Dive Site: Pelican Rock

About Pelican Rock

Pelican Rock is a renowned dive site located within the Cabo San Lucas Marine Park in Baja California Sur, Mexico, just a few minutes by boat from the marina. This site holds significance as part of Mexico's second marine protected area, established in 1973, and later designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's nestled within a mountainous ridge that protects the bay from oceanic elements, marking a dramatic transition from the Pacific Ocean to the Sea of Cortez. The site is named after a smaller rock closer to shore where pelicans frequently perch, though a larger pinnacle is the main focus for divers. The topography features a prominent pinnacle that rises above the surface, extending underwater to about 14 meters at its deepest point. This pinnacle gives way to a vibrant wall dive and one of Cabo's unique sand falls, which cascades down rocky canyon walls, visible from around 65 feet (20 meters) and continuing to depths beyond 250 feet (76 meters). Below 30-33 feet (9-10 meters), the structure plunges dramatically into the 'Cabo Canyon,' reaching depths over 1,200 feet (365 meters). The site also offers shallower sandy shelves perfect for newer divers. Pelican Rock is a magnet for marine life year-round, offering consistent animal encounters. Common sightings include Cownose rays, schooling snapper, angelfish, porcupinefish, damselfish, butterflyfish, and seahorses. While many species are present throughout the year, some seasonal changes occur. Cooler, nutrient-rich currents in April and May, for instance, can attract a greater diversity of marine life. This site caters to all levels of divers, from beginners to advanced and technical explorers, providing easy access to varied terrain. Dive boats typically embark on a short ride from the marina. The standard dive plan often involves dropping in on the south side of a buoyed area, moving along shallow sand to the main pinnacle, then exploring the outer plateau and wall before circling back via the small canyon and its sand falls. It’s also a popular spot for courses and first-time divers due to its easy conditions and sheltered location.