Mexico

Dive Site: North Wall

5–21 mBeginner Wall
© EsriSource: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar, GIS Community · Labels © Esri, HERE, Garmin, FAO, NOAA, USGS

Which liveaboards dive North Wall?

About North Wall

North Wall is a prominent dive site situated within the protected Cabo San Lucas Marine Park, just a short ten-minute boat journey from the Marina. This site is noteworthy as part of the extensive canyon wall on the Sea of Cortez side of Cabo San Lucas, offering a diverse underwater landscape near the tip of the Baja Peninsula. It's recognized for its unique topography, providing a distinct diving experience within the bay. The dive at North Wall unfolds along a rocky slope that begins at a relatively shallow depth and extends downwards. Divers can explore depths ranging from approximately 5 meters (15 feet) to 21 meters (70 feet), making it accessible for various certification levels. The site features numerous cracks and crevices within its rocky structure, inviting close inspection. Marine life at North Wall is abundant and varied, offering consistent encounters with numerous species. Common sightings include moray eels, porcupinefish, and pufferfish, along with scorpionfish and flute fish. The site is also home to a healthy population of lobsters, often found tucked away in the rocky formations. Lucky divers might even encounter schools of devil rays. The presence of peacock flounders has also been noted here. This site generally offers calm diving conditions, protected from strong currents and waves, making it an ideal location for divers looking for a more relaxed experience within the Cabo San Lucas bay. Its moderate depth range and typically tranquil waters contribute to a comfortable dive, suitable for exploring the resident marine life.

Highlights

Rocky slope topographyMoray eel sightingsHealthy lobster populationPorcupinefish and pufferfishPotential devil ray encountersPeacock flounder sightings

Season calendar

Best months to dive here
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Excellent
Good

Nov – Apr (Peak)

Socorro season open (Nov–May) for giant mantas and hammerheads. Cozumel bull sharks Dec–Mar. Cenotes excellent year-round. Best overall conditions.

May – Oct (Transition & Sea of Cortez)

Socorro closing, Cozumel still good. Whale sharks arrive at Isla Mujeres Jun–Sep. From August, the Sea of Cortez comes alive: Midriff Islands offer massive sea lion colonies and schooling mobulas. September and October bring world-class diving around La Paz and Cabo Pulmo with whale sharks, hammerheads, and bull sharks on the Explore Baja route.

Dive site facts: North Wall

Depth
5–21 m
Current
No current
Entry
Liveaboard or dayboat
Level
Beginner
Dive type
Wall, Reef
Region / port
Mexico
Coordinates
22.8590° N, 109.9580° W

Conditions & Currents

The North Wall dive site is generally characterized by very calm seas, offering minimal current and good visibility, making it a comfortable experience for divers. It is situated in the protected Bay of San Lucas, which inherently guards against strong currents and significant wave action. These placid conditions contribute to an ideal environment for newer divers or those seeking a relaxed exploration of the site's marine life. Due to the typically calm nature of the waters, specialized entry or exit techniques are usually not required, allowing for standard boat entries and exits. Divers can anticipate a relatively stable environment for gas planning and buoyancy control, making it a welcoming site for various skill levels.

Why dive North Wall from a liveaboard?

North Wall 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 North Wall on their Mexico itineraries.

Liveaboards diving North Wall

These liveaboards may visit North Wall on selected itineraries, the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Nautilus Explorer liveaboard at North Wall

Nautilus Explorer

Mexico

25 guests45 m
Valentina liveaboard at North Wall

Valentina

Mexico

20 guests38 m
Rocio del Mar liveaboard at North Wall

Rocio del Mar

Mexico

20 guests34 m
Nautilus Under Sea liveaboard at North Wall

Nautilus Under Sea

Mexico

19 guests32 m
Nautilus Belle Amie liveaboard at North Wall

Nautilus Belle Amie

Mexico

32 guests45 m
Quino del Mar liveaboard at North Wall

Quino del Mar

Mexico

20 guests36 m
Nautilus Gallant Lady liveaboard at North Wall

Nautilus Gallant Lady

Mexico

12 guests35 m

Dive sites similar to North Wall

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.
© EsriMaxar, Earthstar, GIS

The Agustín Melgar, also known as the C-54, is a 56-meter (185-foot) former minesweeper that rests on a sandy bottom at 24 meters (80 feet) south of Puerto Escondido within the Loreto Bay National Park.

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Arco Iris

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Depth
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Depth
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Theme
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Depth
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Bajo Alcyone

Costa Rica

Bajo Alcyone, a submerged seamount near Cocos Island, stands as a world-renowned dive site.

Suitable for
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Current
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Access
Liveaboard only
Depth
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Theme
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El Bajo, often referred to as Bajo de la Ballena, is a prominent seamount situated approximately eight miles northeast of La Paz, Mexico.

Suitable for
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Current
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Access
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Depth
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Theme
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7 liveaboards run the North Wall route.

Three to four guided dives a day on North Wall and the other signature sites in Mexico, sleeping right above the reef.