La Paz has earned
international fame as a premiere scuba diving and
snorkeling destination. The bay is made up of incredible diving
sites including Isla Espiritu Santo, considered the most
beautiful island in the Sea of Cortez.
These dive sites also include marine mountains (El Bajo
at 18 meters minimum depth, recommended for experienced divers), coral reefs
(Cabo Pulmo, a natural reef very close to La Paz), nearby beaches (Punta Arenas
only one hour from the city), Cueva de Leon (located in Punta Arenas, considered
one of the best diving locations), and small islands and artificial reefs
(underwater ships such as the Salvatierra and two Chinese ships submerged in
1999). To the north you will find Las Animas and on Cerralvo Island you can
enjoy your day snorkeling, scuba diving and swimming in the
caves among the hammerhead sharks.
Espiritu Santo Islands are found just
25 kilometers from the city of La Paz. It is made up of two major islands,
Espiritu Santo and La Partida (5 times smaller than Espiritu
Santo). Three smaller islands are found to the west of the biggest island: La
Ballena, El Gallo and La Gallina, and four prominent rocky points known as Las
Islotes.
Espiritu Santo is an ideal destination for
ecotourism. An increasing number of tourists are visiting this beautiful series
of islands because of its unique biological diversity. This area is protected
under a conservation program and provides a rare look at nature with minimal
human impact.
The biodiversity of
this island system is impressive with at least 32 species of reptiles, 98
species of birds, and various species of marine mammals which can be observed
along the coastline. These islands also contain important archeological sites
that reveal the lives of the indigenous Pericu
people.