Dive site · access from Socorro
The Boiler
A football-field-sized guyot on the northwest coast of San Benedicto Island, rising from about 35m to within a few meters of the surface.
- Depth
- 6–35m
- Current
- Strong
- Minimum level
- Advanced open water
- Access
- Boat
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The case for it
Why dive here
- Reliable giant oceanic manta ray cleaning station
- Close-range manta encounters, sometimes within inches
Check before booking
What may rule it out
- Advanced open water certification is the stated minimum.
Access and timing
Plan this through Socorro
Best overall months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr. Check the destination planner for operating season, wildlife and other matching sites.
Wildlife
Seen around Socorro
rareoccasionalcommonly seenpeak seasondestination closed
These are destination-level records, not confirmed sightings at The Boiler.
Giant oceanic manta ray
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | commonly seen |
| February | commonly seen |
| March | commonly seen |
| April | commonly seen |
| May | commonly seen |
| June | destination closed |
| July | destination closed |
| August | destination closed |
| September | destination closed |
| October | destination closed |
| November | commonly seen |
| December | commonly seen |
Humpback whale
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | peak season |
| February | peak season |
| March | peak season |
| April | occasional |
| May | not seen |
| June | destination closed |
| July | destination closed |
| August | destination closed |
| September | destination closed |
| October | destination closed |
| November | not seen |
| December | not seen |
Whale shark
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | not seen |
| February | not seen |
| March | not seen |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | destination closed |
| July | destination closed |
| August | destination closed |
| September | destination closed |
| October | destination closed |
| November | peak season |
| December | peak season |
Scalloped hammerhead shark
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | destination closed |
| July | destination closed |
| August | destination closed |
| September | destination closed |
| October | destination closed |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Galapagos shark
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | destination closed |
| July | destination closed |
| August | destination closed |
| September | destination closed |
| October | destination closed |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Nearby alternatives
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Sources & last checked
Checked July 2026
Research is source-backed, but conditions and fees should still be confirmed locally.
View 2 sources and checking notes
- Socorro Diving (Revillagigedo): Best Time to Go, Giant Mantas, Sharks & Liveaboards, Bluewater Dive Travel
- Best Time to Dive in the Socorro Islands Mexico, LiveAboard.com
Note on the data: Coordinates approximated from San Benedicto Island's published position (the site is on its NW coast, no site-specific GPS found).