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. However, it is important, for example, to take into account the mating season of the sea lions in the summer. 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. The best is to make the trip either during the sardine run, where you can also dive with sea lions and snorkel with whales, or during the en mobula migration where you also have a chance to see orcas.
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?
Diving with (tiger) sharks: how to prepare?
Diving with tiger sharks is less scary than many people think, provided you enter the water well prepared. With the right experience, calm demeanor and respect for the animals, these encounters often become unforgettable dives.
Our favorite diving destinations in the Caribbean
Not every Caribbean destination is known as a true diving hotspot. In this blog you’ll discover which islands are best suited for diving, where exactly you should be for big animals, wrecks or macro, and...
Read more
Diving destinations in the Caribbean
The Caribbean offers much more variety than just tropical reefs and clear water. In this blog you will discover which destination best suits your needs: from pelagic life and unique dives to adventure above water...
Read more
Why some dive destinations fill up years in advance
Some dive destinations and liveaboards fill up quickly due to limited capacity, short peak seasons and high international demand. Especially popular itineraries and high-end liveaboards in destinations such as Raja Ampat, Galápagos, Socorro and Egypt...
Read more
Discounted admission to Socorro: this is what you need to know about the new park fees
As of Jan. 1, 2025, park fees for Socorro doubled, but thanks to new exceptions and discounts, many travelers can save big. And that’s good news, because Socorro, with its manta rays, sharks and spectacular...
Read more
Metric vs imperial system in diving: what are the differences?
In Europe we usually dive with the metric system (BAR, meters and liters), while many American and Caribbean dive destinations work with the imperial system (PSI, feet and cubic feet). Especially in Florida, Mexico and...
Read more
Bahamas trip report – Diving with sharks with the Bahamas Aggressor II
The Bahamas is one of the best destinations in the world for shark diving. Read what her trip to Tiger Beach was like in Margriet’s travelogue.
Diving in Dominica: a complete guide
Dominica offers a unique diving experience with volcanic landscapes, pristine reefs and impressive marine life. In addition, the combination of nature above and below the water and the presence of sperm whales makes this destination...
Read more
Trip report – Bram’s liveaboard trip in Egypt: Brothers, Daedalus & Elphinstone
Bram takes you along the iconic NDE route in Egypt, with strong currents, deep blue dives and encounters with large pelagic species. An honest and inspiring account that gives you a good idea of what...
Read more
Best dive destinations by month (July to December)
Discover the best diving destinations from July to August. Per month 4 top dive sites and why you should go there during that period.
Best dive destinations by month (January to June)
Discover the best diving destinations from January to June. Per month 4 top dive sites with ideal conditions and unique underwater experiences.
Trip report Bonaire: a day of diving in Slagbaai
Wondering what a diving day on Bonaire looks like? In this trip report, we drive to Washington Slagbaai National Park for a reef dive at Slagbaai and end the day with a special night dive...
Read more
The best wreck diving destinations
Want to explore multiple impressive wrecks during one dive trip? These six destinations offer historic ships, clear waters and unforgettable wreck experiences for any diving enthusiast.
Japanese wrecks in the Pacific Ocean
The Pacific Ocean is full of Japanese World War II shipwrecks, perfect for adventurous wreck divers. This blog takes you through the top destinations where history, tropical reef life and unforgettable diving come together.
All about technical diving
Find out all about technical diving: destinations, courses and the equipment needed for deeper and more challenging dives.
Diving vacations for diving associations
Looking for a destination for a diving trip with a group or diving association? We’ve listed our favorite destinations for groups here.
Diving in UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the world’s most extraordinary underwater areas
Diving in UNESCO World Heritage Sites takes you to the world’s most extraordinary underwater worlds. Each destination shows that nature is at its best when we respect and preserve it.
What is black water diving?
What is black water diving and where can you do it? Discover this special night dive over open sea, with Romblon in the Philippines as the top destination.
Dive report Dahab: diving in the Blue Hole
One of the most famous dive sites in the world, and perhaps also one of the most talked about. This is Margaret’s underwater experience in Dahab’s Blue Hole.
Our 10 favorite diving destinations of the Philippines
Discover our favorite diving destinations in the Philippines. From Malapascua and Dauin to Tubbataha and Romblon. Inspiration for your next diving trip.
Diving in the Philippines: all about the different regions
Read all about the different regions in the Philippines here and find the place that best suits your needs.
The best activities in the rainforest of Belize
Did you know that Belize also has a rainforest? It is a perfect ending to a diving trip. Read our favorite rainforest activities here.
Day trip from Dahab: the Coloured Canyon
A day trip from Dahab: the Coloured Canyon! Read all about this unique place in the middle of the desert here.
Traveling with scuba gear: our tips
Traveling with your own dive gear? Read all our tips for packing and transporting here.