Located just six miles (9.5km) off the coast of Mexico and 15 miles (24km) south of San Diego in the USA, Los Coronados Islands are a favorite destination among divers in the area due to their semi-tropical environment. Here you’ll find kelp forest, a new wreck, rocky reefs and caverns.These sites can be reached by overnight liveaboard from the American city or as a day trip by speedboat from Mexico.A few of the dive sites at Los Coronados are protected and suitable for beginners. However, a majority of the sites are subject to open ocean currents and should only be attempted by intermediate and advanced divers.Spearfishing while scuba diving is not allowed.

Best Scuba Diving Spots in Coronados Islands

North Island

Coronados Islands Sea Life

The most impressive sight at the Coronado Islands are the fields of purple hydrocorals. These as well as the kelp forests set an interesting backdrop to any marine life you may spot. Lobsters, octopus and moray eels form an intricate food chain nearby the islands. Judging by their size, the moray eels are definitely at the top of this food chain. In terms of fish, you might see giant sea bass and rockfish. Horned sharks make an occasional appearance.The ever curious California sea lion, elephant seals and harbor seals are the extent of large marine life seen around Los Coronados. If you aren’t used to these creatures, they are sure to keep you entertained for hours on end.

How To Get There

Los Coronados are only accessible by boat from San Diego, California in the USA or the far northwest region of the Baja Peninsula. Most diving operations in this section of Mexico are located in Rosarito, near Tijuana. Boats coming from the USA tend to be larger. Even the occasional liveaboard will arrive for an overnight trip. Boats arriving from Mexico are usually small, outboard skiffs.