Ensenada

The area around Isla Todos Santos is arguably the most popular place to dive from Ensenada, Mexico. It's not a single site but a collection of spots around the island. It's famous for its large colony of playful sea lions, which are the main attraction. The island's rugged underwater topography, with walls and pinnacles blanketed in kelp, provides a stunning backdrop for encounters with these curious marine mammals and other local species.

Besides the popular Isla Todos Santos, the coastal kelp forests near Punta Banda offer excellent and accessible dives. Sites around La Bufadora, a famous marine geyser, are also well-regarded hidden gems with interesting rock formations and abundant life. These spots are less frequented by tourist crowds but are prized by local divers for their healthy kelp ecosystems and rich biodiversity, including Garibaldi, rockfish, and various invertebrates.

Water temperatures when diving in Ensenada, Mexico are cool year-round. In the summer and fall (July-Nov), temperatures typically range from 18-21°C (65-70°F). During the winter and spring months (Dec-June), the water cools down significantly, averaging 13-16°C (55-60°F). Proper thermal protection is essential for comfort and safety in these temperate Pacific waters.

The best time to visit Ensenada, Mexico for diving is late summer through fall, from August to October. During this period, the water is at its warmest, and underwater visibility is typically at its peak. The weather is also pleasant for boat trips. While diving is possible year-round, winter brings colder water and can have rougher sea conditions, though it coincides with the gray whale migration season.

Visibility in Ensenada, Mexico can be variable due to the nutrient-rich waters. On average, you can expect visibility ranging from 10-20 meters (30-65 feet). Conditions are generally best in the late summer and fall when plankton blooms are less common. After storms or during certain currents, visibility can drop, but the stunning kelp forests and abundant marine life are rewarding even in lower-vis conditions.

The most significant seasonal event near Ensenada, Mexico is the gray whale migration from December to April. While you don't dive with them, they are frequently spotted from the dive boat, offering an incredible surface interval experience. The area's main year-round attraction is the large, resident sea lion colony at Isla Todos Santos, providing guaranteed and playful encounters on most dives there.

In Ensenada, Mexico, you can expect to see marine life typical of a healthy kelp forest ecosystem. Look for bright orange Garibaldi, California sheepshead, various rockfish, moray eels, and horn sharks. The reefs are home to lobsters, abalone, and colorful nudibranchs. The main highlights are the playful sea lions at Isla Todos Santos, and you may also encounter bat rays, harbor seals, and occasionally dolphins.

For diving in Ensenada, Mexico, a 7mm full wetsuit is recommended year-round due to the cool water temperatures. A hood and gloves are also essential, especially during the colder winter months when water can drop to 13°C (55°F). Some divers who are sensitive to the cold may prefer to use a semi-dry or even a dry suit for maximum comfort and to extend their bottom time.

To get to Ensenada, Mexico, most international visitors fly into either San Diego (SAN) in the U.S. or Tijuana (TIJ) in Mexico. From either airport, it's an easy and scenic 1.5 to 2-hour drive south along the well-maintained toll highway (Mexico 1D). Many dive operators are based in Ensenada's marina, which is easily accessible within the city.

Diving in Ensenada, Mexico is almost exclusively shore-based. There are no dedicated liveaboards that operate solely out of Ensenada. You will stay in a hotel or other accommodation in the city and take day trips with local dive charter boats to nearby sites like Isla Todos Santos and the coastal kelp beds. This setup offers flexibility to enjoy Ensenada's famous cuisine and culture after your dives.