About El Bajo
El Bajo, meaning 'The Low', is recognized as one of the nicest reefs within Cabo Pulmo National Park, presenting a depth range of 9 to 18 meters. This reef bar extends across a significant portion of the park, boasting an impressive 12 out of 14 coral species found worldwide, making it an exceptionally diverse and vibrant coral garden. The site is an extension of the broader El Bajo de los Meros area. This fantastic environment is a haven for all kinds of tropical fish families. Divers can observe angelfish, pufferfish, and various types of eels, including five distinct species. Creole fish, hawkfish, scorpionfish, snapper, and grunts are also abundant. Large sea turtles and mobula rays are frequently sighted, making it a dynamic spot for marine life observation. Schooling jacks and reef sharks are common, with bull sharks also present, making it an advanced dive site. El Bajo is often described as a good drift dive, allowing divers to effortlessly glide along the reef and observe the bustling ecosystem. The thriving coral structures and rich biodiversity make this a standout dive for those seeking a comprehensive reef experience. Due to the potential for strong currents and the types of pelagic encounters, this site is best suited for advanced divers.
Highlights
Exceptional coral diversity (12 of 14 species)Abundant tropical fish familiesFrequent sea turtle and mobula ray sightingsExcellent drift divingPotential for bull and reef sharks
Dive site facts: El Bajo
- Depth
- 9–18 m
- Current
- Moderate
- Entry
- Liveaboard or dayboat
- Level
- Advanced
- Dive type
- Reef, Drift
- Region / port
- Mexico
- Coordinates
- 23.4363° N, 109.4113° W
Conditions & Currents
Moderate currents can run here, so plan drift entries and stay close to the group. Dive profiles here run between roughly 9 and 18 metres, so plan your gas and no-decompression limits around the deeper part of the site. It is usually briefed as a dive for advanced divers. It can be dived from a liveaboard or a day boat, depending on where you start the trip. Tide, wind and season all shift the picture from day to day, so the crew's briefing on the boat always overrides any general description.
Why dive El Bajo from a liveaboard?
El Bajo is one of Mexico's signature dive sites. A liveaboard sleeps you on the water and puts you in the water for three to four guided dives per day, including dawn and night dives that day-boat operators rarely offer. You skip the daily commute back to port and reach quieter, less-crowded sites in the same region on a single trip.
Below are the liveaboards that include El Bajo on their Mexico itineraries.
Liveaboards diving El Bajo
These liveaboards may visit El Bajo on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.
Nautilus Explorer
Mexico
25 guests44.8 m
$230/day
Valentina
Mexico
20 guests38.1 m
$430/day
Rocio del Mar
Mexico
20 guests33.5 m
$392/day
Nautilus Under Sea
Mexico
19 guests32 m
$261/day
Nautilus Belle Amie
Mexico
32 guests44.8 m
$249/day
Quino del Mar
Mexico
20 guests36 m
$392/day
Nautilus Gallant Lady
Mexico
12 guests35.36 m
$332/day
Dive sites similar to El Bajo
Same character, same waters — six more sites divers love for the exact same reasons.Compare seasons, access and liveaboard routes — then pick the site that fits your trip best.
© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS
Isla Montserrat
Mexico
Isla Montserrat is one of the five major islands within the Bahía de Loreto National Park, offering a diverse range of diving opportunities.
- Suitable for
- Intermediate
- Current
- Mild
- Access
- Liveaboard only
- Depth
- —
- Theme
- Reef / Wall
© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS
Moc-Che Shallow
Mexico
Moc-Che Shallow is a vibrant reef dive situated directly off Playa del Carmen in Mexico, forming part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.
- Suitable for
- Beginner
- Current
- Moderate
- Access
- Liveaboard or dayboat
- Depth
- 7–14 m
- Theme
- Drift
© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS
The Ramparts of Coronados Island, located in Mexican waters just over 17-20 miles south of San Diego, offers an exhilarating wall dive experience characterized by spectacular granite cliffs and rich marine biodiversity.
- Suitable for
- Intermediate
- Current
- Mild
- Access
- Liveaboard only
- Depth
- 5–30 m
- Theme
- Wall / Reef
© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS
San Benedicto Island, part of Mexico's Revillagigedo Archipelago, is a prime destination for divers seeking thrilling encounters with marine megafauna.
- Suitable for
- Advanced
- Current
- Strong
- Access
- Liveaboard only
- Depth
- 5–49 m
- Theme
- Drift
© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS
Palo Blanco
Mexico
Palo Blanco is recognized as a 'can't miss' dive site situated off Isla del Carmen, the largest island within the Bahía de Loreto National Park in Baja California Sur, Mexico.
- Suitable for
- Intermediate
- Current
- Mild
- Access
- Liveaboard only
- Depth
- —
- Theme
- Reef / Drift
© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS
Tortugas Reef
Mexico
Tortugas Reef, meaning 'Turtles' in Spanish, is a highly popular coral reef situated minutes from the marina in Playa del Carmen.
- Suitable for
- Intermediate
- Current
- Moderate
- Access
- Liveaboard or dayboat
- Depth
- 15–40 m
- Theme
- Drift