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The Sea of Cortez is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that separates the Baja Peninsula from the Mexican mainland. It is thought to be one of the most diverse seas on the planet with the widest variety of whales and dolphins, and home to nearly 900 species of fish.

This warm body of nutrient-rich water basks in sunshine throughout the year and is home to many endemic species as well as pods of pilot whales, sea lions, dolphin, mobula munkiana (Munk's devil rays), whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, turtles and orca. Discover dive sites such as Los Islotes, famous for its sea lion rookery, El Bajo, a seamount attracting large pelagic species, the colourful reef of Isla Las Animas and the artificial wreck, Fang Ming with its amazing marine life that now resides on and around the vessel.

Mobula rays arrive in their thousands from late April and continue aggregating until July. Encounters with these graceful creatures are possible by liveaboard. Keep an eye out for inquisitive orca, pods of dolphin and other whale species during this short season. Diving operates June to November to the dive sites around Isla Espiritu Santo in the south. During these months you can encounter whale sharks, sea lions, Mexican barracuda, whales and dolphin. Check out our NEW Mobulas & Orcas liveaboard trip to see this in action for yourself.

The Midriff Islands in the north are best visited by liveaboard between July and September. It's here you can expect an incredibe biodiversity of wildlife both topside and underwater, the highlight for many being the snorkelling with the whale sharks at Bahia de los Angeles.

Water temperature ranges from 23-26C and visibility from 10-30 metres.

View suggested itineraries

Key info

  • Ideal for viewing: scalloped hammerhead shark, mobula munkiana, whale shark, humpback whale, olive ridley turtle, California sea lion

Dive trips

This dive location is featured in the following itineraries:

BIG in Mexico

Dive the Sea of Cortez, one of the most biologically diverse places on the planet. Discover the dive sites around Espiritu Santo and expect plenty of large marine life including sea lions, hammerheads and whale sharks. Find Out More about BIG in Mexico

  • Duration inc. flights: 10 days
  • Price inc. flights: From £2,895 pp
  • Trip type: Tailor-made trip idea

Mobulas & Orcas Liveaboard

One of the world’s diving hotspots, the Sea of Cortez is home to an incredible marine life. This liveaboard expedition puts you at the heart of one of nature’s greatest shows amongst the mobula ray aggregation. Find Out More about Mobulas & Orcas Liveaboard

  • Duration inc. flights: 11 days
  • Price inc. flights: From £4,375 pp
  • Trip type: Tailor-made trip idea
Suggested accommodation options are shown below. Please contact us for further recommendations.
Suggested liveaboards are shown below. Please contact us for further recommendations.

MV Valentina

Dive the Sea of Cortez and Socorro in season from this comfortable liveaboard. The MV Valentina offers unique itineraries to these sought-after locations, famed for their incredible marine life encounters. Find Out More about MV Valentina

Rocio Del Mar

This owner operated liveaboard explores the Midriff Islands, Sea of Cortez and Socorro throughout the year, offering expedition diving itineraries, adventure and an incredible marine biodiversity. Find Out More about Rocio Del Mar