Sitting off of Loreto's coastline are five dramatic looking islands; Isla Carmen, Isla Coronado, Isla Danzante, Isla Monserrate and Isla Catalina, which are all part of the Loreto National Marine Park. This great 100-mile long stretch of sea that hugs Baja's peninsula in the Sea of Cortez, is refuge to a diversity of marine life and home to over 800 species of fish, unique only to the Sea of Cortez.

It's not uncommon to jump into the open blue to snorkel with passing whales while on your way out to the dive site. The Sea of Cortez has long been known for its schools of dolphins, whale pods, sea turtles and sea lion harems, and of course, there is always the chance of meeting with the giant manta rays, hammerhead sharks and seasonal whale sharks. Brilliantly colored sea fans, black coral and invertebrate life blanket the rocky structures and at night the reefs open up into a rainbow of color.

The diving terrain consists of rocky bottoms, jutting walls, undercuts, overhangs, sprawling reef systems and several wreck sites. The water temperature ranges from over 80°F (27°C) in the summer and fall and gets in the high 60's & low 70's in the winter and spring months. Visibility ranges from 50ft to 100ft+.

Check out our Exciting Humboldt Squid Dives

	Temp.	Visibility			Temp.	Visibility
January	60 F	30-60 ft.		July	80 F	50-120 ft.
February	60 F	30-60 ft.		August	85 F	50-120 ft.
March	65 F	30-60 ft.		September	85 F	50-120 ft.
April	65 F	30-60 ft.		October	85 F	50-120 ft.
May	70 F	30-60 ft.		November	80 F	50-120 ft.
June	75 F	50-120 ft.		December	70 F	30-60 ft.

 

Besides the local species of tropical fish, large game fish such as, Dorado, Jacks, Roosterfish and Yellow Fin tuna will frequent the area during certain times of the year. The awesome 6-ft long Humboldt squid migrates in late summer & fall to the shallower waters to lay their eggs and mate.