Diving in Cortezian
Quick Facts
- • Entry types: Mostly shore entries
- • Expect: Varies by conditions visibility
- • Highlights: Discover Cortezian's dive spots
Explore the underwater wonders of Cortezian, ecoregion. This region features 73 documented dive spots, each offering unique underwater experiences. Whether you're seeking calm snorkeling bays, challenging freediving depths, or exciting scuba adventures, Cortezian has something for every underwater explorer. Browse detailed spot information, check current conditions from recent dive logs, and connect with the local diving community to make the most of your visit.
Regional Context
🏛️ Marine Hierarchy
🌍 Associated Countries
Countries in Cortezian (2)
Popular Spots in Cortezian (73)
Aquarium - Loreto
Aquarium in Loreto is recognized for its rich marine biodiversity, often referred to as the 'aquarium of the world' by Jacques Cousteau. The site offers encounters with a variety of marine species, including octopuses, lobsters, eagle rays, mantas, eels, parrotfish, angelfish, tuna, and sea lions. There is also a possibility of spotting hammerhead sharks. The entry to this dive site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking to explore its underwater life.
ARM Santos Wreck
The ARM Santos Wreck is an Auk Class Minesweeper with a history linked to World War II in the Pacific. After decommissioning post-war, it was briefly recommissioned for the Korean War and sold to the Mexican Navy in 1973. The vessel was intentionally sunk as an artificial reef in March 2022. It measures 220 feet in length and is positioned partially upright at a depth of 55 feet, with its highest point reaching 20 feet below the surface. Since its sinking, the wreck has become a habitat for various marine life, including octopuses on the stern and numerous nudibranchs during winter months. Schools of snappers and barracudas are also frequently observed around the site.
Arroyo - San Pedro
Arroyo - San Pedro offers divers the opportunity to encounter playful sea lions, particularly females, along with schools of groupers and the occasional turtle. The dive site features black coral forests and reaches a maximum depth of 90 feet. Water temperatures typically range from the low to mid 80s. While the female sea lions are known for their playful behavior, the male bulls tend to observe from a distance.
Bob’s Cave
Bob's Cave is a dive site characterized by its sandy bottom and a maximum depth of 90 feet. The water temperature typically remains in the low 80s, providing comfortable conditions for divers. The site is notable for its populations of sea lions, which are often observed playing and interacting, making them a central attraction during dives. Additionally, divers can encounter black coral forests and schools of fish, enhancing the underwater experience. The site generally experiences little to no current, making it accessible for divers of varying skill levels.
Bob’s Mistake
Bob's Mistake is a suitable dive site for night diving, particularly for novice divers. The maximum depth reaches 45 feet, and the site typically experiences minimal current. The sandy bottom is home to a variety of marine life, which is characteristic of night dives. Divers can expect to encounter species such as octopuses, eels, electric stingrays, green turtles, starfish, scorpionfish, lobsters, and crabs.
Butt Hole
Butt Hole is located in Lake Havasu and is known for its significant depth, reaching approximately 80 feet. Divers can enter the site from the shore and follow a morning line that leads to several submerged boats. The area is relatively sparse in marine life, with occasional sightings of catfish, but overall, there is limited biodiversity to observe.
C-59 Wreck
The C-59 wreck is located at a depth of 70 feet (18 meters) and is accessible from the shore. Originally an American military vessel, it was transferred to the Mexican government to serve as an artificial reef. This site is suitable for both Open Water and Advanced Open Water divers. Marine life commonly observed here includes eels, Cortez angelfish, various species of surgeonfish, schools of sardines, grunts, and snapper.
Cabo Pulmo
Cabo Pulmo National Park is known for its diverse marine ecosystem, hosting over 6,000 species of marine life. The site offers a range of diving experiences, from shallow reef dives to deeper drift dives. Divers can encounter a variety of marine fish and mammals, including migrating humpback whales, sperm whales, and whale sharks. Sea lions are also frequently observed in the area. The entry to the dive site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers of varying skill levels.
Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas provides diverse diving opportunities suitable for all experience levels. Shore diving offers calm conditions with an aquarium-like environment, while deeper dives at locations such as Gordo Banks present chances to encounter large pelagic species including orcas, humpback whales, hammerhead sharks, and tuna. The marine life in the area includes semi-tropical Pacific species such as octopuses, lobsters, eagle rays, mantas, eels, parrotfish, angelfish, and sea lions, with the possibility of spotting hammerheads during dives.
Chaparral Aquatics Center
Chaparral Aquatics Center is a 13-foot deep swimming pool located in Scottsdale, AZ, designed for open water training and other confined water training activities. The facility includes a large shaded area for divers to rest and avoid sun exposure when not in the water. As an artificial environment, the pool does not support any natural flora or fauna and is maintained with chlorinated water.
Chayo’s Cave
Chayo’s Cave features a short horseshoe swim-through, making it an ideal location for novice divers exploring an overhead environment for the first time. The maximum depth at this site reaches 55 feet, with water temperatures typically ranging from the high 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit. Divers can often encounter a playful family of sea lions near both the entrance and exit of the cave, enhancing the experience for those new to diving.
Christmas Tree Reef
Christmas Tree Reef is a freshwater dive site located in Lake Pleasant, ideal for novice divers and training sessions. The site is known for its calm waters, making it suitable for both diving and snorkeling. Divers can expect to encounter various species of fish, including Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Crappie, Walleye, Catfish, Spotted Bass, White Bass, and Striped Bass, as well as crayfish. The site is popular among divers due to its accessibility from the shore.
Copper Canyon
Copper Canyon is a shore entry dive site located at coordinates 34.426000, -114.307700. The area is characterized by underwater trees and various submerged objects, including anchors. Divers can encounter a variety of freshwater fish species such as catfish, bass, crappie, carp, and strippers. The site is also known for its cliff jump, which attracts divers looking for treasure hunting opportunities. Items such as iPhones, watches, sunglasses, and box anchors have been recovered from the area.
Corralito
Corralito is a dive site known for its diverse marine life, including turtles, scorpion fish, sea cucumbers, octopus, nudibranchs, electric rays, sea lions, starfish, and anemones. The site features a maximum depth of 18 meters (60 feet) and experiences light to moderate currents. Water temperatures typically range from the high 21°C to 26°C (70s to low 80s °F). This location is also suitable for night dives, providing opportunities to observe nocturnal marine species.
Desert Tortoise
Desert Tortoise is a dive site that is well-suited for beginner open water divers and training classes. The underwater terrain features gentle slopes, allowing for a gradual increase in depth. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of freshwater fish species, including catfish, perch, bass, carp, and crayfish, which are commonly found in the area throughout most of the year.
Diamond Dive Site
Diamond Dive Site is situated at the entrance of Steambpat Cove, characterized by underwater cliffs that feature overhangs. The average depth ranges from 15 to 30 feet, providing decent visibility for divers. Marine life commonly observed includes large catfish residing beneath the cliff overhangs, along with bass and carp swimming in the area.
Dive Site 5
Dive Site 5 features a platform that provides straightforward access from the shore. The site has a maximum depth of approximately 25 feet, where divers can observe three boats. The water visibility at this location is around 5 feet, which may affect the overall diving experience.
Eagle Rock
Eagle Rock is accessible from the shore and is suitable for divers of all experience levels. The site features a rocky reef that gently slopes down to a sandy bottom at a depth of 60 feet. In the shallower areas near the wall, there is a canyon that opens to the south, reaching depths of approximately 20 feet. To the north, the reef transitions into a boulder field. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including Cortez and King Angelfish, as well as moray eels, lobsters, and Giant Hawkfish.
El Bajo - Cabo Pulmo
El Bajo, located in Cabo Pulmo, features underwater topography that reflects the cliffs above, providing a striking environment for divers. The site is known for potential encounters with large marine species such as manta rays, eagle rays, sea lions, and whale sharks, alongside a variety of sub-tropical reef fish. The entry to this dive site is by boat, allowing access to its unique underwater landscape.
El Bajo Sea Mounts
El Bajo Sea Mounts consists of a series of underwater mountains located in the Sea of Cortez, near La Paz, Mexico. This dive site is characterized by strong currents, making it suitable for advanced to expert divers only. Access is exclusively by boat. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including giant manta rays (mobulas), turtles, hammerhead sharks, and occasionally humpback and sperm whales.
El Cantil
El Cantil is a shallow dive site with depths ranging from 20 to 50 feet. The area is characterized by a reef structure that includes numerous cracks and caverns, providing habitats for various marine species. Divers can encounter semi-tropical Pacific wildlife such as octopuses, lobsters, eagle rays, and potentially manta rays. Other common sightings include eels, parrotfish, angelfish, jacks, grouper, and reef sharks. The site is accessible from the shore, making it suitable for divers of all experience levels.
El Islote
El Islote is a prominent rock pinnacle located in Cabo Pulmo, Mexico. Divers typically navigate the site in a circular route around the pinnacle, which features wall diving and various rock outcroppings. The site is known for its large schools of fish, including a consistent presence of sardines at the surface. Additionally, divers can observe numerous leopard grouper and may encounter bull sharks. The area is adorned with purple sea fans, enhancing the underwater landscape.
El Mar Diving Center Pool
El Mar Diving Center Pool is a saltwater training facility measuring 40 feet in length and 20 feet in width. The pool has a depth that varies from 5 feet in the shallow section, which includes a bench and stairs for easy access, to 12.5 feet in the deeper area. This site accommodates various diving activities, including SCUBA diving, freediving, and technical diving throughout the year.
El Vencedor (Wreck)
El Vencedor is a wreck dive located in Cabo Pulmo, where a tuna trawler sank in the early 1980s after colliding with the reef. The wreck now serves as an artificial reef, surrounded by sandy areas and attracting a variety of marine life. Divers can expect to see large schools of snapper and grunts, along with sizable grouper, numerous pufferfish, and both moray and garden eels. Bull sharks are also commonly observed in the vicinity. The site is accessible from the shore.
Eldorado Aquatic & Fitness Center
Eldorado Aquatic & Fitness Center features a heated pool with a depth of 13.5 feet, located in South Scottsdale. This chlorinated facility is primarily utilized for training purposes, including Open Water training, Full Face Mask, Perfect Buoyancy, and Photo/Video courses. The pool environment is devoid of marine life, with only divers present, and minimal algae growth can occur during the summer months.
Fang Ming (Wreck)
The Fang Ming, referred to as the 'Chinese Wreck,' is a sunken cargo vessel located at coordinates 24.430300, -110.374400. This wreck was seized by the Mexican navy in 1995 while attempting to transport 88 undocumented Chinese immigrants to California. Divers can access the site from the shore. Marine life in the area includes semi-tropical Pacific species such as octopuses, lobsters, eagle rays, mantas, eels, parrotfish, angelfish, tuna, and sea lions, with the possibility of encountering hammerhead sharks.
Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay is situated on the California side, directly across from site 6. Divers can enter the water from the shore and descend along a mooring line to discover a sunken sailboat, which serves as a starting point for exploring various submerged vessels and fish habitats. This site connects to the Butt Hole dive site, recognized as the deepest area of the lake. The cove is home to a diverse array of fish species, including bass, crappie, carp, and catfish, making it an engaging location for underwater observation.
Islas Marietas
The Islas Marietas, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, are notable for their rich biodiversity and the variety of marine species present. Depending on the season, divers may encounter humpback whales, whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins, and large sea turtles. The site is accessible only by boat, allowing divers to explore its unique underwater ecosystems.
La Lobera - Coronado Island
La Lobera is a notable wall dive located on the southern side of Coronado Island near Loreto, Mexico. This site is recommended for advanced divers due to its depth, reaching approximately 30 meters (100 feet). Divers can explore numerous caves and caverns adorned with black coral and sea fans. The area is home to a variety of marine life, including semi-tropical Pacific species such as octopuses, lobsters, eagle rays, mantas, eels, parrotfish, angelfish, tuna, and sea lions, with the possibility of encountering hammerhead sharks.
La Muela
La Muela is located on the northern end of Angel de la Guarda, featuring a sandy bottom with a maximum depth of 70 feet. The water temperature typically ranges in the low 80s Fahrenheit. This site is particularly noted for its macro life, including jawfish, gobies, blennies, scorpionfish, hogfish, groupers, electric rays, moray eels, surgeonfish, and butterfly fish. It is suitable for divers interested in fish identification courses.
La Paz
La Paz offers divers an opportunity to explore the diverse marine life of the Sea of Cortez. The site features various underwater landscapes, including swim-throughs, caves, and deep pinnacles, as well as colorful shallow reefs. Marine encounters may include species such as octopuses, lobsters, eagle rays, mantas, eels, parrotfish, angelfish, tuna, and sea lions, with the possibility of spotting hammerhead sharks. The entry to this dive site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers of varying skill levels.
La Roca Grande
La Roca Grande features rocky terrain transitioning into sandy areas, characteristic of many dive sites around San Pedro Nolasco Island. The site is located approximately one hour from the marina, with an average depth ranging from 50 to 60 feet, allowing for deeper exploration if desired. Divers can encounter sea lions along with a variety of fish species, including angelfish, damselfish, parrotfish, butterflyfish, pufferfish, blennies, and guitarfish. Rays and numerous invertebrates are also abundant, contributing to the site's rich marine biodiversity.
La Vela
La Vela offers a shore entry dive characterized by minimal current, making it accessible for divers interested in macro photography as well as observing schools of fish at various developmental stages. The dive reaches a maximum depth of 65 feet, with water temperatures typically in the low 80s Fahrenheit. Marine life includes black coral, jawfish, electric rays, hogfish, pufferfish, chubs, blennies, gobies, scorpionfish, wrasse, parrotfish, grouper, and snapper.
Lake Pleasant
Lake Pleasant is a versatile dive site suitable for divers of all levels, from Open Water to Technical divers. The lake is home to various species of fish, including crayfish, catfish, bass, perch, and carp. Divers may also encounter some items that have been placed in the lake illegally, adding an element of exploration. The entry to the dive site is from the shore, allowing easy access for divers.
Lake Pleasant - East of Boat Ramp
Lake Pleasant, located east of the boat ramp, is suitable for deeper dives due to its proximity to a 10-lane boat ramp. The site can experience choppy conditions in the morning, influenced by winds from the surrounding mountains. Common marine life includes perch, bass, carp, catfish, and crayfish. Divers may also encounter freshwater shrimp if they are observant.
Lake Pleasant 10 Lane Boat Ramp West
Lake Pleasant 10 Lane Boat Ramp West is located just east of the 10 Lane Boat Ramp and Waterline Way. The dive site features a gently sloping bottom, making it easy to reach depths of up to 30 feet. The substrate consists primarily of silt, with small rocks and boulders present near the shoreline. Underwater vegetation includes small bushes that can entangle fishing lines but also provide habitat for spawning fish, particularly bass. Additionally, the area is home to catfish and crayfish.
Lands End - Cabo San Lucas
Lands End is a dive site located just offshore from Cabo San Lucas, accessible only by boat. The site features impressive rock formations that provide a unique underwater landscape. Divers can encounter a variety of sub-tropical marine life, including eagle rays, manta rays, turtles, stingrays, and numerous fish species such as snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrotfish, and grouper. The site is known for its diverse ecosystem and offers a rich diving experience.
Lighthouse South - San Pedro
Lighthouse South is a well-known dive site located on the eastern side of San Pedro Island. The dive begins at a sloping boulder field that transitions into a sandy area at approximately 40 feet. This site is accessible for divers of all experience levels and offers a diverse array of marine life. Notable species include sea lions, King angelfish, and pufferfish, which can be observed around the rocky formations. Moray eels are frequently encountered, while the sandy bottom is home to Finespotted and Bluespotted jawfish, making it an interesting spot for underwater exploration.
Lobos Rock
Lobos Rock is a dive site reaching a depth of 18 meters (60 feet) and is suitable for divers of all experience levels. You can expect to see a variety of marine life, including California sea lions and whitetip sharks. Night dives allow for sightings of octopuses, rays, and parrotfish.
Los Arcos National Park
Los Arcos National Park is located in the southern region of Banderas Bay, characterized by a series of granite islands. This dive site offers various underwater features, including El Bajo and Devil’s Canyon, which are known for their diverse marine life. Divers can encounter a range of semi-tropical Pacific species such as octopuses, lobsters, eagle rays, mantas, eels, and various fish including butterflyfish, angelfish, and damselfish. The site is accessed by boat, making it a convenient location for divers seeking to explore its rich underwater ecosystem.
Los Islotes
Los Islotes is a dive site located at coordinates 24.598400, -110.401900, accessible by boat. This area is known for its impressive rock formations and a rich diversity of marine life. Divers frequently encounter California sea lions, which are a highlight of the site. Additionally, the waters are home to various sub-tropical fish species, corals, and there is a possibility of spotting dolphins and manta rays during dives.
Los Morros
Los Morros is an advanced dive site with an average depth of approximately 15 meters (50 feet). The site features patches of reef interspersed with sandy areas, which are home to garden eels. Divers should be prepared for cooler water temperatures, limited visibility, and swift currents. Marine life commonly encountered includes semi-tropical Pacific species such as octopuses, lobsters, sting rays, mantas, eels, parrotfish, angelfish, tuna, and sea lions.
Los Nidos
Los Nidos is a suitable site for check-out dives, particularly for those on liveaboards exploring the Sea of Cortez and Midriff Islands. The maximum depth reaches 20 meters (65 feet), with water temperatures ranging from 27 to 28 degrees Celsius (80-82 degrees Fahrenheit) in August. The site typically experiences little to no current, making it accessible for divers. Marine life includes various macro species, small sting rays, eels, puffer fish, blennies, jawfish, hogfish, parrotfish, and groupers, providing ample opportunities for observation.
Majahuitas
Majahuitas is a dive site located off the beach of the same name, accessible by boat. The maximum depth is around 30 meters (100 feet). Common marine life includes garden eels, manta rays, stingrays, eagle rays, turtles, and nudibranchs, particularly in deeper areas.
Millers Folly
Millers Folly, located in Skier's Cove, is the site of a wreck that consists of the remains of an early Lake Havasu party boat. The wreck lies at a depth of 25 feet and is situated near one of the larger fish habitats in the area. Surrounding Millers Folly, divers can find several sunken boats. The site is home to various species including catfish, bass, carp, and crappie, which are commonly observed swimming around the wreck. Additionally, there are multiple artificial fish habitats nearby that support a diverse range of aquatic life.
Mine Shaft #1
Mine Shaft #1 is situated between Katherine’s Landing and Cabin Site, reaching depths of approximately 100 feet, with the shaft extending an additional 200 feet downward. Surrounding the mine shaft, divers can observe various artifacts, fencing, and concrete foundations. While the depth limits the presence of fish, divers may encounter species such as bass, carp, and catfish on their descent.
Morro
Morro is a shore dive site located at coordinates 28.366400, -112.300400. The site is known for its abundant sea lion population, particularly playful females and pups. Divers can expect to encounter these marine mammals throughout the dive. The maximum depth at Morro reaches 85 feet, with water temperatures typically in the low 80s. Current conditions are generally low to nonexistent, making it accessible for divers of various skill levels. However, caution is advised around territorial bulls that may be present.
Nautical Cliffs
Nautical Cliffs is located at the southeast corner of the island and features sheer walls that range from 3 to 12 meters in depth, extending approximately 800 meters. The site includes ledges, boulders, and several swim-throughs, as well as remnants of small boats, cars, and a stand-up jet ski. Divers can expect to see a variety of fish species, including large catfish, bass, and bluegill, particularly when illuminating the caves beneath the cliffs. Visibility at this site is typically very good.
North Point - San Pedro
North Point is situated at the northern tip of San Pedro and serves as a dive site suitable for both novice and experienced divers. The site can experience currents due to its exposed location, which attracts various pelagic species. Divers can observe schools of California angelfish and sea lions, along with large groupers. During the spring, yellowtail, trevally, and tuna are also commonly seen. At greater depths, a field of black corals can be found, adding to the site's unique underwater features.
North Wall - San Pedro
North Wall offers a wall dive characterized by black coral forests and unique underwater formations. The site is known for its diverse macro life, including a variety of nudibranchs, blennies, and gobies. Divers can expect mild to moderate currents, making it suitable for those with deep dive certifications. Water temperatures typically remain in the low 80s Fahrenheit.
Old Waddell Dam West Wall
The Old Waddell Dam, constructed in 1927, is recognized as the largest arch and buttress dam globally. Following the commissioning of the New Waddell Dam in 1994, the old dam transitioned into a notable site for both recreational and technical diving. Divers can explore the west wall of the dam, where they may encounter various species of fish, including bass and catfish, that inhabit the area around the structure. The site is accessible via shore entry, making it convenient for divers to access the underwater environment directly from the land.
Pelican Rock
Pelican Rock is located offshore from Playa del Amor and is accessible from the shore. The site is known for its diverse marine life, including hammerhead sharks, giant mantas, and amberjacks, due to the unique mix of temperate and sub-tropical waters in the Cabo San Lucas area. This location is popular for both diving and snorkeling, providing opportunities to encounter various tropical species.
Pibe's Reef
Pibe's Reef is a shallow dive site located in Cabo Pulmo, characterized by its diverse bottom terrain. The site is suitable for both scuba diving and free diving, offering good visibility. Divers can expect to encounter large schools of yellow line snapper and grunts, which are often seen as spillover from the nearby El Vencedor wreck site.
Piedras Pintas
Piedras Pintas is a shallow cove with easy shore access, featuring a gradually sloping bottom that includes sandy areas interspersed with rocks and reef structures. During winter months, kelp formations can be observed. A surface swim of approximately five minutes leads to a depth of 10 meters (33 feet) in the bay's center. The site is home to various marine life, including stingrays, scorpionfish, pike blennies, and snake eels. Schools of snappers and trevallies may also be seen, making it an excellent location for macro photography.
Punta Diablo
Punta Diablo is a dive site renowned for its abundant sea lion population. The maximum depth at this location is 70 feet (21 meters), with water temperatures ranging from 82 to 83°F (27 to 28°C). Divers can expect playful interactions with the sea lions, which are the primary attraction at this site. The playful nature of these marine mammals often encourages multiple dives to fully experience their behavior.
Punta Don Juan
Punta Don Juan serves as the final dive site on the Midriff Islands trip, offering a maximum depth of 60 feet. The water temperature typically reaches the high 70s, and divers can expect no to mild currents. The sandy bottom is complemented by black coral forests, creating an ideal environment for macro photography. Notable marine life includes giant jawfish, signal blennies, nudibranchs, electric rays, and various gobies.
Punta Perico
Punta Perico is a wall dive characterized by rocky formations and a sandy bottom. The site features a maximum depth of approximately 80 feet and is typically dived in a drift pattern, keeping the wall on one side. Divers can encounter large schools of jacks, as well as mobulas, eels, and turtles. The coral formations are not well-developed, primarily consisting of rocky structures, which support a variety of marine life.
Rabijunco
Rabijunco is a shore dive site known for its abundant sea lion population. The maximum depth reaches 80 feet, with water temperatures typically ranging from the low to mid 80s Fahrenheit. Divers can expect to encounter playful female sea lions and their pups, while also being mindful of the territorial bulls present in the area. This site is also suitable for night dives, offering a diverse array of marine life.
Roca Montana
Roca Montana features an extensive reef characterized by impressive hard coral formations, along with pinnacles and canyons. The site is abundant in marine life and typically experiences moderate current conditions. Depths are generally shallow, with a moderate gradient throughout. During the summer months, divers may encounter manta rays (Mobula birostris) and can find several cleaning stations frequented by barber fish.
San Antonio Point
San Antonio Point is a well-known dive location situated north of Marina San Carlos. The dive begins in a shallow area at approximately 3 meters (10 feet), characterized by pebbles and rocks, which gradually slopes down to the west. As divers descend, they will encounter larger boulders leading to a sandy bottom at around 9 meters (30 feet). The site is home to various marine life, including King Angelfish, pufferfish, and porcupinefish. Divers may also spot octopuses in the shallower regions, along with numerous moray eels. Stingrays can often be found resting on the sandy floor.
San Pedro Island
San Pedro Island is accessible by boat and offers divers a chance to explore diverse reef structures. The site is characterized by a variety of hard and soft corals, providing habitat for numerous sub-tropical fish species. Notable dive locations include Las Cascaditas, the Lighthouse (both north and south), and Pelican Point. Marine life encounters may include octopuses, lobsters, eagle rays, mantas, eels, and various species of butterflyfish, angelfish, and damselfish.
Sea Lion Colony
Sea Lion Colony, known locally as La Lobería, is a shore entry dive site located at coordinates 23.395500, -109.413500. This site is characterized by its population of curious and friendly sea lions, which are often compared to playful dogs due to their inquisitive nature. The dive is considered easy and is suitable for divers of all levels. In addition to sea lions, divers can expect to encounter a variety of other marine life in the area. The proximity to the beach allows for quick access, making it a convenient starting point for diving expeditions.
Sea Mount
Sea Mount is an underwater mountain located approximately 20 feet below the surface, with steep sides that gradually level off at depths of 90 to 100 feet. This dive site is accessible by boat and is known for its diverse marine life, including schools of Mexican angelfishes, barracudas, and trevallies. During the winter months, divers can also encounter various nudibranchs, as well as scorpionfish and moray eels inhabiting the area.
Sea of Cortez
The Sea of Cortez, or Gulf of California, is a warm sub-tropical body of water located between Baja California and mainland Mexico. This site offers opportunities for encounters with a variety of marine life, including octopuses, lobsters, eagle rays, mantas, eels, parrotfish, angelfish, tuna, sea lions, and the occasional hammerhead shark. The entry to the dive site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking to explore the diverse underwater ecosystem.
Shangri-La
Shangri-La is a shallow dive site located near Marina San Carlos, featuring a prominent wall characterized by large, broken boulders. Divers can explore an open swim-through that contains small soft corals. Marine life observed here includes frogfish, schools of snappers, octopus, blennies, gobies, and stingrays resting on the sandy bottom. The site can experience strong swell conditions, making it important for divers to be aware of the environment.
Sin Miedo al Exito
Sin Miedo al Exito offers a dive experience characterized by a black coral forest, with a maximum depth of 18 meters (60 feet). The water temperature typically hovers in the low 80s Fahrenheit. This site is suitable for fish identification and macro photography, featuring a variety of marine life including hogfish, parrotfish, jawfish, groupers, butterfly fish, blennies, gobies, sting rays, moray eels, and scorpion fish.
South Point - San Pedro
South Point is located at the southern tip of San Pedro de Nolasco and is characterized by a steep drop-off and an external pinnacle. The site is known for its strong currents, making it more suitable for advanced and expert divers. Marine life includes sea lions, yellowtail surgeonfish, king angelfish, moray eels, and groupers. Divers may also encounter hammerhead sharks in the area. The underwater landscape features sea fans along the walls, adding to the site's ecological diversity.
Spillway
The Spillway at Lake Pleasant is situated near the 10-lane boat ramp and features a U-shaped cove that provides a sheltered environment for divers. The depth at this freshwater reservoir varies with water levels, as it serves as a storage site for local water supplies. This dive site is suitable for divers of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced. Marine life commonly encountered includes bass, bluegill, catfish, carp, and crawdads, with sunfish often seen following other fish species.
Steamboat Cove
Steamboat Cove is accessible only by boat and features depths ranging from 15 to 25 feet. The site typically offers good visibility, making it easier to explore the underwater environment. Divers may encounter a variety of fish species common to Lake Havasu, including bass, carp, and catfish. The presence of submerged trees in the cove provides habitat for these fish, and it is not unusual to find a box anchor among them.
Tres Marias
Tres Marias is a shallow bay located at coordinates 27.936400, -111.076400, accessible via shore entry. The site features typical volcanic topography characterized by a rocky shoreline that transitions to a flat sandy bottom as you move away from the shore. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including Moray Eels, Sergeant Majors, Angelfish, scissortails, as well as various invertebrates such as Sea Stars, Urchins, and Sea Cucumbers.
Vicki’s Place
Vicki's Place is located east of the 10 Lane boat ramp and is suitable for beginner divers. The site has a maximum depth of 30 feet and offers a protected environment. Divers enter and exit from the shore, marked by two trees leading to a gated ramp. The entry point features several small boulders underwater that may impede access.
Vista Point
Vista Point is a shore dive suitable for both recreational and technical divers. The site typically offers better visibility during the cooler months, while summer conditions may require a longer walk to reach the water. Morning hours are generally the most favorable for diving. Marine life includes crawdads, bass, catfish, and sunfish, with bass often found near the bottom, waiting for prey.
Whale’s Head
Whale’s Head offers a shallow dive experience, beginning at a depth of 5 feet and reaching up to 50 feet, characterized by a sandy bottom. The site is known for its diverse coral growth and abundant reef fish. During certain seasons, divers may hear the songs of humpback whales beneath the surface. Marine life encounters can include semi-tropical Pacific species such as octopuses, lobsters, eagle rays, mantas, eels, parrotfish, angelfish, tuna, and sea lions.