

Best for beginner divers, Up to 11m, boat entry, mild current.
Shangri-La is a wall dive in San Carlos Bay, Mexico, featuring depths ranging from the surface to 11 metres. The site is suitable for beginners, though divers must remain aware of potential strong currents that can develop alongside the generally mild conditions. Access is by boat only, and divers should carry all necessary equipment, including a surface marker buoy. The wall supports soft corals and provides habitat for blennies, gobies, snappers, and camouflaged species like frogfish and octopus. Night diving is available, offering improved opportunities to observe active marine life. Visibility is variable, and divers should monitor their surroundings closely throughout the dive.
27.93930, -111.05200
Book a night dive here if you can, as the octopus and frogfish are far easier to spot after dark when they become more active. Facilities are not confirmed at this site, so bring everything you need on the boat, including water and a surface marker buoy.
Accessible by driving from Tucson via Highway 15D or by flying into Hermosillo and driving one hour to San Carlos.
Recorded at this site
Depth
Up to 11m
Visibility
9m+
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
18-30°C
Current
Mild
Species recorded around this area include California sea lions, king angelfish, Panamic green morays, scorpionfish, pufferfish, round stingrays, flamingo tongues, triggerfish, groupers, spiny lobsters, wrasses, porcupinefish, arrow crabs, and threebanded butterflyfish.
Yes, the site is suitable for beginners as the depth remains within 11 metres, though divers must be prepared for the possibility of strong currents.
The site features a wall that extends from the surface to a maximum depth of 11 metres.
This is a boat dive; a boat is required for entry and exit to ensure divers remain in safe proximity to the wall.
Yes, night diving is available at Shangri-La, which is recommended for spotting octopus and frogfish when they are more active.
A 3mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Shangri-La in San Carlos. Water temperatures range from 18°C to 30°C.
Shangri-La in San Carlos typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at Shangri-La in San Carlos is typically 9 metres or better. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.