Courtesy of Vista Sea Sport
Being that we dive from Cerralvo Island to Gordo Banks and
everywhere in between, we have grouped the dive sites into
specific areas. Since Cerralvo Island is the most northern,
the sites will be classified in order from north to south.
Cerralvo Island Area
The area around Cerralvo Island is extremely beautiful and
hosts an array of different types of diving as well as species
of fish. The south end of the Island is about 35 miles from
our location and it takes approximately 50 min. to 1 hr. and
15 min. of travel time.
The Rock Highway
This site appears as a long rock bar that resembles an actual
highway. The depth ranges from approximately 55 to 70 feet,
surrounded by a sand floor. Huge over hangs and crevices house
many lobster, an abundance of Moray eels, and very large Dog
toothed Snapper.
Punta de la Ventana
A difficult place to dive mostly because of heavy currents.
But when the conditions are right, it's really a great site.
We anchor the boat in approximately 80 ft. and drop down over
a ledge that bottoms out around 125ft. There you will find
many caves and holes big enough to house some extremely large
grouper, such as Jew fish, Pargo, and Sea Bass 80 to 200+
pounds.
Las Arenas
Just a couple of miles south of La Ventana, there is a shallow
reef with soft and hard corals. This makes for a great surface
interval for snorkeling with many varieties of tropical reef
fish, as well as Star fish. This is one of the few places
we dive that a good shore dive would be possible. This site
has a maximum depth of 35 feet.
Punta Perico
With a maximum depth of 70 ft., this site has three distinctive
terrain changes. The first is large boulders with many cavern-like
swim through's. The site then opens up into unique monumental
type rock formations. Towards the end of the dive, it completely
changes into large channels that resemble a huge rat maze.
This site harbors large schools of Lady fish as well as many
other species of tropical fish. Sometimes we've been lucky
enough to find Sea Horses. There is a constant supply of Parrot
fish, Cabrilla and Pargo.
El Cardonal
This shallow reef is located in between Cerralvo and Pescadero
areas. Maximum depth is only 35 feet, but the large amounts
of branching Elegant Stony Coral and numerous varieties of
tropical fish make this spot a photographers dream. There
are also loads of Green Moray Eels, as well as Spotted Snake
Eels, Tiger Reef Eels and the beautiful Zebra Moray. This
is also a site where you are likely to see many different
species of Nudibranch.
Pescadero Area
This group of dive sites is the closest area to the local
resorts. It is a brief 20 min boat ride.
Punta Pescadero
Translates as Fisherman's Point, this site truly lives up
to it's name. With a maximum depth of 40 feet this site has
unusual rock formations and very interesting topography. Resident
Scorpion Stone Fish, Cortez Sting rays, and large schools
of Surgeon fish provide this site with grace and beauty. Seasonally,
we see Conch, Octopus, and Nudibranch. Because this site is
located on a migratory point, conditions and marine life may
change very rapidly. A second dive, at the same location,
may reveal something completely different.
Cerro Verde
Only a 20 minute boat ride, this area is a large rock bed
that begins in 25 feet of water and slopes down to approximately
90 feet. It features large schools of Amberjack and lady fish.
It also harbors a wide variety of star fish such as Chocolate
Chip Sea Stars, Tan Sea Stars, Panamic crown of thorns, Yellow
spotted and Spiny stars, to name a few. There is also a community
of Cortez sting rays with loads of Garden eels living in the
sandy floor on the north side of the rock bed. This area is
also a seasonal provider of Nudibranch.
Rancho Buena Vista Reef
This reef, although small and shallow is like a magnet for
marine life. We've seen almost everything on this reef. Because
it is not far in distance it is a favorite for night diving.
Cabo Pulmo Area
In June of 1995 this area was officially declared a Marine
Preserve by the Mexican Government. It is approximately 11
miles long with at least 8 different fingers of coral reefs.
It is historically known as the only substantial living coral
reef on the west coast of North America. It is approximately
a 50 minute boat ride and is the premier area for diving and
snorkeling in the Sea of Cortez. If you've never taken the
opportunity to see it, we would like to invite you to experience
it.
The Wreck
This site is an old tuna boat that went down in the early
1980's. Most of the wooden hull has long since disintegrated,
but there is still some wreckage there. A large diesel motor
and a huge brass propeller engulfed in netting provide sanctuary
for fry and other species of marine life. There are also masts
and large refrigeration units all laying in approximately
45 feet. In winter months Gay Bar Grunts and Goat Fish school
by the thousands.
Los Morros Norte
This site surrounded by sand, is a long bar, that harbors
schools of huge grouper, some in excess of 200 lbs. In the
spring of the year it is not uncommon to also see large Amberjacks
and schooling Big Eye Jack. The depth of this reef is 55 feet
and harbors many large green Moray Eels.
El Bajo de los Morros
This reef is approximately 1/4 mile long and only 20 to 30
yards wide. The colors, coral and vegetation reminds us of
Disneyland. This reef draws an extreme amount of tropical
fish as well as resting turtles. Other divers have commented
that "the visibility would have been better but they
couldn't see through all the fish!". Surrounded by sand
and thousands of Garden Eels, it is not unusual to see large
Pargo and Grouper. This site has also attracted Whale Sharks,
Porpoise, and Manta Rays.
El Cantil
This is another very popular reef for a number of reasons.
It's maximum depth is 55 ft. with many small caverns that
harbor very large Grouper and Dog Toothed Snapper. There are
many ledges and crevices to yield protection to Octopus, resting
turtles, playful Puffer fish and a wide variety of Star fish.
Since Cabo Pulmo has become a protected area, a large school
of Bat Rays have taken residence there and it is not uncommon
to see Manta Rays as well. The top side of this site is covered
with what seems to be acres of Elegant Stony Coral which provides
a safe environment for Frog fish, Damsel, Wrasse, and other
colorful tropical reef fish.
The Deep Reef
Like most of the reefs in Cabo Pulmo, this long bar of ledge-like
reef is surrounded by a sandy bottom. Located in approximately
90 feet , the many cracks and crevices provide ample hiding
places for many large grouper that fall into the 200 pound
plus category. This site is never a disappointment as there
is always something different there to peak your curiosity.
We have seen Stingrays, Angel Shark, Nurse shark and even
Hammerheads.
Islotes
This small island protrudes slightly on the surface and then
widens stoically into a thick hearty structure under water.
This pinnacle-like structure is like diving in the round.
It features many varieties of Sea Fans, Gorgonian, and Colonial
Cup Corals that have become the signature of the Sea of Cortez.
The structure itself is indigenous of the near by beach 's
topography, with large boulders providing small caverns with
portholes for great photo opportunities. Huge Bumbhead Parrot
fish, and Scrawled Leather Jacket File fish are residents
there as well as a seasonal, large school of swarming Big
Eye Jacks.
The Caves
Although we call them caves, there is no major overhead environment
to these structures. With plenty of ambient light shining
through many large portholes, the brilliant colors of the
different varieties of corals,and an array of tropical fish
provide a perfect composition for remarkable photos.
Cabo Los Frailes Area
This beautiful and well protected bay is just south of Cabo
Pulmo. It is a great mooring for sail boats as well as anchorage
for larger yachts. A combination of smooth sandy bottom and
large platelets of rock provide very interesting diving. The
Sea Lion Colony The face of Cabo Los Frailes has almost a
glacial appearance, minus the ice, of course! Large boulders
that appeared to have rattled loose and fallen aimlessly into
around 45 feet of water, provide a sanctuary for a colony
of California Sea Lions. These playful creatures , as cumbersome
as they are on land, are charmingly graceful under water.
This site can be dived or may be used for an amusing surface
interval. Large schools of sardines and many species of other
tropical reef fish reside there as well.
The Submarine Canyon
This site is the deepest of the Frailes area and begins in
approximately 50 feet and gently slopes to well beyond the
recreational dive limit. There are very unique rock formations
that were created when the platelets of the earth erupted
over thousands of years ago. These large ledges and over hangs
provide homes for an abundant supply of lobster and other
marine life. It is not uncommon to see schools of Manta Rays,
big Grouper and a large supply of conch.
Dos Dagos Reef
Named after our friends, this reef provides an array of diversity.
With large heads of Elegant Stony Coral, and a ships mast
and motor, this site is really interesting. Lots of Giant
Green Moray Eels, and a wide variety of other tropical reef
fish reside here.
Gordo Banks
This site is approximately 50 miles south and takes about
2 hours by boat to arrive. The top of this sea mount is in
approximately 100 feet and is covered with loads of yellow
bushes of Black Coral. Because this dive is a "Blue Water"
dive you may be able to see game fish in action. It is not
unusual to see Marlin, Tuna, Dorado and Wahoo. Hammerhead
and Whale Shark have also been known to grace this site with
their presence. Recommended for advanced divers only, we also
prefer advanced reservations for this site.
GENERAL CONDITIONS -
January through May -
water temp - 68 to 78 deg, visibility 30 to 60 ft
June through December -
water temp - 78 to 90 deg, visibility 50 to 100+ ft
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