| Scuba Diving Magazine

Sea lions

Todd Winner

If you think you’ve seen all that Cabo San Lucas has to offer, maybe it’s time to take a second look. An abundance of creatures large and small make the Gulf home; this area is especially well known for large-animal encounters.

Juvenile whale sharks visit the Bay of La Paz seasonally in October and November, and May through June; swimming with them is exhilarating though highly regulated — be sure your guide is properly authorized and follow all guidelines.

Scalloped hammerheads cruise these waters too — head to offshore islands for a greater chance of sighting one. Manta rays are abundant year-round, with many individuals well known to local divers, who have regular interactions with these winged giants.

Sea lions are always a big draw — their playful antics will be part of almost any trip to the area. The Sea of Cortez is home to five of the world’s seven species of sea turtles, and 15 whale species call the Gulf of California home.

“It’s incredible,” Dora Sandoval, owner of the Rocio Del Mar live-aboard, says of their sightings this year. “It’s why we all got into diving in the first place.”

GO NOW: Rocio Del Mar live-aboard, rociodelmarliveaboard.com

Request Information

Bahamas Wrecks [Video]

Thank poor captains and skilled explosive handlers for the 40 ships that litter the waters off the Bahamas’ 12 main islands. Here, divers can explore everything from freighters and steamships to airplanes, landing craft and patrol boats.

Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas Top 5 Experiences: Shark Feeding Video

Stuart Cove’s shark-feeding experience is the most famous dive in the Bahamas and with good reason. It’s controlled chaos — a frenzy of action that’s nearly impossible to keep up with. In this video, experience this iconic dive alongside Sport Diver editor David Espinosa.

How To Dive Honduras

If you’re looking for a destination packed with adventure, history, superior diving and a vibrant natural heritage, then set your sights on Honduras and the Bay Islands.

World's Best Diving & Resorts: Gran Melia Resort

Located in Puerto Rico - Gran Melia is known for its incredible diving, golf and tennis facilities, and exceptional dining venues.

World's Best Diving & Resorts: Ocean Divers

Ocean Divers offers daily dive charters to the reefs and wrecks of Key Largo.

Top 100 Gold List 2013

The Top 100 Gold List of operators, resorts, live-aboards, underwater experiences (i.e., best wall, shore and wreck sites), dive bars and more was determined on a “popularity contest” basis. Rankings are based on the total number of responses, regardless of category.

Scuba Diving's Top 100 Readers Choice Awards 2013

The results are in. Based on the opinions of thousands of divers from across the globe, our annual Top 100 Readers Choice Awards showcase the best scuba diving in the world.

World's Best Diving & Resorts: Eden Beach Resort

Located in the south Caribbean Sea, Eden Beach offers a combination of luxury and family atmosphere in which one and all will enjoy themselves; an extraordinary place for couples as well as those seeking dive adventure and excitement.