Bait Boat
Protected Area
Cabo San Lucas
Why dive here
With 195+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue whales, dolphins, humpback whales, nurse sharks and orcas - Bait Boat offers some of Sea of Cortez's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 21-30°C, warmest August, September, October.
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.
Typical Bait Boat Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Bait Boat Wreck History
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.
Nearest Dive Centres to Bait Boat
Dive shops near Bait Boat
SeeCreatures
Nautilus Dive Tech
ScubaCaribe Cabo San Lucas Mexico
San Jose Divers
Reviews for Bait Boat
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Bait Boat
Bait Boat Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Bait Boat, sourced from Copernicus Marine satellite data
August Averages
Sea Temperature
30.15°C
86°F
Current Speed
10.82 cm/s
Direction: SE (146.3°)
Chlorophyll-a
0.118 mg/m³
Clear water
Salinity
35.26 PSU
Data sources: Copernicus Marine Service (EU)
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