Ownership changes and cancelled trips leave divers facing losses and unanswered questions.
Solmar V anchored off Socorro Island. (Credit: Barb Roy)
The iconic liveaboard dive vessel, Solmar V, best known for expeditions to Socorro and Guadalupe, has become the centre of growing concern following changes of ownership and the abrupt cancellation of multiple trips. A number of divers who had booked and paid deposits—or, in some cases, full balances—now report that they have neither travelled nor received refunds.
According to publicly available statements, operations of Solmar V were transferred in 2025 from its long-time management entity to a new ownership group. At the time, divers were assured that existing bookings, deposits and routes would remain unaffected. However, in the months that followed, scheduled departures were cancelled at short notice, sometimes with travellers already on site in Mexico. Communication has since been sporadic, with affected guests receiving automated responses or general assurances rather than concrete information.
As of early 2026, there is no clear indication that regular operations have resumed. Meanwhile, reports suggest that bookings were still being accepted online even after voyages had been cancelled. Divers affected by the situation estimate that losses collectively amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Warning others
A group of affected travellers has since created an independent website to warn others and to document cancelled trips and missing refunds. While this site is not affiliated with Solmar V or its former operators, it has become a focal point for divers seeking information and peer support.
At X-Ray Magazine, the situation is particularly saddening. We know the vessel well, having sailed on Solmar V ourselves and having published multiple features based on expeditions aboard her. For decades, the boat built a strong reputation as a pioneering and professionally run liveaboard. That legacy makes the current uncertainty—and the distress experienced by affected divers—all the more difficult to reconcile.
A word of caution
While it would not be unreasonable to believe it would be safe to book with an otherwise reputable and long-standing brand such as Solmar V, it just goes to show that there are never any solid guarantees. Beyond the immediate case, the situation serves as a reminder of the financial risks inherent in dive travel, particularly when bookings involve international operators and wire transfers. Some divers may be able to recover losses through travel insurance or credit-card protections, though coverage varies widely.
In general, consumer protection frameworks are stronger within the European Union than in many other regions, but even there, recovery can be uncertain and often depends on the terms of insurance cover. Protection may also rely on whether the booking was made through a bonded agent or point of sale, meaning that bypassing intermediaries can result in the loss of important safeguards. In addition, in some jurisdictions, consumer rights are also contingent on whether the trip was purchased as a package comprising multiple travel components, i.e., flights and accommodation, rather than as standalone services.
Until greater clarity emerges regarding responsibility, refunds and future operations, divers are advised to exercise caution and to consider additional financial safeguards when booking liveaboard travel.
At this stage, it remains unclear exactly what has happened, what is currently unfolding, or whether affected divers will ultimately recover their funds or be able to travel as planned. We will continue to monitor developments as information emerges, and, although the signs are indeed troubling, hope that a fair and transparent resolution can be reached for all those affected.
