

Best for beginner divers, 8-20m, boat entry, moderate current.
San Carlos Bay in the Sea of Cortez offers a diverse underwater environment featuring reefs, walls, caves, and drift diving opportunities. Depths range from 8 to 20 metres, with an average of 15 metres. Access is exclusively by boat. Conditions are variable, with visibility between 5 and 25 metres and water temperatures fluctuating from 18 to 29 degrees Celsius. Thermoclines can cause sudden temperature drops, so appropriate thermal protection is advised. Due to moderate to strong currents, surge, and surf, guided tours are recommended, particularly for beginners. Species recorded around this area include groupers, scorpionfish, pufferfish, triggerfish, and various invertebrates such as sea stars and sea cucumbers.
27.86080, -111.20590
Current runs moderate to strong at this site, so stay close to your guide and follow briefing instructions on when to descend and when to hold position. Air fills and guided tours are available, and guided entry is strongly recommended for beginners given the variable conditions.
Access is primarily via panga or liveaboard dive boats from hubs like La Paz, Cabo Pulmo, or Loreto.
Recorded at this site
Depth
8-20m
Visibility
5-25m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
18-29°C
Current
Moderate
Best Time
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
Species recorded around this area include groupers, scorpionfish, round stingrays, pufferfish, triggerfish, sea stars, sea hares, hermit crabs, brittle stars, snails, and sea cucumbers.
Yes, the site is suitable for beginners, though guided entry is strongly recommended due to variable conditions, moderate to strong currents, and potential surge.
The depth ranges from 8 to 20 metres, with an average depth of 15 metres.
This is a boat-entry site; a boat is required to access the location.
The site is primarily used for diving, and given the depth and current conditions, it is best suited for divers.
Diving at Sea of Cortez in La Paz requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A 5mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Sea of Cortez in La Paz. Water temperatures range from 18°C to 29°C.
The best months to visit Sea of Cortez in La Paz are January, February, March, April, August, September, October, November, and December. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.
Divers at Sea of Cortez in La Paz should be aware of sharks. These encounters are generally rare and avoidable with proper awareness. Follow local safety guidance and maintain a respectful distance from all marine life.
Expect moderate currents at Sea of Cortez in La Paz. Good buoyancy control and some drift diving experience is helpful.
Visibility at Sea of Cortez in La Paz typically ranges from 5 metres to 25 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.