Baja California is one of the most biodiverse areas in the world when it comes to marine life. It hosts a range of animals from whales, to sharks, as well as, some species that can only be admired there such as the striped marlin and clouds of mobula ray. Diving Baja California is a must-dive location for any avid diver.
The Behind the Mask team shot the first part of the video from Cabo San Lucas, the holiday destination in the south of Mexico. The second part was filmed while freediving in Magdalena Bay (Bahía de Magdalena).
Diving Baja California
Baja California is a unique and beautiful region of Mexico, bordering the United States. Many would agree that this is the most scenic area of Mexico. On land, there is a beautiful mix of desert landscapes, mountain regions, and tropical oases, not forgetting the many beautiful beaches and bays. Underwater it is home to a wide variety of marine life. From whales and orcas to sea lions and seabirds, the waters of Baja California are teeming with life. Snorkeling or freediving in this area is an incredible experience, allowing you to get up close and personal with these amazing creatures. Whether you’re looking for a chance to swim with whales or just want to observe the beauty of the ocean’s inhabitants, snorkeling in Baja California is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Cabo San Lucas
This resort city is located at the southernmost tip of Baja California and attracts tourists from all over with its beautiful beaches and famous scuba diving and snorkeling trips.
A paradise for adventure seekers, here you can scuba dive or snorkel the local vibrant reefs and take the rest of the day to relax on the beach or enjoy the beautiful scenery on the many hiking trails around. Cabo San Lucas offers stunning beaches and crystal clear waters, it’s no wonder why this destination is so popular among travelers. Whether you’re looking to explore the underwater world or take in some of its unique attractions, Cabo San Lucas has something for everyone.
Local Marine life
The Sea of Cortez is known as “The Aquarium of the World” and with good reason, home to a variety of sea creatures, such as groupers, eels, octopus, sea turtles, not to mention all the beautiful wrasse, butterflyfish, angelfish, parrotfish and other colorful tropical reef fish. The coral life is flourishing and colorful. In Pulmo Bay you can find one of the most elaborate reefs in the world rumored to be over 20,000 years old! Oceanic creatures include whales, sea lions, sharks, sea birds and orcas. Whale watching tours are a very popular activity here and between October through to May you can find snorkeling trips aimed at snorkeling with the largest fish in the ocean, the whale shark!
Snorkeling or Freediving
When wanting to enjoy watching large marine mammals or pelagic fish in the water, often snorkeling or freediving is the better option. Most of these mammals will come up close to the surface or change their depth frequently, and are to be found in the middle of the blue. Things like bait balls where shivers of sharks and large game fish may gather can be found more easily from the surface and often stay close to the surface. To experience an encounter you may need to be ready to jump within seconds from the boat and into the water, making scuba diving often not the best option, as the time it takes you to get ready and do your safety checks, you may have already missed the chance.
Additionally, you may have to swim fast to keep up with these animals, something that is easier to do with less gear. If you are certified for freediving then this is a great way to get a little closer, otherwise snorkeling is the second best option.
That being said there are some fantastic scuba diving locations around with healthy coral reefs and lots of marine life to see. With its diverse variety of coral reefs, vibrant fish species, and fascinating sea creatures, Cabo San Lucas provides a truly unforgettable experience for those looking to explore the depths of the ocean.
Magdalena Bay
Magdalena Bay in Baja California is a renowned destination for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. It is a great spot for snorkeling amongst bait balls where you can witness jumping marlin, hundreds of mobula rays as well as blue sharks hunting amongst the bait fish. This tranquil bay truly has something spectacular to offer, between the months of January and April Gray whales start to appear, and this bay seems to be their favorite playground as well as the perfect breeding and birthing grounds. They also seem to truly enjoy interacting with their human visitors and luckily for humans and whales alike tours here are highly regulated so as to avoid too many boats, too many people in the water and a high risk of scaring away the whales for good.
Additionally, the bay is laced with beautiful mangroves, offering a somewhat different boat trip to those wanting a variety of adventures.
Visiting and diving in Magdalena Bay, Baja California is an experience like no other.
Eco-Tourism
Baja California is a stunning destination for eco-tourism. From the beautiful beaches and deserts to the lush mountains and forests, this region is teeming with natural beauty. With its unique wildlife, diverse landscapes, and cultural heritage, Baja California offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and eco-tourists alike. From whale watching to bird watching, camping to hiking, there are plenty of activities that allow visitors to explore this region in a sustainable way. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, Baja California has something for everyone who wants to explore without damaging the environment.
Look for and book eco tours with companies such as Latitude Encounters, to ensure you are not supporting any malpractices towards marine life. As with everywhere, some companies are more about making money with quantity over quality and not caring whether it has a negative impact on the ecosystem or not. That being said, most of the tours with larger marine life are highly regulated and they do not allow marine protected areas to become over crowded.
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