7 reasons why you should take a diving trip to La Paz
La Paz, located in southern Baja California in Mexico, is a destination that surprises divers time and again. The combination of rugged coastlines, the rich Sea of Cortez and impressive marine life makes this area unique. Every season there is something new to experience: from curious sea lions to migrating whale sharks. In this blog, we give you 7 reasons why La Paz should absolutely be on your diving radar.
1. Diving with sea lions
One of the most special experiences in La Paz is diving with sea lions at Los Islotes – an imposing rock island group north of the city and home to a colony of more than 400 sea lions. These playful animals are known for their curious behavior and often approach divers on their own. The young animals in particular behave like underwater puppies: they dart around you, tug at your fins and challenge you to play with them.
2. The sardine run
From November to March, a spectacular natural phenomenon takes place in the waters around La Paz: the sardine run. Millions of sardines swim densely along the shore, followed by an impressive company of predators, including dolphins, sharks and pelagic fish such as mobula. It is a true spectacle of movement and action, with the predators chasing the densely packed sardines and the water literally seeming to come alive.
3. Mobula migration
Annually between November and May is the mobula migration, when large schools of mobulas converge in the Sea of Cortez. During this period you can see hundreds of mobulas swimming at once, their movements syncretic and impressive. Sometimes they even jump out of the water, a spectacular sight. You can also enter the water during this period to snorkel and see them from the water.
4. Snorkeling with orcas
In La Paz, you can have a unique experience: snorkeling with orcas. The best period is from April to June, with a peak in May, when they can often be seen around Cerralvo Island and Isla San José. During organized ocean safaris, you may encounter large schools of mobula and dolphins in addition to orcas. These excursions are accompanied by experienced guides so you can observe the animals safely and respectfully. Orcas are wild predators, so distance and guidelines are essential. For adventurous nature lovers, La Paz thus offers an unforgettable and breathtaking underwater adventure in the Gulf of California.
5. Whale shark migration
The whale shark also comes seasonally to La Paz. See that it really is a magical place? Between October and April it is bursting with plankton here, and that attracts big visitors: whale sharks. These gentle giants – sometimes up to 12 meters long – come here just off the coast to eat peacefully.
You are not allowed to dive with the whale sharks, but you can enter the water to snorkel on the surface. Whale sharks swim bygaangs slowly, so you have ale time to admire them.
6. Whale migration
From January through March, Magdalena Bay turns into a veritable whale paradise. During this period, some 200 to 300 gray whales migrate annually from the icy waters of the Bering Strait to the warm, sheltered bays of Baja California Sur. Here they give birth to their young and prepare for the long journey home.
On a comfortable boat excursion, you will have the chance to admire these impressive animals up close. Mothers with calves quietly swim past the boats, and sometimes they even approach curiously. Although you are not allowed to enter the water, this unique encounter from the boat is already an unforgettable experience.
7. The aquarium of the world
Jacques Cousteau called the Sea of Cortez near La Paz the “Aquarium of the World” because of its incredible biodiversity, which he discovered during his expeditions in the 1960s. He saw it as a place of breathtaking beauty and wealth of marine life, including whale sharks, sea lions, dolphins and many other species. Cousteau also warned of the effects of development and stressed the importance of protection to preserve this unique ecosystem.
About La Paz
La Paz is an atmospheric city on the Gulf of California, also known as the Sea of Cortez. Unlike the crowded beach towns of Mexico, you will find a friendly, local atmosphere here. Residents have a strong connection to the sea, which is central to daily life.
The city is compact and colorful, with a relaxed pace, pleasant markets and excellent seafood restaurants. But it’s the sunsets that stay with you most of all. As the sun disappears behind the mountains, the sky colors in spectacular shades of orange, pink and purple.
Our trip to La Paz
Exactly how your trip will look depends, of course, on the period in which you go. For example, it is important to take into account the mating season of the sea lions. During this period the area is closed to give the animals all the peace and quiet. So diving with the sea lions is not possible then. It is best to make the trip either during the sardine run, where you can also dive with sea lions and snorkel with whales, or during the orca and mobula migration.
Still in doubt? Feel free to tell us your wishes and we will look for the trip that best suits your needs.
Want to read more?
Travel report – diving in Abu Dabbab
Sebastian was with the diving club in Abu Dabbab. Read how the diving trip was: from diving in the bay with giant turtles to swimming with dolphins!
Why choose a liveaboard?
Are you an avid diver and looking to plan your next diving vacation? In this blog we explain everything about liveaboards, from what to expect to handy tips, so you know exactly if this is...
Read more
Travel report – Round trip and diving in Bali
How a round trip in Bali can look like? You can read about it in Margriet’s report.
The best destinations for a diving trip in December
Taking a diving trip in December? Read our favorite destinations – and why these are special destinations – here.
Diving with sharks in Aliwal Shoal: a complete guide
Read all about the impressive diving destination Aliwal Shoal – the place where you can dive with more than 6 different species of sharks.
Travel report – Group trip to BCSS Mozambique
In September Sebastiaan went with the group trip to research station BCSS in Mozambique. A fantastic trip and a long list of what they all saw. You can read the whole trip report here!
Diving trip to Madagascar: a complete guide
Diving in Madagascar is fantastic: you will find lots of macro life, but you can also encounter the giant whale shark. Read all about this beautiful destination here.
12 unusual critters you see while diving in Lembeh Strait
In Lembeh you can see critters you may not even know existed. Check out what you may encounter while diving in this special area.
Trip report – Highlights of a liveaboard trip in Egypt
Read the highlights of Margaret’s liveaboard trip in Egypt, where she sailed the famous NDE route and had unforgettable diving experiences.
10 diving destinations that offer more than just diving
In this blog, we take you to destinations where diving goes hand in hand with impressive nature and culture. From tropical islands to wild jungles and historic sites, each trip offers adventure above and below...
Read more
The best destinations for beginning divers
Are you not so experienced underwater yet, but want to make beautiful dives? In this blog, Margriet shares the best destinations for beginner divers, with calm reefs, clear water and lots of colorful marine life....
Read more
Our 5 most remote liveaboard destinations
We’ve listed our 5 most remote liveaboard trips for you. Find out where you can dive at the end of the world.
Snorkeling with whales in Tonga: everything you want to know
In Tonga, it is possible to swim and snorkel with humpback whales. Read all about this unique experience here.
All about polar diving in Antarctica
Read all about diving in Antarctica: from what to see underwater and how to prepare for this special experience.
Diving with mantas, eagle rays and other rays
Rays are impressive and mysterious animals that can be encountered at many dive sites. From giant manta rays to schools of jumping mobula, and from shy eagle rays to burrowing stingrays, each species has its...
Read more
Cenote diving in Mexico
Crisp water, beautiful light and swimming past stalagmites…. We’re talking about cenote diving! Read more about this unique diving experience in Mexico here.
Diving in Fuvahmulah: the home of tigersharks!
Discover everything about diving in Fuvahmulah: tiger sharks, other shark species, best travel time, tips, and how to plan your dive trip.
Diving in Mozambique: a complete guide
Mozambique is one of Africa’s most impressive diving destinations. This guide tells you everything you need to know for your diving trip: from the best dive sites and seasons to the marine life you can...
Read more
Diving in the Bahamas: a complete guide
Find out why the Bahamas is a top destination for divers. From tiger sharks at Tiger Beach to hammerheads at Bimini – plus liveaboard tips, best travel time and more.
When and where do you spot whale sharks?
Whale sharks migrate great distances and are especially present in places with abundant food and warm, tropical waters. In this blog you will read why whale sharks have seasons and what factors determine their migration....
Read more
The 15 best places in the world to dive and snorkel with whale sharks
Encountering a whale shark while diving or snorkeling is a magical thing you won’t soon forget. In this blog we tell you the 15 best places in the world where you can encounter these beautiful...
Read more
How do you prepare for your diving trip?
Going on a diving vacation? Good preparation is essential. In this guide you will find practical tips to make your diving trip go smoothly. From getting your equipment serviced and arranging the right insurance to...
Read more
Diving in Zanzibar: a complete guide
Diving is one of the most popular activities in Tanzania because of its beautiful underwater world and abundance of marine life. Read everything you want to know about diving on the beautiful island of Zanzibar...
Read more
Diving in Mafia Island: a complete guide
The reefs around Mafia Island are home to a wide range of marine life, including sharks, rays, turtles, seahorses and numerous species of tropical fish. Read everything you need to know about diving on this...
Read more