Diving in the Sea of Cortez

LeisurePro Tip: The Sea of Cortez, located near the Baja peninsula in North America is famous for whale watching, kayaking and fishing. Described by Jacques Cousteau as "one the richest seas of the world," it is also a fantastic scuba destination.

When diving in the Sea of Cortez, be prepared to take many pictures with your underwater digital camera, as the wildlife is abundant. You will see hammerhead sharks, sea lions, mantas and more than 800 species of fish. If you visit in January, you are likely to encounter the California Grey Whale as it migrates to the warms coastal waters of Baja California.

Be sure to check with the many tour operators in the Sea of Cortez to figure out the type of accommodations that will work with your dive needs. If you plan to dive often, live-aboard accommodations are available. On the other hand, if you only plan to dive a few times during your vacation, there are many luxury resorts along both coasts that will accommodate you and your diving gear.