Manta Rays

A Diver’s Guide to Rays in the Sea of Cortez

When we talk about the “big stuff” in the Sea of Cortez, the conversation naturally drifts toward whales, sea lions, and sharks. But there is another group of animals that brings a profound sense of magic to our waters: the rays. From the massive, acrobatic squadrons of Mobula rays soaring through the blue to the expertly camouflaged stingrays hiding in the sand, these cartilaginous fish are the true “wings of the ocean.” Here is your diver’s guide to the different species of rays you can encounter in San Carlos.

mantas

Diving San Carlos in Summer: Warm Water, Mantas & Marine Magic

Summer in the Sea of Cortez is a completely different beast than the cool winter months. From July through August, the water turns bath-warm, you can ditch the thick 7mm wetsuit, and the ocean erupts with life. While visibility might drop due to nutrient-rich plankton blooms, the trade-off is spectacular: massive bait balls, cruising manta rays, and huge schools of pelagics. Here is what to expect, what to pack, and how to beat the desert heat topside during a summer dive trip to San Carlos.

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