Are you thinking about scuba diving in Cabo San Lucas? You’ve come to the right place! In this blog post, we will give you all the information you need to know about a scuba diving trip to Cabo San Lucas.
We will cover topics such as the best time of year to go, where to find the best dive sites, best dive shops, and more. Grab your coffee and read on!
Table of Contents
Why It Is Great for Scuba Diving in Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas is great for scuba diving because of its many dive sites, clear waters, and abundant marine life. The area is also home to one of the world’s largest coral reefs, making it a popular destination for novice and experienced divers.
Some of the best dive sites in Cabo San Lucas include the Sea Lion Colony, where divers can swim with sea lions; Los Cabos Tugboat, a sunken shipwreck that is home to a variety of fish; and El Bajo Seacliff, where divers can see giant manta rays and whale sharks.
Best Dive Spots in Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas is world-renowned for its dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life. And there are plenty of great spots for scuba diving! Here are some of the best:
Pelican Rock
On a sandy bottom, the reef begins at 10 feet, then slopes gently to 70 feet before dropping off a steep cliff to a depth of 500 feet. The summit of the undersea canyon, where one of the well-known “Sand Falls” may be found.
Some of the best diving in Pelican Rock may be found in a tranquil, sheltered spot that is home to an abundance of tropical fish and crustaceans. You can find groups of these species, as well as sea bass, scorpion fish, porcupine fish, and puffer fish, swimming together.
Moray eels, devil rays, electric rays, cortez rays, and a variety of other fish and marine life can also be found here. Any diver, from novice to pro, may enjoy this dive location, and night dives and snorkeling are welcome, too.
North Wall
The sandy bottom which is approximately 40 feet deep gives way to massive boulders at about 90 feet, which in turn curve around and meet to form Sand Falls on the north side of Pelican Rock.
At just 12 feet deep, the reef is an ideal resting place. Eels, boxfish, puffers, triggerfish, stonefish, and lobsters all call the rocky slopes home. Whitetip reef sharks, diamond stingrays, and bulls-eye stingrays can all be seen here.
There are spiny lobsters, slipper lobsters, hermit crabs, and sea cucumbers to be seen if you do a night dive here, which is also suitable for novice divers.
Middle Wall
Between Neptune’s Finger and Pelican Rock is a sheer cliff that is entirely covered in sea fans. The enormous subterranean canyon can be seen well in clear water. Around the Middle Wall, you may see rays, tuna schools, bonitas, and groupers. Wiht a bit of luck, you can also see green morays and lobsters here.
Neptune’s Finger
There are various types of tropical fish swimming around the area’s hard and soft corals. Oceanic turtles, manta rays, tuna, and sharks are also possible visitors.
Beginning at a height of 60 feet, the wall plunges to 100 feet before reaching one of the sand falls and plunging to a depth of more than 3,000 feet. There are stingrays, guitarfish, and flatfish scattered throughout the sandy floor, while schools of barracuda, pompanos, and big-eye jacks swim around the pinnacle.
Land’s End
This location is well-known for its playful sea lion population. Along with the sea turtles, sea bass, parrotfish, and mobulas that swim about the rock, the sandy floor is dotted with garden eels and guitarfish.
If you are lucky, you may see a whale shark or manta ray pass by.
Sand Falls
Sand Falls is the location of an underwater waterfall where sand pours down the chute and into a canyon 1,200 feet below, as first found in the Jacques Cousteau television series The Underwater World of Jacques Cousteau.
It is easily the most famous diving spot in the Cabo San Lucas region and one of the world’s best underwater attractions. All around, you can find schools of tropical fish, including Mexican goatfish, snappers, sardines, angelfish, and more.
Octopus, sea snails, sea horses, and frogfish may be found hiding in crevices and among rocks and sponges. Gorgonians and sea fans cover the canyon’s steep cliffs.
Best Dive Shops in Cabo San Lucas
Manta Scuba Diving
If you’re looking for a top-notch dive business in Cabo San Lucas, go no farther than Manta Scuba Diving. All levels of divers are catered to, from novices to experts. You may also stock up on diving essentials at their retail shop.
Since its founding in 2001, Manta Scuba Diving has been run by professional scuba divers who also happen to be PADI instructors. Rental and maintenance services for scuba gear are also available, in addition to scuba diving classes for beginners and experts. In addition, they provide scuba diving excursions to several spots in Mexico.
Nautilus Dive Tech
Nautilus Dive Tech employs only PADI-certified instructors who are enthusiastic about sharing their love of scuba diving with others. To accommodate students of varying learning styles, they provide both group and individual instruction.
They have been diving for over 20 years, so they know all the greatest areas to visit.
Dive Ninja Expeditions
If you are looking for a dive shop offering unique tours and expeditions, Dive Ninja Expeditions is for you. They pride themselves with sustainable operating principles, and are the only Project Aware 100% AWARE PADI 5 Star Dive Center in the entire Baja California peninsula.
You can trust that your dive experience will be fun and safe in the hands of their trained and qualified instructors.
Best Time to Scuba Dive in Cabo San Lucas
The best time to scuba dive in Cabo San Lucas is from December to May. The water temperature during this period is between 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit, which is comfortable for most divers. This is also the prime time to see bigger marine mammals, such as humpbacks, orcas, mobula rays, blue whales and whale sharks. If you are lucky, you may even spot a mako shark, blue shark or a marlin.
The visibility is also good during this time of year, with an average of 50 to 100 feet. There are a variety of dive sites to choose from in Cabo San Lucas that you can dive on year-round, so you can find one that suits your skill level and interests.
Some Interesting Facts About Cabo San Lucas for Scuba Divers
Here are some interesting facts about Cabo San Lucas for scuba divers:
- Cabo San Lucas has over 20 dive sites to choose from, including the Sea Lion Colony, where you can swim with sea lions.
- The underwater attractions of Cabo San Lucas, such as the Sand Falls, make scuba diving a top attraction. The Sand Falls are underwater cliffs where sand cascades down into a 1,200-foot gorge; the great explorer Jacques Cousteau discovered them.
- The Sea of Cortez was also known as the “aquarium of the world” by Jacques Cousteau. Because of this, snorkeling and skin diving are among the top things to do in Cabo San Lucas. Divers and snorkelers may see a wide variety of marine life, including whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and a rainbow of tropical fish, all in their native habitats off the coast of Cabo San Lucas.
- Los Cabos is known as the “Striped Marlin Capital of the World,” and the winner of one of the city’s many annual fishing tournaments can win as much as $3 million.
- Rod Rodriguez was able to get to Los Cabos in 1956, when the Palmilla Hotel first opened, despite the lack of a major airport or highway. The son of a previous Mexican president, he was instrumental in establishing Cabo San Lucas as a tourist destination and laying the groundwork for the development of hotels in the area.
- In its early years, the Cabo San Lucas beach was frequented by Hollywood’s elite, including Lucille Ball, John Wayne, Frank Sinatra, Desi Arnez, and Bing Crosby.
- The Hotel California in Todos Santos is the most famous of all the hotels in Cabo San Lucas. Many guests of Hotel California have remarked on the uncanny similarities between the words of the Eagles’ song and the hotel, despite the fact that the song was composed after a Chinese immigrant who founded the hotel.
Prices You Can Expect Per Dive with Dive Shops in Cabo San Lucas
In Cabo San Lucas, you can expect to pay around $75-100 USD for a two-tank dive with a reputable dive shop. This price includes all of your gear rental, as well as the cost of the guide. If you are staying in an all-inclusive resort, your dive shop may offer a discount on these prices.
For those who are certified, there are plenty of options for diving in Cabo San Lucas. You can find many operators offering day trips to popular sites such as the Sea of Cortez and Santa Maria Bay. These dives typically cost between $75-100 USD per person and usually include two dives.
If you’re looking to do some night diving while in Cabo San Lucas, most dive shops offer this as well. Prices vary depending on the length and difficulty of the dive, but you can expect to pay between $85-120 USD per person for a night dive.
Finally, if you’re interested in exploring some of Cabo’s more remote dive sites, there are a few liveaboard options available. These trips range from 3-7 days and typically cost between $1500-3000 USD per person.
What to Pack for Your Tampa Scuba Diving Trip
When packing for your Cabo San Lucas scuba diving trip, be sure to bring along all the necessary gear. This includes a BCD, regulator, fins, mask, snorkel, and wetsuit. You will also want to bring any accessories you want to take on your dives, such as a dive knife and a dive flag. Finally, don’t forget to pack a rash guard, a cap and sunscreen.
Where Should You NOT Dive in Cabo San Lucas?
The Arch
This is because the currents can be very strong and there have been examples of people being pulled out to sea. If you are interested in diving, there are plenty of other great spots in Cabo San Lucas that will be more suitable for your needs.
Los Cabos Corridor
The Corridor is the stretch of water between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. It’s famous for its beautiful blue waters and dramatic cliffs. Unfortunately, it’s also known for strong rip tides. These can make diving unsafe, even for experienced divers. If you’re not comfortable swimming in strong currents, we recommend avoiding the Corridor.
San Jose del Cabo
San Jose del Cabo is located at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. It’s a beautiful location with plenty of things to see and do, but it’s not the best place for diving. The water around San Jose del Cabo is quite murky, which can make visibility poor.
What To Do When Not Scuba Diving in Cabo San Lucas?
When you’re not scuba diving in Cabo San Lucas, there are plenty of other activities to keep you busy. You can go snorkeling, freediving, skin diving, windsurfing, boating, fishing, or swimming with dolphins.
If you’re looking for a relaxing vacation, you can take a yoga class, get a massage, or simply lounge on the beach.
FAQ
Is Cabo San Lucas Good for Scuba Diving?
Of course!
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, Cabo San Lucas has something to offer. For beginners, there are several shallower reefs where you can get your feet wet and get acquainted with the equipment. Experienced divers can explore some of the more advanced sites, such as the Tuna wreck close to San Jose del Cabo.
No matter what your level of experience, scuba diving in Cabo San Lucas is sure to be an unforgettable experience!
Can You Scuba Dive in Cabo San Lucas Without Certification?
Yes, it is possible to scuba dive without certification in Cabo San Lucas. There are a number of tour operators who offer what is known as “resort diving.” This means that no prior experience or certification is necessary.
However, resort diving comes with some inherent risks. Because you are not certified, you will not have the same level of training as someone who is certified. This means that you may not be able to react properly in an emergency situation. Additionally, resort diving generally takes place in shallower water, which carries its own risks.
In general, we strongly advise against scuba diving without certification.
Can You scuba dive in Cabo San Lucas in December?
The weather in Cabo San Lucas is beautiful in December, making it a great time to scuba dive. The water temperature is around 22-24C (71-75F), so you will need a wetsuit. There are many scuba diving operators in Cabo San Lucas, so you can easily find a tour that suits your level of experience.
Where Is The Coldest Place In Cabo San Lucas?
The Sea of Cortez, which Cabo San Lucas is located on, is known for its dramatic temperature changes. In the summer, the water can reach up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but in the winter, it can plunge to as low as 55 degrees.
This means that divers need to be prepared for both extreme heat and extreme cold when scuba diving in Cabo San Lucas. The best time to dive is usually in the spring or fall, when the water temperature is more moderate. However, even then, divers should be prepared for sudden changes in temperature.
Divers should also be aware of the risk of hypothermia when diving in cold water. If you start to feel cold or your body starts to shiver, it’s important to get out of the water and warm up as soon as possible. It’s also a good idea to have a buddy with you when diving in case one of you does start to experience hypothermia.
Where is the warmest place in Cabo San Lucas?
Interestingly, the Sea of Cortez can also be the warmest place in Cabo San Lucas. The water temperature in the Sea of Cortez can reach up to 90°F (32°C). This makes it a popular spot for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Want an alternative? If you’re looking for a beach with warm water, Playa el Médano is the place to go. The water at Playa el Médano averages 86°F (30°C). This beach is also great for swimming, boogie boarding, and other water activities.
What are the pros and cons of scuba diving in Cabo San Lucas?
Cabo San Lucas offers some of the best scuba diving in the world. The clear waters and abundance of marine life make it a top destination for scuba divers. However, there are a few things to consider before booking a scuba diving trip to Cabo San Lucas.
The Pros:
- The clear waters offer amazing visibility for scuba diving.
- There is a wide variety of marine life to see while scuba diving in Cabo San Lucas.
- The water temperature is comfortable for scuba diving year-round.
The Cons:
- Cabo San Lucas can be crowded with tourists, which can make finding a good spot to dive difficult.
- Some of the dive sites in Cabo San Lucas are located offshore, which means you’ll need to take a boat out to them.
What is the average water temperature in Cabo San Lucas?
The average water temperature in Cabo San Lucas is around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes it a great destination for scuba diving all year round. The water is usually a bit warmer in the summer months, but even then, it rarely gets above 80 degrees.
Final Thoughts
After reading this guide, we hope you feel confident and excited to start planning your scuba diving trip to Cabo San Lucas! This place is well-known for its world-class dive sites, clear waters, and friendly marine life. With so much to see and explore underwater, it’s no wonder that scuba diving in Cabo San Lucas is such a popular activity.
