Scuba Diving Cabo
Dive the Sea of Cortez — Jacques Cousteau's 'Aquarium of the World' — on a two-tank dive from Cabo San Lucas to sites like Pelican Rock, Lands End, and the North Wall.
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Jacques Cousteau called the Sea of Cortez the 'Aquarium of the World,' and the dive sites just off Cabo San Lucas show why. A two-tank dive from the Cabo marina gets you to Pelican Rock, Land's End, the North Wall, and the famous underwater sand falls discovered by Cousteau himself. Expect sea lions, moray eels, rays, schools of tropical fish, and the rare experience of watching sand cascade down submarine canyons like waterfalls.
What It Is
A half-day, two-tank scuba dive for certified divers, departing from the Cabo San Lucas marina. Boats carry six to twelve divers plus a divemaster, and reach most local sites within 10 to 15 minutes of the harbor. Typical two-tank dives pair a deep dive (60 to 100 feet) at a site like the North Wall or Pelican Rock with a shallower second dive at Land's End or Neptune's Finger. Gear rental is available; most operators include tanks and weights in the base price.
Why Go
The diving in Cabo San Lucas is accessible, varied, and full of life. The marine park right at Land's End is healthy and protected, with sea lions that often play with divers, schools of fish so thick they dim the light, and the unique sand falls — rivers of sand cascading down submarine canyons, first filmed by Cousteau in the 1960s. Visibility ranges from 30 to 100 feet depending on season, and water temperature swings from the mid-60s F in winter to the mid-80s F in late summer.
What to Expect
Check-in is at the marina in the morning; most boats depart around 8 a.m. After gear setup and a briefing, the boat heads to the first dive site. Dive profiles run 40 to 100 feet for 40 to 55 minutes depending on conditions. Surface intervals are spent on the boat, often with snacks and water. The second dive is shallower and typically includes a sea lion encounter or a pass by the sand falls. You will be back at the marina by early afternoon.
Best For
Certified open-water divers and above, underwater photographers, and marine life enthusiasts. The local Cabo sites are suitable for newly certified divers; advanced divers will want to add trips to Cabo Pulmo or Gordo Banks for pelagics. Not appropriate for non-divers (snorkeling alternatives exist), uncertified travelers (discover dives are a separate product), or anyone with medical conditions that preclude diving.
Insider Tips
Bring your certification card and logbook — operators will check. Visibility and temperature are best from July through November, though that is also when the water is warmest and marine life is most abundant. Sea lions are most playful at Land's End from June through September; ask the divemaster if they will include it. If you have not dived in over a year, consider a refresher before the trip. Book a separate day trip to Cabo Pulmo if you want the world-class dive experience.
What to Bring
Certification card and logbook, swimsuit, towel, reef-safe sunscreen, a rash guard or 3mm wetsuit (5mm in winter), a hat, sunglasses, a dry bag for valuables, a reusable water bottle, and cash for tips, gear rental, and marina fees. If you have your own mask, fins, or dive computer, bring them — fit and familiarity matter. Leave non-waterproof electronics at the hotel.
Scuba Diving Cabo — FAQ
Do I need to be certified to dive in Cabo?
Yes, for the standard two-tank dives you need an open-water certification or higher. Uncertified travelers can book a discover dive (a single shallow dive with an instructor) or get certified through a multi-day course at a local dive shop.
What is the visibility like?
Visibility varies seasonally. Summer and fall (July through November) typically offer 60 to 100 feet of visibility with warm water. Winter and spring (December through April) bring cooler water and lower visibility (30 to 60 feet) but more big-animal sightings like mantas and the occasional whale shark.
What marine life will I see?
Expect sea lions at Land's End, schools of tropical fish, moray eels, rays, pufferfish, and the unique sand falls. Larger pelagics like mantas, whale sharks, and the occasional dolphin are possible. Humpback whales can sometimes be heard singing underwater during winter dives.
What are the sand falls?
Submarine 'waterfalls' of sand cascading down the canyon walls off Land's End, first documented by Jacques Cousteau in the 1960s. They are a unique geological feature and a highlight of diving in Cabo San Lucas, visible at sites like Neptune's Finger and Pelican Rock.
What water temperature should I expect?
Winter water temperatures (December through April) run in the mid-60s F to low-70s F; a 5mm wetsuit is recommended. Summer and fall (July through November) bring water in the low- to mid-80s F, comfortable in a 3mm suit or even a rash guard for some divers.
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