Need help about Sea of Cortez

[Katja]

Hi fellow divers,

I've been diving in the most of SE Asian, so I'd like to try something new.
I had Sea of Cortez on my list for end of July/start of august.

But after starting to read about it, I doubt if it's a good idea. Sounds like viz is awful
and not much to see....

Anyone who can tell me what to expect? And if you have some recommendations
on cheap places to stay and good dive centers it would be great :blinking:

 

[loquat149]

I've been to La Paz several times in the late Spring or Summer and have had good luck diving with these guys:

http://www.clubcantamar.com/

You can look for less expensive accommodations in town, then rent a car or have the dive shop pick you up each morning you plan on diving.

Dave

 

[Laurie S.]

The Sea of Cortez is third in the world for the greatest abundance of fish species. Come to San Carlos, and we'll show you some great diving. Yes, there are times of the year, like right now when the tradewinds come in, that visibility will get bad. But, for most of the year we have 50-100 feet of visibility and beautiful diving.

 

[Katja]

Thanks for your answers.
What can I hope to see in July/August?

---------- Post added February 8th, 2013 at 09:43 PM ----------

Oh just some more questions:
Which dive sites would you recommend?
And is it possible getting to all dive sites no matter where you stay. If possible I want to stay away from La Paz.

 

[j yaeger]

sea lion colony
los islotes>?
like swimming in a park full of playful puppies!!!
do a liveaboard?

 

[koozemani]

From the responses you've gotten so far are about 2 different areas. La Paz being on the Baja side and closer to the pacific, while San Carlos is on the mainland side about mid way up. I can't speak about la Paz, but San Carlos does offer great and diverse diving. I tend to wait until sept/October when the air temps start cooling down. In July and August, is monsoon season out here and Laurie S. would probably have a better idea of the conditions then. Water temps will be in the 80's until late October or early November

Vis 50-100 feet. There is an abundance of sea life and critters to see, some of which is unique to the area. As of yet, I have not seen any sharks, sea horses, octopi, or frog fish, but I know they're out there. But I have never had a dive where there wasn't a ton to see. Isla San Pedro Nolasco hosts a colony of Sea Lions which are great if you've never dove with them. The females and pups are playful, just keep your fingers to yourself. Night dives are also a great option, and offer a completely different set of critters to see.

my favorite sites are Southpoint and las cascaditas(little waterfalls) in the Isla San Pedro area, and the Sea Mount or window rock(dependent on conditions) closer to town. In late October, the hammerheads school, but I have yet to make that dive.

We stay at the Playa Blanca Condominiums which are at the higher end of the spectrum, but have a private beach and large pool(why people want a pool is beyond me!?!). They are fully furnished with a kitchen, washer and dryer, whirlpool bath, and every one has terrific balcony views. They're about 5 minutes from the Marina and we generally use El Mar for a diver op. great boat and crew. Sunsets at the Soggy Peso are a must, and there are several great restaurants.

most of us drive down from Tucson, but flights are available into Guaymas, Sonora which is 30minutes away.

Another option would be the Rocio del Mar liveaboard.

 

[Laurie S.]

July through August is prime diving time in San Carlos. I'll post some underwater pictures later tonight. In the meantime, check out www.facebook.com/divesancarlos

 

[AZTinman]

Diving San Carlos in September and October this past year was pretty dang good too!

AZTinman

 

[Laurie S.]

True! Really the worst months are January and February, and the rest of the year typically is pretty darn awesome.

Here are some pictures of what there is to see here. I took these from May through December.

 

[Laurie S.]

Here are some shots of San Carlos and the Marina. The first shot also shows my house a year before I purchased it (it's the ugly yellow colored one with the empty lot next to it, which also is mine). We've done a lot of work on the house since then!