Looking for the best scuba diving in Cabo San Lucas?

Cabo San Lucas, located at the southern tip of Baja California, is one of the world’s best scuba diving destinations. From playful California sea lions to majestic manta rays gliding by, scuba diving in Cabo San Lucas is an unforgettable underwater adventure.

In this article, we’ll go over why you should go scuba diving in Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, the best dive sites, local diving tours, some pro tips, and more. Let’s get started!

Why Choose Cabo San Lucas for Scuba Diving?

A scuba diver swims underwater alongside a large sea turtle in a vibrant blue ocean. The diver, wearing a black wetsuit, mask, and snorkel, is positioned behind and to the side of the turtle, appearing to observe it closely.

Cabo has excellent diving conditions all year round. The water temperatures are just right, from a cozy 68°F (20°C) in winter to a toasty 84°F (29°C) in summer, making the conditions great for divers of all kinds. Cabo is located where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez and provides a diverse marine world full of sea creatures.

While scuba diving in Cabo San Lucas, you might spot:

  • Large pelagic fish: Whale sharks (seasonal), humpback whales (seasonal), mako sharks, blue sharks, and bull sharks
  • Resident marine life: Sea lions, manta rays, moray eels, sea turtles, tropical fish, porcupine fish, and schooling mobula rays

Best Times to Dive in Cabo San Lucas

The underwater world comes alive between December and May. This is the prime time for encountering the “big stuff,” such as whale sharks, humpback whales, and migrating manta rays.

5 Top Dive Sites in Cabo San Lucas

A scuba diver is fully submerged underwater, gazing upwards with bubbles rising from their breathing apparatus. The diver is wearing a black wetsuit, a black mask, and a snorkel, set against the backdrop of the deep blue ocean.

1. Pelican Rock

  • Depth: 15 feet to 120 feet
  • Level: All skill levels

This iconic dive site has something for everyone. Beginners can explore the shallow sandy bottom full of tropical fish, while experienced divers can venture deeper to view the sand falls (underwater sand avalanches).

2. Land’s End

  • Depth: 30 feet to 75 feet
  • Level: Intermediate

Land’s End is the star of any scuba diving trip to Cabo San Lucas. As the name suggests, it’s right at the tip of Cabo, where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean. This cool spot is full of incredible marine life and beautiful corals.

Land’s End is also famous for its huge arch that you can swim through. Say hello to the playful sea lions, swim alongside schools of tuna and barracuda, and check out the wreck of the German ship, the Lunderberg.

3. The North Wall

  • Depth: 20 feet to 100 feet
  • Level: All skill levels

This stunning underwater wall on the north side of Pelican Rock is filled with colorful coral and tropical fish. It makes for an excellent dive spot for divers of all skill levels. Watch for garden eels, puffers, and even the occasional whitetip reef shark!

And the North Wall is a top spot for night diving, too. It’s perfect for spotting spiny lobsters and sea cucumbers.

4. Neptune’s Finger

  • Depth: 30 feet to 100 feet
  • Level: All skill levels

Neptune’s Finger is an underwater mountain decorated with sea fans and home to various marine life. It is another fantastic dive site for all levels, 

This dive site has two coral reefs — a stunning vertical wall and the largest sandfall in the Cabo San Lucas Marine Park! Neptune’s Finger is the spot to catch sight of big fish like manta rays, devil rays, yellowtails, and amberjacks. You might even spot Mola Molas (sunfish) here!

5. The Middle Wall

  • Depth: 80 feet to 130 feet
  • Level: Advanced

Between Neptune’s Finger and Pelican Rock, the Middle Wall is a steep wall covered by sea fans. On a clear day, you can see the great submarine canyon. Diving next to the wall without seeing the bottom gives you an amazing sense of freedom. The rocky cliff face continues to the west until it meets the sandfalls at Pelican Rock.

Keep an eye out for rays, schools of tuna, bonita, and groupers swimming in the beautiful blue water nearby. You might also spot some green morays and lobsters!

Choosing a Scuba Diving Excursion or Tour in Cabo San Lucas

Many reputable dive shops in Cabo San Lucas offer scuba diving excursions and tours. These tours are suitable for divers of all experience levels and include night dives, shark diving with experienced instructors, and whale shark encounters (seasonal).

Cabo Adventures Scuba Diving Trips

Cabo Adventures offers multiple scuba diving tour options, ranging from $90 to $200 per person, including all gear and instruction.

They even have a “Discover Scuba” course, a perfect tour for beginners without any diving experience. It includes a full-day excursion with two dives — one in a controlled environment to get comfortable with the equipment and another in the Sea of Cortez, also known as the “Aquarium of the World.”

Indigo Safaris

For intermediate to advanced divers, Indigo Safaris offers a “Pelagic Safari Tour” that takes you into the open water in search of large marine life like sharks, rays, and even whales (depending on the season). This is more than just a dive — it’s an adventure into the deeper waters around Cabo San Lucas. The cost for this unique experience starts at $250 per diver, including professional guides and high-quality diving equipment.

Manta Cabo

Manta Cabo has multiple scuba diving excursions ranging from $135 – $300 per person. Their tours are great for any experience level, from a “Discover Scuba” beginner course to a deep sea dive for spotting sharks.

Dive Ninja Expeditions

Specializing in eco-friendly tours, Dive Ninja Expeditions offers a unique “Night Dive” where divers can experience the marine park after dark. This tour is $110 per person and departs just before sunset.

Top Tips for Scuba Diving in Cabo San Lucas

A scuba diver explores a vibrant underwater landscape filled with colorful coral formations and a school of small, brightly colored fish. The diver, wearing a wetsuit and fins, is swimming horizontally, observing the marine life and the intricate coral structures.
  • Choose a reputable dive operator — Find an experienced dive shop with a good safety record.
  • Be honest about your experience — Let your dive instructor know your comfort level.
  • Stay hydrated — Drink plenty of water before, during (surface intervals), and after your dives.
  • Respect marine life — Avoid touching or harassing marine animals.
  • Equalize frequently — As you descend, equalize the pressure in your ears to avoid discomfort.
  • Breathe normally — Relax and breathe slowly and steadily through your regulator. Never hold your breath while diving.

Dive into Paradise and Book Your Stay in Cabo San Lucas with Cabo Rentals by Jane

With its stunning underwater world and abundant marine life, Cabo San Lucas is a dream destination for scuba diving enthusiasts.

We have a wide selection of stunning properties in Cabo San Lucas that will provide the perfect launching point for your diving adventure. Browse our oceanfront villas and spacious beachfront rentals, all designed to provide the ultimate comfort and relaxation after exploring the underwater world.

Start planning your unforgettable Cabo diving adventure and book your dream vacation rental with Cabo Rentals by Jane!

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