 The Sea of Cortez is considered to be one of the most fertile bodies of water in the world. It supports 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. Diving conditions are great all year, and the diving is an unforgettable experience, with shipwrecks, caves, reefs, and sandfalls to explore. June to December offer the greatest visibility, warmest water and longest periods of calm weather.
Visibility can exceed 100 feet, and the temperature averages between 78 and 85 degrees F. Here the water is warm and the currents are gentle. All types of dive experiences can be satisfied, 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.
Divers with experience below 30 meters might want to see the vast submarine canyon which starts just 164 feet off Playa del Amor. This canyon is famous for its 'sandfalls', which are streams of sand tumbling over the canyon rim, forming sand rivers between large rock formations. At about 40 meters they become sheer granite walls, dropping vertically for over 9,000 feet. This amazing phenomenon was first documented by Scripps Institute of Oceanography in 1960. Since then it has been documented by Jacque Cousteau's expeditions. The edges of the canyon walls are covered with marine life and colorful coral, attracting all types of tropical fish not ordinarily seen so close to shore.
If you are looking for dive sites you can access right from the beach, go to Playa Chileno on the Corridor. This is where the famous Chileno Reef lies. It sits in up to 50 feet of water and here you will see all types of tropical fish, eels and urchins. Cabo is unique in that several of the finest snorkeling and scuba diving sites are only a 15 to 25 minute boat ride from the downtown marina. At Pelican Rock, which runs 25 to 100 feet deep, there are many colorful fish to see, along with interesting rock and sand formations.
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