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 tripto 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.
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:
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
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.
With its breathtaking views of the Sea of Cortez, this luxurious resort is perfectly located to discover one of the greatest marine reserves in the world, home to whales, dolphins and a plethora of fish species.
Find Out More about Costa Baja Resort & Spa
Located on the shores of the Sea of Cortez, this beachfront resort has a relaxed ambience and is a great base from which to explore this incredible location, famed for its large marine life.
Find Out More about La Concha Beach Resort
Suggested liveaboards are shown below.
Please contact us for further recommendations.
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
Part of the Nautilus Fleet, this luxury yacht features just six spacious suites, offering adventure seekers incredible seasonal marine life encounters in the Sea of Cortez. Suitable for full charters.
Find Out More about Nautilus Gallant Lady
This classic liveaboard caters to adventurous divers looking to spend time at Socorro - renowned for its shark and unique manta encounters - and Isla Guadalupe, famous for its great white sharks.
Find Out More about Nautilus Under Sea
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