Shark Diving in Cabo San Lucas & Baja California Sur
We have some pretty amazing opportunities for shark diving in Cabo San Lucas and the surrounding areas, right outside our own front door. Here’s a quick crash course in diving with sharks in our neighborhood.
The town of Cabo San Lucas, situated on the southernmost tip of Baja California in west Mexico, has some of the best shark diving encounters the aquatic world has to offer. The currents from the Pacific Ocean clash with the currents of the Sea of Cortez and make the marine environment unique and diverse. Deep canyons, plenty of nutrients and clear waters are some of the reasons why this part of the world is renown for amazing and thrilling shark diving experiences.
Throughout the year, the changing seasons bring different species of pelagic marine animals through the area, whether it’s for shelter, mating or hunting. Among these species are dolphins, sea turtles, jumping Mobula rays, sea lions, whales and of course sharks. Makos, Silkies, Blue sharks, Hammerheads and Whale sharks are just a few of the incredibly diverse population of sharks you’ll be able to see in these pristine waters.
Cabo San Lucas Shark Diving
Sharks and rays can be seen on almost any dive at almost any dive site in the marine park of Cabo San Lucas and the Corridor (the mouth of the Gulf of California and the Sea of Cortez). But the bigger pelagic sharks usually prefer open ocean, blue water. For that reason, Gordo Banks is where they are seen more often. Gordo Banks are two deep sea mounts that usually have strong currents filled with nutrients. The smaller fish come to feed in the area and the sharks follow. Dive Ninjas can take you shark diving in Cabo San Lucas on regular Scuba diving tours at either Gordo Banks, the Corridor or the local marine park. Or we can arrange a special shark diving excursion to secret spots out in the blue. Join expert marine biologists and shark divers, who use unique and safe techniques to lure sharks, without feeding, in the open ocean. Swimming and coming face to face with sharks, in a safe and controlled environment in their natural habitat is an experience like no other. And learning and talking about the sharks in Cabo San Lucas with local and international experts makes it even better.
Seasons and conditions
Different species of sharks can be encountered in different seasons of the year while shark diving in Cabo San Lucas. Some sharks, like Makos and Blue sharks prefer the colder, clearer water of the winter months. Whereas Silkies are more common in the warmer summer months.
Between November and April, when the water is a lovely 75-80F/23-27C and the visibility ranges between 70-100ft/25-30m, are the best conditions for large pelagics and schools of fish. From December through June we can usually spot Mako sharks, the fastest shark in the world, with big eyes and sharp teeth that grows to 6-12ft/2-3.5m. And, around February-April, any photographer’s favorite, Blue sharks, with slim bodies and long pectoral fins, they are playful and engaging and grow to 7-9ft/2.5-3m.
The colder months of April to June, when the water drops to 68-75F/20-23C, bring the Smooth hammerhead sharks to the area. These beautiful, elusive and rare sharks, can grow to a massive 12-16ft/4-5m and weigh up to 880lb/400kg. Encounters with them are unique and breathtaking.
When the water warms up again, between July and November, 75-85F/23-30C, is when the Silky sharks frequent Los Cabos. Curious and inquisitive, the silkies grant an exceptional experience. They can grow to 6-9ft/2-3m and come close for face to face encounters with divers and snorkelers.
Bull shark diving in Cabo Pulmo
Another exciting shark diving tour on our specialized Baja Expeditions diving menu is at Cabo Pulmo Marine Reserve, one of the most successful conservation projects in the world. As the northernmost coral reef in the eastern Pacific, it is a UNESCO world heritage site. National Geographic described it as “the most robust and healthy marine reserve in the world”. Since Its declaration as a marine sanctuary, in 1995, the fish population has grown more than 400% and today no less than 500 different species can be observed in the park. Among them are resident species like turtles, parrot fish, eels, crabs, nudibranchs and pelagic species, such as rays, dolphins and of course sharks. The Bull sharks have been spotted in Cabo Pulmo for the past few years, and reports are increasing every year. They can be seen almost all year round, from December to August, and seem to prefer the shipwreck “El Vencedor” dive site. Groups of the muscular, heavy looking sharks can be seen nursing, hunting and resting around the shipwreck and other dive sites close by.
Snorkel with Whale sharks in La Paz
2 hours north-east of Cabo San Lucas, on the shores of the Sea of Cortez, the city of La Paz sits in one of the best places for snorkeling and swimming with Whale sharks in the world. Encountering these magnificent, gentle giants is possible from fall to spring, and the highest concentrations are usually between November and April. As huge as 40+ft/12+m the Whale sharks can grow to more the 21 tons/47,000lb, they are the largest fish on earth. But in contrast to their immense size, they are harmless, filter-feeders, that have tiny teeth and survive on plankton. Check out our Dive Ninja Whale shark tours for swimming and snorkeling with the majestic and beautiful Whale sharks in an unforgettable adventure.
Come and explore the unbelievable opportunities for shark diving in Cabo San Lucas and its surroundings. Hammerheads, Makos, Bull sharks, Whale sharks and many other surprises that will leave you in awe are all waiting for you here, among the beautiful scenery of Baja California Sur. For more information about the different options and tours we can offer, don’t hesitate to contact us.
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