The Pacific coast of Mexico has so much to offer! Amateur of large fauna, you will be served!
Sea of Cortez
The Sea of Cortez is a special place located between Baja, Mexico, and the mainland. Water of all shades of blue stands against a barren desert backdrop and an assortment of islands. The Baja Peninsula is home to unique flora and fauna that have evolved in near isolation, so it's no surprise that diving the Sea of Cortez features beautiful and diverse marine life. Cabo San Lucas is home to Land's End, a narrow strip of land where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. There's a famous arch, several unique dive sites, and accommodations for all sides of the nightlife spectrum. For divers, La Paz is the most popular destination. It is the capital of Baja California Sur, Mexico, and is located on the coast about 2 hours north of Cabo San Lucas on the Sea of Cortez side of the peninsula. Cabo Pulmo is a very small town located between Cabo and La Paz, offering fascinating dives in a protected marine park. Moving north into the Sea of Cortez we find Loreto, a much smaller destination than La Paz, but also with excellent diving. The cost of diving in the Sea of Cortez is much more affordable than many other destinations where divers seek out the same great marine life, and short flights from the southwestern United States make travel easy. Divers will find most dive resorts in La Paz, which is easy to get to. Cabo Pulmo offers limited options and is also easily accessible. Beyond that, divers can explore the options at Loreto.
The diving cruise is also a spectacular way to fully enjoy the landscapes of the Sea of Cortez! A very limited number of cruise ships are in operation to facilitate access the furthest dive sites. Cruising allows you to soak up the landscapes as much as possible and enjoy sites that are completely reserved for you. A very limited number of cruise ships are in operation to facilitate access to the furthest dive sites. Cruising allows you to soak up the landscapes as much as possible and enjoy sites that are completely reserved for you.
Here are some itineraries available.
Socorro
The Revillagigedo Islands (also called the Revillagigedo Archipelago) are a group of four volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean, known for their unique ecosystem. On a trip to the Socorro Islands, you will dive the islands of San Benedicto, Socorro and Roca Partida. The islands are home to many endemic plant and animal species. Socorro Island is the most diverse in flora, fauna and topography. The underwater topography consists of rocky outcrops, boulders and drop-offs. There is very little coral. The islands are home to many endemic plant and animal species. The islands lie 250 miles off the southern coast of Baja Mexico.
These islands are a spectacular magnet for the largest oceanic pelagic animals in the world. Animals include schools of hammerhead sharks, tiger sharks, dolphins, silky sharks, Galápagos sharks, clouds of trevally and barracuda, tuna, wahoo, oceanic whitetip sharks, whale sharks and manta rays.
The manta rays of the Socorro Islands are famous. The island where they mainly congregate is San Benedicto. The dive site called “The Boiler” is a submerged seamount and cleaning station for this species. More than half a dozen mantas regularly frequent this pinnacle. The mantas of the Revillagigedo Islands are friendly and appreciate human presence. It really is an amazing place to watch them!
Humpback whales visit the islands during the winter months, from mid-February to mid-April. Surface sightings are common during this time.
Whale sharks can be seen in November, December and May. May is also a time when large groups of false killer whales can be seen.