Explore Baja California Sur

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.

Places to explore

San Jose del Cabo

Explore Baja California SurBaja California, a golden strip of mountain and desert hanging off Mexico

Loreto

Explore Baja California SurBaja California, a golden strip of mountain and desert hanging off Mexico

La Paz

Explore Baja California SurBaja California, a golden strip of mountain and desert hanging off Mexico

Espiritu Santo

Explore Baja California SurBaja California, a golden strip of mountain and desert hanging off Mexico

Cabo San Lucas

Explore Baja California SurBaja California, a golden strip of mountain and desert hanging off Mexico

Cabo Pulmo

Explore Baja California SurBaja California, a golden strip of mountain and desert hanging off Mexico

Courses and Events

Open Water Diver

This program, which gives you an internationally recognized certification, is ideal to start your adventures as a certified diver. The combination of personalized training and practical in-water sessions ensures that you will have the skills and experience necessary to dive comfortably underwater. You'll earn your SSI Open Water Diver certification.

11 February
EUR 581.32
MXN 11,900.00

Advanced Open Water Diver

If you can't decide which specialty programs are the best choice for you, join the SSI Advanced Open Water Diver program! You'll try Deep Diving and Navigation, plus a choice of 3 other specialties, before committing to full specialty training. It's a great way to experience what advanced diver training is all about and how valuable it can be to your diving adventures. During the Advanced Open Water Diver Program, you'll experience 5 different specialties by completing one open water training dive per specialty after a thorough briefing with your SSI Instructor. By completing this program you will have total freedom to explore. You can complete the full Specialty trainings at any time in the future and credit your Advanced Open Water Diver training towards them.

11 February +46 More
EUR 483.62
MXN 9,900.00

Open Water Diver

This program, which gives you an internationally recognized certification, is ideal to start your adventures as a certified diver. The combination of personalized training and practical in-water sessions ensures that you will have the skills and experience necessary to dive comfortably underwater. You'll earn your SSI Open Water Diver certification.

16 February +49 More
EUR 581.32
MXN 11,900.00

Freediving Instructor

Dreaming of a career in an exciting destination? Join the growing ranks of SSI professionals spreading the adventurous and exciting freediving lifestyle as an SSI Freediving Instructor. SSI Freediving Instructors are the best freediving trainers in the industry, using training techniques ideally suited to introduce new divers to the underwater world. As a certified SSI Freediving Instructor, you'll introduce new divers to the world of freediving through basic breath-holding exercises when teaching all entry-level programs, plus SSI's Free Immersion and Training Techniques specialties.

16 February +1 More
EUR 1,639.17
USD 1,950.00

Open Water Diver

This program, which gives you an internationally recognized certification, is ideal to start your adventures as a certified diver. The combination of personalized training and practical in-water sessions ensures that you will have the skills and experience necessary to dive comfortably underwater. You'll earn your SSI Open Water Diver certification.

17 February +57 More
EUR 566.66
MXN 11,600.00

Dive Activity

Diving in Baja California Sur

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.

Top Wildlife Sightings in Baja California Sur

Baja California Sur is a vibrant hub of marine biodiversity, attracting divers with its rich underwater life. Common reef fish like angelfish, parrotfish, and damselfish populate the coral reefs, providing a colorful spectacle year-round. Schools of jacks and snappers frequently meander through the waters, enhancing the visual tapestry of this aquatic paradise. Seasonal highlights include sightings of hammerhead and whale sharks, particularly around Cabo Pulmo and La Paz, from late summer to early winter. These gentle giants are a major attraction for divers. Sea turtles, including the olive ridley and loggerhead, are often spotted along the coast, especially during nesting season in late summer. Manta rays, known for their graceful movements, are more commonly seen from November to May. The Sea of Cortez, in particular, offers some of the best opportunities to witness this diverse marine life due to its nutrient-rich waters and varied habitats.

Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 7

iStock-Michael Zeigler

Sea Lion
2.6k Sightings
J
208
F
177
M
136
A
129
M
162
J
10
J
50
A
78
S
249
O
458
N
596
D
347

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 200

Alamy-WaterFrame

Moray Eel
1.9k Sightings
J
124
F
79
M
83
A
86
M
112
J
84
J
150
A
156
S
176
O
308
N
350
D
235
iStock/HakBak1979

Bull Shark
758 Sightings
J
38
F
9
M
31
A
44
M
58
J
45
J
43
A
59
S
30
O
77
N
226
D
98
iStock/Divepic

Giant Oceanic Manta Ray
593 Sightings
J
82
F
62
M
75
A
116
M
57
J
31
J
9
A
1
S
3
O
0
N
77
D
80
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography

Green Turtle
569 Sightings
J
22
F
10
M
18
A
5
M
21
J
16
J
41
A
58
S
43
O
86
N
176
D
73
AdobeStock/G Russel Childress

Great Hammerhead Shark
310 Sightings
J
28
F
24
M
58
A
72
M
30
J
8
J
0
A
2
S
3
O
0
N
46
D
39

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 600

iStock/ultramarinfoto

Wrasse
290 Sightings
J
8
F
33
M
19
A
3
M
38
J
3
J
22
A
18
S
33
O
33
N
47
D
33
Alamy/National Geographic Image Collection

Oceanic Whitetip Shark
266 Sightings
J
26
F
36
M
29
A
53
M
28
J
28
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
2
N
23
D
41
Shutterstock-Ed Jenkins

Hawksbill Turtle
245 Sightings
J
4
F
6
M
1
A
9
M
10
J
1
J
28
A
23
S
33
O
56
N
45
D
29
Alamy-Christian Zappel

Scalloped Hammerhead
200 Sightings
J
29
F
20
M
27
A
48
M
19
J
0
J
2
A
0
S
0
O
6
N
17
D
32

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 25

iStock/Juliosanjuan

Eagle Ray
180 Sightings
J
11
F
13
M
11
A
1
M
5
J
5
J
20
A
14
S
21
O
10
N
29
D
40

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 300

Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl

Octopus
173 Sightings
J
12
F
14
M
1
A
3
M
8
J
15
J
32
A
22
S
16
O
10
N
11
D
29
Tobias Friedrich

Bottlenose Dolphin
170 Sightings
J
10
F
1
M
40
A
35
M
13
J
5
J
4
A
4
S
0
O
0
N
37
D
21
Show More

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 130

AdobeStock-JirinaVFR

Pufferfish
1.7k Sightings
J
96
F
95
M
88
A
71
M
102
J
85
J
117
A
123
S
142
O
232
N
313
D
256

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 100

iStock-burnsboxco

Parrotfish
1.5k Sightings
J
78
F
67
M
69
A
63
M
100
J
60
J
89
A
110
S
167
O
236
N
273
D
217

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 90

Shutterstock-Rich Carey

Angelfish
1.5k Sightings
J
82
F
99
M
76
A
61
M
106
J
83
J
98
A
96
S
170
O
217
N
249
D
179

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 250

Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker

Grouper/Basslets
981 Sightings
J
48
F
43
M
43
A
49
M
56
J
38
J
59
A
84
S
96
O
143
N
199
D
123

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 130

Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek

Butterfly Fish
858 Sightings
J
62
F
40
M
30
A
25
M
73
J
40
J
53
A
61
S
98
O
128
N
152
D
96

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 20

iStock-stephankerkhofs

Porcupinefish
680 Sightings
J
36
F
32
M
24
A
24
M
55
J
26
J
44
A
54
S
73
O
93
N
117
D
102

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 80

iStock/Extreme-Photographer

Stingrays
674 Sightings
J
56
F
27
M
54
A
35
M
63
J
41
J
79
A
51
S
43
O
41
N
116
D
68
iStock-June Jacobsen

Whitetip Reef Shark
588 Sightings
J
70
F
61
M
68
A
82
M
23
J
44
J
13
A
25
S
9
O
30
N
48
D
115

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 85

iStock-mirecca

Surgeonfish
561 Sightings
J
18
F
17
M
21
A
25
M
58
J
38
J
40
A
51
S
67
O
73
N
110
D
43

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 40

iStock-Hoatzinexp

Jackfish
550 Sightings
J
14
F
43
M
43
A
20
M
37
J
19
J
31
A
27
S
54
O
95
N
86
D
81

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 3

Shutterstock_Leo Lorenzo

Trumpetfish
544 Sightings
J
31
F
28
M
41
A
13
M
36
J
34
J
44
A
58
S
33
O
80
N
79
D
67

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 110

iStock-Rainer von Brandis

Snapper
519 Sightings
J
28
F
26
M
21
A
15
M
24
J
29
J
42
A
62
S
60
O
75
N
85
D
52

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 40

iStock-wrangel

Triggerfish
449 Sightings
J
21
F
23
M
14
A
12
M
20
J
14
J
26
A
37
S
62
O
45
N
121
D
54
iStock-Lindsey Dougherty

Silvertip Shark
434 Sightings
J
45
F
56
M
64
A
73
M
43
J
34
J
1
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
45
D
73

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 90

Shutterstock-Levent Konuk

Goatfish
407 Sightings
J
16
F
17
M
5
A
15
M
26
J
16
J
20
A
57
S
50
O
69
N
78
D
38
iStock_strmko

Silky Shark
395 Sightings
J
48
F
26
M
56
A
82
M
52
J
42
J
4
A
1
S
0
O
0
N
40
D
44

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 150

Shutterstock-aquapix

Sweetlips and Grunts
393 Sightings
J
20
F
28
M
2
A
8
M
27
J
21
J
27
A
52
S
43
O
52
N
78
D
35

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 25

AdobeStock_Vladimir Wrangel

Boxfish
362 Sightings
J
34
F
23
M
11
A
8
M
34
J
10
J
25
A
34
S
26
O
43
N
57
D
57

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 350

Alamy-Andre Seal

Damselfish
266 Sightings
J
9
F
15
M
3
A
9
M
19
J
1
J
26
A
24
S
68
O
20
N
64
D
8

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 8

Alamy-Reinhard Dirscherl

Bannerfish
258 Sightings
J
19
F
16
M
5
A
14
M
32
J
16
J
25
A
6
S
21
O
38
N
33
D
33

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 9

AdobeStock-Dmitry Kokh

Fur Seal
207 Sightings
J
7
F
6
M
2
A
3
M
2
J
1
J
4
A
1
S
13
O
41
N
82
D
45

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 15

Shutterstock-Al McGlashan

Tuna
191 Sightings
J
16
F
27
M
28
A
15
M
21
J
26
J
2
A
1
S
0
O
0
N
24
D
31

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 250

iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.

Scorpionfish
187 Sightings
J
16
F
10
M
2
A
13
M
4
J
18
J
13
A
12
S
12
O
29
N
36
D
22

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 60

iStock-Global_Pics

Soldierfish
149 Sightings
J
8
F
11
M
2
A
2
M
14
J
5
J
13
A
3
S
22
O
8
N
58
D
3

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 30

Shutterstock-s_a_j

Sand Eel
145 Sightings
J
4
F
4
M
5
A
8
M
7
J
5
J
31
A
9
S
20
O
13
N
21
D
18

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 15

Shutterstock-Hans Gert Broeder

Garfish
145 Sightings
J
3
F
0
M
3
A
4
M
4
J
13
J
5
A
16
S
30
O
10
N
54
D
3

The best Months to dive in Baja California Sur

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.

Dive Centers

Sea Lions Dive Center

Carr a Pichilingue km 2.5, Marina Palmira, 23010 La Paz, BCS - MEX

Dive in la Paz

Calle Mutualismo 260 interior D, 23000 la Paz, BC - MEX

CERRALVO DIVERS

CALLE MANZANILLA (CASA YOYO), 23232 La Ventana, BCS - MEX

Cabo Pulmo Travel

Domicilo Coocido Caabopulmo, 23574 Cabo Pulmas, BCS - MEX

See Creatures, Nautilus Explorer Mexico, S de RL de CV

Calle Miguel Hidalgo # 10 Colonia Centro, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, BCS - MEX

Hipoxia Freediving

Miguel L. de Legaspy #524, 23000 La Paz, BCS - MEX

Sun Rider Tours

Av Alvaro Obregon Entre Sebastian lerdo de Tejada e Ignacio Banuelos Cabezud ,Colonia Cent, 23000 La Paz BCS, BCS - MEX

Sunrider Tours

Blvd Marina S/N Plaza Gali Local 18, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, BC - MEX

La Paz Explorer

Int. Marina #62, Marina Atalanta, 23010 La Paz, BCS - MEX

Valentina Liveaboard

Marina Palmira km 2.5, 23010 La Paz, BCS - MEX

Dive Sites

Peter S. (#417559)

Roca Partida (★4.7)

Roca Partida may seem like it is out in the middle of nowhere, sitting approximately 70 miles west of Socorro and 85 miles from San Benedicto, but it is thriving with life. Accessible only by liveaboard, this is an advanced dive on a pinnacle that rises from hundreds of feet of water.
Todd H. (#2497908)

Cabo San Lucas (★4.2)

Cabo offers diving for all levels of divers and many different types of adventures from easy, calm aquarium like shore diving to deeper water diving off the coast at places like Gordo Banks that offer the possibility of large pelagic sightings like orcas, humpbacks, hammerheads, tuna, and more!
Joep N. (#4775521)

Los Islotes (★4.7)

Once referred to as the ’aquarium of the world’ by Jacques Cousteau, diving in the waters surrounding La Paz, Mexico is just that: so full of diverse marine life it’s like diving in an aquarium. Los Islotes boasts great rock formations and tons of marine life but most divers come here for the sea lions.
Joe G. (#3100699)

Sea Lion Colony (★4.6)

Fantastic place to start your Diving expedition. Sea Lions are like lovely dogs, very curious and friendly. This dive site is also full of other marine life and it is an easy dive.
Claudia G. (#4714827)

Swanee Reef (★4.6)

Swanee Reef is a natural dive site south of Espíritu Santo Island, near La Paz, Mexico. It is known for its rich marine life, including sea lions, rays, moray eels, and large schools of fish, and is also known to be the site of the Salvatierra Ferry shipwreck.
Aqualung

San Benedicto Canyon (★4.5)

’El Canyon’ is located on the south end of San Benedicto Island within the famed Revillagigedo Islands. An amazing site that attracts large pelagics due to its depth and exposure to the open ocean. This is an advanced to expert level dive and can only be reached via liveaboard.
Aqualung

Lands End - Cabo San Lucas (★4.3)

Lands End is the last dive site in a long line of popular sites along the coast of Cabo San Lucas and offers spectacular views both above and below the water of the amazing rock formations in this area. Although this site is just offshore it’s only accessible by boat for diving.
Scubapro, Stephen Frink

Pelican Rock (★4.2)

Pelican Rock is one of the most popular sites to dive and snorkel in the Cabo San Lucas area. Located just offshore from Playa del Amor it’s easily accessible right from the harbor making charter boats easy to find and not too expensive.
Mares, Predrag Vuckovic

Whale’s Head (★4.1)

This is a nice shallow dive, perfect for snorkeling and beginning divers, starting in just 5 feet of water and ending in 50 feet with a sandy bottom. There is lots of great coral growth and tons of reef fish to see. You can even hear humpbacks singing under the water at some times of the year.
Scubapro

Cabo Pulmo (★4.6)

Cabo Pulmo National Park offers a wide variety of diving adventures from shallow, easy reef diving to more challenging, deeper drift diving. An amazingly biodiverse and successful marine park with over 6,000 different marine species.
Mares, Janez Kranjc

El Islote (★4.3)

Beautiful rock pinnacle in Cabo Pulmo, Mexico. Easy dive done in a circular pattern around the pinnacle. Wall diving with outshoots to different rock outcroppings.
Aqualung

Pibe's Reef (★4.4)

Fairly shallow beginner reef in Cabo Pulmo, small dive site with varying bottom terrain. Good for scuba diving and free diving and has great visibility.
Mares

El Bajo - Cabo Pulmo (★4.6)

The beautiful underwater topography mirrors the cliffs above water and creates a dramatic backdrop for the amazing wildlife sightings in the Sea of Cortez.
Aqualung

Los Morros (★4.5)

Although not very deep, averaging around 50 feet, Los Morros is considered an advanced dive due to the cooler water, reduced visibility, and swift current that occur here. This site has patches of reef separated by sand, full of garden eels.
Scubapro

El Cantil (★4.4)

El Cantil is a beautiful, shallow, clear dive that can be enjoyed by divers of all levels. This site is between 20 and 50 feet and features a beautiful reef with lots of cracks and caverns throughout it for lots of marine life to hide in.