Cabo Private Guide

Located at Plaza Nautica in the heart of the Cabo San Lucas marina, Cabo Private Guide provides a gateway to some of the most diverse marine environments in Baja California Sur. The centre focuses on private, small-group excursions designed to move away from the crowds and towards more intimate encounters with the ocean's inhabitants.

Whether you are looking to explore the sheltered reefs of the Corridor or take a longer trip to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of La Paz and the protected sanctuary of Cabo Pulmo, the itineraries are tailored to your specific experience level and interests. The operation covers a vast range of topographies, including deep walls, underwater canyons, and open-water pinnacles.

The centre is a PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Center, led by instructor and owner Laura Tyrrell, who brings over 20 years of experience to the operation. This high level of accreditation means the centre is equipped to train the next generation of professionals, from Divemasters to instructors.

All instruction and guiding are conducted in English. The centre's philosophy is built around private guiding, ensuring that your dive is paced to your own comfort and curiosity rather than a rigid group schedule. They also run dedicated scuba diving vacation camps for children.

As an Instructor Development Center, the range of PADI courses available is extensive. Beginners can start with the PADI Scuba Diver or Open Water Diver courses, with progression available through to Advanced Open Water Diver and Rescue Diver.

For those looking to specialise, the centre offers a variety of PADI Specialty courses, including Nitrox, Deep Diver, Shark Conservation, Coral Conservation, Project AWARE Specialist, and Dive Against Debris. Professional training is also a core part of the business, with pathways available for those pursuing Divemaster or instructor-level certifications.

The centre provides Nitrox for divers looking to extend their bottom time. While specific compressor brands are not listed, the facility is set up to support both recreational and advanced diving requirements.

For those staying at partner hotels such as Tesoro Los Cabos Resort or The Bungalows Boutique Hotel, the centre can arrange transport to the marina, making the transition from your accommodation to the dive boat seamless.

The region is a magnet for large marine animals. Depending on the time of year, you can encounter Humpback whale (Rhincodon typus) in the warmer months, or head to La Paz between October and April to swim with Whale shark (Rhincodon typus). Pelagic encounters include mobula rays (Mobula alfredi), various shark species, and seasonal sightings of Orca.

In the deeper waters of the walls and pinnacles, look for hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna lewini), silky sharks, and tuna (Thunnus). At Gordo Banks, between July and January, hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna lewini) are a primary highlight, while bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) are frequently found in the Cabo Pulmo area.

The reef ecosystems are vibrant, populated by giant groupers (Epinephelus), sea lions, and various species of turtles (Cheloniidae). You will regularly see snapper schools, jacks (Carangidae), and reef sharks patrolling the coral structures.

For macro enthusiasts, the sites around North Wall and Chileno Bay offer excellent opportunities to find nudibranchs, octopuses, moray eels, and various species of shrimp and lobster. Keep a close watch on the rocky crevices for scorpionfish, frogfish, and seahorses.

Conditions in the area vary significantly depending on the site. Land’s End and Gordo Banks are known for strong currents, making them suitable for experienced divers. The waters in the bay and the Corridor generally experience low to moderate currents.

Swell can impact accessibility; however, certain sites like Los Morros are most easily accessed between November and March when the swell is lower. Seasonal windows are important for specific sightings, such as hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna lewini) at Gordo Banks from July to January.