Rocky Point Offers Excellent SCUBA Diving

There is no doubt that the best diving opportunity in Rocky Point is at our nearest island called Isla San Jorge more commonly known as "Bird Island." As the name suggests, the island is carpeted with nesting birds.

Primarily brown-footed boobies breed here, but there are also pelicans, various gulls and the uncommon and beautiful tropic bird. There’s a huge sea lion colony at the island all year round.

They give birth to their pups starting in May. Fortunately, even during breeding season and unlike the sea lions in some other areas, our sea lion population is friendly, inquisitive, and generally non-threatening.

This natural paradise for air-breathing animals also offers abundant life below the water surface.

Depths around the island average 50 feet or less. Experienced divers understand that the most diverse and abundant life can be found in this shallower range because of the penetration of life-giving sunlight.

Another beneficial aspect of shallower dives is the extra time allowed per dive. Most divers in a 50-foot range will find an 80-cubic-foot tank will last at least 45 minutes.

Decompression sickness is not a worry in shallower depths either unless doing multiple repetitive dives.

Bird Island is located 25 miles from the harbor and has remained pristine. The bottom life, fish, sea lions, and ease of diving from a boat with trained dive masters make diving at the island popular.

I recommend anyone who has not been there yet to dive, snorkel, or just observe from the boat to go soon. It’s a fabulous opportunity to experience Rocky Point’s best "nature tour."

As wonderful as boat diving can be at the island, many divers just want to blow some bubbles on our local shoreline. Benefits of shore diving are that it is inexpensive and doesn’t have to monopolize an entire day.

Depths around shore are usually less than 30 feet, and the tidal currents are predictable. Diving from shore can be a simple undertaking and a great experience.

Or, it can be tiring and unenjoyable. The difference between good or bad primarily depends on the location, conditions, and techniques.

Location Is Important

Any diver obviously wants to see as much life as possible. With this goal in mind, it is important to understand that reef is the key.

We have a lava-rock base reef here. The Sea of Cortez feels like tropical water with temperatures in the mid-80s in the summertime, but alas, the cooler winter water temps of around 60 degrees precludes hard coral-reef growth just as it does off the coast of California.

Our two rocky shoreline habitats are "Rocky Point," the area around the fish market, and Cholla Bay. If you dive or snorkel off Sandy Beach or areas beyond the midpoint of Las Conchas, you will probably not see very much of interest.

Considering Conditions

Wind, waves, and tides are the biggest considerations when deciding to do a shore dive. As an instructor, I have always taught that the first most important safety measure any diver can take is to make sound decisions on whether or not to undertake a dive.

Not only should you assess the shore conditions on any given day by asking the question — "Can I handle myself getting in and out of the water under these conditions?" — but also and more importantly, "Can I handle myself and help my buddy under these conditions?"

If the answer is yes to these two questions, then go on and get in! Next step is to plan the location based on the tides.

I recommend a trip to the Sun N’ Fun dive shop to review the tide chart and get more detailed information on entry and exit points and a heads-up on what to expect.

Techniques Differ

Shore-diving techniques vary according to the terrain and conditions. The shore- entry techniques learned in the manual for diving in California where you have a sandy sloping shoreline and large waves are completely inappropriate for our local situation with the rocky coastline.

Sun N’ Fun has an English-speaking staff and is open seven days a week to serve divers, snorkelers and boaters alike. As the only full-service dive shop, their goal is to be sure you have an enjoyable and safe experience diving in Rocky Point.

Details on entry techniques and other information are on their Web site at www.sunandfundivers.com or call (800) 569-3598.