San Benedicto Canyon

San Benedicto Canyon is a deep offshore canyon on the southern side of Isla San Benedicto in the Revillagigedo (Socorro) Islands, with steep vertical walls, rocky pinnacles and cleaning stations where large pelagic species congregate. The site is renowned for frequent encounters with giant Pacific manta rays, scalloped hammerhead sharks, Galápagos sharks, silky sharks and dolphins, offering a dramatic open-ocean big-animal diving experience. Dives are typically run from liveaboard vessels with entry by inflatable skiff or descent from the anchored boat. Depths range from pinnacles at about 20-30 m down into very deep water beyond recreational limits. Water temperatures generally run from about 20°C in winter to the upper 20s °C in summer, and visibility is commonly 10-30 m. Strong, variable currents and surge are common, especially around tidal changes, so the site is rated advanced; divers should be proficient in buoyancy control, current and drift techniques, conduct mid-water safety stops as appropriate, and follow the guidance of the dive captain.