Socorro Islands liveaboard: FAQ
Welcome to Fun Azul Fleet Socorro Islands Trip, Valentina, Mexico liveaboard FAQ page.
Socorro Island, the solitary island in the distant sea, is an unsurpassed paradise with some of the planet’s biggest creatures promising you a truly spectacular experience!
When should I schedule my arrival and departure?
ARRIVAL / CHECK-IN
ARRIVAL / CHECK-IN Upon arrival at San Jose Del Cabo airport (SJD), you will be greeted at the airport and transferred to our marina (M/V VALENTINA dock) complimentary. Shared transportation from SJD airport to Valentina is scheduled at 12:00, 14:00 and 18:00 from Terminal 1 and at 12:30, 14:30 and 18:30 from Terminal 2. If you are already staying in the area, feel free to make your own way to the Marina named “Puerto Los Cabos” by 18:00.
Puerto Los Cabos Marina: Blvd. Mar de Cortes s/n entre glorieta 2 y glorieta 3 col. La Playita San Jose del Cabo BCS CP 23403 TEL/FAX + 010-52-624-105-3028
All guests must be on board by 18:00 on all itineraries so the Valentina can depart at 21:00.
DEPARTURE / CHECK-OUT Check out is around 10:00 am on the last day of the trip. The crew will transport you to San Jose Del Cabo airport complimentary. Shared shuttle from Valentina to SJD airport is scheduled at 10:00 and 12:00 (noon). If you are staying at a hotel, you are responsible for your own transportation. Check out time is subject to change depending on the weather and diving conditions.
Will there be dinner onboard on the first day?
Dinner on the arrival date is included in this trip.
How long is the required validity of the passport?
Your passport must be effective until returning home and you must have a return airline ticket to travel to Mexico.
It is traveler’s responsibility to ensure they have the proper documentation.
Please check with the appropriate consulate to ensure that you have the proper documentation by traveler’s responsibility.
How many dive masters (guides) will be on board?
Qualified and experienced 3 or 4 dive instructors (guides) on boat, speaking English, Spanish or Japanese.
Is Nitrox available?
Nitrox is available with an additional charge as long as the diver is Nitrox certified. Use of Nitrox 20USD/per day.
As for large tank which is 100ft³ (approx13.2L) tank with Nitrox would be 40USD/day
Note: Large tank is limited availability.
Is WIFI available?
There is no internet service available on board. Around Socorro islands is not in the coverage area due to a regulation of the Marine Park.
When the boat is near city or land, we will get access, but other than that, the connectivity is quite low.
There is another option in Land to purchase prepaid SIM called "Amigo".
Please refer to the link for detail. This is a service provided by the provider. Please make sure to check on the latest information with them directly.
http://www.telcel.com/personas/telefonia/amigo/tarifas-y-opciones#!amigo-sin-limite
In case of emergency, our captain has a satellite phone to communicate with land.
What is the standard valve of tanks?
The standard valve is Y type. DIN adjustor is also available on board.
What dive equipment should I bring?
Tanks, weights and weight belts are provided.
* CASH ONLY**
-
- Certification card
- DAN or other dive accident insurance card
- Diving log book (strongly encouraged)
- Mask *
- Snorkel *
- Fins (full foot and Strap fin) *
- Buoyancy Control Device *
- Regulator w/alternate air source *
- Submersible pressure and depth gauges *
- Dive computer (required) *
- Dive light *
- Tank Marker Lights (for night dives)
- Full wetsuit or shorty – 3 mm to 5 mm *
- Safety sausage (SMB) *
- Reef hook (if you need)
Full | 30USD/day |
Wetsuit | 15USD/day |
BCD | 15USD/day |
REG | 15USD/day |
Mask + Snorkel + Fin | 15USD/day |
Dive Computer | 15USD/day |
Use of Nitrox | 20USD/day |
100ft³ (13.2L) air tank | 15USD/day *limited availability |
100ft³ (13.2L) tank Nitrox | 40USD/day *limited availability |
* Pricing is subject to change |
What facilities are equipped in cabin?
All cabins have private toilet and shower booth.
Air condition/ heir-dryer / shampoo / conditioner and body soap
What type of electric socket is able to charge battery?
All of the cabins have an adapter for any type of socket.
Electric power is 110V and 60 cycles.
We recommend you to bring a transformer if necessary.
Is a large tank available?
100ft³ (approx 13.2L) air tank | 15USD/day *limited availability |
100ft³ (approx 13.2L) tank Nitrox | 40USD/day *limited availability |
Is crew gratuity included in the package price of the trip?
Crew gratuities are not included in your trip fee. The crew members work very hard to provide the best possible service for you.
If you are happy with the service, please provide gratuities on the last day.
An envelope will be handed to you or placed in your room with service survey. The gratuities will be shared equally among the crew.
For your reference, 10% of the trip rate (US$300-400) per trip per person would be appreciated.
Do you conduct Nitrox specialty course on board?
Nitrox Course: $150 - This includes all necessary equipment (tanks, use of oxygen analyzer, use of course materials, instructor, and check out dives).
Certification will be from a International certification agency (PADI).
After certificated, fill charge is US$ 10 per dive day.
** CASH ONLY**
What currencies are accepted on board?
We accept USD and MXN. If you would like to pay by credit card, please visit the office of FUNBAJA, local operator, in LaPaz.
VISA or MASTER is acceptable with additional handling fee 16%.
Will there be some special occasion for celebration such as birthday or logged dives anniversary?
Whether it’s your anniversary, birthday, honeymoon, wedding or you are celebrating a logged dive, please let us know so the crew can celebrate your occasion together.
Please advise the reservation center prior to traveling so the crew is notified in advance.
What will meals be like?
Blend of Western, Mexican, Asian Cuisine are prepared on board.
All meals consists of vegetables, rice, pasta, soup, fish, beef, Sashimi(raw fish), Tacos, ceviche ets.
We set up a special Mexican BBQ dinner on the last day of the trip.
Beers and Soft drinks are included in your tour price.
Complimentary glass of wine is served at dinner.
Please list on the application form any dietary (vegetarian food, allergic food) needs you have.
Should I bring flip flaps?
Yes, please bring shoes that you can use on board (only for inside).
Can I request to use “ Side-mount” ?
Yes. It is possible as long as you follow our trip schedule (Max dive time/ Max depths) and respect No Deco Diving / No Solo Diving.
Please bring your own harness.
Air Extra Tank for side mount = US$15 per day
What if my flight is delayed?
In case you miss your flight or are not be able to make it to Valentina on schedule,
Please call +52 1 (612) 1067148 , WhatsApp is available.
Mr. Enrique Castillo under FUN BAJA operation center.
Or at +52 1 (612)1832075 (Ms. Naho)
Email: lbvalentina@funbaja.com
Our efforts on guests’ safety
We have life boats, lifesaver rings, life jackets and emergency lights on board which are examined and certified by Harbors Bureau of Mexico annually. Our fire extinguishers are examined and certified by Harbors Bureau of Mexico annually. We hereby confirm that without the certificates, we are not allowed to operate our boat and we are fully compliant with it. We also have smoke detectors in each cabin and the engine room.
Rest assured that we do everything possible to ensure the safety of our guests and if you have any further questions on the safety issues, we are more than happy to answer any of your queries.
Mandatory costs on board
Socorro park fee | 1,736 pesos (approx. USD95 depending on the exchange rate) per person/per diving day |
Chamber Fee | US$15 per person per trip |
Fuel Surcharge | US$10 per person per night |
Gratuity | 10 to 15% of the trip cost |
How do you take measures against covid-19?(update 01-March-2021)
Our social distancing policy under COVID-19 emergency situation(update 01-March-2021)
We limit number of guests housed to max 20 passengers and a single use rate is only 30% additional to the cruise rate.
This policy is valid until May 31, 2022 (it may be modified if the situation improves).
Payment and cancellation policy under COVID-19 emergency situation(update 01-March-2021)
Are the crew on board PCR tested and negative certified?
Yes, we take PCR tests prior to every cruise, proved negative, and have certificates for the guests’ safety.
Where can I take a COVID-19 test after the cruise for my return trip?
Now we have a rapid COVID-test available for your return trip. You can enroll upon arrival to the boat prior to the cruise. On the day of the departure from the boat, officers from the Health Care Office come to the boat at 7am and you can take the test. It will cost you US$45 in cash or +5% handling charge by credit card and be paid directly to the officers. In an approx. 1 hour after the departure of the officers from the boat, you will receive the result via email. We recommend you to have an extra day or 2 days to book your return flight after disembarking the boat just in case. Please note that it is a rapid test only.
If your airline to take and/or country to return require you to take a PCR test, you need to make an appointment on your own at Hospital de Especialidades (website: http://www.medicalservicecsl.com, emergency phone 6241655377). It will cost you approx. US$250 and you will need to take the test 48-72 hours prior to departure. So you need to have at least 2 days after the cruise.
Certificate of vaccination (Updated on Oct. 31, 2022)
If you are triple vaxed, please submit the certificate. Those who have not been triple vaxed, please submit a negative result of a rapid test within a few days of the cruise. NO HOME TEST KIT RESULTS ARE ACCEPTED. Please forward to reservation@fun-azulfleet.net via email.