No, don't worry, I haven't lost my mind. Indeed, La Paz is a destination that we have already proposed. But until now, I had been “confined” to diving on Los Islotes and a wreck… indeed, the local centers have the habit of making mixed boats: divers and especially snorkelers. So that they find their happiness, the diving day is often the same ... Islotes and Sea lions followed by a shallow site… yes but voila, since June, Phocéa Mexico has finally received its new boat! So we have the great outdoors and the dives in La Paz.
La Paz in september
The last report dated from last February and the immersions took place in water at 18 ° ... what was my surprise, when equipped with my faithful 7mm, I jumped into the water ... 30 ° ... a real broth ... so much so that I decided to dive in shorts for the rest of the stay.
And yes, we must not forget that La Paz, capital of Bassse Californie (Baja California), is located in the middle of the desert. Temperatures during the day can climb high and the sun can get scorching. The landscapes are breathtaking and you almost expect to see John Wayne arrive on his horse, the unique impression of immersing yourself in the settings of westerns. We can only implore you to take advantage of it and to go at least one day to discover these great wild spaces. The Phocéa Mexico team can advise you and even take care of your car, guide bookings, etc.
But let's go back to diving.
Los Islotes: The kingdom of sea lions
As usual, this spot is magical. What happiness! Imagine, we jump into the water and after 3 minutes, the sea lions are there. Certainly more playful than the other, always watched by the big male, guaranteed sensations when he comes to sniff you closer.
There are 3 or 4 ways to dive there, it can satisfy even the most demanding. But between you and me, I could do it and do it again every day. These critters are truly sublime.
And apart from the sea lions?
There are around 20 dive sites around La Paz. Please note, the closest are less than an hour's navigation and the farthest as El Bajo ou Las Animas are more than 3 hours 30 ...
After 3 stays there, one constant remains: the sea is a lake. It is a dream destination for divers with sensitive stomachs.
El Salvatierra Wreck
This wreck, a hundred meters long, accidentally sank in 1976 after colliding with Swanee Reef. It is one of the must-sees in the area. For safety it is not possible to enter it, but the beauty of the site and the richness of the underwater fauna are a joy.
Swanee Reef
This reef is undoubtedly THE surprise that I was not expecting. Indeed, at less than 15 meters deep, corals, gorgonians, fish of all kinds, seahorses, nudibranchs, lobsters, octopus… the bestiary offered by La Paz is surprising.
It is also not uncommon to see some sea lions there. Really to do.
Admittedly our 4 day stay did not allow us to dive as much as we would have liked. Nevertheless, I think that to meet big pelagics, it is better to go to La Paz in the “cold” season. Indeed, the 30 ° of the water did not seem conducive to big encounters, even if we were surprised to see a humpback whale on the surface ...
Phocea Mexico City La Paz
Opened several months ago, Martine and Didier first imagined renting a boat. Reality showed that, even if it was possible, the standards of quality and safety could not be respected. Never mind, putting the center on standby and ordering a new boat… so it was not until last June that the base really opened.
Located on Marina Palmira (see below), everything is new. It is made up of a team of 5 permanent staff: Viviane, the head of the center, Dorothée, the Doctor of Sea Lions and specialist in collecting lost lines and hooks, Freddy, the Diving Director as well as the Captain and the sailor.
Phocaea Mexico: the boat
Honestly, it's not a boat, it's an aircraft carrier. It is certainly one of the biggest in La Paz and also one of the fastest. The Without limits measures 42 feet, almost 13 meters and has 2 inboard engines of 320 HP each… an aircraft carrier I tell you.
Palmira Marina
Located at 3 kilometers from the city center, the marina Palmira is a real haven of peace. 2 restaurants, a small grocery store, a hotel, everything is there to enjoy the calm of this enchanting place. For those who know Playa del Carmen, just the opposite.
Hotel Marina offers 3 types of rooms for a total of 89 units. Admittedly, it was not built yesterday, but the rooms are very comfortable and the breakfast offers a generous buffet.
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