Cabo San Lucas, a sun-soaked paradise located at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, is a treasure trove of scuba diving adventures. With crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and an abundance of marine life, Cabo San Lucas offers unforgettable underwater experiences for divers of all skill levels. In this article, we’ll explore the top 11 scuba diving spots in Cabo San Lucas, revealing the captivating wonders that lie beneath the surface of this tropical haven.
1. Land’s End – Sand Falls
Embark on an extraordinary diving adventure at Land’s End, where the sand cascades over underwater cliffs in a phenomenon known as Sand Falls. Discovered by legendary diver Jacques Cousteau, this dive site features a unique underwater landscape shaped by volcanic rock formations and a plunging sand waterfall that cascades from 30 feet down to 100 feet. The site is home to a diverse array of marine life, including sea turtles, eels, rays, and a colourful assortment of tropical fish. You may even spot sea lions frolicking in the shallows.
Land’s End is suitable for divers of all skill levels, with the shallower areas providing an ideal environment for beginners and the deeper sand falls presenting a challenge for more experienced divers. The site’s captivating topography and rich marine life make it a must-visit diving destination in Cabo San Lucas. Whether you’re exploring the underwater terrain or marvelling at the diverse marine life, Land’s End is sure to provide an unforgettable diving experience.
2. Pelican Rock
Discover the abundant marine life and vibrant coral reefs of Pelican Rock, a popular dive site located in Cabo San Lucas Bay. This underwater paradise offers a thriving ecosystem teeming with a diverse range of marine species, including angelfish, parrotfish, sea lions, and the occasional nurse shark. The site features a mix of rocky outcroppings, sandy patches, and coral formations, providing ample opportunities for exploration and marine life encounters. Its proximity to the bay also means that the area is protected from strong currents, making it an ideal location for divers of all abilities.
Pelican Rock is an ideal dive site for all experience levels, with its calm waters and varied underwater landscapes providing a relaxed environment for divers. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a beginner eager to experience the wonders of the underwater world, Pelican Rock is a must-visit spot in Cabo San Lucas. With a depth ranging from 25 to 100 feet, there’s plenty to explore and discover at this enchanting dive site.
3. Neptune’s Finger
Immerse yourself in the dramatic underwater world of Neptune’s Finger, a dive site characterised by its striking vertical rock formation that extends from the seafloor to the surface. This remarkable site offers a unique diving experience, with its steep walls, rocky ledges, and swim-throughs creating a labyrinth for divers to navigate. As you explore Neptune’s Finger, you’ll encounter a wealth of marine life, including schools of jacks, groupers, and snappers, as well as moray eels and sea turtles. You may even have the chance to witness graceful manta rays gliding through the water.
Due to its depth and potential for strong currents, Neptune’s Finger is best suited for intermediate to advanced divers. For those up to the challenge, this dive site promises an unforgettable underwater adventure filled with awe-inspiring rock formations and a diverse array of marine species. With depths ranging from 40 to 130 feet, Neptune’s Finger provides a thrilling and exhilarating dive experience that’s not to be missed.
4. North Wall
Explore the intriguing underwater realm of North Wall, a dive site located along the northern edge of Cabo San Lucas Bay. Known for its steep underwater cliffs and rocky ledges, North Wall provides a dramatic backdrop for divers seeking a thrilling underwater experience. The site is home to a variety of marine life, including sea lions, rays, moray eels, and a multitude of tropical fish species. The nutrient-rich waters also attract larger pelagic species, such as hammerhead sharks, making North Wall a prime spot for adrenaline-pumping encounters.
North Wall is an ideal dive site for intermediate to advanced divers, as the depth ranges from 60 to 100 feet and the possibility of strong currents can make it a more challenging dive. However, the awe-inspiring underwater landscape and impressive array of marine life make it well worth the effort. As you navigate the dramatic cliffs and rocky outcroppings, you’ll be treated to an unforgettable scuba diving experience that truly showcases the beauty and diversity of Cabo San Lucas’s underwater world.
5. Gordo Banks
Venture out into the open ocean to explore Gordo Banks, a series of underwater seamounts located approximately 8 miles off the coast of Cabo San Lucas. This remote and spectacular dive site attracts a wide range of pelagic species, making it an ideal destination for divers seeking thrilling encounters with large marine animals. At Gordo Banks, you’ll have the chance to spot schools of hammerhead sharks, manta rays, and even the occasional whale shark, along with a host of other marine life, such as jacks, tunas, and groupers.
Due to its exposed location and depth, which ranges from 110 to over 130 feet, Gordo Banks is best suited for advanced divers with experience in handling strong currents and open-water conditions. However, for those with the skills and confidence to take on this challenging dive site, Gordo Banks promises an awe-inspiring experience that you’ll never forget, with unparalleled opportunities to observe some of the ocean’s most magnificent creatures.
6. Cabo Pulmo
Experience the incredible biodiversity of Cabo Pulmo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and marine protected area located approximately 60 miles north of Cabo San Lucas. This pristine dive destination boasts one of the oldest and most vibrant coral reefs in the Sea of Cortez, attracting an incredible array of marine life. As you explore the crystal-clear waters of Cabo Pulmo, you’ll encounter schools of colourful fish, sea turtles, rays, and even reef sharks, all thriving within this protected underwater sanctuary.
Cabo Pulmo offers a range of dive sites suitable for all experience levels, with depths varying from 30 to 100 feet. The protected status of the area ensures that the waters remain calm and clear, providing excellent visibility for divers. Whether you’re marvelling at the stunning coral formations or observing the bustling marine life, Cabo Pulmo is a scuba diving paradise that is not to be missed on your Cabo San Lucas diving adventure.
7. Wreck of the Fang Ming
Delve into history as you explore the Wreck of the Fang Ming, a former Chinese fishing vessel that was intentionally sunk off the coast of Cabo San Lucas to create an artificial reef. Today, the shipwreck serves as a haven for a diverse range of marine life, including schools of fish, moray eels, and even sea lions. As you navigate the ship’s 180-foot length, you’ll have the opportunity to examine its various compartments and observe how nature has reclaimed the vessel, with vibrant coral formations and encrusting sponges adorning its surface.
The Wreck of the Fang Ming is suitable for intermediate to advanced divers, with a depth range of 60 to 100 feet and the potential for strong currents in the area. For those with the skills and experience to take on this fascinating dive site, the Fang Ming offers a unique and captivating underwater adventure that combines history, marine life, and the beauty of artificial reefs.
8. Santa Maria Cove
Dive into the tranquil waters of Santa Maria Cove, a picturesque bay located along the Corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. This sheltered cove features a beautiful sandy beach, which gives way to a vibrant underwater realm teeming with marine life. As you explore the rocky outcroppings, coral formations, and patches of sand that make up the cove’s seabed, you’ll encounter a myriad of colourful fish species, as well as sea turtles, eels, and rays. The calm waters and gentle currents of Santa Maria Cove make it an ideal dive site for beginners and experienced divers alike.
With depths ranging from 40 to 70 feet, Santa Maria Cove offers a relaxed and enjoyable diving experience that allows for ample time to observe the diverse marine life that calls this area home. The cove’s serene setting and stunning underwater landscape make it a perfect addition to any Cabo San Lucas diving itinerary, providing a peaceful contrast to some of the region’s more adrenaline-fuelled dive sites.
9. Chileno Bay
Discover the underwater wonders of Chileno Bay, a popular dive site situated along the Corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. This idyllic bay boasts crystal-clear waters, a pristine sandy beach, and a thriving coral reef that is home to a diverse range of marine species. As you navigate the intricate coral formations, you’ll be treated to a dazzling display of fish, from schools of vibrant angelfish and parrotfish to the more elusive octopus and seahorse. Chileno Bay also provides an excellent opportunity to spot larger marine animals, such as sea turtles and rays.
Chileno Bay is suitable for divers of all experience levels, with its calm waters and manageable depths ranging from 30 to 80 feet. The bay’s exceptional visibility and rich marine life make it an ideal spot for underwater photography, so be sure to bring your camera along to capture the stunning beauty of this dive site. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or just starting your underwater journey, Chileno Bay is a must-visit destination in Cabo San Lucas.
10. Blow Hole
Experience the thrill of diving at Blow Hole, a unique dive site located along the Corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. Named after the impressive underwater cavern that funnels air and water through its opening, creating a natural “blowhole” effect, this dive site offers a captivating underwater landscape filled with rocky outcroppings, ledges, and swim-throughs. As you explore the site’s rugged terrain, you’ll encounter an array of marine life, including moray eels, pufferfish, and schools of jacks and snappers.
Blow Hole is best suited for intermediate to advanced divers, with depths ranging from 40 to 100 feet and the potential for strong currents and surge within the caverns. For those up to the challenge, this dive site promises an exhilarating and unforgettable underwater adventure that showcases the raw power and beauty of the ocean. With its dramatic topography and fascinating marine life, Blow Hole is a must-visit spot on your Cabo San Lucas diving itinerary.
11. La Paz
Embark on a diving adventure in La Paz, a coastal city located 100 miles north of Cabo San Lucas. Famed for its calm seas, clear visibility, and abundant marine life, La Paz boasts dive sites for all experience levels. Explore vibrant coral reefs at El Bajo or enjoy playful encounters with sea lions at Los Islotes.
With depths ranging from 20 to over 100 feet, La Paz caters to both beginners and experienced divers. One main attraction is swimming alongside whale sharks from October to February, offering a truly unforgettable experience. In addition, La Paz features fascinating shipwrecks and unique underwater topographies, ensuring a memorable scuba diving experience for all visitors.
Introducing Agulhas
Whether you are just starting to dip your toes into the world of scuba diving, or are an experienced diver looking to upgrade your equipment for your next big diving adventure, Agulhas is your one-stop shop for all your diving equipment needs.
Agulhas is innovating how diving gear is made. Our unique modular items means you can replace any damaged part of your diving equipment without having to replace the whole product. Not only does this save you money, but it also decreases waste, adding to the sustainability of our products. For us, sustainability is at the very heart of our business and what we stand for.
Every piece of our diving gear is made with the most imperishable materials available, helping to decrease ocean pollutants. Our goal is to provide you with the best performance and experience possible while providing an environmentally-friendly solution.
So if you’re looking for dependable, efficient, affordable, and sustainable diving gear, look no further than Agulhas! Why not browse our catalogue to see what equipment we offer, or check out more in-depth guides to scuba diving and freediving throughout our website? For all your scuba diving needs, trust in Agulhas, connecting you to the ocean for good.
Conclusion
Cabo San Lucas is a scuba diving paradise, offering an incredible range of dive sites that cater to all experience levels and interests. From the thriving coral reefs of Cabo Pulmo to the exhilarating encounters with sea lions and whale sharks, there’s no shortage of underwater adventure to be found in this stunning region. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or just starting out on your underwater journey, Cabo San Lucas promises a scuba diving experience like no other, with its crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and unforgettable underwater landscapes.
