Explore Loreto
Loreto is the northernmost dive hub in Baja California Sur, located about 300 kilometers/186 miles north of La Paz. Scuba diving in Loreto owes its abundance and diversity to 20 years of protection as a marine park. Among its dramatic underwater lava formations of pinnacles, boulders, and walls, visitors can dive with barracudas, mobula rays, turtles, and plenty of other fish and critters. There are enough dive centers to find a variety of dive courses and experiences.
Loreto is an incredibly scenic town, poised between a white-sand bay and the protected Sierra de la Giganta mountains. Its golden-green landscape of beach forest, shrubland, rock, and sand holds much to explore, such as a 300-year-old mission, tiny mountain villages, streams, and waterfalls. Loreto has been awarded for ecotourism and the historical value of its ancient rock paintings. Between Loreto’s dive sites, whale-watching scene, protected wetlands, islands, and beaches, visitors will find plenty to do.
Top Loreto Dive Sites
Isla Coronados
Known for its sea lion colony at La Lobera, Isla Coronados offers a diverse marine life with black coral walls. The dive is suitable for both scuba and freediving, making it accessible for various skill levels. Above water, cliffs host pelicans and blue-footed boobies, enriching the natural experience.
Baja del Murcielago
Located near Isla del Carmen, this site features seamounts teeming with large fish like amberjacks and horn sharks. It is an advanced dive site best suited for scuba diving. The vibrant marine ecosystem here provides a thrilling adventure for experienced divers.
C-54 Agustin Melgar Wreck
Situated by Isla Danzante, this World War II minesweeper wreck is ideal for beginners due to its easy penetrations. Scuba diving is the primary method to explore this historical underwater site, adding a unique element to the diving experience.
Esmerelda
Outside park boundaries, Esmerelda features a dramatic yellowish-green wall of black coral that plunges over 100 feet. It's ideal for advanced scuba divers seeking depth and vibrant underwater landscapes. The site's ecological significance lies in its thriving coral life.
Piedra Ahogada
Known for its shallow pinnacles with abundant coral growth, Piedra Ahogada is suitable for both scuba and freediving. As one of the healthiest reefs outside the park, it offers an exploration of picturesque underwater scenery, attracting divers of all levels.
The best Months to dive in Loreto
Loreto diving is at its best when the north winds have calmed down; these winter breezes ruffle the water in Loreto between December and March. The water temperature ranges from 18°C/64°F to around 28°C/82°F. Divers can expect to see huge schools of migrating mobula rays from May through August, while whales visit Loreto from January through early April.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Loreto
Scuba diving in Loreto, visitors can expect to see healthy reefs full of marine life, from the large to the small. Loreto is a good destination for macro-enthusiasts, with colorful nudibranchs, flatworms, and crustaceans in abundance. These invertebrates and the local reef fish live in vibrant forests of sea fans and black coral bushes which carpet the reef flats or hang off vertical walls. In Loreto, there are lots of animals which can be encountered both at the surface and underwater. Sea turtles swim in the park and nest on the beaches, two California sea lion colonies reside within the park boundaries, and dolphins often accompany dive boats. Schools of mobula rays are awe-inspiring sights below and above water as well, especially when they launch themselves through the air. Last but not least, Loreto is a world-renowned destination for whale-watching. Blue whales, the largest animals on Earth, grace Loreto’s waters seasonally, as well as fin whales, humpbacks, and even the occasional minke and orca.
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 approx.: 200
Alamy-WaterFrame
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Total number of species approx.: 7
iStock-Michael Zeigler
Sea Lion
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Total number of species approx.: 27
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Barracuda
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Reef Manta Ray
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Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
Green Turtle
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Total number of species approx.: 600
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Wrasse
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Total number of species approx.: 350
Alamy-Andre Seal
Damselfish
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Total number of species approx.: 100
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Parrotfish
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Total number of species approx.: 130
AdobeStock-JirinaVFR
Pufferfish
12 Sightings
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Total number of species approx.: 85
iStock-mirecca
Surgeonfish
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