California sea lions are famous for their curiosity and love of play. Divers in the Sea of Cortez often find themselves surrounded by mischievous youngsters. Often zooming in for a closer look, blowing bubbles, or tugging gently on fins. Interacting with them underwater is like meeting a gang of underwater acrobats!
Ask anyone about their favorite part of the Sea of Cortez, and chances are they’ll mention snorkeling or diving with the sea lions. Here’s how one of our guides describes the magic of sharing the water with them:
Exploring Shipwrecks at Isla Espíritu Santo
“The Sea of Cortez welcomed us this week with its very best. Crystal-clear waters, perfect temperatures, and visibility so good it made us want to stay underwater all day. Our journey began at Espíritu Santo Island, where we explored two impressive shipwrecks teeming with marine life. Schools of colourful fish surrounded us as we swam through the remains of the wrecks. Also home to moray eels, pufferfish, and coral glowing in the sunlight streaming down from the surface.”
Diving With Sea Lions in the Sea of Cortez
“We continued on to Isla de las Ánimas, a site that never disappoints. Here we had the chance to dive with sea lions and explore several underwater caverns, where light and shadow created a mesmerizing play of colours. The combination of marine life, rock formations, and the thrill of discovery made every dive unforgettable. Next, we headed to La Reina, north of Cerralvo Island, where the ocean gifted us another magical encounter. Curious sea lions that swam right up to us, spinning playfully through our bubbles. Sharing the water with them and watching their graceful movements and boundless energy was one of the highlights of the trip.
We also visited Danzante Island, a gem in the middle of the sea, and several sea lion colonies, with each offering its own spectacular display of life and motion. After every diving day, we enjoyed cocktail hour on the beach, watching the sun set over the water, reminiscing about the day’s dives, and dreaming of the ones to come.
Perfect weather, dreamy conditions, and the best company. That’s how you experience the Sea of Cortez.”
– Ima, Dive Guide aboard the Nautilus Explorer
