Experience diving among incredibly diverse marine life aboard a Sea of Cortez liveaboard. Diving in the Sea of Cortez (also known as the Gulf of California) is an unforgettable adventure, and exploring via liveaboard will enable you to visit the best dive sites throughout the area. Expect encounters with whale sharks, manta and mobula rays, sea lions, dolphins, huge schools of fish, whales, and even great macro critters!
Liveaboards can travel the length of the Baja Peninsula, so divers can enjoy a variety of dive sites and marine life from the north to the south. While it is also popular to dive the Sea of Cortez from land-based resorts, dedicated divers will maximize their time in the water by staying aboard one of the Sea of Cortez liveaboards.
Sea Of Cortez Liveaboard Diving
The Sea of Cortez is exceptionally easy to reach from the US and offers the most affordable big animal diving youre likely to find. Every diver should include Sea of Cortez diving on their bucket list and experience the UNESCO World Heritage Sites wide range of unforgettable dive sites.
Sea Of Cortez Diving Season
The best time to dive the Sea of Cortez depends on what you want to see, with seasonal encounters with different migratory animals. July to December offers the best visibility and warmer waters. Whale shark encounters are most common in La Paz in December-January and can be spotted near Bahai de Los Angeles in July-August. From December to March, the water is colder, visibility is lower, but it is an excellent time to sight humpback whales, gray whales, and mobula rays.
Note: Diving with sea lions on Los Islotes is closed for mating season June through August, so plan around that if this is on your bucket list!
For another great location to encounter whale sharks, check out diving in the Galapagos.
- Diving Season: Year-round, but liveaboard itineraries vary, and some vessels move to Socorro during certain periods.
- Nearest Airport: Depends on the embarkation point, so check your itinerary closely.
- Water Temperature: Water temps range from 65-86F (18-30C).
- Wetsuit: A 5mm wetsuit with an optional hooded vest usually works well.
- Required Diving Skill Level: No minimum skill level required.
See more information in our in-depth guide to diving the Sea of Cortez.
Liveaboards In The Sea Of Cortez
Bluewater Travel can help you book a liveaboard in the Sea of Cortez and over 40+ other destinations worldwide at the same price or even lower than booking any other way. We know the boats, cabins, diving, and logistics better than anyone else in the industry. Email us today or leave us a message through the live chat box to start planning your dream dive vacation!
Join Our Next Photography Workshops in Sea of Cortez:
Sea of Cortez (7N) | Aug 23 - 30, 2025 | Trip Leader: Nirupam Nigam | For only $3,095
Explore Baja (12N) | Oct 4 - 16, 2025 | Trip Leader: Erik Lukas | For only $4,895
New to Liveaboards?
Let's help you get started with our Guide to Liveaboard Diving.
You may also want to check out our list of the Best Liveaboard Destinations for Beginner Scuba Divers.
