About Punta Norte
Punta Norte is a vibrant reef dive situated at the northern tip of Cerralvo Island in Mexico's Sea of Cortez, off the coast of La Ventana. This location offers divers an opportunity to explore a diverse ecosystem, part of what Jacques Cousteau famously dubbed the "aquarium of the world" for its rich biodiversity. The dive site itself features a labyrinthine reef structure, descending to a maximum depth of 18 meters (60 feet). The topography is characterized by abundant coral heads, creating a complex underwater landscape for marine inhabitants. Divers can explore this maze-like environment from a boat entry. This area is teeming with marine life, offering frequent sightings of sea turtles, Mexican barracuda, and moray eels navigating the reef. Shoals of Sergeant Majors are commonly observed, and divers may also encounter sharks, whales, and dolphins. Visibility here is often exceptional from July through December. Generally accessible by boat, dives at Punta Norte are typically conducted as part of multi-tank excursions. The site is suitable for various certification levels, providing a fulfilling experience for those eager to witness the Gulf of California's renowned underwater spectacles.
Highlights
Cerralvo Island northern tipMaze-like reef structureAbundant coral headsSea turtle encountersMexican barracuda schoolsMoray eel sightingsExceptional visibilityPart of "Great Mayan Reef"
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 Norte
- Depth
- 0–18 m
- Current
- Moderate
- Entry
- Liveaboard only
- Level
- Intermediate
- Dive type
- Reef, Reef
- Region / port
- Mexico
- Coordinates
- 24.5917° N, 109.9750° W
Conditions & Currents
Currents at Punta Norte are not explicitly detailed in strength or direction but the site is a popular boat dive location, implying conditions are generally manageable for regular diving activities. Visibility is frequently excellent, particularly from July to December. Divers should expect boat entries and exits given its island location. As with all open water dives, divers should consult local dive professionals for real-time conditions regarding currents, potential thermoclines, and specific entry/exit strategies, and to ensure gas planning accounts for any varying conditions. The site's nature suggests it is suitable for a range of diver experience levels.
Why dive Punta Norte from a liveaboard?
Punta Norte 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 Norte on their Mexico itineraries.
Liveaboards diving Punta Norte
These liveaboards may visit Punta Norte on selected itineraries, the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.
Nautilus Explorer
Mexico
25 guests45 m
Valentina
Mexico
20 guests38 m
Rocio del Mar
Mexico
20 guests34 m
Nautilus Under Sea
Mexico
19 guests32 m
Nautilus Belle Amie
Mexico
32 guests45 m
Quino del Mar
Mexico
20 guests36 m
Nautilus Gallant Lady
Mexico
12 guests35 m
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