Bait Boat - Sea of Cortez

The Bait Boat wreck in the Sea of Cortez is one of our favourite dives when we’re in the area. We love a wreck with a story, and this fishing boat, purposefully sunk, has really settled into its new life as a reef. Descending, you’ll first notice the sheer number of schooling fish – often jacks and snapper swirling around the superstructure, so thick they almost obscure the bow. It’s an easy dive, sitting in comfortable depths, making it perfect for a relaxed exploration. Penetration is possible for trained wreck divers, but even if you just stick to the exterior, there’s plenty to see. Look closely at the deck plating and you’ll spot a surprising amount of macro life: nudibranchs, tiny crabs, and sometimes even an octopus tucked into a crevice. The wheelhouse is a particular highlight, now completely covered in soft corals, swaying gently with the surge. We’d suggest going in the morning; the light filtering through the water and reflecting off the sandy bottom really brings out the colours of the corals and the iridescent scales of the fish.

Location
Sea of Cortez, Mexico, North America
Coordinates
22.880436, -109.904100
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10-30m

Wreck History - Bait Boat

Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
unknown

Known simply as the 'Bait Boat,' this wreck in Mexico's Sea of Cortez is a testament to how quickly the ocean can transform a man-made object into a natural wonder. While its original name and history are unknown, its purpose is clear from its moniker-it was a vessel used to catch or hold bait for larger fishing operations. It was likely scuttled intentionally to create a new dive site and marine habitat.

The Sea of Cortez is famous for its incredible biodiversity, and the Bait Boat acts as an oasis, attracting life from all around. Divers can expect to be surrounded by immense schools of grunts and snappers that use the structure for protection. A closer look reveals moray eels peering from pipes, blennies making homes in small crevices, and nudibranchs adding splashes of color. It's a perfect example of a successful artificial reef, offering a concentrated burst of marine action.

Marine Protected Area: Cabo San Lucas

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

Nearby Dive Sites in Sea of Cortez

Nearest Dive Centres to Bait Boat

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.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Bait Boat

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