Cabo San Lucas is part of one of the Capes located in the Gulf of California Sur, Mexico. This area is recognized as a Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO, as it boasts more than 3,000 hectares of protected marine areas where you can find virtually everything.
In the past, the original name of this coastal port was Yenecamú, a Pericú-origin word meaning “union of two waters,” since this is where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. This convergence of two seas is a key migration point for large pelagic species, including various types of sharks, mobula rays, and whales.
Diving in Cabo San Lucas
One of the first divers to explore these waters was the legendary Jacques Cousteau, who named them “The Aquarium of the World.” In Cabo, the sun always shines, and the water temperature ranges between 20 and 29 degrees Celsius throughout the year, making it an ideal diving destination at any time.
For the best chances to spot large marine mammals such as humpback whales, orcas, and blue whales, plan your visit between December and May. If you’re lucky, you might even hear the haunting songs of humpback whales during your dives. These months also offer breathtaking sightings of massive schools of manta rays, mako sharks, blue sharks, marlins, and even the occasional whale shark.
In spring and autumn, thousands of acrobatic mobula rays begin their mating season, engaging in spectacular courtship displays by flipping backward and showcasing their skills to attract a mate.
No matter when you visit Cabo San Lucas, you’ll always have the chance to see white-tip sharks, sardine tornadoes, mahi-mahi, and sea turtles. The luckiest visitors might even spot an orca at the surface. And of course, we can’t forget about the famous local sea lions, the favorite animals of Cabo San Lucas, with whom you can dive and snorkel in its paradise-like beaches.
Dive Sites:
Many dive sites are just a 10-minute boat ride from shore, allowing you to experience incredible marine life up close, including coral reefs, colorful fish, and moray eels.
Some of the best-known dive sites include:
- Sand Falls: Originally discovered by Cousteau, this world-famous dive site is known for its spectacular underwater sandfalls. It’s often called “The End of the World” because these cascading sand formations are created by friction between the North American and Pacific tectonic plates. Divers must descend to about 30 meters to witness this stunning phenomenon.
- Pelican Rock: A massive rock formation that starts at 3 meters in a sandy bottom and slopes down to 152 meters. This is a protected and calm site where you can encounter a wide variety of tropical fish such as snappers, butterflyfish, surgeonfish, parrotfish, pufferfish, scorpionfish, and the famous huachinango fish. You can also swim with moray eels, manta rays, electric rays, and ribbon eels. With its varied depths, it is perfect for divers of all levels, including night dives.
After diving in the “Aquarium of the World” and swimming with manta rays, sharks, and countless colorful fish, visitors can enjoy a relaxing walk through the charming town of Cabo San Lucas. Between dives, there are plenty of activities to enjoy with family or friends, such as surfing, snorkeling, or hiking in the surrounding areas.
Before leaving, make sure to visit “El Arco,” a stunning rock formation located at the tip of the peninsula, or relax on the sand at Lover’s Beach. In the evening, you can enjoy a delicious meal and unwind at Cabo San Lucas Marina, filled with restaurants and shops.
