Below the Malecon: Two Tanks in the Sea of Cortez
6 - 7 Hours • All Ages • $175 - $215 USD plus gear rental (converted to Pesos at checkout)
You step off the skiff and the air sharpens—the bay smells of salt and diesel and small, bright fish darting beneath the hull. A guide checks your tank while the captain reads the swell; a sea lion launches itself from a distant rock, cartwheeling in the water as if to say, ‘Welcome.’ This is La Paz, where the malecon surrenders quickly to open water and where the Two Tank Dive Tour with La Paz Divers begins to feel less like a day trip and more like an initiation into the Sea of Cortez. The hours that follow are a study in contrasts—calm surface crossings with a boat’s engine humming beneath you, then the sudden hush that comes when the regulator slips into your mouth and the world tips into blue.
Trail Wisdom
Certification Ready
Send proof of open water certification ahead of time and carry your card or digital cert on the boat.
Equalize Early
Start equalizing on the surface and descend slowly—many local sites have abrupt drop-offs.
Respect Marine Life
Do not touch or chase animals; maintain neutral buoyancy to avoid damaging reef and critters.
Hydrate And Fuel
Bring water and a light snack for the surface interval—diving dehydrates you faster than expected.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Snorkel the shallow reefs around Espiritu Santo for easy wildlife viewing
- •Walk the early-morning fish market near the malecon for fresh ceviche and local color
Wildlife
California Sea Lion, Mobula Ray
Conservation Note
Many dive sites sit inside protected areas—divers are asked to follow strict no-touch and no-take policies to help preserve reef health and breeding colonies.
La Paz has been a fishing and trading port for centuries; its modern marine-protection efforts grew from 20th-century conservation initiatives to preserve local fisheries and tourism.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Macro life, Calmer seas for beginners
Challenges: Variable visibility, Occasional northerly winds
Spring offers abundant macro opportunities and generally mild conditions, but visibility can swing after winter storms.
summer
Best for: Warm water, Juvenile reef life sightings
Challenges: Hot surface temps, Summer thermoclines
Summer brings warmer surface temperatures and lots of small reef life; expect thermoclines and increased sun exposure on the boat.
fall
Best for: Pelagics, Stable weather
Challenges: Occasional late-season storms, Higher boat traffic
Fall often provides stable weather and excellent pelagic encounters as species move through the gulf.
winter
Best for: Whale sharks and manta sightings, Good visibility
Challenges: Cooler water temps, Choppy surface days
Winter into early spring is prime for large-filter feeder sightings; bring a thicker wetsuit for colder water.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Dive ComputerEssential
Monitors no-decompression limits and ascent rates for safer multi-dive days.
3–5mm Wetsuit (or 7mm in winter)Essential
Keeps you comfortable during long bottoms times and while waiting on the surface.
Underwater Camera or Housing
For wide-angle and macro shots—bring strobes for color at depth.
Reef-Safe SunscreenEssential
Protects your skin on the boat while reducing harm to marine ecosystems.
Common Questions
Do I need to be certified to join the Two Tank Dive Tour?
Yes. Proof of certification is required before the trip; Open Water or equivalent is the minimum.
Is equipment rental available?
Yes. Gear rental is offered but is not included in the base price—book rentals when you reserve to guarantee availability.
What is the minimum age to dive?
Minors must be accompanied by an adult; age limits follow certification agency standards—check with the operator for specifics.
What should I expect visibility-wise?
Visibility varies by season and site but commonly ranges from 10–40 meters depending on currents and plankton.
Can I join as a solo diver?
Solo bookings require coordination—contact the operator ahead of time so they can add you to an existing trip if possible.
Are whale sharks guaranteed?
No. Whale sharks and large pelagics are seasonal and never guaranteed, but the region has regular sightings during peak months.
What to Pack
Certification card or digital proof; reef-safe sunscreen and hat for the boat; light seasickness remedy; printed or digital reservation confirmation
Did You Know
Jacques Cousteau called the Sea of Cortez 'the world’s aquarium' after exploring its high marine biodiversity—an endorsement that helped raise global awareness of the region.
Quick Travel Tips
Fly into La Paz (LAP); arrive at least 30 minutes before departure; bring a cash park fee for Espiritu Santo if visiting; expect limited cell service offshore
Local Flavor
On return, head to the malecon for fresh ceviche or tacos de pescado—local stands like El Bismarkcito are popular for seafood—and enjoy a cold cerveza while watching the sun set over the bay.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport / trailhead: La Paz International Airport (LAP). Driving from airport to marina: ~20–25 minutes. Cell service: Good in town, limited offshore. Permits/fees: Espiritu Santo National Park fees may apply; bring cash for certain park access.
Sustainability Note
Many dive sites lie within protected areas—pack out any trash, use reef-safe sunscreen, and avoid touching or taking marine life to support long-term conservation.
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