Baja Loca - Lima & Palomino Islands

Coral Basket is one of those sites we always recommend to newer divers in the Gili Islands. It’s shallow, topping out at 19 metres, and generally has forgiving currents. You'll spend most of your time exploring a mini-wall that’s absolutely packed with smaller reef creatures, then drift over some nice coral ridges in the sandy areas. We love it for the sheer density of colour, even in the shallows. Pink anemonefish often peek out from their homes, and we’ve spotted plenty of blue-spotted stingrays tucked into the sand flats. Keep an eye out for dusky sharks cruising by, especially in the early morning. The coral here, particularly the staghorn varieties, is impressively healthy and really lights up when the sun hits it right. It’s a site that proves you don’t need extreme depths or roaring currents to have a genuinely memorable dive; sometimes, it’s all about taking your time and appreciating the small stuff.

Location
Lima & Palomino Islands, Peru, South America
Coordinates
-12.466500, -76.791900
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Sistema de Islas, Islotes y Puntas Guaneras

Best Time to Dive in Lima & Palomino Islands

The warmest water temperatures in Lima & Palomino Islands occur in January, averaging 22.5°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 22.5°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 22.5°C (air: 19.9°C)
  • February: 22.5°C (air: 20.7°C)
  • March: 22.5°C (air: 20.8°C)
  • April: 22.5°C (air: 19.6°C)
  • May: 22.5°C (air: 17.7°C)
  • June: 22.5°C (air: 16.8°C)
  • July: 22.5°C (air: 16.1°C)
  • August: 22.5°C (air: 15.7°C)
  • September: 22.5°C (air: 15.4°C)
  • October: 22.5°C (air: 15.6°C)
  • November: 22.5°C (air: 16.8°C)
  • December: 22.5°C (air: 18.0°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Lima & Palomino Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to Baja Loca

Marine Life in Lima & Palomino Islands

Home to 40 recorded species including 28 reef fish, 3 whales & dolphins, 3 other, 3 sharks & rays, 1 clams & mussels, 1 sea snails & nudibranchs.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Baja Loca

Based on average water temperature of 22.5°C.

  • Wetsuit (3-5mm) - comfortable for 23°C water
  • 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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for scuba diving at Baja Loca?
Scuba diving at Baja Loca is considered a deep dive, with depths that can reach up to 22 meters. Divers should be prepared for these depths when exploring this site. This site is known for its challenging yet rewarding underwater experience.
What kind of marine life and underwater topography can divers expect to encounter at Baja Loca?
At Baja Loca, divers can expect to encounter a diverse underwater topography featuring both sandy and rocky bottoms. The site boasts a great variety of biodiversity, including different species of nudibranchs and vibrant schools of fish. It's a fantastic spot for macro and wide-angle photography.
What is the difficulty level of diving at Baja Loca, and is it suitable for beginners?
Diving at Baja Loca is considered an advanced or expert-level dive. Due to its nature as a deep dive, it is not suitable for beginners and requires divers to have appropriate experience and certification. This ensures safety and enjoyment of the site's unique characteristics.
What is the best time of year to dive at Baja Loca for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
Information regarding the best time of year to dive at Baja Loca for optimal conditions and marine life sightings is not available in our current data. For general guidance on dive seasons in the region, you might consult our When to Dive section. We recommend checking with local dive operators for up-to-date seasonal information.
Are there any specific scuba diving certifications required or recommended for diving at Baja Loca?
Yes, diving at Baja Loca specifically requires divers to be certified as advanced or expert. This ensures divers have the necessary skills and experience for this particular deep dive site. It is crucial to have the appropriate training to safely explore its depths and conditions.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Baja Loca dive site?
Details regarding the typical current conditions and visibility at the Baja Loca dive site are not specified in the available data. Divers should always check local conditions with their dive operator before planning their dive. This will help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience at this unique location.