POPULAR DIVE SITES
Giant mantas, massive whale sharks and impressive numbers of sharks, especially hammerheads, have made La Paz shine among the best worldwide scuba diving destinations. There are more than 25 first-class dive spots around the many islands surrounding the bay of La Paz, Espíritu Santo, San José and Cerralvo. A few of the most well known are:
EL BAJO: an underwater mountain rising to 60 ft. from the surface, where the schooling hammerheads were first spotted. Great diving year-round for experienced divers.
LOS ISLOTES: home for more than 350 very playful sea lions that love to perform for divers and snorkelers. Good diving year-round for all levels with an anchorage that is well protected from prevailing winds.
SALVATIERRA: a ferry shipwreck sunk in 1976 after colliding with a nearby reef. Lying on a sandbar in 60 ft of water, it is a fantastic “artificial” reef, full of sea life.
LAS ANIMAS: a collection of tiny islets in front of San Josè island, where strong currents maintain a permanent population of pelagic fish. Good year-round, especially for extended live-aboard trips.
LA REINA and LA REINITA: islets in front of Cerralvo Island with huge concentrations of both pelagics and tropical fish. Whale encounters are common in the channel during the boat trip from La Paz.
NEW ARTIFICIAL REEFS: La Paz 03 and Fang Ming, two rusting Chinese long liners, were sunk in November 1999 near the Island of Espiritu Santo to promote artificial reef development for sport divers.
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