Baja California, a golden strip of mountain and desert hanging off Mexico’s western edge, is kissed by two great water bodies: the vast Pacific Ocean and the one-of-a-kind Sea of Cortez. Scuba diving in Baja California Sur, the peninsula’s lower half, takes full advantage of both coastlines. The Pacific offers two premier dive destinations- Socorro and Guadalupe- with mantas, great whites, and hammerheads. But Baja California Sur divers don’t have to travel so far for excellent diving. The Sea of Cortez, dubbed the ‘world’s aquarium’ by Jacques Cousteau, holds around 900 fish species and 32 marine mammals, all within reach of a day-trip. Scuba divers in the Sea of Cortez can expect world-class marine life encounters with sea lions, whale sharks, turtles, dolphins, whales, huge schools of mobula rays, manta rays, and loads of fish, plus the northernmost coral reef in the eastern Pacific.
Liveaboards in Baja California Sur depart from Los Cabos (either Cabo San Lucas or San Jose del Cabo), mostly headed for Socorro and Guadalupe. Some liveaboards explore the Sea of Cortez instead, which provides a great opportunity to catch all the best destinations and maximize dive time. Baja California Sur is blessed with plenty of dive centers. Baja Sur is also a great place to sign up for dive courses, from beginner diving to technical diving. Some resorts partner with top-tier dive centers to offer accommodation-and-dive packages, either from onsite or offsite dive centers. In addition, divers can find charter options for special trips, like reaching a remote destination, or swimming with sharks or manta rays.
Explore San Jose del CaboScuba diving in San Jose del Cabo is an intimate experience with a professi
Explore LoretoLoreto is the northernmost dive hub in Baja California Sur, located about 300 kilomete
Explore La PazCosmopolitan La Paz, the capital city of Baja California Sur, is a cool town and a div
Explore Espiritu SantoDiving at Isla Espíritu Santo is nothing short of stunning. As part of a prot
Explore Cabo San LucasScuba diving in Cabo San Lucas, the bustling resort town at the far southern t
Explore Cabo PulmoScuba diving in Cabo Pulmo, divers can expect masses and masses of fish- schools s
Baja California Sur offers divers a rich tapestry of underwater adventures. One of the standout dive sites is the Cabo Pulmo Marine Park, home to vibrant coral reefs and a diverse array of marine life, including sharks and rays. The park is particularly famous for its unique underwater experience of swimming with large schools of jacks and groupers.
For wreck enthusiasts, the "Fang Ming" in La Paz is a must-see. This Chinese shipwreck is home to an array of marine flora and fauna, making it a captivating dive. Shore dives, such as those at La Paz and Loreto, offer easy access to colorful reefs and abundant species, ideal for both beginners and experienced divers. Baja California Sur provides a balance between shore and liveaboard diving, offering flexibility for travelers seeking diverse aquatic experiences, including thrilling night dives where the nocturnal behaviors of marine creatures can be observed.
Baja California Sur offers excellent diving conditions year-round, with water temperatures varying from around 20°C/68°F in winter to 29°C/84°F in summer. Visibility in the region typically ranges from 10 meters/33 feet to 30 meters/98 feet, providing divers with clear views of the vibrant marine life. These conditions are generally consistent, making it a favored destination for divers throughout the year.
While diving is possible year-round, certain factors like wind and currents can affect conditions. The autumn months, particularly October and November, are considered the best times for diving, as the water is warmer and visibility is often at its peak. However, winter months may bring cooler waters and stronger winds, which can impact visibility and comfort, making spring and summer more attractive for divers seeking optimal experiences.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
