Dive Site: Los Picachos

About Los Picachos

Los Picachos is a notable dive site located off Isla del Carmen, the largest of the five protected islands within Mexico's Bahía de Loreto National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is celebrated for its rich biodiversity, often referred to as the "Aquarium of the World" by Jacques Cousteau due to its impressive array of Pacific Ocean marine life and over 890 fish species. The site is part of a region that features varied underwater terrain, including shallow pinnacles, steep wall dives, and deeper seamounts, providing diverse habitats for marine organisms. Diving here allows exploration of a vibrant ecosystem supported by the meeting point of Pacific Ocean and Gulf of California currents, close to steep walls and deep ocean waters. The underwater landscape is characterized by its rocky, rubbled bottoms and the presence of dense sea fan corals, indicating a thriving environment even without extensive coral reefs. The Bahía de Loreto National Park itself spans over 200,000 hectares, offering an undisturbed natural area. The dive experience at Los Picachos is part of a larger diving region that appeals to various skill levels, from beginners to experienced divers. The park is managed for conservation, ensuring that its natural beauty and marine inhabitants are preserved. Loreto is also known for its family-friendly atmosphere and the availability of expert local dive operators.

Dive site facts: Los Picachos

Current

Strong (seasonal)

Visibility

5–30 m (seasonal)

Water temperature

19–28°C (seasonal)

Entry

Boat

Level

Intermediate

Dive type

Wall, seamount, drift

Region / port

Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Coordinates

25.8458, -111.3072

Conditions & Currents

Currents in the Loreto region, particularly during October and November, can be strong, creating excellent conditions for drift dives. These currents contribute to nutrient rich waters which support a diverse marine ecosystem. While the main body of the Gulf of California sees water temperatures in the mid-80s Fahrenheit during summer, a thermocline can introduce colder water in the low 70s Fahrenheit at depths around 90 feet. Visibility is generally at its best from June through August, often exceeding 100 feet, but can drop significantly in late spring due to nutrient-rich upwellings that bring special marine life encounters. Divers should be prepared for varying visibility and temperature changes with depth, especially during transitional seasons, and adapt their gas planning and exposure protection accordingly.

Marine life & sighting chances

Eagle rays

occasional

Angel sharks

Summer · occasional

Guitarfish

Summer · occasional

Torpedo rays

Summer · occasional

Electric rays

Summer · occasional

Wavyline grunts

common

Burrito grunts

common

Barberfish

common

Blue-and-gold snappers

common

Sea lions

Summer · common

Nudibranchs

common

Whale sharks

October-November · occasional

Humpback whales

December-March · occasional

Mobula rays

May-July, October-December · occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving at Los Picachos typically involves boat entry from Loreto, with a short ride to Isla del Carmen. The site features shallow pinnacles, steep wall dives, and deeper seamounts, allowing for varied depth profiles. Divers can explore ledges and caverns formed by rocky formations. A common route might involve descending along a wall, allowing for a gradual depth progression while observing the abundant sea fan corals and various fish species. Due to potentially strong currents, especially in certain seasons, a drift dive profile may be adopted, with the boat following the divers. Safety stops are conducted at 5 meters, often in shallower, protected areas of the reef or along the wall, before surfacing for boat pick-up. Surface intervals can be enjoyed at nearby idyllic beaches within the national park.

Underwater photography

Los Picachos offers diverse photographic opportunities, from wide-angle shots of sea fan-covered walls and rock formations to macro subjects like nudibranchs. For capturing the expansive topography and schools of fish, a wide-angle lens is recommended. When photographing larger marine life such as eagle rays or sea lions, a wide-angle setup with external strobes will enhance color and detail in blue water. For macro subjects, a dedicated macro lens with snooted strobes can highlight the intricate details of smaller creatures. Maintaining excellent buoyancy is crucial to avoid disturbing delicate marine life and stirring up sediment. Be mindful of subject etiquette, giving marine animals space, especially playful sea lions, to ensure natural behavior and ethical interactions.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Palo Blanco

  Another 'can't miss' site near Isla del Carmen.

• The Abyss

  A deeper site near Isla del Carmen, known for eagle rays.

• Isla Coronados

  Closest island, features lava rocks, caverns, and ledges.

• Isla Danzante

  Offers several excellent reef sites and a wall dive.

• Piedra Blanca

  A lone pinnacle known for sea fan corals and grunts.

• El Morro

  Part of the region's diverse dive offerings.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Los Picachos typically involves flying into Loreto International Airport (LTO). From Loreto, dive operators utilize fishing pangas or similar dive boats to reach the sites around Isla del Carmen, which is one of the more visited islands. Travel times to islands like Isla del Carmen from Loreto can range from 20 to 45 minutes, depending on wind and waves. Most dive excursions are day trips, though liveaboards also operate in the wider Sea of Cortez region during prime season. No specific permits or fees are mentioned for Los Picachos itself beyond the general park regulations of Bahía de Loreto National Park, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Trips to Loreto are often combined with other activities like exploring the historic town or whale watching during winter months.

Safety & environment

Diving in the Loreto area requires adherence to standard safety practices, including proper dive planning and awareness of changing conditions. The nearest recompression chamber would likely be in La Paz, approximately 225 miles from Loreto, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive dive insurance that covers emergency medical treatment and evacuation. Divers should be mindful of strong currents that can occur, particularly from October to November, and ensure they are proficient in drift diving techniques if conditions warrant. Surface support from dive boats is essential, and divers should always follow the guidance of local dive guides. While generally safe, the remote nature of some dive sites means self-sufficiency and conservative diving practices are highly recommended.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Los Picachos FAQ

Liveaboards diving Los Picachos

These liveaboards may visit Los Picachos on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Nautilus Explorer

Mexico

25 guests44.8 m

$336/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

$323/day

Quino del Mar

Mexico

20 guests36 m

$377/day

Nautilus Gallant Lady

Mexico

12 guests35.36 m

$332/day