Diving in Sea of Cortez

Explore 53 dive sites in Sea of Cortez, Mexico. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Sea of Cortez

The warmest water temperatures in Sea of Cortez occur in September, averaging 30.4°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 21.1°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 22.2°C
  • February: 21.1°C
  • March: 21.5°C
  • April: 22.6°C
  • May: 24.8°C
  • June: 27.1°C
  • July: 29.1°C
  • August: 30.1°C
  • September: 30.4°C
  • October: 29.8°C
  • November: 27.6°C
  • December: 25.1°C

Marine Life in Sea of Cortez

Home to 197 recorded species including 172 reef fish, 14 whales & dolphins, 5 sharks & rays, 3 other, 1 sea cucumbers, 1 seagrass & algae.

Dive Site Difficulty in Sea of Cortez

Sea of Cortez has 9 beginner, 1 intermediate dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Sea of Cortez

Based on average water temperature of 26.0°C, currents 9 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 26°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Sea of Cortez

  • Ventilas Hidrotermales de la Cuenca de Guaymas y de la Dorsal del Pacífico Oriental - Sanctuary (IUCN Category II)
  • Zona marina del Archipiélago de Espíritu Santo - National Park (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Humedales Mogote - Ensenada de La Paz - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Cabo San Lucas - Flora and Fauna Protection Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Cabo Pulmo - National Park (IUCN Category IV)
  • Balandra - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Parque Nacional Cabo Pulmo - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Balandra - Flora and Fauna Protection Area (IUCN Category Ia)

Getting to Sea of Cortez - Nearest Airports

  • Manuel Márquez de León International Airport (LAP), La Paz - 47 km away, approx 66 min travel time
  • Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), San José del Cabo - 83 km away, approx 106 min travel time
  • Bachigualato Federal International Airport (CUL), Culiacán - 271 km away, approx 311 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres