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Diving
in the Sea of Cortez
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Cabo
San Lucas Bay and the Sea of Cortez are considered to be some of
the most fertile bodies of water in the world, providing excellent
diving conditions. These waters support over 800 species of fish,
from cold-water California-related species to tropical fish and
pelagics such as whale sharks, giant manta rays and hammerhead sharks.
A deep submarine trench closely follows the bay and creates an unusual
marine environment that attracts an abundance of marine life. Here
the water is warm and the currents are gentle.
All
types of dive experiences can be satisfied here, from shallow to
deep, night to wreck dives, from playful sea lions to the elusive
sea horse. Large congregations of fish are seen on the rocky slopes
covered with gorgonians and graceful sea fans. Sea lions, turtles,
eels and huge gropers are common sights here.
Description
of the "GREAT LOCAL DIVE SITES"
CHILENO BAY - 30' TO 70'. A breath-taking bay known for its diving
and snorkeling. Large rocky reef with coral trees and a large variety
of schooling tropical fish. Sea turtles and eels are often seen here.
SAND FALLS - Discovered by Jacques Costeau, the Sand Falls
start at 90 feet and descends to 120 feet. Steep sand banks cascading
into the canyon with many tropical fish.
SANTA MARIA - To 40'. A sheltered cove great for snorkeling
and diving. Colorful gorgonians and sea fans line the rock walls where
colorful tropical reef fish are in abundance. Great dive for the photographer.
SEA LION COLONY - 30' - 70'. Join the sea lions in their own
habitat. This dive gives even the novice diver an excellent opportunity
to join and observe the sea lions.
LA ANEGADA - Starting at 20 feet this area slopes down to 80
feet where you find the tip of the Cabo San Lucas Canyon Wall which
sinks straight into the abyss. Lined with sea fans and vast amounts
of schooling fish, this dive is one of Cabo's best and most versatile
dive sites.
WHALES HEAD - 30' to 60'. With spectacular rock formations,
this spot is known to be home to sea turtles, octopus and moray eels.
Small nurse sharks and guitarfish sometimes inhabit this area.Day
Trips
Cabo Pulmo - Cabo Pulmo is the only true living coral reef
in western North America. Rich in an abundance of tropical fish. A
National Marine Sanctuary. This is a photographer's paradise. A 2
hour dive from Cabo San Lucas. 30' to 80' beginning to advanced divers.
Gordo Banks - Because of the depth and currents, this dive
is for the experienced diver only. This sea mount which is 4 miles
off the coast of San Jose Del Cabo, lies under 90' to 130' of water.
Here schools of hammerheads, jacks, and dolphins can be seen just
a few feet below the surface. Manta rays, bull sharks and whale sharks
are sometimes encountered here.Daily
Scuba Boat Trips
Boats depart daily for a very short ride to the local dive sites.
At 10:00 am you can depart for a 2 tank dive. At 2:00 pm you can depart
for a 1 tank dive. The site for these dives depends on weather and
water conditions on that day.
PADI
- DISCOVER SCUBA DIVING CLASS
(Resort Course)
You can take a guided scuba dive with a PADI instructor. You will
spend approximately one hour of class time, learning how to use your
Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA). Then
depending on your comfort level, you will either spend 1/2 hour in
the hotel pool or in approximately 15 feet of water on the sandy ocean
bottom, practice the simple, easy to learn skills of SCUBA.
Following this practice session you will go on a shallow, instructor
escorted dive, to visit the beautiful marine life of Cabo San Lucas.
DAILY
SNORKELING TOURS
There are offered guided trips to the beautiful sites of Pelican Rock,
Lover's Beach, Baja Upside-down, The Sea Lion Colony and the Pinnacle.
Mask, fins and snorkel are included.
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