La Reina, La Paz: Manta Ray Cleaning Station and Sea Lions

Diving La Reina, you're descending onto a site known for constant motion and rich marine life, situated north of Isla Cerralvo. It’s not a quiet coral garden; this is where the open ocean meets the reef, creating conditions for activity. The topography supports a diverse ecosystem, attracting larger pelagics alongside its resident populations.

The site truly comes alive in the summer months, becoming a dedicated cleaning station for oceanic manta rays. This is where you’ll see these giants arriving to have parasites removed by smaller fish, often hovering patiently over specific coral heads. These encounters are not guaranteed, but during the season, the chances are notably high for divers who understand how to respect their space and behaviour. Beyond the seasonal visitors, smaller groups of resident sea lions are present throughout the year.

Below the surface, you’ll encounter a landscape populated with soft corals, providing shelter and hunting grounds for moray eels. Schools of both pelagic and reef fish move through the water column and along the reef structure. The site holds a varied fish population, from the smaller reef dwellers to the larger, faster-moving pelagic species that patrol the surrounding waters.

The maximum depth at La Reina is 22 metres, making it accessible for a wide range of certified divers. However, conditions here can change. While the site does offer abundant marine activity all year, the currents, particularly at certain times of the year, can be strong. This isn't a drift dive in the conventional sense, as you'll often want to hold position at key points, but you do need to be prepared for movement in the water.

What sets La Reina apart is this combination of a seasonal, large animal aggregation with consistent, year-round resident marine life, all within a setting that often features brisk currents. It's an environment that selects for adaptable and active marine species, and in turn, for divers who appreciate a more dynamic underwater experience. The interaction you find here, whether it’s with a curious sea lion or a passing school of Jacks, is the draw.