The location is a scuba diver’s dream and diving is one of the biggest draws of Los Cabos!
Cabo lies near the very tip of the Baja Peninsula, where the marine-rich Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean. The Sea of Cortez (also known as the Gulf of California) is a 700-mile-long body of water bordered on one side by the Baja Peninsula and on the other by mainland Mexico.
Sea turtles, hammerhead sharks, enormous manta rays with 12-foot wingspans, sea lions, and over 900 varieties of reef fish live in the waters of the Sea of Cortez, Mexico, which Jacques Cousteau dubbed “the world’s richest sea.”
Plankton and fish move around like they’re in a washing machine because of the intense tidal flow and water movement, attracting large populations of sea lions, dolphins, humpback whales, turtles, sharks, and other sea life.
What is the best time scuba diving in Cabo San Lucas?
In general, June to November is the best time for scuba diving Cabo San Lucas offers visiting divers. During these months, underwater visibility can reach 100 feet or more.
For warm waters, go scuba diving at Cabo in October, when the scuba diving Cabo San Lucas water temp averages between 80- and 85- degrees Fahrenheit.
Above water, October is comfortable as well, whereas August and September (peak summer in Cabo) are hot and sticky. The water is colder in the winter, ranging between 64- and 74-degrees Fahrenheit.
Is there good scuba diving in Cabo San Lucas?
Yes, there is good scuba diving in Cabo San Lucas. In fact, there are lots of fantastic scuba diving spots! Here are a handful of our favorites:
1. Land’s End – an underwater photographer’s dream dive.
Land’s End is popular due to its proximity to the Cabo San Lucas Marina, which is only a five- to ten-minute panga or boat trip away. This site joins the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean as you dive between the two enormous pinnacles at Land’s End. Residents include sea lions, diving cormorants, large schools of baitfish, and pelagic fish. The spot has minimal dive pressure, making it ideal for underwater photographers.
2. The Rock-covered North Wall
The North Wall is a steep sandy slope with rock fingers that drop below recreational diving limitations. You begin on a shallow sandy bottom and steadily dive deeper until you reach around 40 feet, when rock boulders appear.
Divers can look for stingrays, zebra and jewel eels, puffer, box fish, trumpetfish, cornetfish, and macro life including seahorses and blennies on the rocky areas of the slope. Cortez garden eels frequently raise their heads out of the sand until divers draw near. Out in the open sea, enormous schools of fish, sharks, and large rays are regular sights.
3. Underwater Sandfall at Neptune’s Finger
At Neptune’s Finger, the famous underwater sandfall begins at a depth of 100 feet. Sandfalls are a rare natural phenomenon in which sand flows down a cliff in the same way as water does.
Neptune’s finger is an enormous, finger-like rock that juts out into the sky from deep within the ocean, as its name suggests. Eels, pufferfish, and lobster inhabit the diving location. During the spring, when the water is cooler, banded guitarfish and rays come out from the depths, and divers will always witness large schools of fish, sea fans, and other life to keep their camera busy during the steady climb along the wall back to the surface.
4. Gordo Banks – an undersea mountain
Gordo Banks is an undersea mountain located about ten miles off the coast of San Jose del Cabo. The top of this underwater mount, which is roughly 120 feet below the surface, attracts a large quantity of pelagic fish.
Its major draw are schools of hammerhead sharks. These fish are the stars of the show, drawn to the area by the abundance of fish. Divers frequently spot schools of jacks and snapper, large rays, and pelagic species like tuna and rays in addition to these large schools. You might also see whale sharks and big manta rays. The boat trip from San Jose del Cabo to the dive site takes around 50 to 60 minutes, but it’s definitely worth it if these photo subjects are noted to be in the area.
5. Pelican Rock – a rocky outcropping rich with sea life
Pelican Rock is a pinnacle covered in purple fans that rises above the surface from a depth of roughly 14 meters. A spectacular wall dive with plenty of life and one of Cabo’s famous sand falls are just in front of the outcropping. There is something for everyone at the dive location.
The shallows are ideal for courses and newer divers, while the deep walls provide a wonderful exploration opportunity for techy divers. The sheer abundance of life that inhabits the location all year round, though, makes it a lovely spot for divers of all levels. Octopuses, moray eels, seahorses, and blennies abound at this location.
6. Cabo scuba diving whale sharks at La Paz
Divers travel to La Paz in search of one-of-a-kind experiences with spectacular marine life. Scuba diving and snorkeling expeditions with the whale sharks in La Paz are common. Migratory whales and dolphins, orcas, sharks and rays, and the most famous residents of all – a noisy colony of California sea lions – all call these waters home. From September through May, divers may swim up close to the mischievous pups, who practically harass diving groups by yanking on fins and acting silly for the camera. Los Islotes is the best sea lion rookery in the national park, with spectacular underwater scenery and protected environment.
7. Cabo Pulmo marine preserve scuba diving
Cabo Pulmo’s ancient but still flourishing reef and gigantic coral heads attract a diverse array of animals. From smaller species like angelfish schools, groupers, parrotfish, Mobula rays, and the Panamic green moray eel to larger ones like whale sharks in the autumn, as well as humpbacks, orcas, and sharks in the winter. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the amazing spectacle put on by hundreds of schooling Mobula rays as they leap from the water, fluttering and twisting in mid-air right next to your tour boat.
8. Cabo San Lucas scuba diving the Corridor
The Corridor is a 20-minute boat journey from the marina, and you never know what you’ll see. At 80 to 100 feet, visibility is usually good. The place offers a unique opportunity for swimming through underwater canyons, drift diving, and encounters with sharks, moray eels, barracuda, hawk fish, angelfish, and other marine life. Divers may even come face to face with a whale!
How much does it cost to do scuba diving in Cabo San Lucas?
The cost to do scuba diving in Cabo San Lucas on a two-tank dive is around $75, an expedition out to the famous Cabo Pulmo dive spot for $150-$235, or even a one tank night dive for as low as $50 once you have a certification from PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors). You can mix and match different packages, multiple day diving, or even advanced certifications to make the most of your trip to Baja. Most companies will offer equipment rental for $20/day (such as a wet suit, B.C.D., regulator, mask, fins, and snorkel).
Before diving in the Sea of Cortez, you’ll need some form of certification if you’re a beginner diver. Every scuba diving operator in Los Cabos will provide a “Discover Scuba Diving Resort” course. This basic three-hour training costs between $86 and $115 and certifies you for the remainder of your stay, but you can only dive close to shore and up to 40 feet deep. Unfortunately, this course only provides a temporary certification that cannot be utilized for Scuba Diving in any other location or at any other time.
Scuba diving excursions in Cabo San Lucas
These Cabo San Lucas scuba diving companies, with shops located right on Cabo’s big marina and throughout the city, are the best choices for checking out Cabo’s most iconic and accessible dive locations.
Manta Specialty Expeditions – La Paz whale shark snorkel tour
Snorkeling with whale sharks and a dive with the sea lions. The tour includes:
- transportation to La Paz from the Manta facility and back
- food and beverages
- snorkeling equipment
- a knowledgeable tour guide
$330 for the tour (Sales Tax included)
Note: Depending on local conditions and permits, the tour is offered from October/November to April.
Cabo Private Guide – Cabo San Lucas Marine Park Diving
Dive on remote reefs with their resident reef sharks, where massive moray eels hide in their rocky hollows and hidden crustaceans live on coral heads. This trip includes the following:
- A qualified guide
- Choose between a shared or private boat.
- Weight and tank
- Light refreshments and snacks
- Footage from the GoPro camera
Tour Prices:
$ 120 per person (Shared Boat/Two tanks)
$ 350 per boat (Private Boat/Two tanks for one diver) – Extra Divers (max 12) $75pp
$ 85 per person (Night Dives/ one tank) – Private Boat $350 1 – 4 divers, $50pp after that
Ranked 5-stars (Excellent) in Tripadvisor’s Cabo San Lucas scuba diving reviews.
Gordo Banks Diving – Spot some sharks in Cabo
Dive into the deep blue waters of Cabo. Sharks, Jacks, Bonitas, and Yellowfin Tuna are all likely to be seen. Dive with a PADI certified Divemaster or instructor in small groups. This trip includes the following:
- Nitrox for free
- weights
- tasty sandwiches
- non-alcoholic beverages
Dive gear rental full set – $38 ($13 per item)
Tour Price: $245 (Sales Tax included)
Diving In Cabo Reserve – Scuba Diving Excursions in Cabo San Lucas
Watch the unique Sand Falls (underwater sand avalanche) at Pelican Rock and Neptune Finger (and a few other spots along the underwater cliffs) on one of the best scuba excursions in Cabo San Lucas, and dive with the lively sea lions near to the iconic arch. See Lover’s Beach, the Sea Lion Colony, the renowned arch, and the Pacific on a tour of the Land’s End area. Take a ride on one of our custom-built dive boats, which are shaded and fully equipped. The itinerary includes:
- two Nitrox tanks
- a PADI certified Divemaster
- weights
- drinking water
Dive gear rental full set – $38 or $13 per item
Nitrox tank up to 32% – $10
Tour Price: $120 (Sales Tax included)
Dive with Mobulas
Begin with a blue water snorkel in search of mobula rays, followed by a two-tank dive at a reef near where they can be found. Increase your chances of photographing and swimming with these incredible animals. This trip includes the following:
- Choose between a shared or private boat.
- Weights and tanks
- A light brunch
- Snacks and refreshments
- For groups of more than four people, an additional guide is available.
- Footage from the GoPro camera
Tour Price: $ 175 per person (Shared Boat) / $ 700 per boat (Private Boat)
Received 5-star (Excellent) ratings in Tripadvisor’s Cabo San Lucas scuba diving reviews.
Cabo Pulmo Marine Park Diving
At Cabo Pulmo, get a close look at one of the world’s healthiest reefs. This National Marine Park tour is one of the top Cabo San Lucas diving packages, featuring multiple reefs, countless fish varieties, and dazzling colors that make Cabo Palmo diving an unforgettable experience.
- Discover a magnificent coral reef teeming with marine life.
- Treat yourself to a traditional Mexican meal at a nearby restaurant.
- Be astounded by the spectacular size that the fish can attain as a result of protection.
- Transportation to Cabo Pulmo is included, as well as two tanks, weights, lunch, soft drinks, and a professional guide.
Dive gear rental full set – $38, $13 per item
Nitrox: tank up to 32% – $10
Tour Price $300 (Sales Tax included)
We’ll Help You Book Your Cabo San Lucas Scuba Diving Tour
Seeing Cabo San Lucas’ spectacular underwater scenery is a sight to behold. Booking a diving excursion enables you to discover Cabo’s natural wonders from a different perspective.
Call 1-800-975-5569 to start planning your Cabo dream adventure. From start to finish, our expert staff can assist you in planning an amazing scuba diving holiday.
