Diving in Gulf of California
Quick Facts
- • Entry types: Mostly shore entries
- • Expect: Varies by conditions visibility
- • Highlights: Discover Gulf of California's dive spots
Explore the underwater wonders of Gulf of California, sea. This region features 34 documented dive spots, each offering unique underwater experiences. Whether you're seeking calm snorkeling bays, challenging freediving depths, or exciting scuba adventures, Gulf of California 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 Gulf of California (1)
Popular Spots in Gulf of California (34)
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.