Sea Lions Dive Center

Located in La Paz, Sea Lions Dive Center serves as a gateway to some of the most diverse marine environments in Mexico. The centre provides access to a wide range of ecosystems, from the sheltered reefs of the archipelago to the more challenging open-water sites of the Baja coast.

Whether you are looking to explore the volcanic scenery of Espíritu Santo or seeking the high-energy drift dives of the deeper pinnacles, the centre organises trips that cater to various experience levels. Their operations cover key areas including La Ventana, Bahía Magdalena, and Cabo Pulmo.

The centre is an SSI affiliated facility and holds ITC status, meaning they are equipped to train the next generation of professionals. The team consists of highly qualified instructors dedicated to maintaining a safe and respectful relationship with the local marine life.

Instruction is delivered in English, Spanish, and French, making it accessible for international divers. The centre operates with a focus on small groups, ensuring that each diver receives appropriate attention and guidance during both recreational dives and professional training courses.

The training programme is comprehensive, covering the full spectrum of SSI certifications. Beginners can start with the Open Water Diver course, while those looking to progress can enrol in Advanced Adventurer, Rescue Diver, or Divemaster programmes.

For divers pursuing a professional career, the centre offers Open Water Instructor training. They also provide specialised skills training, such as the Perfect Buoyancy course and Enriched Air Nitrox, as well as Emergency First Response and Diver Stress & Rescue.

The centre provides a full range of rental kit for those not travelling with their own equipment. This includes regulators, BCDs, wetsuits, and fins, all maintained to high standards.

For those looking to extend their bottom time, Enriched Air Nitrox is available on-site. The facility also includes oxygen safety equipment to ensure standard safety protocols are met during all diving activities.

The region is a hotspot for large pelagics and charismatic megafauna. Depending on the time of year, you may encounter whale sharks between October and April, as well as Manta ray (Mobula alfredi) during the summer. The waters are also home to dolphins, sperm whales, pilot whales, and the occasional mola mola.

In the reef and volcanic environments, you will find a constant presence of California sea lions, turtles, and various reef fish. Schools of snapper (Lutjanus), grouper (Epinephelus), and green jacks move through the water alongside moray eels (Muraenidae).

For those interested in macro life, the seabed and reef structures host a variety of smaller creatures. Look for octopus (Octopus vulgaris), seahorses (Hippocampus kuda), nudibranch (Chromodoris willani), and frogfish. You may also spot spiny lobster, anemones, and various species of sea stars and sea urchins.

Diving conditions in the area vary significantly by site. While the shallower reefs around the islands often provide manageable conditions, sites like La Reina and El Bajo are subject to stronger currents that require more experienced handling.

It is important to note that during the mating season, typically between June and August, certain activities such as swimming with sea lions at Los Islotes are prohibited to protect the animals.