Baja California Sur boasts an awe-inspiring underwater world. Starting from the Arch of Cabo San Lucas eastwards along the Los Cabos shore, the diving opportunities in the Sea of Cortez are immense. You can encounter sharks and massive schools of Mobula rays not far from Cabo. The Corridor or Cabo Pulmo will show you the reef in action. Or you can cruise to La Paz to swim with giant whale sharks. For the complete change of the scene, the night dive option is a great idea.
Cabo San Lucas scuba diving sites
Land's End
The waters around Land's End teem with marine life, and tourists flock to this fantastic area all year round. But one of the special periods not to miss is the mating season of Mobula rays. Between mid-May and July, you'll spot millions of mini manta rays right outside of the Marina. Don't worry—they are entirely harmless. Snorkeling is also an option.
Gordo Banks
Gordo is primarily known for shark diving. The conditions and species change with seasons. February–April brings blue sharks; in April through June, you will encounter smooth hammerhead sharks; July–November is the silky shark season; lastly, December–June is for mako shark sightings. Yet, most of Gordo Banks' diving trips are scheduled from May to January. Apart from sharks, you can encounter schools of yellowfin tuna, jacks, and bonitas.
Tourist Corridor
The Corridor, especially Chileno Bay and Santa Maria, offers a splendid remote diving experience. Aside from countless tropical fish and sea turtles, this diving area is also a perfect whale-watching destination. Expect to snap a few pictures of humpback and grey whales cruising nearby between December and April.
Cabo Pulmo
A bit more distant diving site is also worth the visit. Cabo Pulmo claims to be one of the healthiest coral reefs in the world. Since 1995 a National Marine Park has been a non-fishing area protected by UNESCO. And now its pristine waterbeds are home to over 200 unique aquatic species. You'll be carried away by all these electrifying colors. The tours typically run from May to November.
La Paz
If you're interested in whale sharks, many of them gather in the Bay of La Paz around Isla Jacques Cousteau from October and stay there until April. The prime season falls between October and February. The tours combine snorkeling and diving in small groups with instructors and are suitable for the whole family, including non-divers. You'll enjoy a scenic boat ride around Baja, play with cheerful sea lions, and have fun.
Cabo San Lucas diving season
The span of the diving season depends on what location and species you are looking for. The best visibility is in October and November. Most tours, except for shark whales, run between May and November. But generally, some diving opportunities are presented at any time of the year.
Practical info
What is the best time to visit Cabo San Lucas for scuba diving?
The diving season spans from May to November, with the most optimal visibility being October and November. Diving tours mostly run during these months. Whale shark season occurs from October to April; nonetheless, diving opportunities are presented throughout the year depending on the species that interest you. Show more
Where are the best spots to dive with sharks in Cabo San Lucas?
Gordo Banks is known for shark diving; February to April brings blue sharks, April through June offers smooth hammerhead sharks, July to November is the silky shark season, and December to June is for mako shark sightings. Other sharks like bull shark and great white sharks can be found in the Sea of Cortez, representing another alternative for shark diving. Show more
When is the mating season for Mobula rays, and where can I spot them?
Beginning in mid-May and extending until July, the mating season for Mobula rays occurs. Land's End surrounding areas in the Marina; witness millions of mini manta rays. The diverse marine life in the area attracts tourists all year round, and you can even experience snorkeling to observe how the Mobula rays interact. Show more
What is the highlight of scuba diving in Cabo Pulmo?
Cabo Pulmo has the world's most healthy coral reef, a protected non-fishing area since 1995, marked as a National Marine Park by UNESCO. The crystal clear water abounds with over 200 unique aquatic species with vibrant colors and various marine life. Although a considerable distance, diving tours in Cabo Pulmo run from May to November and are worth the effort. Show more
Is scuba diving in Cabo San Lucas suitable for beginner divers?
Yes, Cabo San Lucas offers beginner divers accommodating sites with diving schools available to assist with skill mastery. La Paz proves an excellent diving spot for the entire family; whale shark tours combine snorkeling and diving in small groups with instructors. Meanwhile, experienced divers can take advantage of the Sea of Cortez's different marine species for more challenging dives. Show more
