Top 4 dive sites in Northern Baja California
1. The Coronado Islands
Located just a short hour and a half boat ride south of San Diego, the Coronados Islands await with their pristine and transparent waters. Renowned for their playful sealions, these islands serve as one of the region's main attractions. Although lacking the lush kelp forests found in the channel islands, the Coronados make up for it with their unique charm and mesmerizing underwater encounters. The trip to this site is undoubtedly worthwhile, offering a delightful opportunity to immerse yourself in the captivating marine environment.
2. Uribe 121
The Uribe 121, a remarkable wreck dive, was deliberately sunk off the coast of Rosarito in 2015. Resting gracefully at a depth of 90 feet, this site offers an accessible and exhilarating experience, just a short drive from San Diego. Often referred to as Rosarito's equivalent to the renowned Yukon wreck dive, it promises an adventure filled with awe-inspiring underwater scenery. However, navigating the ever-changing landscape of dive charters in Baja can be challenging when seeking a suitable shop to facilitate your dive. Fortunately, @jorge.a.roman stands as one of the few trusted charters that caters to divers seeking an exploration of this captivating wreck. Feel free to reach out to him on Instagram to schedule an unforgettable dive experience.
3. Isla Todos Santos Wreck
This captivating wreck lies just south of Ensenada, adjacent to the scenic Island of Todos Santos. Nestled at a depth of approximately 110 feet, this sunken tugboat offers an enchanting exploration opportunity near Pacific Aquaculture, known for cultivating the world's only ocean-raised striped bass. Embarking on a scuba diving adventure to this site typically involves a memorable journey on a small panga, which conveniently doubles as a fishing charter and whale watching tour. Our departure point was the quaint boat launch ramp at Punta Bandera, setting the stage for an unforgettable excursion to the wreck. While arranging your visit may present some logistical challenges, it adds a touch of adventure reminiscent of the wild west. Multiple dives on this captivating wreck are highly recommended, ensuring a truly rewarding experience.
4. Camp Kennedy / Arbolitos Cove
Also known as Arbolitos Cove, this dive is Situated on the southern edge of the Punta Banda Peninsula, a mere 20-minute drive from the renowned La Bufadora blowhole, this coastal area near Ensenada stands as the premier shore dive destination. Often referred to as the "La Jolla Shores" of Ensenada, it serves as the hub for most shore dives and dive classes in the region. When booking a shore dive with any of the local dive shops, you can expect to be taken to this picturesque location.
The site offers a diverse and captivating underwater landscape reminiscent of dives in Laguna Beach. Immerse yourself in thriving kelp forests and explore rocky outcroppings that invite underwater adventurers to discover their hidden treasures. The area presents an ideal setting for both beginners and experienced divers alike, with its rich marine life and intriguing underwater formations.
Prepare for an unforgettable experience as you dive into the depths of this Ensenada gem, soaking in the beauty of its kelp forests and rocky terrain.
The site offers a diverse and captivating underwater landscape reminiscent of dives in Laguna Beach. Immerse yourself in thriving kelp forests and explore rocky outcroppings that invite underwater adventurers to discover their hidden treasures. The area presents an ideal setting for both beginners and experienced divers alike, with its rich marine life and intriguing underwater formations.
Prepare for an unforgettable experience as you dive into the depths of this Ensenada gem, soaking in the beauty of its kelp forests and rocky terrain.
Quick Links
Uribe 121 in RosaritoThe Uribe 121, a 220-foot coastal patrol vessel, was intentionally sunk in 2015 as an addition to the Rosarito Underwater Park. It had previously suffered fire damage, and was eventually donated as an artificial reef within the park's ecosystem.
Situated 90 feet underwater, this wreck is an hour and 15 minutes drive from La Jolla Shores, followed by a 25-minute panga boat ride departing from the town of Popotla, just south of Rosarito. Popotla is a quaint fishing village known for its seafood vendors. You can purchase fresh seafood and take it to a nearby restaurant for preparation. The area is a bit unclean and run-down, but some praise it's excellent seafood at affordable prices. Boats launch from Popotla due to the sheltered half-moon bay, making it suitable for launching pangas from the shore. Upon reaching the sandy shores, divers load their gear onto the panga and prepare for their dive. When exploring dive charters in Baja, it's crucial to navigate the evolving landscape of dive shops. We had an enjoyable dive experience with Jorge at Bucea Baja Norte, despite less-than-ideal visibility during our dive on the Uribe. |
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Baja Mar Kelp Forest, Rosarito Underwater Park |
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The Untouched Wreck of Isla Todos Santos near EnsenadaA bit north of La Bufadora sits Isla Todos Santos two islands with some great diving. It's a bit colder here than the average San Diego dive but visibility is better so its worth it. This dive is the wreck at Todos Santos. The stands upright in the sand at 110' and the top is at about 90'. It's a large ship made mostly of wood and you can still find the propeller, a large chimney and motor.
The video here shows the wreck as well as another dive near the Island. The second video here is a dive on the fish farm near the wreck. |
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Isla Todos Santos near EnsenadaA bit north of La Bufadora sits Isla Todos Santos two islands with some great diving. It's a bit colder here than the average San Diego dive but visibility is better so its worth it. Other dives near the islands are based around small Skerrries which are small rocky islands off the main island. The dives consists of diving the wall of these small islands that drop down as deep as you want to go.
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Camp Kennedy / Arbolitos CoveSituated on the southern edge of the Punta Banda Peninsula, a mere 20-minute drive from the renowned La Bufadora blowhole, this coastal area near Ensenada stands as the premier shore dive destination. Often referred to as the "La Jolla Shores" of Ensenada, it serves as the hub for most shore dives and dive classes in the region. When booking a shore dive with any of the local dive shops, you can expect to be taken to this picturesque location.
The site offers a diverse and captivating underwater landscape reminiscent of dives in Laguna Beach. Immerse yourself in thriving kelp forests and explore rocky outcroppings that invite underwater adventurers to discover their hidden treasures. The area presents an ideal setting for both beginners and experienced divers alike, with its rich marine life and intriguing underwater formations. Prepare for an unforgettable experience as you dive into the depths of this Ensenada gem, soaking in the beauty of its kelp forests and rocky terrain. Google Maps: This video shows the entry point. Underwater Cleanup at Kennedy Fields |
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Bahía de los ÁngelesWelcome to the captivating waters of Bahia De Los Angeles, a renowned destination famous for its remarkable whale shark encounters between August and November. Be warned though that summer months can get as hot as 105F. But that's not all; this enchanting place is also celebrated for its exciting sport fishing and spear fishing activities, with scuba diving available for those seeking to explore the underwater wonders.
Ricardo's Diving Tours stands as the exclusive dive operator in the area with a lifetime of diving experience here, Ricardo offers unparalleled expertise, ensuring an unforgettable diving adventure. Watch this video from a trip with Ensenada Dive. Don't forget to turn on subtitles and select the English translation. Also take a look at the interview with Jorge by DUI (located at the top of this page). Jorge shares his knowledge and passion for diving in Baja Ricardo's Diving Tours: General BDLA resources: |
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