• -

La Paz Diving Courses: PADI Open Water Diver

Learn to Dive in Paradise: PADI Open Water Diver Course with La Paz Divers

If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring the underwater world, the PADI Open Water Diver course is your gateway to adventure—and there’s no better place to take that leap than with La Paz Divers in the breathtaking Sea of Cortez. Our beginner-friendly program is one of the top-rated La Paz diving courses, combining expert instruction with the unforgettable beauty of one of the planet’s richest marine ecosystems.

Why Take the PADI Open Water Course?

The PADI Open Water certification is the world’s most recognized scuba qualification, opening the door to dive adventures all over the globe. Whether you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip or beginning a lifelong passion, this course gives you the foundational skills, confidence, and knowledge to dive safely.

You’ll learn everything from how to use scuba gear, to planning dives, to understanding the underwater environment—all while having a blast exploring some of fantastic dive sites here in La Paz..

Why Choose La Paz Divers for Your Certification?

Not all diving courses are created equal. At La Paz Divers, we specialize in small-group, high-quality instruction that puts your safety and comfort first. Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Certified PADI instructors with years of experience teaching in La Paz.
  • Small class sizes for personal attention and individualized support.
  • Flexible scheduling to match your travel plans.
  • High quality gear and custom dive boats.
  • A Marine Biologist-owned and managed dive center whose staff have a deep passion for marine conservation and sustainable diving practices.

When you choose La Paz Divers, you’re not just getting a diving certification—you’re joining a growing community of ocean lovers and explorers.

The Sea of Cortez: An Unmatched Training Ground

sea turtle, green sea turtle, fang ming shipwreck, espiritu santo national parkFamous oceanographer Jacques Cousteau once called the Sea of Cortez the “Aquarium of the World,” and it’s easy to see why. Home to more than 900 species of fish, hundreds of invertebrates, and an abundance of iconic species, this unique marine paradise offers calm, clear waters and vibrant ecosystems—ideal conditions for learning to dive.

During your course, you might encounter:

  • Playful California sea lions
  • Graceful mobula rays
  • Curious green sea turtles
  • Colorful reef fish and coral formations

This is more than a course—it’s a chance to connect with nature in one of the world’s most spectacular underwater environments.

Course Breakdown: What You’ll Learn and Do

Our PADI Open Water course typically runs over 3 or 4 days and includes:

1. Knowledge Development

Learn the theory of diving through engaging lessons, available online (eLearning) or in-person.

2. Confined Water Sessions

Practice essential scuba skills in a controlled environment, such as a pool or the calm shallows of one of our beautiful beaches.

3. Open Water Dives

Complete four exciting open water training dives at local dive sites, guided by your instructor and surrounded by marine life.

Upon successful completion, you’ll earn your PADI Open Water Diver certification, valid for life and accepted worldwide.

What’s Included in Your La Paz Diving Course

  • All required PADI materials and certification fees
  • Use of full scuba diving equipment
  • Boat trips and National Marine Park permits
  • Snacks, water, and surface interval support
  • Instruction in English or Spanish

Just bring a towel, swimsuit, and your sense of adventure!

Who Can Enroll?

Our PADI Open Water Diver course is open to:

  • Anyone aged 10 years or older
  • People in general good health and comfortable in the water
  • Those ready for a fun and rewarding challenge

A short swim test and medical questionnaire are required before diving.

Student Testimonials

I had an incredible experience with La Paz Divers during my divemaster training last November and December. Laura played a pivotal role in my growth as a diver, providing invaluable guidance and support every step of the way. Jay and crew were exceptional in handling all logistics, ensuring smooth operations throughout. Diving with sea lions, exploring wrecks, and marveling at stunning reefs made each dive unforgettable. Thanks to La Paz Divers, I am now a certified PADI divemaster, and I couldn’t be happier with the journey. Highly recommend this team for their expertise, professionalism, and unforgettable dive experiences!
— Maddie L., California, USA.

Attentive and thorough open water dive cert course with Jay. Professional instructor and good vibe. I felt safe throughout, and appreciated that there was no free pass. Jay absolutely required that I demonstrate all the skills to achieve the certs. I think that’s the way it should be. Thanks, Jay! I appreciate your expertise and professionalism.
David E., Denver, USA.

Book Your La Paz Diving Course Today

Ready to become a certified diver? The adventure of a lifetime starts here.

Whether you’re visiting La Paz for the first time or planning to make it your dive base, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us to check availability, ask questions, or reserve your spot on our next PADI Open Water course.

🐠 Get Started Today

Click here for up-to-date pricing and other info.

Click below to book your course or chat with one of our dive pros.
Contact Us


  • -

Bilingual Marine Biology Summer Camp for Kids 2025 – La Paz, Mexico

Bilingual Marine Biology Summer Camp for Kids
Hosted by La Paz Divers – A Marine Biologist-Owned and Managed dive Center
📍 La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
👧 Ages 5–15

Get ready for an unforgettable summer adventure with our Bilingual Marine Biology Summer Workshop for Kids—a hands-on, science-packed program designed to ignite curiosity, build confidence in the ocean, and strengthen language skills in both English and Spanish.

🐠 How to Join the Fun:

5-Day Immersive Program

Dates: July 21–25, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Cost: $3,250 MXN per child for the full five-day program.

🌿 Explore Real Marine Ecosystems

Our workshop is held at three exciting outdoor locations:

  • Playa Caimancito (3 days)
  • Mangroves of Conchalito (1 day)
  • Playa La Concha (1 day)

Each location introduces your child to a different marine habitat and its wildlife.

🧠 Learn Through Experience

Led by a bilingual team of marine biologists, educators, and certified divemasters and instructors, your child will:

  • Discover local marine species using wildlife ID guides
  • Learn about threats to marine ecosystems and how to protect them
  • Practice speaking in their non-native language (English or Spanish)
  • Explore scientific tools like microscopes, water testing kits, plankton nets, and underwater cameras
  • Get snorkeling and skin diving tips in a safe, supervised setting by professional divemasters and instructors

🎓 Student Research & Final Presentation

Every camper joins a study group and researches a marine topic throughout the week. On the final day, we invite parents and guardians to join us at 11:00 AM to watch their child’s presentation. Then we celebrate with hot dogs and cold drinks—yes, even a beer for the grown-ups!

🏖 What’s Included:

  • All learning materials
  • Shade tents, drinking water, and icebox access
  • Professional, bilingual instructors
    Please bring: lunch and your own snorkeling equipment

💬 Ready to Join?

Limited spaces available!
📞 Call or WhatsApp: +52 612 197 5824
📧 Email: [email protected]


  • -

La Paz Scuba Diving Courses

La Paz Scuba Diving Courses with La Paz Divers

If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring coral-covered reefs, diving alongside sea lions, or descending into the tranquil blue of the Sea of Cortez, now is the time to make it happen. At La Paz Divers, we offer professional and personalized La Paz scuba diving courses designed for every level—from total beginners to experienced divers looking to go pro.

Why Choose La Paz for Your Dive Training?

La Paz is known as one of Mexico’s most biodiverse marine environments. Calm conditions, abundant sea life, and warm waters make it the ideal classroom for your scuba diving course. Whether you’re learning your first underwater skills or perfecting your buoyancy control, there’s no better place to dive than in La Paz.

Our Scuba Diving Courses & Programs

At La Paz Divers, we offer a full range of PADI-certified scuba diving courses and programs:

Discover Scuba Diving 

Perfect for those short on time or not yet ready to commit to a full certification. You’ll get a taste of diving under the guidance of our instructors—with no prior experience required.

Open Water Diver

Our most popular scuba diving course. Over 3 to 4 days, you’ll learn the fundamentals of recreational scuba diving. Upon certification, you’ll be qualified to dive anywhere in the world to a depth of 18 meters (60 feet).

PADI Advanced Open Water Diver

Continue your education and take your diving to the next level. You’ll complete five adventure dives, including deep diving and underwater navigation, all while exploring the unique dive sites of La Paz and building your confidence as a diver.

PADI Rescue Diver & Specialty Courses

Build your confidence, skills, and safety awareness with our Rescue Diver course, or customize your experience with specialties like Night Diving, Peak Performance Buoyancy, or Enriched Air Nitrox.

Divemaster Program

Turn your passion into a profession. Our Divemaster course is an immersive internship-style program that prepares you for a career in diving—right here in the heart of the Sea of Cortez.

Small Groups, Big Experience

We keep our class sizes small to give you the most personal and focused training possible. Our instructors are friendly, bilingual, and passionate about sharing the magic of La Paz’s marine life.

Ready to Get Started?

There’s never been a better time to earn your certification or advance your scuba journey. Whether you’re on vacation or living locally, La Paz scuba diving courses offer a unique blend of world-class instruction and unforgettable underwater adventure.

Contact La Paz Divers today to learn more, reserve your spot, or ask about custom training options.


  • -

Baja Whale Watching Season

Baja Whale Watching Season

Witness the Gray Whale Migration in Baja California Sur

The Baja whale watching season is one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles drawing wildlife lovers from around the world. The annual migration of gray whales is said to be the largest mammalian migration in terms of biomass.

Each winter, these majestic giants travel over 10,000 kilometers from the cold Arctic waters of Alaska to the warm, sheltered lagoons of the Baja California Penninsula in Mexico.

When Is the Best Time for Baja Whale Watching?

The gray whale watching season in Baja typically runs from late-December through March, with peak activity in February. During this time, Magdalena Bay becomes a nursery for gray whale mothers and calves, offering rare and heartwarming encounters just meters from your boat. These calm waters create a safe haven for the whales—and an unforgettable experience for you.

Where to See Gray Whales in Baja California Sur

One of the best places for gray whale encounters is Magdalena Bay, a quiet stretch of Pacific coastline known for its pristine beauty and remarkable marine life. Here, guided tours by La Paz Divers bring you face-to-face with these gentle giants in a respectful, low-impact setting.

Why Choose La Paz Divers?

Our Baja whale watching tours are led by experienced guides who know the best locations and times to witness gray whale behavior. We prioritize small group sizes, local knowledge, and sustainable practices to ensure every encounter supports conservation and education.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the gray whale’s epic journey. Join La Paz Divers during the Baja whale watching season for a truly unforgettable adventure.

Click here for up-to-date info and prices for our Gray Whale Watching Adventures in Magdalena Bay.

Or conatct us using the form below.


  • -

La Paz Diving Experiences

Discover the Magic of Diving in La Paz with La Paz Divers

Are you searching for a memorable dive destination that combines world-class marine life, pristine dive sites, and an appealing coastal town?  Then look no further than La Paz, Mexico. Nestled on the eastern coast of Mexico’s Baja California Sur, La Paz offers one of the most biodiverse marine environments on the planet. At La Paz Divers, we’re here to help you explore it.

Why Dive in La Paz?

The Sea of Cortez, famously called the “Aquarium of the World” by Jacques Cousteau, is teeming with life. From inquisitive, playful sea lions and giant whale sharks to bountiful reefs and mysterious shipwrecks. Diving in La Paz offers something for every level of diver.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced diver, the waters off La Paz provide a variety of dive sites for all levels.

Top Dive Sites Around La Paz

At La Paz Divers, we take pride in offering curated La Paz diving excursions to the region’s top sites. Here are a few of our favorites:

  • Los Islotes: Dive with playful sea lions in their natural habitat. This is a must-do site for animal lovers and photographers. The rocky boulder seascape harbors much marine life and we often find large schools of fish hanging around in the shallow areas. It’s important to note that this colony is closed for diving and snorkeling activities from June 1 to September 1 for breeding season.
  • El Bajo Seamount: A deep dive site consisting of a series of three seamounts. El Bajo is known for its potential to spot silky sharks and the occasional scalloped hammerhead. Even in the absence of large pelagics, this advanced dive site is a beautiful location harboring a bounty of marine life.
  • La Reina: A beautiful rocky reef abundant with tropical fish and often visited by manta rays in the summer months. Stunning rock formations including a submarine canyon. Moray eels are plentiful here. The Panamic green moray is the most common. One might also observe jeweled morays hunting for crustaceans hidden beneath shells and other marine debris.
  • Fang Ming Wreck: A sunken Chinese vessel turned artificial reef, now home to schools of fish, eels, large groupers, resting sea turtles, and macro life.
  • Swanne Reef: A beautiful coral reef teeming with life including moray eels, nudibranchs, and big schools of fish. It’s quite common to see comorants diving down form the surface and predating on the fish schools here. A few sea lions can often be seen basking in the sun on the surface between making occasional dives to prey on fish.

Each site has its own unique appeal, and we tailor trips based on conditions, your interests, and your diving experience.

Dive and Stay with La Paz Divers

Do you want to make your dive trip truly seamless? We offer La Paz diving packages that include both guided dives and cozy accommodations at our in-town bed and breakfast. Located just minutes from the malecón, our BNB offers a comfortable home base close to restaurants, shops, and nightlife. With daily transport to the dive boat, gear storage, and pet-friendly amenities, all you need to do is focus on the diving.

When to Dive in La Paz?

Diving in La Paz is possible year-round, but the marine life varies with the seasons:

  • November to February or March: Whale shark season—snorkel with the ocean’s gentle giants.
  • July to November: Best visibility and warmer water temperatures; possible pelagic sightings.
  • December to May: Cooler sea temperatures attract different species, and fewer divers make it a great time for more intimate dive experiences.

More Than Just Diving

La Paz is more than just a dive destination. It’s a vibrant city with a laid-back vibe, delicious food options, and rich local culture. After your dive, stroll along the Malecón , enjoy a sunset margarita, or explore nearby beach and desert landscapes.

Ready to Dive In La Paz?

At La Paz Divers, we’re passionate about sharing the wonders of diving in La Paz with divers from around the world. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or a full-on dive holiday, we’ll help you build the perfect itinerary.

Book your La Paz diving experience with us today and discover why the Sea of Cortez is one of the most treasured dive destinations on Earth.

Contact us using the form below.

 


  • -

Bilingual Marine Biology Summer Workshop for Kids – 2024

BILINGUAL MARINE BIOLOGY SUMMER WORKSHOP FOR KIDS

brought to you by La Paz Divers, a marine-biologist owned and managed dive centre in La Paz, BCS, Mexico

*for children aged 5-15.

It’s almost that time of year again for our hugely popular bilingual marine biology summer camp for kids.

This year, we decided to run a workshop over five consecutive days to cater to those that will be visiting La Paz for a short time.
The dates are 22-26 July 2024 from 09:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
The price for the complete 5 day program is $3,250 Pesos per child.
This five day workshop will then be repeated as a series over the following five Saturdays:
27 July, and 3, 10, 17, and 24 August 2024 from 09:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
The price for each workshop is $650 Pesos per child.
For both the consecutive 5 days program and the series, three of the days will be held at Playa Caimancito, one day at the mangroves of Conchalito, and the final day at Playa La Concha, exposing your kids to a range of ecosystems and wildlife.
Our program endeavors to deliver a fun and educational summer camp approach to enlighten your children about the  biodiversity of marine life in our region and the threats faced by marine ecosystems and their associated flora and fauna.
Our dedicated crew consists of language teachers, educators, marine biologists, and dive / snorkeling instructors that will guide your children to learn about the local marine environment with an emphasis on enjoying it safely and responsibly, as well as encouraging them to speak in their non-native language
Snorkeling and skin diving instruction will be offered to those interested, giving your children a window into a whole new world and the confidence to handle themselves in the ocean. As well as this, we will introduce the children to some of the equipment that a marine biologist may use to conduct their work including microscopes, water chemistry meters, fish and plankton nets, cameras, snorkel gear, scuba diving equipment, and more.

Species and animal group identification is hot on the agenda whereby the children will use our wildlife guides to identify plants and animals encountered during the workshops and learn about where and how these organisms live and what natural and human-made threats they may face

We provide all activities, shade for the beach, a cold water dispenser, and a cool box with ice for your use. Children are required to bring along their own lunch and snorkeling equipment.
Each child will be placed into a study group and each study group will be designated a marine-related topic to study in their own time. On the last day of the program, the parents/guardians of the children will be invited at around 11 AM to return and watch their children deliver a presentation about their topic. After that, it’s time for a beer and a few hotdogs before we wrap it up.
These workshops are very satisfying for our crew to work on because we can see how the kids are positively impacted.
Our team is working hard on the activities to make the program fun and engaging for your little (or not so little) ones.
To enrol you can call or WhatsApp +52 612 197 5824 or send an email to [email protected]
Limited spaces.


  • -

Bilingual Marine Biology Workshops for Adults – La Paz, Mexico – Series September 2023

Category : Marine Biology

Series: September 2023

Workshop 1: September 10 – Intro, Spanish for marine biology, Research designation, snorkel, underwater photography (Playa La Concha)
Price – $800 Pesos per student

Schedule:
09:00 – Arrival – sign liability release forms
09:15 – Welcome talk, ice-break, and aquatic safety
09:45 – introduction to marine biology
10:30 – Spanish class focusing on ocean related vocabulary
11:00 – Break
11:30 – Research assignment designation and preliminary research
12:00 – Snorkel and skin diving best practices and instruction. Basic underwater photography and species identification OR shore-based marine fauna collection, photography, and identification for non-swimmers
13:00 – Close

Workshop 2: September 22 – Coral gardening workshop (Pichilingue)
Price – $1,200 Pesos per student

Schedule:
09:00 – Briefing of activities
09:30 – A range of practical and dynamic activities about the biology of coral and their importance to our oceans and us.
11:00 – Break
11:30 – Coral gardening hands-on activities.
Includes the rental of mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit, buoyancy aid.
13:00 – close

Workshop 3: September 23 – Data collection by kayak and analysis (Playa Saltito)
Price – $800 Pesos per student plus a food donation of non perishable items for impoverished families of La Paz

Schedule:
09:00 – Briefing of activities
09:30 – Sit-on kayak basic instruction and safety
10:00 – Marine plankton workshop and data collection by kayak (plankton trawling, water samples for basic analysis, visibility estimates
11:00 – Break
11:30 – Continue with data collection
12:30 – Microscopic analysis and identification of plankton found in the samples
13:00 – Close

Workshop 4: September 30 – Mangroves, mangrove inhabitants, and coastal birds (Conchalito mangroves – close to Fidepaz)
Price – $800 Pesos per student

Schedule:
09:00 – Briefing of activities
09:30 – An introduction to mangroves and their importance in ecology
10:00 – Locate and identify different mangrove species noting the zonation of the different species. Locate and identify marine critters.
11:00 – Break
11:30 – Coastal birds – a look at the most common birds found here and how their beak morphology directly relates to their method of feeding
12:00 – Locate and identify different coastal birds with the aid of binoculars and bird photography using a telephoto lens.
13:00 – Close

The students’ research presentations will be conducted at an agreed time and place after the workshop series. There is no charge for this final activity.

Full payment is required in advance so that we can confirm dates and activities with our team and our collaborators.

Click the following link to enroll https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfDlsATj-bi3AK5X2JKYwVf1JHZC-zceg5QQ1a6yeHzXAxHLg/viewform?usp=sf_link


  • -

Learn to Scuba Dive in La Paz, Mexico

Category : Dive Courses , Diving

Discover the hidden beauty of the Sea of Cortez and learn to scuba dive in La Paz, Mexico with La Paz Divers

Scuba Diving in La PazStart your journey to becoming a certified diver

Do you consider yourself an adventurer with a curiosity about marine life? Are you a person with a passion for the sea and underwater life?  Do you want to learn to dive in one of the most biodiverse places in the world? If you answer yes to these questions, then you are in the right place, because here at La Paz Divers we are ready to guide you through your PADI open water dive certification .

Learning to scuba dive in La Paz will be an unparalleled experience, since it is located on the beautiful shores of the Gulf of California, AKA Sea of Cortez. This bountiful sea is known as “the aquarium of the world”, as dubbed by Jacques Cousteau. La Paz is home to a large number of marine organisms and incredible landscapes. Come and get to know this mega-diverse area while you dive in it to appreciate its hidden beauty in more depth.

Scuba Diving in La PazAt La Paz Divers, we offer diving courses for any level and suitable for the whole family. If you know nothing about scuba diving and want to learn to dive, our PADI Discover Scuba Diving Program and PADI Open Water courses are perfect for you. If you’re already certified, no problem, you can continue your education here in La Paz and take your PADI Advanced Open Water course, PADI Rescue course, PADI Divemaster course, and more.

Click the link for more information about learning to dive in La Paz


  • -

Bilingual Marine Biology Spring Workshop for Kids

Back by popular demand!!

BILINGUAL MARINE BIOLOGY SPRING WORKSHOP FOR KIDS

It is with great pleasure to once again offer our bilingual marine biology workshop for kids in La Paz, Mexico.

After a hugely successful series of five Saturday workshops last summer, we are offering another five workshops every Saturday in April 2023 (1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th)
Our bilingual marine biology summer workshop for kids aims to provide a fun and informative summer camp-style program to educate your children about the amazing biodiversity of marine life that we are so lucky to have here, the threats that some species and habitats are facing, and what we can do to help protect them.
Our highly professional crew of teachers, marine biologists, and dive / snorkeling instructors will guide your children to learn about the local marine environment with an emphasis on enjoying it responsibly.
Professional snorkeling instruction will be offered to those interested, giving your children a window into a whole new world. We will also have a day of kayaking for science, and underwater photography.
We will conduct a total of five workshops to be held on Playa El Caimancito every Saturday starting on Saturday 1 April 2023 (last workshop is on Saturday 29 April) from 10 am – 3 pm.
The cost per workshop is $600 Pesos for each child.
PROMOTION: Register for all five workshops for just $2,500 Pesos!
Preregistration and prepayment is required.
We provide all activities, the use of snorkel gear, shade for the beach, refreshments, and a cool box for your use. Children are required to bring along their own lunch.
To enrol you can call or WhatsApp +52 612 197 5824 or send an email to [email protected]
Limited spaces.


  • -

Dive in La Paz with sea lions

Join La Paz Divers to dive in La Paz with sea lions

Diving in La Paz with sea lionsOne of the most fun and exciting places to dive in La Paz is at Los Islotes, a pair of islets located at the northern-tip of the Espiritu Santo National Park. This rock formation is located approximately 1:30 hrs from La Paz by boat and is home to a large colony of 850 + California sea lions (Zalophus californianus). These animals are popularly known as the pups of the sea, due to the curious and playful nature of the juveniles. On land, these animals may appear a little clumsy, but under the water, they are agile, graceful swimmers. Reaching speeds of up to 20 miles per hour, the sea lions will amaze you with their energy and maneuverability.

Book Now
Sea lions entertain themselves by swimming, splashing around, and playing with each other, objects, and animals that they encounter in their habitat. These pinnipeds commonly interact with people in the water, swimming close to take a second look and even playfully nibbling at the fins of divers and snorkelers.

Swim with sea lions in La PazSea lions are very vocal animals and will often seemingly argue with each other for hours as they negotiate for space to haul out on the rocks and bask in the sun.

Throughout your diving adventure, you will be accompanied by your marine biologist guide who will explain about the biology, life-history and conservation status of these amazing creatures.

The season for swimming and diving in La Paz with sea lions is from September to the end of May each year, since the breeding season of the sea lions starts in June and ends in August so in-water interactions are suspended for this critical time for the species.

There is a wide-range of diving in La Paz to be enjoyed including sea turtles on the Fang Ming shipwreck, seasonal manta sightings at La reina, and huge fish schools at Swanne rock.

Contact us

Book Now


Book Now