Los Islotes “The colony”
Situated half a mile north of Isla Espiritu Santo are Los Islotes, two large rock islets one of which is a natural arch. Diving through the centre of this natural rock formation brimming with life one can expect to see dense shoals of silver sardines, blue and gold King Angel Fish and yellow surgeon fish amongst golden cup corals. These islets are home to a colony of over 200 Californian Brown Sea lions. These inquisitive creatures take great interest in those visiting their home. One can often turn to find the pups pulling at your fins, eager to play, showing off and turning circles around our comparatively clumsy underwater movements. Underwater circumnavigation of these islands is invariably exciting and always visually diverse.
Depth: 25 /50ft (8 /15m)- LEVEL:
Novice
Fang Ming & Lapas 03
On the 18th November 1999, two Chinese metal vessels named Fang Ming and Lapas03, of 190 feet and 120 feet of length respectively were sunk close to Isla Ballena. These vessels were confiscated by the Mexican government for the illegal transportation of immigrants, and remained in their possession until the golden opportunity arose of taking advantage of the situation to create an artificial reef. Offering full penetration diving over numerous levels, the wrecks offers the ideal setting for indulging in a wreck diver specialty.
Depth: 70ft (21m) - LEVEL: Novice
Cabo
Pulmo
June – November
u$d
180
This is the only coral reef system on the western side of North America. Decorated with coral clusters in hues of green and gold, this is home to lots of coral reef animals and marine vegetation. The reef is made up of short walls that drop from 25 ft to 60 ft. Hundreds of garden eels, stingrays, snake eels and almost every type of tropical reef fish is found there. In season you can see rays and sea turtles. Also good for snorkeling and sea kayaking.
Depth : 25 /60 ft (8 /18m)-LEVEL:
Novice to Intermediate
These are some dive sites:
El Cantil
This is another very popular reef for a number of reasons. It's maximum depth is 55-ft. with many small caverns that harbor very large Grouper and Dog Toothed Snapper. There are many ledges and crevices to yield protection to Octopus' resting turtles, playful Puffer fish and a wide variety of Starfish. Since Cabo Pulmo has become protected area, a large school of Bat Rays have taken residence there and it is not uncommon to see Manta Rays as well. The top side of this site is covered with what seems to be acres of Elegant Stony Coral which provides a safe environment for Frog fish, Damsel, Wrasse, and other colorful tropical reef fish.
El Bajo de los Meros
This reef is approximately one-half mile long and only 20 to 30-yards wide. The colors, coral and vegetation remind is spectacular. This reef draws an extreme amount of tropical fish as well as resting turtles. Other divers have commented that "the visibility would have been better but they couldn't see through all the fish!" Surrounded by sand and thousands of Garden Eels, it is not unusual to see large Pargo and Grouper. This site has also attracted Whale Sharks, Porpoise, and Manta Rays.
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