SEA OF CORTEZ – THE WORLD’S AQUARIUM
07 Whale sharks
aplenty just in front
of the resort. Whale
shark interaction seems
well policed by the
responsible resorts in
the area with limited
people in the water at
one time
PRACTICALITIES
07
sometimes hundreds strong, circling the seamount in a
clockwise direction. Numbers have sadly declined after
poaching but the likelihood of seeing hammerheads is
still strong during the key season from September to
January. El Bajo also plays host to an abundance of sea
life: schooling fish (amberjacks, tuna, wahoo), panamic
green and zebra morays, and giant jawfish.
3 Swanne Reef – Depth: 8–12m; level: beginner;
highlight: schooling barracuda, octopuses,
nudibranchs.
Swanne Reef is a shallow and relaxing site with
colourful coral heads, gorgonian encrusted walls
and thousands of schooling fish. This is where the
Salvatierra was scuppered 35 years ago and there are
still encrusted remains of the wreck overgrown now
with corals and sea fans. It is also an excellent site
for macro life with a large variety of fauna making
home in the shallow waters. Occasionally a sea lion
will cruise by causing synchronised panic among the
schools of green jack and barracuda. This site makes
for a good night dive.
4 La Reina – Depth: 25m; level: novice to
intermediate; highlight: Pacific giant manta,
schooling bait ball and crevalle jack.
This rock islet one hour east of La Paz is among the
most beautiful sites in the area. In depths of 25 metres
a large reef has formed populated by gorgonians of
all types, brain corals, large schools of brightly
coloured tropical fish, rays, green, zebra and jewelled
morays. This site is subject to current but is home to
several giant Pacific manta rays. SDOP
SDOP
52
WHEN
October is prime time for Baja
when water is warm and clear,
sea lion pups are playful, whale
sharks feed in the bay and the
whale season starts. The cooling
breeze on the boat reduces body
core temperature so wrap up.
December to March brings grey
and humpback whales and mobula
rays, but the water is cooler with
poorer visibility than summer and
autumn. Temperatures range from
18 to 29°C.
HOW
International travel is via either
Mexico City or Los Angeles.
AeroMexico then flies to La Paz
(about two hours) – check the
limit for cabin luggage.
STAY/DIVE
• La Concha Resort 3 stars
www.laconcha.com
TOPSIDE
Dive resorts offer activities like
kayaking, snorkelling, sandy
beaches, dining and lounging by
the pool. Swimming with whale
sharks is limited to snorkels and no
tanks, so it’s a great opportunity to
bring non-divers on an adventure.
There are some fantastic
restaurants in La Paz with live
music and wonderful margaritas.
ENTRY
Mexico charges a fee to all tourists
and business visitors arriving in the
country. The fee is approximately
US$22, and the money collected is
passed to the Tourist Ministry to
promote Mexican tourism.