Mexico & Central America · Mexico
La Paz
Sea lions, whale sharks & mobulas.
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.
Best dive sites
- Los Islotes
- El Bajo
- Salvatierra Wreck
- Swanee Reef
Best snorkeling spots
- Whale Shark Bay
- Balandra
What you may see underwater
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 — a Salty Reef Travel Concierge will match you with the right resort, operator, or liveaboard in La Paz and handle the details. Always free to you.
Available 24/7 · 727-240-2242 · Our travel concierge service is always free to you.
At a glance
- Region
- Mexico & Central America
- Country
- Mexico
- Best season
- Oct–Apr (whale sharks); May–Jul (mobulas)
- Water temp
- 70–85°F
- Visibility
- 30–70 ft
- Skill level
- All levels
- Flight from US
- Direct+drive
Newsletter
One dispatch a month, straight from the water.