP87iOqM1N0lCOeFwO9A3ovmztZg96GRCusPNK4E76LlI/s1600/IMG_0101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiduzGIKblX4kh86qhHFe9WwfOf6pRfj-n-ZR2EwddCFwmOpHbEFlNL0GujT_IgKt2iqiU38QT3Z0_Cv0PRMWXWU8XDYKtl8KShP87iOqM1N0lCOeFwO9A3ovmztZg96GRCusPNK4E76LlI/s320/IMG_0101.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kelly getting close to Galapagos sharks</td></tr>
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Third day of diving we arrived to Roca Partida. Slow first dives, but with the sun shinning we started to see huge schools of hammerheads (<em>Sphyrna lewini)</em>, big Galapagos sharks (<i>Carcharhinus galapagensis)</i>, tunas, green jacks hunting small sandia´s fishes. It was amazing!!</div>
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But the best was still to come ....</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinLnibZ_XaTVM8gOLKgk5bbrsC2qj-fVFMTIWWtGv68s7YGXxXqUR4C0y1SwVJ_0RSNTnitBP2B28nlT4JYjIitfDr2p_ScutgwM9YDv0UeqrJjJeF3M5_deGDWjRILupVlE4SajwT7ov4/s1600/IMG_4859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinLnibZ_XaTVM8gOLKgk5bbrsC2qj-fVFMTIWWtGv68s7YGXxXqUR4C0y1SwVJ_0RSNTnitBP2B28nlT4JYjIitfDr2p_ScutgwM9YDv0UeqrJjJeF3M5_deGDWjRILupVlE4SajwT7ov4/s320/IMG_4859.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good dives! Hammerheads!</td></tr>
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We spent the night at Roca Partida and it couldn't be better. The ocean was like a pool. Not wind at all, and silky sharks (<i>Carcharhinus falciformis</i>) came close to the boat to eat dinner :-)</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiwQHz5wWwwF6EZqybCLi_LZIVMqES1zXwaEziaUk8fMgfpSyQ7hVbnrvYNnBB1OB1JYV5P-nGrBonneErh7TdRmZOss3vU5wptKYTJlQtENv0mFWvjeHWs4Scvt_hFy6sgYa79vn_S981/s1600/IMG_4882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiwQHz5wWwwF6EZqybCLi_LZIVMqES1zXwaEziaUk8fMgfpSyQ7hVbnrvYNnBB1OB1JYV5P-nGrBonneErh7TdRmZOss3vU5wptKYTJlQtENv0mFWvjeHWs4Scvt_hFy6sgYa79vn_S981/s320/IMG_4882.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silky sharks approaching the boat</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxuPd-6XL3TUezi91otgAugN5FZA37st8Q8uq176SpeWlBXCP9wdhWq_Q4SDHXi7SanGL1NdmlKXGLXRS7RcvnAuSYqbXJMXlOmWwOxi95eP_OyqzMgVhmRYwwTU4-tejKDV37PgMvfaw/s1600/IMG_4866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxuPd-6XL3TUezi91otgAugN5FZA37st8Q8uq176SpeWlBXCP9wdhWq_Q4SDHXi7SanGL1NdmlKXGLXRS7RcvnAuSYqbXJMXlOmWwOxi95eP_OyqzMgVhmRYwwTU4-tejKDV37PgMvfaw/s320/IMG_4866.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John getting ready with all his nice "toys"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_Xq5ghdhC68L0lK-QP1M-S6mkrQSgIl5cwfpWoB92_1LDOuom5oH0jrxX-v8yLMnQi4y5WLNb7-GNEJtm065vmk0ri1XzbLznDiKExu_qBsYOHuPoRLqPGG4vthN7_xAtoBGAMCQDabD/s1600/IMG_4921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_Xq5ghdhC68L0lK-QP1M-S6mkrQSgIl5cwfpWoB92_1LDOuom5oH0jrxX-v8yLMnQi4y5WLNb7-GNEJtm065vmk0ri1XzbLznDiKExu_qBsYOHuPoRLqPGG4vthN7_xAtoBGAMCQDabD/s320/IMG_4921.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Danny picking on Phil ... all time! :-)</td></tr>
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Second day at Roca Partida one shark was missing to see and he didn't want to make us wait longer: a mid size whale shark (<span class="kno-fv"><i>Rhincodon typus) </i>was swimming slowly to allow divers to take lots of pictures and video. It was great!! Was the best of the day.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7jFIooLvmO3NCrptdtvIRRyxmMCTObrzest57JYdvZZSzo6Ay_El7K71iHPx4Z2zGKKRsOZRYfRSFcAHW8ezAplXt0Ao6ylGe9z0B6Jh0-Vk0XgruGzSZoSbt92iskdykPEMIiReA-bDz/s1600/IMG_4922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7jFIooLvmO3NCrptdtvIRRyxmMCTObrzest57JYdvZZSzo6Ay_El7K71iHPx4Z2zGKKRsOZRYfRSFcAHW8ezAplXt0Ao6ylGe9z0B6Jh0-Vk0XgruGzSZoSbt92iskdykPEMIiReA-bDz/s320/IMG_4922.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a happy face after seeing a whale shark!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWf6_kiQkIUwgC7CiynS9jMv4-LKDxfar-4CX7u24TGnMlsbaFroO0VTcjNW2t9WLvDbuFN_L9WytUnXyUMcLGwF8E7oJgTAigDz-uhz4HGTJuSfuOJWuGpVXVaSufqGawUfo-CQ2JPtOB/s1600/IMG_4915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWf6_kiQkIUwgC7CiynS9jMv4-LKDxfar-4CX7u24TGnMlsbaFroO0VTcjNW2t9WLvDbuFN_L9WytUnXyUMcLGwF8E7oJgTAigDz-uhz4HGTJuSfuOJWuGpVXVaSufqGawUfo-CQ2JPtOB/s320/IMG_4915.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Rocio del Mar offered a special dinner to celebrate Thanksgiving day with our passengers. We all had a great time and enjoyed fantastic dinner.<br />
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Our last diving day was at San Benedicto and we head back to San José del Cabo. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4sW7jrdEiZKhBBcrMzWQI3UXi5Ye09wSGvRA2pNzpE2YphcMNFGdxb-L1fRkPfxam3uUk6OuEZPo1QXUmfAHZEsLJlrSr087XnLOA6tQpmhC0PbcY96V7BflcDZC72YE7cXH_4PuJVS04/s1600/IMG_4900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4sW7jrdEiZKhBBcrMzWQI3UXi5Ye09wSGvRA2pNzpE2YphcMNFGdxb-L1fRkPfxam3uUk6OuEZPo1QXUmfAHZEsLJlrSr087XnLOA6tQpmhC0PbcY96V7BflcDZC72YE7cXH_4PuJVS04/s400/IMG_4900.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lot of feelings at the same time when we had to say good bye to Revillagigedo</td></tr>
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It was a great trip. Great divers, great people, lots of great moments and memories. Rocio del Mar crew was very happy to have you all on board and we expect to see you all soon with us again.</div>
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
THANK YOU ALL FOR SUCH A GREAT TRIP</h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9oDnN3jg5y0cdJ-zkQImysPje1PWtTyUoHqkYEUjCEn3EgBhEAJpA58YmccAXLCdaujyOaMklRRJdNC_ut4Kp0K2uzR6fm6_lpzD-CcfXs6wkEkHCCnO5COK2GUT6hANJ6Pqx1K4u7D4/s1600/IMG_4924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9oDnN3jg5y0cdJ-zkQImysPje1PWtTyUoHqkYEUjCEn3EgBhEAJpA58YmccAXLCdaujyOaMklRRJdNC_ut4Kp0K2uzR6fm6_lpzD-CcfXs6wkEkHCCnO5COK2GUT6hANJ6Pqx1K4u7D4/s320/IMG_4924.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roberto, our new dive master</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQqa8Vse4mxvuLy5zyrHLe7AiYUm7-pwV9pnn6MGNW2Hocy2WHVTEr_4ulfJ6QIj3_3QD6BfQj1U523M1uAeFIa6DdJP-7uW1NbcrHLoohrupnZV3ZJzXTrKbidr-o0xHTNBFeQeB7RUr/s1600/IMG_4925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQqa8Vse4mxvuLy5zyrHLe7AiYUm7-pwV9pnn6MGNW2Hocy2WHVTEr_4ulfJ6QIj3_3QD6BfQj1U523M1uAeFIa6DdJP-7uW1NbcrHLoohrupnZV3ZJzXTrKbidr-o0xHTNBFeQeB7RUr/s320/IMG_4925.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Divers!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB2XqrqLcjlRLZoJDBSCbPp7BuxbwKiSGKsiajblV6Qd6ilAHob0RY-PkH2YbvMcSwXhEb_4UmhmwaY1Zs7HvkR8byQn_I3fhhKizGIorkBKV9b_GDjFt8yuEyPEqTXZqLog1jRZcRPEo_/s1600/IMG_4928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB2XqrqLcjlRLZoJDBSCbPp7BuxbwKiSGKsiajblV6Qd6ilAHob0RY-PkH2YbvMcSwXhEb_4UmhmwaY1Zs7HvkR8byQn_I3fhhKizGIorkBKV9b_GDjFt8yuEyPEqTXZqLog1jRZcRPEo_/s320/IMG_4928.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful smile ... thanks for sharing these days with us</td></tr>
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Dora Sandovalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171073913975520748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257415051068234918.post-33980817499731641362013-09-02T23:39:00.001-07:002013-09-02T23:41:16.025-07:00August 17th, 2013 CharterThis video by Nanette Van Antwerp says it all. <br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/video/embed?video_id=10151822286384662%22%20width=%221280%22%20height=%22720%22%20frameborder=%220%22%3E%3C/iframe%3E">Diving the Sea of Cortez </a><br />
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<br />Dora Sandovalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171073913975520748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257415051068234918.post-1004732206808483822013-07-16T16:36:00.000-07:002013-07-16T16:36:53.436-07:00We are back in the Sea of Cortez<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh13KHl5oWj7Vi1rhkEn5S6pm7L_NlnugA5LNWOPGnoN0iGXzMa_bO7xGUgbvHVKKYvJf-gepGgiuKOBHXOlX3m902cZsKDaI3OaD9HmGyeUQOjNrmAqCxHov4zJytyRI80odYQjGLq9np/s1600/IMG_2031_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh13KHl5oWj7Vi1rhkEn5S6pm7L_NlnugA5LNWOPGnoN0iGXzMa_bO7xGUgbvHVKKYvJf-gepGgiuKOBHXOlX3m902cZsKDaI3OaD9HmGyeUQOjNrmAqCxHov4zJytyRI80odYQjGLq9np/s640/IMG_2031_edited-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Vela from Lolo's Cove</td></tr>
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<h2>
<b>We are back in the Sea Of Cortez!!!!!!</b></h2>
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On our first trip to the Sea of Cortez this season we were excited to welcome back some of our favorite Dive Masters, Bob Defeo and "Mayo" Ismael Hinojosa. Bob is a veteran divemaster with Rocio del Mar and has been leading our Sea of Cortez dives since our first season. Mayo, a favorite among our passengers, can't stay long. He has become a daddy - again! Congrats Mayo!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinH_qxM9vxjDewZWLtfZ_RMNbjTbaAY256iuT0lPEHljVkRP0VmMhDwbfFpXMY3yUnSQBSXBnKGdAY7q4Euuhrz1EM2_TgDNsQcfui7VXm-yuWvRpx0D2CMIMbLhhxcS9MV28nas5T5avY/s1600/IMG_2096_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinH_qxM9vxjDewZWLtfZ_RMNbjTbaAY256iuT0lPEHljVkRP0VmMhDwbfFpXMY3yUnSQBSXBnKGdAY7q4Euuhrz1EM2_TgDNsQcfui7VXm-yuWvRpx0D2CMIMbLhhxcS9MV28nas5T5avY/s320/IMG_2096_edited-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bob, Brooke and Mayo<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
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The Chicken Divers, who just a few months ago dove the Socorro's with us, are back again! We hung up our chicken swag and were ready for them. The entire group of passengers became fast friends and we were off. Our second dive was at La Vela, one of my all time favorites and it didn't dissapoint. The water was full of salps, jelly fish and La Vela itself was covered in Spanish Shawls! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjunO_u46E39Vf-6j40oXQzIzV_KgupTIwLkMBnK5RTZrPornFXpCQT8Mrxlg4BeE7WxLauA-wxY4PSGoFFfmQ38HftQaQpMEmjpng0R3gMknezQPOPEUeYQ0lDOpQxHBku4SbEAywqkrLD/s1600/IMG_1949_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjunO_u46E39Vf-6j40oXQzIzV_KgupTIwLkMBnK5RTZrPornFXpCQT8Mrxlg4BeE7WxLauA-wxY4PSGoFFfmQ38HftQaQpMEmjpng0R3gMknezQPOPEUeYQ0lDOpQxHBku4SbEAywqkrLD/s200/IMG_1949_edited-1.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spanish Shawls</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1ZpwBGx3UZqox0FR1jSXXWL04JmaTBqNM35tPDDcZqEvA1UiyFr_BLy6YkfjSfuHgM7MUx8cGBaoeOFhR2LdrWJ_n2xiB5zrwK84NfN2VxGBKmrmeiP4_6DYAR-ee5SrOt8DDSIQrqml/s1600/IMG_1960_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1ZpwBGx3UZqox0FR1jSXXWL04JmaTBqNM35tPDDcZqEvA1UiyFr_BLy6YkfjSfuHgM7MUx8cGBaoeOFhR2LdrWJ_n2xiB5zrwK84NfN2VxGBKmrmeiP4_6DYAR-ee5SrOt8DDSIQrqml/s320/IMG_1960_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salps<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1dsQ3TwhbDtnKyyxnmLDMyTVYxi_dg6VTXHqzpLx-eTH-We26pVjkZq8NBinpY8htfywMP832O0L4cT1tQBylBWn7W4M7a0u44J1-buskO7IuvpH35lUKll6C7Wxus0N62aCGwwblCefd/s1600/IMG_1962_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1dsQ3TwhbDtnKyyxnmLDMyTVYxi_dg6VTXHqzpLx-eTH-We26pVjkZq8NBinpY8htfywMP832O0L4cT1tQBylBWn7W4M7a0u44J1-buskO7IuvpH35lUKll6C7Wxus0N62aCGwwblCefd/s320/IMG_1962_edited-1.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salps</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3V9zj7gvMnt3CQrs-46Xz89tiHctsTtH99A66xXGpdmkbLrC7a-4ncbnfAqaQnt3en_IqR0LrmKO66NUL8VLc5VO_CkNzY0sUVUmwrkcw75lo3jobDcggZbpC_0XubZ0x6w8BVHdsSLuq/s1600/IMG_2040_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3V9zj7gvMnt3CQrs-46Xz89tiHctsTtH99A66xXGpdmkbLrC7a-4ncbnfAqaQnt3en_IqR0LrmKO66NUL8VLc5VO_CkNzY0sUVUmwrkcw75lo3jobDcggZbpC_0XubZ0x6w8BVHdsSLuq/s200/IMG_2040_edited-1.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mayo - preparing for whale shark briefing</td></tr>
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We've heard that the salps were quite tasty treats for whales sharks so the next day we headed to Baja de Los Angeles to look for our Whale Sharks. We did our best and searched for hours - finally we found two. We hopped into the water and were hoping for the hours of enjoyment we have come to expect from the Whale Sharks but after about 30 minutes our sharks left us and we were sent back to Rocio a bit dissapointed. We quickly geared up and headed to another of my favorite dive sites El Pesacador. El Pescador was full of life and we had a great time with Giant Jaw Fish, Spotted Jaw Fish, a ton of Sea Hares, litterally piles and piles of them and octopus. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRxYbIT9NghwnR86Yn3jtChCMWE6nqYbog2CPtI3EYX7UApNUeYBiRdG6ZsFzTS_wnUsIVm375Lg5sbgRHts7X-ruvrA_MfTZo1Ixa9nuBLxBLE4UIO2y13AkNqm67UnGrkXoHur5uHmtD/s1600/IMG_2054_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRxYbIT9NghwnR86Yn3jtChCMWE6nqYbog2CPtI3EYX7UApNUeYBiRdG6ZsFzTS_wnUsIVm375Lg5sbgRHts7X-ruvrA_MfTZo1Ixa9nuBLxBLE4UIO2y13AkNqm67UnGrkXoHur5uHmtD/s200/IMG_2054_edited-1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
The group enjoyed themselves so much we decided to dive here again and do a night dive too. But the creatures of the sea had different plans for us. As we were suiting up for our night dive, our dive master Mayo jumped into the water to put on his wet suit, in that in-water upside down way he does in record time, when we looked next to him and saw a humbolt squid. We pulled a reluctant Mayo out of the water and cancelled the night dive. Before we knew it we were surrounded by humbolt squid. It was amazing. We sat on the dive deck, passengers on their bellies with cameras in the water and it was three hours of humbolt excitement. We even had a Bull Sea Lion come for a late night snack. The squid must have hit the spot! <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YH7H2OuuRKg">Humbolt Squid</a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Y1WHmIz5teaTGt8qyTYFjzYbAxLYNVMtIildDY5fOij8MaSJ6dY7_yAvs-5x7FAARlrpYDrL8OCNHYwreRQsYyuaRdV2kI52VAX-OMR78NzduBk-22fDAbQgZK_1Vs309my21W3EoAAn/s1600/june+29+2013+sea+of+cortez+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Y1WHmIz5teaTGt8qyTYFjzYbAxLYNVMtIildDY5fOij8MaSJ6dY7_yAvs-5x7FAARlrpYDrL8OCNHYwreRQsYyuaRdV2kI52VAX-OMR78NzduBk-22fDAbQgZK_1Vs309my21W3EoAAn/s320/june+29+2013+sea+of+cortez+(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click the Link above for the video</td></tr>
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We had some great dives at Sal Si Puedes (Get out if you can). Our divers weren't intemidated in the least by the islands name and we continued to see a variety of Nudibranchs, Eel Sea Snakes, Garden Eels, Mexican Horn sharks and a thrill for both fish and diver was the Giant Jaw Fish. I believe this fish missed us while we were diving in the Socorro's. As soon as the giant jawfish saw us they were swimming out to meet us. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy9ZABiVC_7JsayZB4yAQm-20z8VSw1tNLJ1mV6I7n0HpF_u0COxiKmJB-HYIeRtn68Zr9Zs5jqlwfXpyHAOAdjfj2zIsQMHIKNIizni2tx1qRwnOm4UTTTpDWhrRrVsC0OfZJLE4ZwUCL/s1600/Jawfish_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy9ZABiVC_7JsayZB4yAQm-20z8VSw1tNLJ1mV6I7n0HpF_u0COxiKmJB-HYIeRtn68Zr9Zs5jqlwfXpyHAOAdjfj2zIsQMHIKNIizni2tx1qRwnOm4UTTTpDWhrRrVsC0OfZJLE4ZwUCL/s320/Jawfish_edited-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giant Jaw Fish</td></tr>
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We had a wide variety of nudibranchs this trip and our macro photographs were ecstatic. Along with some fantastic night diving full of crabs, horn sharks, lobster and don't forget piles of Sea Hares.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5MJjsYf3YNlo4CR1JGlTaw9mIjigD9MYgkyl8ZTcGAmQgnx1dyQffarZhGmdUKIv-_v53-ZnIYHD8Xc4DL-px1AAmUc3qeNbpJ04cCufVXcFTIQM3LYfiim66UA4z8CL-UmuJxjr1Mte/s1600/macro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5MJjsYf3YNlo4CR1JGlTaw9mIjigD9MYgkyl8ZTcGAmQgnx1dyQffarZhGmdUKIv-_v53-ZnIYHD8Xc4DL-px1AAmUc3qeNbpJ04cCufVXcFTIQM3LYfiim66UA4z8CL-UmuJxjr1Mte/s320/macro.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />We had some amazing guests on this trip who were happy to share their experiences, such as Butch excavating dope lake, (that's quite a diving story), Dennis hiking Everest, Gene's amazing underwater videography and Bob's encounter with a Blue Footed Booby Bird (you'll have to ask him yourself about this). </div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipdGNLS--mA">Gene's Video Clips</a></div>
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Our Fourth of July trip started out with our season with a trip that will be hard to beat! Can't wait to see what adventures next week will bring.</div>
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Some Passenger Pictures. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6RNZK3RiQXPLOQA5qYL6r0TN3dWfq4nmP8-jpXI9PVlIYuZ6JKSFb90XtqLNMqawhDwa9W-hiInr4u6ROHhtSLjufcxt3GtRMI402Ai6lNWrPWjpiOnAxdCbXiTR_kCjQhb98G2IEQARM/s1600/image001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6RNZK3RiQXPLOQA5qYL6r0TN3dWfq4nmP8-jpXI9PVlIYuZ6JKSFb90XtqLNMqawhDwa9W-hiInr4u6ROHhtSLjufcxt3GtRMI402Ai6lNWrPWjpiOnAxdCbXiTR_kCjQhb98G2IEQARM/s320/image001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marilyn</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dave and Lisa</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John and Deborah</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High tech scuba preparation procedure w/Chilli/Helen and me.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bart and Helen</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spike and Chili</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9v5OLGyL3t7Zn95zFw0Ety4S78CbyyzLzjhv2QhVoGkGXFQ-Y7fFJWcIMFxEFRM4uUoPiZ2s226_Kyyvz_amVQc-I_BJJI0LIyNL_jEy3q_OW_NHPFX2A8eU3VEvrpsRmHs8-MMtrc7s-/s1600/image008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9v5OLGyL3t7Zn95zFw0Ety4S78CbyyzLzjhv2QhVoGkGXFQ-Y7fFJWcIMFxEFRM4uUoPiZ2s226_Kyyvz_amVQc-I_BJJI0LIyNL_jEy3q_OW_NHPFX2A8eU3VEvrpsRmHs8-MMtrc7s-/s320/image008.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">what it takes to film the humbolt squid! <br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
I had a wonderful time with you all and hope you come back to dive with us again very soon!!! </div>
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Dora Sandovalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171073913975520748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257415051068234918.post-57063599801920610872013-05-31T15:02:00.003-07:002013-06-06T12:43:50.453-07:00Trip Report, Rocío del Mar. Revillagigedo. May 23 to 31, 2013<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8ZOB1NXFCpwJyzOEODzyE2Hz1QHbWZY15ID8WqbagIVDXJE1HLWD0dlxqu0D4soyvMA_SAsyH9jk8eEGFotT2-ADNH85jRCS-jq75B3yQ7WCzyP4m8sk5wpMS3wb-_uZI5wkFvzadYOp/s1600/IMG_3724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8ZOB1NXFCpwJyzOEODzyE2Hz1QHbWZY15ID8WqbagIVDXJE1HLWD0dlxqu0D4soyvMA_SAsyH9jk8eEGFotT2-ADNH85jRCS-jq75B3yQ7WCzyP4m8sk5wpMS3wb-_uZI5wkFvzadYOp/s320/IMG_3724.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
On the last dive of the last day of the trip, we dove the Boiler, at San
Benedicto Island. More than 80 feet of visibility and very low current.
Divers around the pinnacle swam slow, detailing the marine life in the
rock. A big school of big eye jacks created a shadow in the bottom of
the rock.<br />
Suddenly a new shadow appeared in the magnificent blue, it approached us slowly, it seemed to dance or fly under water. A giant manta
(Manta Birostris) swam directly to the dive site. Friendly,
gentle, with slow movements around the divers posing for pictures and
video. First, only 6 divers were seeing the manta around them. Then,
little by little more divers came closer and after 30 minutes all Rocio
del Mar divers were contemplating this fabulous animal. Not trained, not
in a zoo, not in a marine park. Not any of that. It is a free, wild animal
willing to swim and share some time with divers.<br />
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<div>
That was the end of our trip to Revillagigedo, our last trip of this incredible season.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1xa5SmI4KXv8DRV577CIH3DDWizfiNb80sBQRRWzHIsBFLRqbEhzMyotG4rlwJhsyuT7SkvL01EymhyphenhyphenuuDiVsWE1K39VUUhqBkMq76mLU2h07ZJBUuc49PqHXcYFV40fZ_1YZSMHzBbRK/s1600/DSC_9665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1xa5SmI4KXv8DRV577CIH3DDWizfiNb80sBQRRWzHIsBFLRqbEhzMyotG4rlwJhsyuT7SkvL01EymhyphenhyphenuuDiVsWE1K39VUUhqBkMq76mLU2h07ZJBUuc49PqHXcYFV40fZ_1YZSMHzBbRK/s320/DSC_9665.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poncho, our chef during the crossing to Revillagigedo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
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Rocio del Mar just got back to port in San José del Cabo and both
passengers and crew returned really happy. It was an amazing trip. <br />
We
had on board friends that have come for two or more times (even five
times) to dive in Revillagigedo. This says a lot of the importance of
this dive destination. There is always a surprise. Some times the
surprise is mantas, other times very close encounters with sharks. Some
trips there are huge schools of hammerheads, other times just a few of
them but passing only a few feet away from divers. Some trips we can dive
with humpback whales, dolphins, huge tunas, you name it. But there's
always something amazing to see and never forget in Revillagigedo. <br />
<br />
These
are only a few reasons of why people come again and again to dive here.
But not only diving is important, conservation of this reserve is
fundamental. The presence of divers and tourists is a big pressure to
the federal government to apply more strict laws in the area and the
testimony in photos and video of all visitors tells the world that we
must protect this archipelago from illegal fishing.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3jzSwvfWOQyloKIcGFfQo90u5CzMdpBwwlGQRxkXWdaoHD6VNDfNOSze94Rgmm7zLt5vNFfrkYXmkK2QkRyxwIN__Ct8KWSkasjUi9Za8of4KEBrYys2u5ItUCkzbXrabQ1xlxJHjYlqd/s1600/IMG_3575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3jzSwvfWOQyloKIcGFfQo90u5CzMdpBwwlGQRxkXWdaoHD6VNDfNOSze94Rgmm7zLt5vNFfrkYXmkK2QkRyxwIN__Ct8KWSkasjUi9Za8of4KEBrYys2u5ItUCkzbXrabQ1xlxJHjYlqd/s320/IMG_3575.jpg" width="242" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greg and his toys at Roca Partida</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Divers arrived during the afternoon of May 23rd and that night we set
sail to San Benedicto after dinner. This time we had three groups:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
Team A: Greg (visiting the archipelago for 5th time) with his friends Joe, John, Dan, James, Eldon and Dulce and Drew.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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Team B: John A, Rosanne, Pascal, Sharon, Tosh and Thomas. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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Team C: Alfredo, Erendira, Henry, Rod and the huge cameras! :-)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Alfredo
is an underwater videographer and Erendira is a cinematographer and
both have worked before in marine documentaries. They were here one more
time in Revillagigedo to capture the magnificence of the marine life
around the archipelago.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
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Our first stop was in San Benedicto and we dove the "Fondeadero" and the "Boiler". After the first dive the first divers team found a group of false killer whales and snorkeled with them! Other divers saw dolphins It was awesome!! And this was just the first dive of the
trip.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
At the Boiler one manta came to say hello to everybody for some
time swimming around divers. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdT_lITAbuMIPBOTLmJmQeOSdFfQGbgo8oqP3zPOU9Yu04294Hj0ldlk687l5N5o1B7Xj7XGJzK8QhKWvzm530Pm1dQewHPkrmk8R5NWfLiKXIyypw4TEJnXIgPlOBCEk0n0OL9UMAqO7p/s1600/IMG_3603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdT_lITAbuMIPBOTLmJmQeOSdFfQGbgo8oqP3zPOU9Yu04294Hj0ldlk687l5N5o1B7Xj7XGJzK8QhKWvzm530Pm1dQewHPkrmk8R5NWfLiKXIyypw4TEJnXIgPlOBCEk0n0OL9UMAqO7p/s320/IMG_3603.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rossane at Roca Partida</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Since the weather was good we headed to Roca Partida. And
Roca, amazing as always didn't disappoint us. Honestly some of the
better dives of the season happened during this trip at Roca Partida.
Numerous and huge galapagos sharks were swimming very close to divers,
schools of hammer heads, silky sharks, white tips, no manta this time,
but great conditions to see sharks: current and good visibility. A group
of divers even had the chance of seeing the white tips trying to mate.
Mother nature was very generous with us this time.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVK-aYdbZN_zJso46ZoNlPQjYKTpB2pde1kCM4b_NBTcAH1CZmJr0HyV9Dy4qZP2jQ_v5cOKrc-mrS-yGH5bGhEvIqJyw5KlKWcovegWoUAQlWpJHGFfhjsUq0xLApQhb8ZUewmas-bPl/s1600/IMG_3481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVK-aYdbZN_zJso46ZoNlPQjYKTpB2pde1kCM4b_NBTcAH1CZmJr0HyV9Dy4qZP2jQ_v5cOKrc-mrS-yGH5bGhEvIqJyw5KlKWcovegWoUAQlWpJHGFfhjsUq0xLApQhb8ZUewmas-bPl/s320/IMG_3481.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pollo loco ready to dive!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
After two days
at Roca Partida we went to Socorro island. The biggest island of the
archipelago. On board the group's mood was excellent. Very enthusiastic
and the pollo loco started to appear in action.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This present the
"chicken divers" left for us on board a few trips ago, it is now the
trophy for those divers that without paying attention get to the dive
site without mask, weights, or with the air off!!! There's someone that
is ready to jump off the panga without fins and the "pollo loco" always
want to dive!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We had a great time with the "pollo loco" diving with Henry, John F, Greg, Drew, Joe and once with Pedro! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The contest of the "pollo loco" got very competitive this trip!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTbbpGEcYxF8JSyJDyGUgkDn8Ut-tdLPd7EpYdyZJx_3j3ve84k5Ol-pu-R3SiBrroKW39AAOKA2IjGvrKa39gVhtaHE01BNbKX6EhFo3C_A-UToO4YacH41_oVcpfgQJdH44_Ab_24siP/s1600/IMG_3722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTbbpGEcYxF8JSyJDyGUgkDn8Ut-tdLPd7EpYdyZJx_3j3ve84k5Ol-pu-R3SiBrroKW39AAOKA2IjGvrKa39gVhtaHE01BNbKX6EhFo3C_A-UToO4YacH41_oVcpfgQJdH44_Ab_24siP/s320/IMG_3722.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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In Socorro we dove "Punta Tosca", "Roca O'Neal", "Cabo Pearce" and the
"Aquarium". Visibility in general was not good and water temperature was
around 70. Some times even high 60's. And even though we didn't see mantas
during our dives we had dolphins and some sharks visit from time to
time. Then we decided to go and snorkel with the mantas. They have been
swimming and feeding near the Aquarium dive site and ... it was a great
experience.<br />
This group of mantas were at the beginning shy and were
swimming fast away from divers. But after some time they realized that
we were not there to harm them, only to swim and take pictures of them and they started their show!! Swimming very close to divers and spinning
while eating. It was in simple words AMAZING!!. Our divers got great
pictures and video of this more than three hour experience. Really worth
it.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Lqns-HVfSWsOspGKm6JsCT7mxUVceZiIzCs66JFwg1Zu-6DkknE_E97rbkNzPt0uTIj3vwrliUfEP3otuQM9NuY9zqMV-7S93Bqv-XHJo3hT_zCl1e3Mw_VOYsMCGUbdrUofPjfb-Y2n/s1600/IMG_3736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Lqns-HVfSWsOspGKm6JsCT7mxUVceZiIzCs66JFwg1Zu-6DkknE_E97rbkNzPt0uTIj3vwrliUfEP3otuQM9NuY9zqMV-7S93Bqv-XHJo3hT_zCl1e3Mw_VOYsMCGUbdrUofPjfb-Y2n/s320/IMG_3736.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rey during a dive briefing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_O0rDIfYhcnQKKKQsXabQrPkn4SQD0i0hghcun581xILx_cgpQ6Eno0FKLSvugAfYKw72jCS21kE-IgvnT7_voGO_ekkGyYm3G9IXESbbmhQTFdoFVIe6zt-Npjt_H2FbuYiyqBFCGu8/s1600/IMG_3688.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_O0rDIfYhcnQKKKQsXabQrPkn4SQD0i0hghcun581xILx_cgpQ6Eno0FKLSvugAfYKw72jCS21kE-IgvnT7_voGO_ekkGyYm3G9IXESbbmhQTFdoFVIe6zt-Npjt_H2FbuYiyqBFCGu8/s320/IMG_3688.jpg" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diver during surface interval warming up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The last day of the trip we went back to San Benedicto and dove the
Canyon and the Boiler. Visibility was much better and divers were able
to see hammerheads and dolphins. The last two dives were at the Boiler. This was a great dive with more than 30 minutes with a manta but that was
not all ... there was more ... swimming into the blue two hammerheads
came to say good bye to the divers, to the group, the trip and the
season. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFkkw2NljYaZZMF45sdoBVM_ABr40zSR-eymhl6UAwqa1XKtcbIkExDJ-dhDIIpNUlzTQ5kD99o4q9cO9DHOax7e2Vr7pcUrgtv3YHwbz4Vf-B71jMB3VwGvU1jeKDctbFbKXxmKqv8lfE/s1600/IMG_3767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFkkw2NljYaZZMF45sdoBVM_ABr40zSR-eymhl6UAwqa1XKtcbIkExDJ-dhDIIpNUlzTQ5kD99o4q9cO9DHOax7e2Vr7pcUrgtv3YHwbz4Vf-B71jMB3VwGvU1jeKDctbFbKXxmKqv8lfE/s320/IMG_3767.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See you soon San Benedicto!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
The last image of this trip is of two hammerheads swimming
slowly in the deep blue with the sun behind them. Fortunately sea drops
are clear and salty as tears and no one noticed how moved and thrilled
we were to say good bye to Revillagigedo.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLZ5PGma5C680iKYdPGasdmJH7xfY3FbPQBagAjDr3JBZBmIiNXlVORyCiWiEBWISRJniM6d9NVad0yiGMe89kpnBl0mWgfpWK1_amn5b4iLChVa4dYJGDuBHGR_40jkFeuZjfk8TGXcnd/s1600/IMG_3781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLZ5PGma5C680iKYdPGasdmJH7xfY3FbPQBagAjDr3JBZBmIiNXlVORyCiWiEBWISRJniM6d9NVad0yiGMe89kpnBl0mWgfpWK1_amn5b4iLChVa4dYJGDuBHGR_40jkFeuZjfk8TGXcnd/s320/IMG_3781.jpg" width="320" /></a>The final count of the "Pollo Loco" contest give us a tie between John F and Henry!!! Congratulations to them and all the "pollo loco" divers!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thank you to all our friends, divers and passengers for this great trip. We really hope to see all of you diving soon aboard Rocio del Mar in Revillagigedo or Sea of Cortez.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCvaL39SVLKlGor7rsvizUqy9ORspq7RFeb32HgAfGVB_fn3qdg2UIEuj4dCGBkL-tHQdRbz37-yvdsacxRHe1ANHpNV_TVn9sNIdZpZpzyfpMGmn_NdsgBpPYlYFSJ6BUNcFvidfXsAsA/s1600/DSC_9564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCvaL39SVLKlGor7rsvizUqy9ORspq7RFeb32HgAfGVB_fn3qdg2UIEuj4dCGBkL-tHQdRbz37-yvdsacxRHe1ANHpNV_TVn9sNIdZpZpzyfpMGmn_NdsgBpPYlYFSJ6BUNcFvidfXsAsA/s400/DSC_9564.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocio del Mar will be waiting for you ....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<h3 style="background-color: white; color: #292929; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
Passengers Comments</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">This was my 4<sup>th</sup> trip on the Rocio Del
Mar and it has been fantastic every time.
This time, I brought 7 of my friends to experinece the Soorro Islands
and Socorro did not disappoint. 6
fantastic days of diving with sharks, manta rays and dolphins made this a trip
that no one will ever forget. The
highlight was the very last dive when we got to spend 30 minutes with a manta
that wanted to make sure we departed with good memories and a desire to return.</span><u><span lang="ES-MX" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Greg Sherman</span></u></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Tucson, AZ, USA</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">My first rip to Socorro Island and the
Revillagegedo archipelago was full of encounters with the big stuff. Amazing diving and snorkeling with Mantas
which seem to enjoy the company of people.
Close encounters with ach one no many sharks, from little White Tips to
stocky Galapagos and schooling
Hammerheads. Dolphin and big Tuna would cruis by as well. The reefs here were surprisingly varied and
full of little stuff, abundant
nudibranchs, eels and octopus.
Water temps were running in the low 70s and the </span><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;">visibility</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"> ranged from
40 to 80 feet with strong current and surge at times. Great boat and crew made for an excellent
experience all around. </span></span></div>
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<span lang="ES-MX" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Thomas Jackman<br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Taos, New Mexico</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">My 2</span><sup style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">nd</sup><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">
trip to Socoorro Island. This time on the RDM.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">The
crew works hard to fulfill a great day of diving & eating. Each one
knowing there roll to help make your
time enjoyable stress </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Henry Cook</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">San Diego, CA</span></div>
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Dora Sandovalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171073913975520748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257415051068234918.post-17871049672951474852013-05-21T16:21:00.002-07:002013-06-06T10:42:21.609-07:00Trip Report, Rocío del Mar. Revillagigedo. May 12 to 20, 2013<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWF2_VS1IHLIL8bvx7LcwdKcgiKyTjhN3BlxMrvajXAg41OOBQjyw6POYMsHPL5NHILNNLLFOF-I5BIVuqlRDkdNhIS_97chFAUEdxjNZwQGZNkwA01u8iujHwKV5ESCc1-isLX6keXFOn/s1600/IMG_3114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWF2_VS1IHLIL8bvx7LcwdKcgiKyTjhN3BlxMrvajXAg41OOBQjyw6POYMsHPL5NHILNNLLFOF-I5BIVuqlRDkdNhIS_97chFAUEdxjNZwQGZNkwA01u8iujHwKV5ESCc1-isLX6keXFOn/s320/IMG_3114.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocio del Mar ready to leave port at San Jose del Cabo</td></tr>
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We are very happy to be on land again and share with all our blog visitors our great experiences during the last trip to Revillagigedo archipelago.<br />
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We had an outstanding trip to San Benedicto, Socorro and Roca Partida.<br />
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This time we had Lavonne and Trux on board for their second time visiting Revillagigedo with a fantastic group of divers.<br />
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We divided the group in three teams and the fun started from that single moment using funny names for teams A,B,C.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbdsHbGZdtupPgVnBLgKHu_E4UcV2qt9S-uZBY5kLeKqW0JJV3g0DK3daNRhL2Qy2uQs9v6snhZSdkZcVB61a1E5mJhVXflscsNDY-LhKf95wnkAxjE-C58jjJAbQ0B6xS6H0d5NIzNFtB/s1600/IMG_3211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbdsHbGZdtupPgVnBLgKHu_E4UcV2qt9S-uZBY5kLeKqW0JJV3g0DK3daNRhL2Qy2uQs9v6snhZSdkZcVB61a1E5mJhVXflscsNDY-LhKf95wnkAxjE-C58jjJAbQ0B6xS6H0d5NIzNFtB/s320/IMG_3211.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lavonne and Trux visiting us for second time</td></tr>
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Team Albondigas: Pam and Tony, Barb and Chris, Susan and Neil, Chuck and Kelly.<br />
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Team Bananas: Ruben , Larry, Dan and Janet, Chuck and Janet.<br />
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And finally but not last, team Caliente: Lavonne and Trux, Craig, Susan, Lisseta and Dave.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSnkDbaGtzk45evrOLGxjknnG37owHv0u6_oPNNDAPQHKcI3j-dY5f85k5tgWdCg3v-zR20iIxTqUk-IvvqIbH4lBipSTYO8kU6BuCTCT4k0un9dAnfbR5YhL-owmOD0TXCIL8EyeL8DTW/s1600/IMG_3174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSnkDbaGtzk45evrOLGxjknnG37owHv0u6_oPNNDAPQHKcI3j-dY5f85k5tgWdCg3v-zR20iIxTqUk-IvvqIbH4lBipSTYO8kU6BuCTCT4k0un9dAnfbR5YhL-owmOD0TXCIL8EyeL8DTW/s320/IMG_3174.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Divers heading to Cabo Pearce, Socorro</td></tr>
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Our crossing was great. Excellent weather conditions and a great time aboard Rocio del Mar getting ready with dive gear, dry suits, stills and video cameras. As always Poncho, our chef, surprised us with delicious meals.</div>
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Our fist stop was in San Benedicto. We dove fondeadero, punta norte and las cuevas. Due to great weather conditions we planned to go directly to Roca Partida, but one of our passengers got stomach sick and we decided for safety and precaution to go straight to Socorro in case we needed medical attention at the Mexican Navy base.</div>
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We stayed two days at Socorro island looking for mantas. It seems they are not visiting the usual diving sites and we had to look for them around the island. Finally found more than 10 giant mantas in the area next to the "Aquarium" dive site and had a great time snorkeling with them. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMLCG1cLFGHbYGnQnRqoQK_Kw4R2h5x-UKKdj09pJ7HznwKuHu6DJbxHSiTXppUC1ArJyediHN2ZBOO1PjqwX5a3_nY78FR9j_Ou8Y7CEwogwbXg9fXA79O1Qbu0v19j4P-MElugoeUQhI/s1600/IMG_3227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMLCG1cLFGHbYGnQnRqoQK_Kw4R2h5x-UKKdj09pJ7HznwKuHu6DJbxHSiTXppUC1ArJyediHN2ZBOO1PjqwX5a3_nY78FR9j_Ou8Y7CEwogwbXg9fXA79O1Qbu0v19j4P-MElugoeUQhI/s320/IMG_3227.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Socorro sunset</td></tr>
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We dove in Punta Tosca, Cabo Pearce, Rock O'Neal and the Aquarium completing great 7 dives in the island with silver tips, white tips, dolphins and some hammer heads.</div>
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Socorro gifted us with a magnificent sunset during the mexican dinner on the top deck. The group dressed up for the sarong night and had a lot of fun.</div>
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The next two days we were at Roca Partida. Neil said after the first diving day: "this site is incredible. Probably no other site in the world is like Roca Partida, a tiny rock in the middle of no where, full of sharks and incredible sea life." And we all agreed.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big silky sharks around the boat at night in Socorro</td></tr>
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We had very good dives with constant encounters of big galapagos sharks, hammer head schools, silky sharks, white tip sharks and ... mantas. At least three different mantas in different dives were very friendly with divers. The second day at Roca Partida huge tunas were around the place stressing the little fishes.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dave and Lisetta and the blue ....</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kelly and Chuck at Roca Partida</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWlZ70nbuPvFlYj83q_TMKr1EU-235xI_a-LTui1S63lF6BRycdwp9Ib7AnM-hWxNnKHSthbcW2RBb46BkVtjyYg8X2ReiVWU8XzdVezJ8dB22v-HKj6EDiDJjwY7q9izInNkbbfTkuD4w/s1600/IMG_3337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWlZ70nbuPvFlYj83q_TMKr1EU-235xI_a-LTui1S63lF6BRycdwp9Ib7AnM-hWxNnKHSthbcW2RBb46BkVtjyYg8X2ReiVWU8XzdVezJ8dB22v-HKj6EDiDJjwY7q9izInNkbbfTkuD4w/s320/IMG_3337.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neal and giant manta</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big galapagos sharks</td></tr>
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We started to have strong wind in the afternoon and prepared to go back to San Benedicto for our final diving day.<br />
Weather didn't allow us to move from the Canyon dive site, but we had four great dives there: dolphins, close hammer head encounters, schools of jacks, giant lobsters and more.<br />
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Sadly because the trip was ending we said good bye to Revillagigedo and started our slow way back to San José del Cabo with strong wind from the NW.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Divers waiting for hammer heads.</td></tr>
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We all have life time memories after this trip. Some of us made new friends and some others made stronger friendship bonds.<br />
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We thank you all for sharing this trip and 23 great dives with us in Revillagigedo. We are already looking forward to seeing you all again soon in the Sea of Cortez.<br />
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Finally we have an important announcement to make. Larry found his lost twin brother in Revillagigedo!! Gerardo our captain!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2DqxIIcsYWjKOWVHF4PFQOHEr0VHkSSU0sbWI9U0uPAM8Hqa3tdU7z2HDcdFKYu8wxLN_JptUFNVJXlPYmB5E7BqbMJnAPkkxhr2myWyqX7vLyOENksStJic7ZMRFBlJfX-UTv6p0EEP9/s1600/IMG_3197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2DqxIIcsYWjKOWVHF4PFQOHEr0VHkSSU0sbWI9U0uPAM8Hqa3tdU7z2HDcdFKYu8wxLN_JptUFNVJXlPYmB5E7BqbMJnAPkkxhr2myWyqX7vLyOENksStJic7ZMRFBlJfX-UTv6p0EEP9/s320/IMG_3197.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twins?</td></tr>
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Passengers Comments</h3>
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The crew was great! The boat was laid out just right for divers.</div>
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Food was excellent. I would recommend this trip to other divers. </div>
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I suggest a bar in the shower stall to hold on to when the boat rocks. </div>
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Ruben Duran</div>
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The boat, the crew and the food was fantastic. I have never seen a crew as helpfull and friendly as the crew on this boat. I had a great time both in and out of the water. Thank you all.</div>
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Larry J Trenda.</div>
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To all the crew of rocio del mar,</div>
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Thank you for a wonderful week. We appreciate all your hard work, level of care</div>
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and attention to our safety.</div>
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Thank you for making us feel welcome and taking such good care of us during</div>
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our stay.</div>
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We take with us a week of fond memories, fantastic diving experiences and the</div>
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hope that someday we can return to Rocio del Mar and do it all again!!</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>All the very best,</div>
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Lisetta and David Potter.</div>
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Crew was excellent they made us feel like part of the family. Dive destinations</div>
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were spectacular. Please continue to focus attention on improving the comfort of the staterooms.</div>
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Food was excellent. </div>
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Dora Sandovalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171073913975520748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257415051068234918.post-40274541656870761092013-05-09T20:13:00.002-07:002013-05-14T19:08:28.320-07:00Trip Report, Rocío del Mar. Revillagigedo. April 30 to May 9, 2013<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's May and there are still some friendly whales in Revillagigedo archipelago!!! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTLzKfiossgyuxE6SOlxNu2LeD3AksDmwV5HaKhLCbGlgDIga1ZSSbGway7zp1KtC3AAjUu0UKUuBGnyAH1qgvfD-pe0V76bvnN-psQdpwP5XZncuRlSeHi0iDQEdYEe4K_LBurL9mibsu/s1600/DSC_8940a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTLzKfiossgyuxE6SOlxNu2LeD3AksDmwV5HaKhLCbGlgDIga1ZSSbGway7zp1KtC3AAjUu0UKUuBGnyAH1qgvfD-pe0V76bvnN-psQdpwP5XZncuRlSeHi0iDQEdYEe4K_LBurL9mibsu/s320/DSC_8940a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
We just returned from a 9 day trip to Socorro, San Benedicto and Roca Partida with a fantastic group of photographers: Michael H, Drew, Kat, Lukas, Olga, Vadim, Pietro, Joseph, Stacey, Jeff, Kim, Randy, Kimberly, Carmel, Jonathan, Daniel, Michael S, George, Felipe and Todd, from all over the world, USA, Canada, Israel, UK, Russia and Check Republic. All of us sharing the same passion - Scuba Diving! We explored new remote sites and enjoyed Mother Nature's magnificence.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Weather was gentle during the entire trip and our passengers had a great time.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKK4Es3LdKIi_0BlchwfXT09N-l98YXguiwmveeVcJNLVfs7mryppu1MME6jXY1TsR410iR0Wlga-xFbtrjLGADbe9a8ULhtDj5si52Gcqw6Y55vBpgAORVx-KrgpTvSj7cOnBog2A-oqZ/s1600/IMG_2913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKK4Es3LdKIi_0BlchwfXT09N-l98YXguiwmveeVcJNLVfs7mryppu1MME6jXY1TsR410iR0Wlga-xFbtrjLGADbe9a8ULhtDj5si52Gcqw6Y55vBpgAORVx-KrgpTvSj7cOnBog2A-oqZ/s320/IMG_2913.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Few times have we seen the Rocio del Mar camera table so crowded. Enthusiastic photographers with all kind of cameras lenses, domes and housings were anxious to cover the distance between San José del Cabo and our first stop: San Benedicto island.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEUBxb9JRyJdOw1eMnc_Pj7KKEK-yV_uVwVPhhfwLHZmofxT9D6YxM2ZD7rhbDVyI2T_852qT_AMydlR6MCjYoFY5DU2TMiFqLlWl7IHnCNO2Z6okIIfifY5JAa0OrN78xhR5MJT1J5U5E/s1600/IMG_2908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEUBxb9JRyJdOw1eMnc_Pj7KKEK-yV_uVwVPhhfwLHZmofxT9D6YxM2ZD7rhbDVyI2T_852qT_AMydlR6MCjYoFY5DU2TMiFqLlWl7IHnCNO2Z6okIIfifY5JAa0OrN78xhR5MJT1J5U5E/s320/IMG_2908.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Passengers enjoying the crossing to Revillagigedo</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We weren't very lucky in the first couple of dives to catch good stills; hammerheads were shy and even though we were able to see them they were swimming far from the cameras lenses and lights.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWF52Qoq3OozkVchduXXK-RzOOrmX-WGdXexmf5D2PezrjGLbN5bqmy5rM5lX1pFWPKdvp2GUzlNr_BeEtQk_eFwcqoaT4_3WKS8iPz2X5Pu5Rgt-dGlpo0i5ospkgMPmd1weEMYEMcd5K/s1600/IMG_2792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWF52Qoq3OozkVchduXXK-RzOOrmX-WGdXexmf5D2PezrjGLbN5bqmy5rM5lX1pFWPKdvp2GUzlNr_BeEtQk_eFwcqoaT4_3WKS8iPz2X5Pu5Rgt-dGlpo0i5ospkgMPmd1weEMYEMcd5K/s320/IMG_2792.jpg" width="235" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our second stop was in Roca Partida and the shark party started! We were able to see cameras lights flashing constantly and the big Galapagos sharks <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #292929;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">(<i>Carcharhinus galapagensis</i>) seemed to be happy posing in front of the cameras. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #292929;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Some divers had close encounters with big schools of </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #292929; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Silkies (<i>Carcharhinus falciformis</i>) and Hammerheads (<i>Sphyma Lewini</i>). </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #292929;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">A great surprise came in the </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #292929; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">first dive of our second day in Roca Partida: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #292929; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">a big black manta showed up and was happy around our divers.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbE0_azsIzsoO4SZMqAhszK3VgVLrhB1eIFr7pkCTegkK9pNV9tScdtp0m2kwIRaW0VPTshBLMXbyiL3w7YBIn8kdpfZZ1axfnPY0O9htGZ_fUkX1eo6X82XvzlisGuZyZmEuwhLojiIBz/s1600/DSC_9184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbE0_azsIzsoO4SZMqAhszK3VgVLrhB1eIFr7pkCTegkK9pNV9tScdtp0m2kwIRaW0VPTshBLMXbyiL3w7YBIn8kdpfZZ1axfnPY0O9htGZ_fUkX1eo6X82XvzlisGuZyZmEuwhLojiIBz/s320/DSC_9184.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Captain Gerardo watching carefully the diving operation</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #292929; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Randy found a very rare specimen that our dive master Pedro left in a little cave in Roca Partida and he took it out as a diving </span><span style="color: #292929;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">trophy!</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dive chicken!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKEVpRvLRA2AWYl52qJdgyCc1ORwvt6zkwijs5JwvMPEts_fNNX4F50gN67Ymwd2Laa5gHep5OB6u85nQI92vuVs9_Wcg20NLZtKoEaLenV3RY1b0-gaKimJYx3awh19DdUqQ7BD5ScFiC/s1600/IMG_3049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKEVpRvLRA2AWYl52qJdgyCc1ORwvt6zkwijs5JwvMPEts_fNNX4F50gN67Ymwd2Laa5gHep5OB6u85nQI92vuVs9_Wcg20NLZtKoEaLenV3RY1b0-gaKimJYx3awh19DdUqQ7BD5ScFiC/s320/IMG_3049.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's always great to dive in Roca Partida</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #292929; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Roca Partida offered us a o</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #292929; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">nce in a life time experience, one that we don't want to repeat, as mother nature showed her power. </span><span style="color: #292929; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Have you ever experienced an underwater vortex? </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #292929; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">We found one horizontal vortex at about 75 feet that tested our underwater skills.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #292929; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Our captain Gerardo, headed to Socorro island and we had one more great surprise. Whales were breaching in front of us. We dove in different sites looking for more mantas, that seemed to be hidden, however more big animals were there waiting for us. Four humpback whales (</span><i>Megaptera novaeangliae</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #292929; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">) passing by at various times and a medium sized tiger shark! (</span><i>Galeocerdo cuvier) </i>The first one our Dive Master Guarani has ever seen<span style="background-color: white; color: #292929; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"> and more hammerhead schools!! </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Divers taking pictures of whales and mantas</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nopales (Cactus salad) at Socorro mexican dinner</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #292929; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">During this trip we celebrated Vadim's and Michael's birthdays! We really appreciate that you guys came to celebrate and dive with us.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big dinner for a BIG birthday guy</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michael's birthday cake</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Todd fabricating an underwater device to catch<br />
silky shark images at night from the boat. <br />
Can't wait to see how those turned out!</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #292929; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">We had one last diving day in San Benedicto in the Boiler and navigated safely to shore in San José del Cabo.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michael ready to throw the panga cord</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #292929; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">The Rocio Del Mar challenge is still open! The first one able to put the panga cord in the boat ring will receive a prize! Michael was very close but he probably missed it because was the only one with Nikon on the trip! </span></div>
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<b><i>We had a great time during the trip, great food, lot's of fun, fantastic pictures and videos, but the best of all great life memories! Thank you all! </i></b></span><br />
<br />Dora Sandovalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171073913975520748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257415051068234918.post-91483116285142557092013-04-30T16:02:00.001-07:002013-04-30T16:02:41.878-07:00Trip Report, Rocío del Mar. Revillagigedo. April 20 to 28, 2013<br />
The Rocío del Mar got back from one more wonderful trip to Revillagigedo archipelago.<br />
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We had the opportunity to dive with our friends from Central Oregon Diving, Walter, Pat, Luana, Nelson, Jeffrey, Harry, John H, John P, Kris and Thomas, Mary and Peter, Sheree, the Pickering familiy: Gordon, Julie and Emily. Also Jonathan and Lisa from England and Krissy and Scott from Canada.<br />
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<span class="short_text" lang="en"><span class="hps">The first night aboard the Rocio del Mar, we celebrated Patt birthday with a delicious fruit cake Poncho baked for the occa</span></span>sion. </div>
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<span class="short_text" lang="en"><span class="hps"><span class="hps">Trip weather conditions</span> <span class="hps">were</span> <span class="hps">magnificent -Gerardo our Captain said, and with calm ocean w</span></span></span>e first arrived to San Benedicto for our check-out dives. In the first dive we already started with some hammer heads encounters and whales bridging close to the boat, opportunity that our enthusiastic photographers Patt and Julie didn't miss. We visited the famous Boiler and the dive site the Caves.</div>
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<span class="short_text" lang="en"><span class="hps">The next two days we had fantastic dives in Roca Partida. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">School of Galapagos, Silky sharks</td></tr>
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<span class="short_text" lang="en"><span class="hps">Full moon nights caused strong tide changes in the area and we were having cold water coming up from the depths in Roca Partida. With that cold water full of nutrients fishes and sharks were abundant. Big groups of Galapagos Sharks (Carcharhinus galapagensis), Silkies (Carcharhinus falciformis), and Hammerheads (Sphyma Lewini) were around the rock in all 8 dives. Also huge schools of black jacks (Caranx lugubris) always indicated us where to go to find the action in the area.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walter and his video camara at Roca Partida</td></tr>
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<span class="short_text" lang="en"><span class="hps">After all that excitement of sea life divers had a very relax afternoon just before we start heading to Socorro island.</span></span></div>
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At Socorro we dove in Punta Tosca and Cabo Pearce. Visibility was not the best for those dive sites but giant mantas (Manta Birostris) came to visit our divers and posed for video and photos. </div>
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<span class="short_text" lang="en"><span class="hps">John H and John P had a great time looking for small marine life and trying to identify new nudibranchs for</span></span></div>
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The early dives were incredible, even the water was cold and not much natural light underwater, we had the chance to see mantas, dolphins and hammer heads in Cabo Pearce. All in one dive!<br />Jonahtan and Lisa were the first divers to be ready at 7 a.m. to jump in the water.</div>
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Last night in Socorro Rocio del Mar crew directed by our great chef Poncho cooked a mexican dinner in the top deck. The habanero hot chile sauce was a great success with the "carne asada".<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scott and <span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Krissy during mexican dinner</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hammer heads in Revillagigedo</td></tr>
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Finally we went back to San Benedicto island to close this amazing trip with four more dives in the canyon. We saw a school of hammerheads and some mantas.</div>
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Our way back to San José del Cabo was smoothly and our passengers had a good chance to rest and enjoy the crossing playing games and participating in the video and photo contest. Congratulations to Patt and Scott that won the best photo and video of the trip.</div>
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Rocio del Mar and the crew want to thank all our friends, divers for this great trip. We hope to see all of you diving soon !!!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeff at Roca Partida</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Say HI to the camera!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time to go back to land. We'll come back soon!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having a good time!</td></tr>
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<br />Dora Sandovalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171073913975520748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257415051068234918.post-77102251302964203762013-04-24T11:26:00.001-07:002013-04-24T11:26:41.124-07:00Passenger Comments - Socorro Islands 2013We had a great experience on your boat with the "Chicken Divers". What a crew you have, everyone of them an asset, everyone of them helpful, and your chef, awesome. Best of luck to your organization going forward.
Jay and Cheryl JonesDora Sandovalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171073913975520748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2257415051068234918.post-26624429528894929642013-03-29T22:50:00.001-07:002013-03-29T22:54:30.737-07:00Trip Report, Rocío del Mar. Revillagigedo. March 14-26, 2013The Rocío del Mar just returned from an incredible trip and life time experience into the Revillagigedo archipelago.<br />
Fantastic group of divers that first dove with us past October in the Sea of Cortes, came again to the Rocío del Mar this time to visit the archipelago going not only to the incredible San Benedicto, Socorro and Roca Partida. This time we went to the farthest island for the first time: Clarion.<br />
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Clarion is the most remote and the second largest island of the Revillagigedo archipelago, located 314 kilometres (195 mi) west of Socorro Island and over 700 kilometres (430 mi) from the Mexican mainland.</div>
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Our adventure started the 14th with a very unusual calm weather in the crossing from San José to San Benedicto, and mother nature gifted us with an incredible sunset.</div>
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Our first stop was in San Benedicto Island. Excellent first day we had a very close encounter with 3 humpback whales at The Boiler!<br />
Since the weather was very good Captain Rey decided to go directly to Roca Partida. We had fantastic four dives full of sea life and lots of sharks.<br />
It was possible to take the divers for some snorkeling with the whales and from that day we won't forget Ella's loud "I SWAM WITH A WHALE!!!!"<br />
From Roca Partida we sailed to Clarion. It was a long trip but everyone was excited with the adventure of visiting this remote part of the world.<br />
Dives were great. A big family of dolphins got us by surprise when one of them was literally playing with us acting as it was dead or sick. Then more dolphins came and we saw very big ones and some babies. It was incredible.<br />
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Rocío del Mar arriving to Clarion Island</div>
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Clarion island from the Captain's bridge</div>
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Dolphins in Clarion</div>
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We received a warning of bad weather and decided to go back to Roca Partida because the chance of not being able to dive again there was to high with the bad weather warnings.<br />
After one more day in Roca Partida we went straight to Socorro for shelter and some more diving.<br />
Some Mantas, big school of hammerheads ... but the best ... whales during a dive in Cabo Pierce!!<br />
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The traditional mexican carne asada (barbecue) night in Socorro was the perfect occasion to celebrate Rob´s birthday!<br />
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Congratulations Rob!</div>
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The weather was better and we headed back to Roca Partida for more exciting diving with sharks, and Roca didn't disappoint us! Huge galapagos sharks, lots of white tips, some distant hammer heads, more silver tips where in each dive. It was great.<br />
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Finally we headed to San Benedicto to have a finally diving day in El Cañon. It was incredible to dive with the sound of whales all the time. We saw hammer heads, some dolphins, and in the last dive of the trip .... a tiger shark!</div>
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It was a great trip. We all had a lot of fun and enjoyed every minute. Thanks to all our passengers! You guys were an incredible group and we hope to dive with you again very soon!<br />
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Rocio del Mar.<br />
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<h3>
Passengers Comments</h3>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">On
Rocio Del Mar I had the most amazing experience. The crew are super friendly,
but be warned Pedro will give you English lessons! I will miss each and every
one of them. The diving was absolutely wonderful. I’m sure the Tigers and the
Galapagos’ will miss me terribly as well. Thanks for such a wonderful time
aboard Rocio Del Mar. I will never forget it! Thank you. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;">- </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Ella Bryning, </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Kerikeri,
New Zealand</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">A
big thank you to the crew of the Rocio Del Mar for a great trip. As a live
aboard owner in the Maldives, Sea Queen and Sea Spirit</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">I rate this trip as one of the best I’ve
done. The boat is very well laid out with excellent food, some of the best I’ve
had on many live aboard trips. The crew have been wonderful and extremely
knowledgeable always will to help and assist. The diving has been great with
tons of sharks, dolphins and plenty of reef life. Not to mention the tiger
shark and the amazing sunset with the humpback whales providing the entertainment.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;">- </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Rob Bryning, </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">ScubaTours
worldwide, UK</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span>
With a big thank you to all the crew of the Rocio del Mar for
a wonderful (I won’t say relaxing!!!) trip. Two adult and a young humpback
whale on the first day … (while underwater) Followed by dolphins, all kinds of
sharks, a few mantas (never enough). And the reef life when the sharks weren’t
playing.<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
food was too good – I’m sure I am going back heavier and the crew always kind
and attentive. Again thank you for a great trip (and to Rob for organising it!</span><br />
- <span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Sue Yarker, </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Penistone
UK</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Great
trip topped off with a large tiger shark on the last dive, the crew were always
smiling and helpful and the food was some of the best I have had on a
liveaboard</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">- Andy Gordon, </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Croydon,
UK</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
liveaboard is laid out very well for diving, food very good and plentiful. Diving was very good with loads of sharks of
different types from schools of hammerheads, silvertips, galapagos, white-tips
with on the last dive very close encounter with a large tiger shark. Plenty of dolphin encounters and humpback
whales around the boat. Crew were very
attentive, always helpful wanting to give us the best diving.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;">- </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Philip Sheehan, London, UK</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">A
great, well organised trip. Good
sleeping accommodation and good catering even for the very hungry. Close encounters with dolphins, sharks, rays,
big jacks, the ubiquitous trigger fish, puffer fish and many more. Most dive
were accompanied by loud whale song! Great support from a clearly very
experienced and competent crew.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">- </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Mike Boyd, </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Isle
of Man, British Isles</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
diving was five star whales,dolphins,sharks such as
hammerheads,silkys,galapagas,silvertips,white tips and TIGERSHARK.The diving
facilities and service provided by the crew was worth another five star.The
fivestar PLUS award goes to the chef PONCHO who provided us with the fuel to
assist us to survive four dives per day. Thanks again for looking after us on
this Socorro trip 2013</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Reg & Maureen G in, London, UK</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Well
what a trip…made even better with the crew of the Rocio del Mar. They know how
to look after us and our camera’s.. The diving was fab, loads of stuff to see,
with so many dives just listening to the whale song.. we arrived full of hope
and were not let down. With Dora silent running is the key to success. Thanks
for everyone for being so understanding of my seasickness – just nothing was too
much trouble.</span><br />
<span lang="ES-MX" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Steve & Chris Magness, </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Flitwick
England UK</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
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Dora Sandovalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171073913975520748noreply@blogger.com0