Sea of Cortez Liveaboards – Sea Lions, Mobulas, Whale Sharks

Mexico · Baja California Sur

Sea Lions & Mobula Rays: Sea of Cortez Liveaboards & Resorts

Playful sea lionsHuge mobula schoolsLiveaboards & resorts

The Sea of Cortez is a warm, calm sea off Baja California. You dive with playful sea lions and drift through huge schools of mobula rays, which are smaller cousins of manta rays. You can also snorkel with whale sharks. Stay on a liveaboard or at a resort in La Paz.

A Trip for Everyone

Scuba Divers

Up to 4 dives / day

Sea Lion Fans

Snorkelers

Photographers

All Levels Welcome

You Can See

The Sea of Cortez Stars

Sea lion underwater at Los Islotes, La Paz, Mexico

Sea Lions

They play with divers, spin around you, and nibble fins.

School of mobula rays in the Sea of Cortez

Mobula Rays

Thousands swim together in giant schools.

Two whale sharks in La Paz Bay, Mexico

Whale Sharks

Snorkel next to the biggest fish in the sea.

Hammerhead shark at El Bajo, Sea of Cortez

Hammerheads

Big schools at the El Bajo seamount.

Liveaboards run May to November. Resorts in La Paz run all year. Sea lions live here all year, but dives at the Los Islotes colony may pause in summer for mating season. Mobula rays show up April to October, depending on the site. Whale sharks visit La Paz Bay October to April, and you snorkel with them (no scuba). Sightings are never guaranteed.

Ready to pick your trip?

Where You’ll Dive

Top Sea of Cortez Dive Sites

All levels

Los Islotes

A sea lion colony 15 minutes from La Paz. Pups swim right up to you.

Intermediate

Espíritu Santo East Wall

Drift through schools of mobula rays.

Advanced

El Bajo Seamount

Hammerhead schools. Strong currents.

All levels

Los Candeleros

Easy pinnacles with reef fish, eels, and rays.

Exact sites depend on your route and the season.

Hot Picks

Liveaboards We Recommend for the Sea of Cortez

Nautilus Explorer liveaboard, Mexico

Nautilus Explorer

Runs La Paz–Loreto and other Sea of Cortez trips. Hot tub after every dive.

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Nautilus Belle Amie liveaboard, Mexico

Nautilus Belle Amie

Roomy suites and a big dive deck. Runs summer Sea of Cortez trips.

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Prefer to Stay on Land?

2 Dive Resorts in La Paz

The Cortez Club dive resort, La Paz, Mexico

The Cortez Club

PADI 5-Star dive center on the beach. Boats to Los Islotes and El Bajo since 1995.

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Villa Carey, Buceo Carey dive resort, La Paz, Mexico

Buceo Carey

Family-run since 1992, with its own villa. Sea lion dives and whale shark snorkeling.

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Liveaboard or Resort?

Liveaboard

Sail to remote islands and seamounts with 3–4 dives a day. Trips run May to November.

Dive Resort

Stay in La Paz and dive every day. Open all year, and great if a non-diver is joining you.

Want a special offer for the Sea of Cortez?

Message us directly — we’ll match you to the right boat or resort and season.

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Get Ready

Before You Book Your Sea of Cortez Trip

Divers on a liveaboard in La Paz, Mexico

La Paz Diving Guide

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Snorkeler swimming with a whale shark in Baja California

Whale Sharks in Baja California

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Divers on a liveaboard dive deck

Your First Liveaboard

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Why BookDiveBoat for the Sea of Cortez?

Each animal has its own season here, so timing matters. We work with trusted liveaboards and La Paz dive resorts. We help you pick the right trip, dates, and animals, and we’ll tell you if the season looks wrong for your dates.

FAQ

Sea of Cortez Diving Questions

When is the best time to dive the Sea of Cortez?
It depends on the animal. Sea lions live here all year. Mobula rays show up April to October, depending on the site. Whale sharks visit La Paz Bay October to April. Hammerheads gather at El Bajo in late summer and fall. Liveaboards run May to November, and resorts in La Paz run all year.
What can I see in the Sea of Cortez?
Sea lions, mobula rays, whale sharks, and hammerhead sharks. You may also see turtles and dolphins. Sightings are never guaranteed, since these are wild animals.
Do I need to be an experienced diver?
No. Open Water is enough for most sites, including Los Islotes. El Bajo is for Advanced divers because of strong currents. Send us your certification and dive count, and we’ll point you to the right trip.
Can I scuba dive with whale sharks?
No. In La Paz Bay, Mexican rules allow snorkeling only. You swim next to the sharks at the surface, and you don’t need a dive certification.
Should I choose a liveaboard or a dive resort?
A liveaboard reaches remote islands and seamounts, with 3–4 dives a day. A resort in La Paz is easier, with daily boat trips, and it works well if a non-diver is joining you. Fly into La Paz (LAP) or Los Cabos (SJD). Most liveaboard trips are 5–7 nights, and we confirm the starting port for your dates.
How cold is the water?
About 64–72°F in winter, and up to 84–90°F in late summer. Bring a 5mm wetsuit from November to March and a 3mm wetsuit from April to October.
Ready to Dive the Sea of Cortez?

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