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
Best Season
The optimal time to dive Punta Lobos, and the wider Sea of Cortez region, is between July and November. This period offers an abundance of species, comfortable water temperatures ranging from 22° to 28°C (72° to 82°F), and excellent visibility between 15 to 30 meters (50 to 98 feet).
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
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
$323/day
Quino del Mar
Mexico
20 guests36 m
$392/day
Nautilus Gallant Lady
Mexico
12 guests35.36 m
$332/day
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© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS
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