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Mexico & Central America · Mexico
La Paz
Sea lions, whale sharks & mobulas.
5.0Salty Reef rating
Destination snapshot
Best time
Oct–Apr (whale sharks); May–Jul (mobulas)
Water temp
70–85°F
Visibility
30–70 ft
Skill level
All levels
Flight time (US)
Direct+drive
Great for
Big animals · Snorkelers
Why visit
Base for whale shark season, sea lion colonies at Los Islotes and mobula ray migrations.
La Paz sits on the Sea of Cortez with easy access to whale sharks in the bay (Oct–Apr), sea lion colonies, and mobula ray aggregations.
Best dive sites
- Los Islotes
- El Bajo
- Salvatierra Wreck
- Swanee Reef
Best snorkeling spots
- Whale Shark Bay
- Balandra
What you may see underwater
Whale SharksSea LionsMobula RaysManta RaysHammerheadsSchools of FishSea Turtles
Interesting fact
Espíritu Santo Island hosts a permanent sea-lion rookery where playful juveniles routinely swim upside-down over divers and pull on fins.
Who this destination is best for
- Families
- Adventurers
Frequently asked questions
- Cabo or La Paz?
- La Paz for wildlife (sea lions, whale sharks, mobulas); Cabo for luxury resorts and easier logistics.
- When for mobula rays?
- May–July for the enormous jumping schools off Cabo Pulmo and La Ventana.
- Whale sharks?
- October–April in La Paz Bay — snorkel only.
Ready to dive La Paz?
Tell us your dates and experience level — we'll match you with the right resort and operator, and handle the details.
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