Hammerhead Shark Dives

[Cynthia Fleming]

Does anyone have any suggestions on Hammerhead Shark diving in Mexico? Where to go and what time of year is best? Your help is greatly appreciated!

[alison boler]

Hi
There are a number of places where you have a fantastic chance to dive with hammerheads. The Sea of Cortez is home to schooling hammerheads especially over the sea mounts. You would want to base yourself in La Paz or take a liveaboard up into the La Paz area. See my trip report in the trip report section. Summer is the best time for this area. Mid July through mid September. Outside of these times, the water can be very cold (full dry suit)and with a strong plankton bloom - it's why the whales come up there in the winter. The Sea of Cortez has to be one of the most spectacular diving locations we've ever visited for the variety of large marine creatures - whales, sharks, dolphins, sea lions, tuna, wahoo, whale sharks. Amazing place.
The other place is the Socorro Banks which is about 200 miles south of Cabo San Lucas. You have to go by liveaboard - Solmar 5 is the boat of choice. You will also see mantas there very usually. This is a winter season trip because of sea conditions - it's likely to be too windy in the summer for such an exposed site.
Can heartily recommend Baja as a holiday location. Let me know if I can tell you anything else
Alison

[centurysup]

I've dived Sea of Cortez in September 2002 with the Cortez Club based in La Paz. Hammerheads, mantas and playful sea-lions - truly wonderful diving. Can't recommend it highly enough.

Cortez Club has a good web site and are very helpful if you have specific questions.

[Cynthia Fleming]

Alison, Thank you so much for your suggestions! I truly appreciate it. Cynthia