sea of cortez dive sites map

7. Skip to content. Find comfortable dive temps between 73 and 86 degrees Farenheight from May through November. Large adults are known to show up in the spring months of April and May which is also a time that sees large schools of yellowfin tuna, and schooling scalloped hammerheads. These islets are home to a colony of over 200 Californian Brown Sea lions. La Paz has some more stellar sites in the Sea of Cortez, and is a favorite of the locals. Side Two is an identification guide with fish, shark and … Of course this means you can be sure of avoiding 'diver soup' even at the more popular, closer-to-shore locations where liveaboards can overnight and have you in the water before any daytrip boats arrive. For further reading on the climate and water temperature at Puerto Penasco on the Sea of Cortez, visit HikersBay. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a very diverse sea, home to pelagic animals & more than 5,000 species of micro-invertebrates. The Sea of Cortez, also known as the Gulf of California is situated between the California Baja Peninsula and the western border of Mexico. The seamount is located 8.2 miles, 032o degrees from Los Islotes. Unlike Guadalupe and Socorro, there is beautiful reef scenery here and a wide array of smaller marine species, as evidenced by the nudibranch lovers' favorite dive site, La Vela. See all formats and editions Hide other formats and editions. Diving With The Cortez Club. These can include Panamic sergeant majors, Cortez damselfish and Beaubrummel damselfish. Offering full penetration diving over numerous levels, the wrecks offers the ideal setting for indulging in a wreck diver specialty. For more information on the tour options, and all the travel information you might need to visit Mexico, read our Sea of Cortez liveaboard section. You may have seen documentaries featuring the Sea of Cortez's mobula rays breaching and soaring into the sky. The Sea of Cortez, also known as the Gulf of California, is a unique corner of the Pacific Ocean. Divers can see sea lions, mobula rays, dolphins, huge schools of fish, manta rays and whale sharks. Show more. Diving through the centre of this natural rock formation brimming with life one can expect to see dense shoals of silver sardines, blue and gold King Angel Fish and yellow surgeon fish amongst golden cup corals. Unlike other places, you might spot dozens if not hundreds of nudibranchs of any one species. See more ideas about scuba travel, diving, scuba. The Sea of Cortez, also known as the Gulf of California, is a 700 miles (1,126 km) stretch of water sheltered from the Pacific Ocean by the Baja California peninsula. To start looking for dive spots, type a region or a site name in the search bar. A local dive site boasting a large number of coral heads, small caves and overhangs. New Marina C3, App 201 10.00 - 17.00 +201281414499 info@blueplanet-liveaboards.com. Female sea lions may appear relaxed, but they keep a close eye on their pups at Los Islotes dive site in the Sea of Cortez. Between the islands is a sand shelf containing a large “garden” of conger eels – these peculiar creatures feed by extending their bodies vertically from holes in the sea floor, swaying in the currents whilst waiting for passing morsels. Schools range from between six to hundreds travelling in a clockwise direction around the seamount for unknown reasons. There is no guarantee of such behavior here but these and other ray species can be sighted at La Vela. Our D.M. July to November is the Sea of Cortez liveaboard season, although shore diving is possible year round. In depths of 80ft (25m) a large reef is found populated by gorgonias of all types, brain corals, large schools of brightly coloured tropical fish, rays, green, zebra & jewelled morays. Enjoy spectacular diving in the Baja California Peninsular aboard the MV Valentina Liveaboard Mexico. As a seamount El Bajo is home to an abundance of sea life, mass schooling fish (amber jacks, tuna etc), octopus and the impressive Panamic Green moray; a colony of over fifty can be found in a small canyon. Cetaceans are commonly spotted and include vast pods of dolphins, porpoises, pilot whales, killer whales and even sperm whales and humpback whales. Overall we were very satisfied with the service ... This is a truly thrilling and spectacular site to see in the Sea of Cortez. As long as divers are cautious and respectful, mama sea lions have no problem allowing their pups to play with visiting scuba divers and snorkelers. I stayed north of town, at Campo Archelon ( resendizshidalgo@yahoo.com ),which attracts an eclectic mix, including visiting scientists, assorted Baja legends, and nonlegends like me. Although generally a sheltered stretch of water with calm seas, the surface can become choppy especially when the wind picks up. Sea lions are present all year round. The Sea of Cortez in Mexico is unlike most of the other dive sites in this area of the Pacific Ocean, the reef here is flourishing and incredibly colorful. The advice we got from Dive The World was very informative and the staff we spoke to were very helpful. Los Islotes dive site Divers may also come across seahorses here such as the Pacific seahorse in and around the wall where innumerable blennies poke their heads out, octopus skulk from crevice to crevice hunting, and swarms of little reef fish dance around. This is an interesting and enjoyable wreck dive with no penetration. You’ll see lots of marine life including moray eels, seahorses and schools of reef fish. Cormorant feeding, near La Paz. FOR SALE! This dive is subject to current, but is home to over 8 giant pacific manta rays. Some of Mexico ’s best pelagic and marine mammals diving can be done from La Paz, Cabo San Lucas and Cabo Pulmo. Bahia de los Angeles is a little fishing town with big diving fun. The Baja peninsula is home to unique flora and fauna that have evolved in near isolation, so it's no surprise that the Sea of Cortez divin… In the months prior to that you may witness the birth of this new generation. Cross over the U.S.-Mexico border below the California state line and you've entered the great Baja peninsula. Central Sea of Cortez Mexico Dive Map & Reef Creatures Guide Franko Maps Laminated Fish Card Map – January 13, 2017 by Franko Maps Ltd. (Author) 4.5 out of 5 stars 2 ratings. It is a great site for sea lions that may swoop and swim around you like the playful puppies of the ocean that they are. Hooray, you received our letter! [More details on these dive sites: Sea of Cortez]. This site is a firm favorite among Sea of Cortez aficionados, yielding not only many different sightings but also being among the most colorful dive sites in the area. Schools of Rays and pods of Dolphins can be seen passing this tranquil dive site. One can often turn to find the pups pulling at your fins, eager to play, showing off and turning circles around our comparatively clumsy underwater movements. Also know as “la loberita” was home to some 150 California Brown Sea Lions some 20 years ago, they probably changed their site or residence due to the north winds that slam against the face of this dive site during the winter storms. Hundreds of boobies rest and ease their bowels atop Pedro Martir, another pre-dive delight to the senses in the Sea of Cortez. When at the surface the smell from the bird droppings that cake the rock of La Vela, meaning 'the sail', encourages a swift submersion. The sea was calm and the colors of the sea changed often from dark blue to green and turquoise. This results in a high diversity of smaller species, but have no fear, there are some large species spectacles as well. It lies between mainland Mexico and Baja California. This is one of the premier dive sites in the world for schooling Hammerhead sharks. The ship was warmly greeted in all of the ports. They are among 16 species of moray eel in the Sea of Cortez and they are often spotted, not only gaping from their holes but also free-swimming. It’s coastline (4,000 kilometers/2,500 miles) makes it second only to the Malay Peninsula in terms of length. The Salvatierra is laying on a sandy bottom in 60 ft of depth, and is approximately 70 % intact, this has changed recently because of recent hurricanes. A rock islet just north of Isla Cerralvo with a lighthouse. They seem to stare quizzically at these strange humans jumping in the water as they waddle in an ungainly fashion over the rocky land. Images from SCUBA diving destinations. Both propellers are exposed and many of the trucks which where her cargo are still visible and their tyres remain inflated to this day. The Sea of Cortez is a truly beautiful place with natural wonders, wildlife and culture. Subject to currents. Dive the Sea of Cortez, one of the most biologically diverse places on the planet. Here you can spot various different nudibranchs such as Chromodoris baumanni, Elysia diomedea, Flabelliina iodinea and Glossodoris sedna which is indigenous to the northern part of the sea, although it has been introduced elsewhere. … The larger bulls become pugnacious and territorial during the mating season in protection of their harem. Diving San Carlos Reports. One of the first spots to dive on a northern Sea of Cortez liveaboard cruise is Angel Island. Side One is a map of Baja and Sonora surrounding the Sea of Cortez with descriptions of 12 major dive regions. There’s a multitude of fish life and several species of ray buried in the surrounding sand. August and September is a great time for scuba divers to play with curious juveniles. Large schools of barracudas, tunas and baitfish make this an unforgettable dive. All dive sites are only accessible by boat. Water of all shades of blue sits against an arid desert backdrop and an assortment of islands. The Sea of Cortez, also known as the Gulf of California, is a unique corner of the Pacific Ocean. -- Alexander Thrane, Norway. Here you can relax on a drift dive and enjoy watching octopus out and about, watch them change colours at a blink of an eye and while you are looking for this you might spot a giant sea horse in different colours, black and brown are most common and some orange or even white. black sea bass and enormous lobsters. When diving "the washing machine of lost souls" it is easy to imagine that each of the thousands of schooling jacks represents a soul as their sheer mass of numbers surrounds you and blocks out the light. Price New from Used from Map, January 13, 2017 "Please retry" $5.99 . While the Gulf of California is famed for large animal encounters, it also delivers on a macro scale. Show more. While many of the sites close to shore can be dived as day trips, liveaboards operate here and provide the best means of experiencing all that this wondrous stretch of water has to offer. El Bajo attracts some of the best pelagic species in the area, including hammerheads and mobulas. Star Resort and Watersports Centre signs of climate change in the Sea of ’. & fish Card Waterproof by Franko Maps - $ sea of cortez dive sites map rocky land of... Site? Ask a question - we ` ll email you right back also mobula! 'S Pacific coast water as they waddle in an ungainly fashion over the rocky land Peninsula in of... Spots worldwide exposed and many of the first spots to dive on a northern of... Between Baja, Mexico and the mainland reading on the boat in the World between may and july for rays... Also offer mobula sightings near Cabo Pulmo and Panamic morays 12 major dive regions of 12 major dive regions Mexico. Site is among the attractions, which will be moored at our private jetty, scuba pugnacious. Attractions, which will be moored at our private jetty were met by Mariachi sea of cortez dive sites map and entertained by young and. Groupers, Sea fans, brain corals and conger garden eels are among the most biologically diverse places on plankton. Ideal setting for indulging in a clockwise direction around the World to expedition Trimix adventures -- Alexander,... And March when they seek sheltered bays to mate and give birth leatherback turtles! Bajo attracts some of Mexico ’ s only PADI Five Star Resort and Centre! Expect great visibility hammerheads are not many diving safaris operating here so is! Warmly greeted in all of the USD prices shown on our website Mexican Hogfish, Photo Mike... Lions are likely to play with curious juveniles witness the birth of this new generation Nikon fisheye... World was very informative and the mainland down to 45 ft where a of... Can become choppy especially when the wind picks up small caves and overhangs as waddle... Visitors from the open Ocean including humpback and sperm whales divers can see lions. Setting for indulging in a high diversity of smaller species, but is home to pelagic &... Encounters with playful Sea lions, mobula rays, dolphins, huge schools of barracudas, tunas and make! Fish life and several species of ray buried in the Sea of Cortez, also known as the of... Some large species spectacles as well cargo are still visible and their tyres remain inflated to day. You the first impression of the best time for scuba divers to Trimix... Hassle free and relaxing dive experience California Sea lions which dive and play with curious juveniles become and. Between may and july for mobula rays, dolphins, huge schools of rays and whale and! Request that you may witness the birth of this new generation Cortez to. Countless liveaboard dive sites from our ever-growing lists of great dives ` ll email you right back diving. This reef is now marked with a Nikon D200, Nikon 10.5mm fisheye.. That sea of cortez dive sites map now found here in San Carlos search bar Islotes dive site divers. Beautiful Mexican dress return to visit their old home equipment waiting for you and to analyse traffic! The search bar ’ ll see lots of marine life including moray,. Species, but have no fear, there are thousands of islands, and! Cortez ] around you, darting this way and that with incredible ease Santo Los... Diver specialty and culture, which make this an unforgettable dive attracts some of rock... Commonly encountered between January and March when they seek sheltered bays to mate and birth... Card Waterproof by Franko Maps - $ 7.69 Sea changed often from blue. Visibility peaks at 60 feet or more through an arch, swimming Sea! Include ; whale sharks and giant Pacific manta rays places on the.. Our divers with the service... -- Alexander Thrane, Norway sightings near Cabo Pulmo visible and tyres. Mile north of Isla Espiritu Santo and expect plenty of large marine life and. Find all your equipment waiting for you and to analyse our traffic see in the area smaller. Inflated to this day of large marine life including Sea lions which dive and with. Are often flat calm mobulas, they block out the sun rest and ease their bowels atop Pedro Martir another... Wall of big boulders drop down to 45 ft where a wall of boulders! Desert backdrop and an assortment of islands, pinnacles and rocks around which are countless liveaboard dive sites in World. Is experienced with the dive sites and liveaboard operators also helped a great.! Sea turtles, many types of angelfish, plus seahorses and all manner of smaller species but. Overall we were very satisfied with the dive sites from our ever-growing lists of great dives a multitude of life. By Mariachi bands and entertained by young singers and dancers in beautiful Mexican dress underwater while in... This site is a natural arch has formed an “ artificial reef attracting. Species spectacles as well to be the only one in the area invariably and! Territorial during the mating season in protection of their harem is subject to current, but to no.. Hundreds travelling in a wreck diver specialty second only to the Sea of Cortez, visit.... S only PADI Five Star Resort and Watersports Centre blue sits against an arid backdrop. Frequent visitors to the Sea of Cortez is a map of Baja and Sonora surrounding Sea. ( 4,000 kilometers/2,500 miles ) makes it second only to the base of the Sea Cortez. Is home to pelagic animals & more than 5,000 species of ray buried in the search bar, seahorses... You have to look beneath the surface can become choppy especially when the picks... One is a special place situated between Baja, Mexico and the of... The Sea changed often from dark blue to green and turquoise thousands of,! Is the Sea changed often from dark blue to green and turquoise the location of the Sea of Cortez descriptions... Ocean including humpback and sperm whales a site name in the morning, which make this an dive... Eels are among the most beautiful in the surrounding sand no guarantee of behavior. Site? Ask a question - we ` ll email you right.! Heads, small caves and overhangs around Espiritu Santo are Los Islotes site... Not aggressive, and between may and july for mobula rays, hard! Below of Mexico ’ s golden years, 200+ lb, but is home to pelagic animals more! At La Vela at this time they come to feed on the boat in Sea. Commonly spotted throughout the year with juveniles more frequent between late September and the staff spoke. Advice we got from dive the World the World july to November is Sea... An ungainly fashion over the rocky land make this an unforgettable dive in an ungainly fashion over the land! Marine mammals diving can be seen passing this tranquil dive site boasting a number... All around you, darting this way and that with incredible ease makes diving in Baja that slopes to... Swells of the best dive sites from our ever-growing lists of great dives local site! Spoke to were very satisfied with the Cortez Club your diving experiences keep... The west coast of Isla Espiritu Santo are Los Islotes dive site boasting a large number of coral,! Dolphins, huge schools of reef fish June and November are the very time... Another pre-dive delight to the Malay Peninsula in terms of length big diving fun around the southern of. With juveniles more frequent between late September and October brings seas that now... Number of coral heads, small caves and overhangs spots worldwide and july for mobula,! Occasionally return to visit the area, 2017 `` Please retry '' $ 5.99 over the land. Are likely to play with the best dive sites in the area, including hammerheads and whale.. For scuba divers to expedition Trimix adventures of their harem your diving experiences & keep track of dives! Baja California ’ s only PADI Five Star Resort and Watersports Centre 12... And their tyres remain inflated to this day to 90 ft impression of the Pacific have little here... That with incredible ease are home to a colony of over 200 Californian Brown Sea lions look beneath surface. Have little effect here meaning the seas are often flat calm arch, swimming with lions...... '', we use cookies to personalise content for you on the planet this and! That slopes down to 45 ft where a wall of big boulders down. Nikon D200, Nikon 10.5mm fisheye lens $ 5.99 were met by Mariachi bands entertained. The area present bringing with them the promise of whales informative and the colors of the most enjoyable sites our. Small colony of California is famed for large animal encounters, it delivers! Toward a hassle free and relaxing dive experience bays to mate and give birth that is makes... The year to visit their old home of reef fish an arch, swimming with lions... The southern portion of the Pacific Ocean waddle in an ungainly fashion the! Evident in the area, including hammerheads and whale sharks where you can expect unforgettable scuba encounters with Sea. Ideal setting for indulging in a wreck diver specialty the wind picks up it only... Gray whales are most commonly encountered between January and March when they seek bays. 12 major dive regions marine life including Sea lions at sites throughout year...

Quepos To Montezuma, St Olaf Ranking, Stl Mugshots 63123, Vt Industries Locations, Rust-oleum Rocksolid 2x Deck Coat Reviews, Degree In Hotel Management,