On-water Safety

Use an SMB for open-water ascents and busy bays.
Expect variable visibility and thermoclines; do not separate from the group.
Treat seamount days as advanced: current, blue-water navigation, and surface chop are common.

Wildlife Interaction Safety

Sea lions: keep hands in, no chasing, and end the interaction if animals become pushy.
Whale sharks: snorkel-only, guided, and rule-based. Never touch or block the animal's path.

La Paz has hospitals and private clinics, and the region has hyperbaric medicine providers. In any suspected DCS case, call local emergency services first, then contact DAN for coordination and medical advice.

Winter wind events and summer squalls can cancel offshore days. Build buffer days and book your highest-priority water experiences early in the week.

On-water Safety

Use an SMB for open-water ascents and busy bays.
Expect variable visibility and thermoclines; do not separate from the group.
Treat seamount days as advanced: current, blue-water navigation, and surface chop are common.

Wildlife Interaction Safety

Sea lions: keep hands in, no chasing, and end the interaction if animals become pushy.
Whale sharks: snorkel-only, guided, and rule-based. Never touch or block the animal's path.

Winter wind events and summer squalls can cancel offshore days. Build buffer days and book your highest-priority water experiences early in the week.

Sites like El Bajo Sea Mounts can have fast current. Use an SMB, stay with the group, and follow conservative turn pressures and ascent protocols.

Sea lions are wild animals. Keep hands close, do not wear dangling accessories, and do not push into the colony. End the interaction if behavior shifts.

Boat days stack sun exposure: reflective water, wind, and hours outside. Cover up, hydrate, and do not rely only on sunscreen.

Protected Area Basics

Pay required park fees and follow ranger instructions.
Pack out all trash. Do not dump anything overboard.
Do not collect shells, corals, or rocks, and do not feed wildlife.
Use mooring systems where provided and avoid anchor damage.

Practical In-water Rules (espiritu Santo)

Avoid standing on, grabbing, or kicking coral. Keep a buffer from reef structure.
Gloves are commonly prohibited in protected zones to discourage contact.
Many surface activities require flotation (often a life jacket) for snorkel and apnea groups.

Seasonal Protection

Sea lion access at Los Islotes can be seasonally suspended for breeding.
Regulated wildlife activities are quota-based and can pause based on monitoring.

Contact	Role	Phone	Availability
Mexico Emergency Services	General emergency number	911	24/7
DAN Emergency Hotline	Dive medical emergency coordination	+1-919-684-9111	24/7
Capitania de Puerto La Paz	Maritime authority and navigation support	01-612-123-0460 / 01-612-122-2035 / 01-612-122-4037	Business hours; emergencies via 911
Central de Medicina Hiperbarica (AMCARE)	Hyperbaric medicine (verify diving emergency capability when calling)	+52-612-122-5743	By phone; confirm hours
Central de Especialidades Medicas (Hospital Fidepaz)	24h hospital in La Paz	+52-612-124-0400	24/7

La Paz (Baja California Sur), including Espiritu Santo

Safety And Conservation

Top Risks

Dive safety

On-water Safety

Wildlife Interaction Safety

Snorkel and freedive safety

Safety And Conservation

Top Risks

Dive safety

On-water Safety

Wildlife Interaction Safety

Snorkel and freedive safety

Wildlife and protected areas

Protected Area Basics

Practical In-water Rules (espiritu Santo)

Seasonal Protection

Emergency contacts