Where to Go

Cabo San Lucas

One option is to stay close to the lively scene in Cabo San Lucas, where the diving consists of wall dives and boulder fields along a vast underwater canyon, plus a one-of-a-kind dive around the point at Land’s End, during which you descend in the Sea of Cortez and surface in the Pacific Ocean. Short boat rides are an advantage to diving here; crowds and noise from harbor traffic are the main deterrents. Snorkeling near Playa del Amor is surprisingly good, despite the crowds. More snorkeling opportunities await at Playas Chileno and Santa María on the Corridor.

Cabo Pulmo

Alternatively, you can sacrifice nightlife and amenities to explore the living coral reef and national marine park offshore from Cabo Pulmo in the East Cape region. Drift dives are common here, and boat rides are short. Several sites, including a sea lion colony, are ideal for novices. Guides tend to have smaller groups and visit more advanced sites during the week. On Saturday mornings, tour vans from Cabo San Lucas bring mostly novice divers to Cabo Pulmo to see the reef. Snorkelers can access the reef in waist-deep water directly in front of the Cabo Pulmo Beach Resort.

La Paz

The islands and seamounts offshore from La Paz harbor some of the most exciting underwater topography and the largest marine creatures in the sea. Boat rides are long—an hour or more—and currents tend to be strong at these sites. The reward is the chance to experience the deep blue and to spot schooling hammerhead sharks, giant mantas, and the majestic whale shark. In addition, the snorkeling in the bays around Espíritu Santo and neighboring islands is as good as it gets.

Popular dive sites near La Paz include Playa Balandra (mostly snorkeling), Roca Suwanee, Isla Espíritu Santo, Isla Partida, the Salvatierra shipwreck, El Bajito Reef, Los Islotes, and El Bajo Seamount. El Bajo is famous for its summer population of giant manta rays. Schooling hammerhead sharks are also common during the summer months—they’re very rarely aggressive toward divers when swimming in schools, so El Bajo makes an excellent observation area.

Loreto and Bahía Concepción

Loreto offers access to Isla Coronado, among other islands, and the wreck of a 120-foot sunken freighter. Wall dives and underwater caves are additional highlights of the diving in this location. Proximity to historic missions and rock-art sites are another reason to choose the Central Baja region. To the north, the protected inlets of Bahía Concepción offer opportunities for snorkeling calm and clear waters.

Pacific Coast

Heavy swells and surging along the Pacific coast mean that Pacific diving should be tackled only by experienced scuba divers or with an experienced underwater guide.

Dive Operators

Dive operators in all of these locations provide expert guiding and instruction services. For those who are seriously dedicated to the sport, liveaboard trips are another option. Plan on a five-day trip to allow for multiple dive days and at least one rest day. A full week allows time for an excursion to one of the other dive areas.

When to Go

From La Paz south, onshore water temperatures usually hover between 21°C (70°F) and 29°C (85°F) year-round, making the southern Cortez the most popular diving destination on this side of Baja. Water visibility is best July–October, when it exceeds 30 meters (100 ft); this is also when the air temperature is warmest, often reaching well over 32°C (90°F).

© Nikki Goth Itoi from Moon Baja, 9th Edition