Most travelers fly to Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) (or occasionally Cabo San Lucas International (CSL)), transfer to Cabo San Lucas, and board a liveaboard.

Typical Route

Fly into SJD.
Transfer about 37 km to Cabo San Lucas (marina varies by operator).
Liveaboards cross roughly 471 km offshore to Revillagigedo National Park.

CONANP lists Cabo San Lucas as the closest reference point by sea. Some logistics and administration are tied to the state of Colima, and Manzanillo is occasionally referenced as an alternate gateway, but most dive tourism runs via Los Cabos.

Note: landings on the islands are generally restricted, so plan on experiencing the park from the water and the deck.

Main flight gateway for most Socorro liveaboards. Lands you in San Jose del Cabo with quick onward transfers to Cabo San Lucas marinas.

Most travelers fly to Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) (or occasionally Cabo San Lucas International (CSL)), transfer to Cabo San Lucas, and board a liveaboard.

Typical Route

Fly into SJD.
Transfer about 37 km to Cabo San Lucas (marina varies by operator).
Liveaboards cross roughly 471 km offshore to Revillagigedo National Park.

Note: landings on the islands are generally restricted, so plan on experiencing the park from the water and the deck.

Main flight gateway for most Socorro liveaboards. Lands you in San Jose del Cabo with quick onward transfers to Cabo San Lucas marinas.

Smaller airport closer to Cabo San Lucas. Useful for some domestic flights, private aviation, and charters if it matches your itinerary.

An alternate airport sometimes referenced for the Revillagigedo region because the park is administered in Colima. Most dive liveaboards still operate from Los Cabos.

In Los Cabos, plan transfers between SJD, your hotel, and the marina.

Shuttles: pre-booked shared or private vans are the simplest.
Taxis: common but can be pricey; agree on fare before departing.
Rental car: useful if you are adding Baja road trips (La Paz, Todos Santos), but not required if you stay near the marina.

Mexico requires a valid passport for international visitors.
Many travelers enter on the FMM (Multiple Immigration Form), commonly issued for visits up to 180 days (terms and implementation vary by entry point).
If your trip includes multiple Mexican flights or domestic connections, keep your entry documents and passport accessible.
Some liveaboards require proof of dive insurance and minimum experience levels; confirm requirements before booking.
If you are staying in Baja California Sur (Los Cabos, La Paz, Loreto, Todos Santos) more than 24 hours as an international visitor, you may need to pay the Baja Sur tourism tax (per trip).

Packing and Baggage Strategy

Liveaboard diving is gear-intensive. Check airline baggage policies and consider a lightweight roller plus a soft gear bag.
Cylinders and weights are provided by the vessel. Confirm whether DIN adapters are available.
Bring spares for critical items (mask strap, fin straps, mouthpiece, O-rings).

Park and Operator Restrictions

Expect strict wildlife interaction rules and structured diving. Gloves, knives, and handheld lights may be restricted by park rules or operator policy. Camera lights are often treated differently.
Night diving is not permitted in the park, so plan your lighting needs for daytime only.

Mexico's official currency is MXN. In Los Cabos, tourist businesses often accept cards and sometimes USD, but MXN is useful for taxis, tips, and small purchases. Liveaboard onboard accounts are frequently settled by card or in USD, depending on the operator.

ATMs are easy to find at SJD and in Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. There are no ATMs once you board, so withdraw enough for tips and incidental expenses before embarkation.

Mexico uses US-style plugs in many places. Liveaboards often provide 110V charging points and sometimes 220V in limited areas. Bring a multi-port USB charger and label your camera chargers.

Communications

Cell coverage is reliable in Los Cabos towns, but you should assume no normal cell service once offshore in the park.
Many liveaboards offer satellite messaging or limited internet. Speeds can be slow and weather-dependent.
Download offline copies of passports, insurance, and dive certification cards before boarding.

Language

Spanish is the national language. English is widely spoken in Los Cabos tourism and on many liveaboards, but basic Spanish helps for airports, taxis, and local dining.

Insurance

Because Revillagigedo is remote, dive accident coverage is strongly recommended.

Carry DAN (or equivalent) dive accident insurance that covers evacuation.
Add trip cancellation or interruption coverage. Liveaboard logistics are sensitive to weather and flight delays.
Bring digital and printed copies of policies and emergency numbers.

Packing list

Exposure Protection

Plan for water roughly 20°C to 28°C across the season.
Many divers are happiest in a 5mm suit, adding a hooded vest in cooler spring months.

Must-pack Safety Items

SMB and spool
Whistle or audible signal
Seasickness prevention for the crossings

Comfort and Camera

Windbreaker for the deck and early mornings
Spare batteries, O-rings, and charger cables
Reef-safe sunscreen (avoid oxybenzone and octinoxate)

Revillagigedo (Socorro Islands)

Logistics

Quick Facts

Getting There

Typical Route

Airports

Logistics

Quick Facts

Getting There

Typical Route

Airports

Getting Around

Entry Requirements

Gear Logistics Checklist

Packing and Baggage Strategy

Park and Operator Restrictions

Practicalities

Currency

Electricity

Exposure Protection

Must-pack Safety Items

Comfort and Camera

Compare liveaboards for Revillagigedo (Socorro Islands)