Scuba diving is one of the most interesting activities of the Sea of Cortez, being the main spots, San Carlos and Rocky point, among other beautiful places that you might hear about later. With its 800 species, warm waters, the Sea Mountains, 25 to 35 feet of visibility and the biggest artificial reef in Latin America, San Carlos and the Sea of Cortez are great options for this sport lovers. Two artificial reefs, a sunken ferry and several smaller wrecks make the Sonora Bay area an ideal dive destination. More and more divers are talking about San Carlos, which is rapidly gaining a reputation as one of the top diving spots in Mexico.

At San Carlos, the best season to dive is considered to be the summer, where water is 78°F and visibility is excellent thanks to the sunlight. Many underwater photographers choose this season because of the visibility. The lowest temperature may vary from 55°F to 59°F.

 THE SEA OF CORTEZ

The Sea of Cortez, is about 800 miles (1200 Km) long, and 139 miles (222 Km) wide, and up to 11,000 feet (5500 mts) deep, was formed some five million years ago as the result of the San Andres fault, which separated the Baja California peninsula from the continent, creating a home for a huge variety of fish and more than 3,000 species of maritime animals including sharks, whales, dolphins and an incredible variety of fish. Many of these species are unique to the Sea of Cortez, which is also known as the Gulf of California. The Sea unites unique features of the mouth of the gulf, bringing together species from both the tropical south and north. There are species that have been discovered in this sea that where not known before.

About 30 minutes away from San Carlos to the north, at about 65 ft depth, sank by the inclement sea is located a tuna boat known as the “Albatun,” which is nearly 180 feet in length. Also just in front of the ecological paradise called “Las Barajitas Canyon” it rests the “Presidente Diaz Ordaz,” a 300 ft long ferryboat which was partially sank in an accident near Mazatlan, and then towed to Guaymas for repairs that were never performed and then sunk at the request of the diving industry.

 SAN PEDRO NOLASCO ISLAND

Located in front “Las Barajitas” Canyon this island offers a great spectacle for divers. With about 30 meters of depth, the island offers a magnificent region to observe the behavior of seals and sea Lyons.

 EL HIMALAYA

This beach is large and is accessible by ground. El Himalaya often serves as a departure point for groups leaving in both inflatable and regular crafts with on-board motors that do not exceed 27 feet in length. It offers a jagged, rocky point and a channel Up to 10 meters deep that, during certain months, serves as a site for reproduction of various species.

 SPECIES FOUND

Among the species found in the Sea of Cortez, there are: whales, sea lions, seals, dolphins, sponges, sea anemone, eels, coral hammer head sharks, sea lions, lobster, and sea urchin.

 WATER TEMPERATURE

Water temperature may vary depending on the annual seasons. The average termperature on several month periods are presented below: