The Best Spots for Scuba Diving in Baja California

Whether you're an experienced scuba diver or your only glimpse of marine life has been at a local pet store, Baja California offers unforgettable adventures beneath the waves. This destination is home to vividly colored tropical marine life and awe-inspiring underwater scenery, including captivating caves, hidden coves, dramatic cliffs, and lush coral gardens. These are the best spots in Baja California for a diving experience guaranteed to leave you breathless.

Diving Season in Baja

The ideal Mexico diving season in Mexico runs from August to November. During these months, you'll enjoy warm weather, clearer ocean waters, and fewer tourists, resulting in a more peaceful and affordable diving experience.

Gear Essentials for Diving in Baja

Regardless of your diving experience, it's advisable to own your fins, snorkel, and mask for better fit and hygiene. Similarly, having your own wetsuit and gloves can greatly enhance your comfort underwater.

Other diving equipment, such as scuba tanks, dive lights, mask defoggers, and underwater cameras, can typically be rented. However, if you dive at least annually, investing in your own gear might be more economical in the long run.

Boat Owners

If you'll be piloting your own boat, be aware that Mexico legally requires boat insurance in its waters. It is the law.

With those formalities out of the way, you're ready to explore the best scuba diving spots Baja California has to offer.

1. La Bufadora

   Near the city of Ensenada, about 2.5 hours south of San Diego, is the famous geyser La Bufadora. Known for one of the largest marine geysers in the world, this spot also hosts some of the best diving in Baja Mexico.

   A nearby canyon nourishes abundant creatures, including anemones and starfish. With excellent visibility and water that can exceed 60 degrees Fahrenheit, you might not want to return to land.

   There are several dive shops in Ensenada the offer tours and equipment rentals.

2. Isla Todos Santos

   A pair of islands off the coast of Ensenada, Isla Todos Santos, are well known for some of the best surf breaks in Baja. What is less well known is that they offer great diving adventures. The islands are only accessible by boat. If you're in the area between October and March, you will likely get to see migrating herds of grey or humpback whales.

3. Rosarito

   Only 20 miles from the US border, the resort city of Rosarito supplies more of the best diving in Baja. Two major attractions are off the coast. The Giant Kelp Forest is a wonderland of waving plants and hungry fish. And, Rosarito Underwater Park is the final resting place of the Mexican Navy's Uribe 121.

4. San Felipe

   On Baja California's west coast — about 178 miles and 3.25 hours south of Yuma, Ariz., and about 243 miles and four hours from San Diego — is San Felipe. Its coral reefs are stunning. And history buffs ought to visit its assorted shipwrecks.

   When scuba diving in San Felipe, stay away from the beaches lest sand obstruct your field of vision. You can hire a fishing guide to find a good dive spot.

   Also, come prepared: As of this writing, we have no knowledge of any dive shops in town.

5. Cabo Pulmo

   Near Baja California's southern tip is Cabo Pulmo. In the 1990s, it banned fishing, and its coral reefs became protected sites. As a result, its marine life has become extremely varied and plentiful.

   In Cabo Pulmo, a licensed dive guide will take you on a 45-minute excursion. You can see the wreck of the cargo boat El Vencedor, where you'll encounter many vibrant fish. Whales, eels, turtles and a bull shark could also show up.

   Cabo Pulmo Divers, a popular store, is open 24 hours a day. Look for a building with a giant turtle painted on the front.

6. Loreto

   From 1697 to 1777, Loreto was the capital of Las Californias, a region that includes modern-day Baja California and part of the western United States. Today, it's one of the world's top scuba diving locales.

   This city on the Sea of Cortez is where you'll find Loreto Bay National Marine Park, which sprawls over 500,000 acres and encompasses five uninhabited islands. The explorer Jacques Cousteau once called it "the World's Aquarium". You'll see hundreds of fish species, whales, sea turtles and more, and the rare blue footed boobie, unusual flora and fauna and more when you're out of the water.

   

   Also noteworthy are Los Candelleros, underwater sea cliffs with a 200-foot drop.

   Find comfortable dive temps between 73 and 86 degrees Farenheight from May through November. Head to Dolphin Dive Baja for tours and equipment.

7. Bahia de los Angeles

   Bahia de los Angeles is a little fishing town with big diving fun. Off LA Bay, in the Sea of Cortez, you'll get to see fin whales, rays, leatherback turtles, whale sharks and dolphins. When you're not captivated by the fauna, check out the flora -- the brilliant sponges in particular. Above water, you'll see the Boojum tree, which only grows in this area.

   Note that Ricardo's Diving Tours can sell you the diving supplies you need.

8. Cabo

   It's a long ride to the southern end of Baja California, but Los Cabos makes it worthwhile. It only takes about five minutes to get to a pristine diving spot, with warm waters in Cabo.

   Expect to see the bright yellow barberfish, playful sea lions and mobula rays taking flying leaps above the waves. You may even view a hammerheads shoot through the water.

   A special treat is the undersea Sand Falls, where sand tumbles down rocks. It really does resemble a waterfall.

   Before you dive in Cabo, check out Dive Cabo, a store that also organizes tours.

9. La Paz

   Expect fish with psychedelic hues when diving near La Paz. You could also run into a whale shark or manta ray, its fins at full mast. Several dolphin species inhabit this area, too, and shipwrecks loom below.

So, whether you're drawn to the serene beauty of coral gardens or intrigued by underwater cliffs and shipwrecks, Baja California has something spectacular to offer every diver. Embark on an underwater journey unlike any other, and immerse yourself in some of the best scuba diving Mexico—and the world—has to offer. Ready to take the plunge? Adventure awaits beneath Baja's waves.