Mexico

Dive Site: Punta Lobos

5–25 mIntermediate Reef
© EsriSource: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar, GIS Community · Labels © Esri, HERE, Garmin, FAO, NOAA, USGS

Which liveaboards dive Punta Lobos?

About Punta Lobos

Punta Lobos is a notable dive site located in the Sea of Cortez, within the La Paz & Espíritu Santo Island region off Baja California Sur, Mexico. This area is celebrated as a premier marine destination, renowned for its diverse reefs and extraordinary variety of marine life. The Sea of Cortez, famously dubbed the “Aquarium of the World” by Jacques Cousteau, is one of the planet's most biologically diverse marine environments. Diving here typically involves exploration of both shallow and deep sections, suitable for various experience levels. While specific topographic details for Punta Lobos are not provided, the general area offers volcanic reefs and diverse habitats. The site is frequently visited by liveaboards operating out of La Paz, suggesting a boat dive experience. Marine life encounters at sites around La Paz, including Punta Lobos, are rich and varied. Divers can expect to see whale sharks, especially during their season, as well as playful sea lions, large schools of mobula rays, jacks, tuna, and sardines. Dolphins and hammerhead sharks are also sighted, alongside a variety of smaller critters like nudibranchs, crabs, shrimp, and snails. An abundance of species is common between July and November. Dive conditions generally feature little to medium currents, making for relatively calm dives. Visibility typically ranges from 15 to 30 meters (50 to 98 feet), providing clear views of the vibrant underwater ecosystem. Water temperatures are comfortable, ranging from 22° to 28°C (72° to 82°F) between June and November.

Highlights

Whale shark sightingsPlayful sea lionsSchools of mobula raysSchools of jacksSchools of tunaSchools of sardinesDiverse critter life

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: Punta Lobos

Depth
5–25 m
Current
Moderate
Entry
Liveaboard only
Level
Intermediate
Dive type
Reef, Reef
Region / port
Mexico
Coordinates
24.7273° N, 110.6809° W

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Punta Lobos are generally described as ranging from little to medium, making for manageable diving conditions. Visibility in the area is typically quite good, spanning from 15 to 30 meters (50 to 98 feet), which allows for clear views of the marine environment. Water temperatures are inviting, staying between 22° and 28°C (72° and 82°F) from June through November. While no explicit mention of entry/exit techniques or specific thermoclines is made for Punta Lobos, the prevailing mild to medium currents suggest that most standard boat diving procedures are appropriate, accommodating divers of various certification levels with proper planning.

Why dive Punta Lobos from a liveaboard?

Punta Lobos 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 Punta Lobos on their Mexico itineraries.

Liveaboards diving Punta Lobos

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

Nautilus Explorer liveaboard at Punta Lobos

Nautilus Explorer

Mexico

25 guests45 m
Valentina liveaboard at Punta Lobos

Valentina

Mexico

20 guests38 m
Rocio del Mar liveaboard at Punta Lobos

Rocio del Mar

Mexico

20 guests34 m
Nautilus Under Sea liveaboard at Punta Lobos

Nautilus Under Sea

Mexico

19 guests32 m
Nautilus Belle Amie liveaboard at Punta Lobos

Nautilus Belle Amie

Mexico

32 guests45 m
Quino del Mar liveaboard at Punta Lobos

Quino del Mar

Mexico

20 guests36 m
Nautilus Gallant Lady liveaboard at Punta Lobos

Nautilus Gallant Lady

Mexico

12 guests35 m

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© EsriMaxar, Earthstar, GIS

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Access
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Depth
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Current
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Access
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Depth
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Theme
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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
Advanced
Current
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Access
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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
Pinnacle

7 liveaboards run the Punta Lobos route.

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