Punta Arenas - Sea of Cortez

Punta Arenas in the Sea of Cortez offers a straightforward dive, good for those looking for a relaxed time underwater. The site itself presents a mix of rocky slopes and sandy patches where you'll often spot stingrays settled on the bottom. We've seen moray eels peeking from crevices here, along with the usual cast of reef fish. It's a decent spot for a second dive or for divers getting comfortable in the local conditions.

Location
Sea of Cortez, Mexico, North America
Coordinates
24.044857, -109.826250

Marine Protected Area: Ventilas Hidrotermales de la Cuenca de Guaymas y de la Dorsal del Pacífico Oriental

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 Punta Arenas

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 Punta Arenas

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