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What you can expect in my Article:

Snorkeling with the Whale Sharks of La Paz - an unforgettable Highlight
Street-Art of La Paz - a colourful Sea of Pictures and Sculptures
Diving with the Sea Lions of Los Islotes
Walk along the Malecón - pure Joy of Life on the colourful Beach Promenade
Diving in the "Fish Soup" of Baja California
More helpful Tips and Travel Information for La Paz in Mexico

Snorkeling with the Whale Sharks of La Paz - an unforgettable Highlight

I have to say it. The whale sharks were the main reason I came to La Paz. Because in the time between October and April it is possible to snorkel here with these huge animals. The sea is then especially rich in plankton and the whale sharks come close to the coast. Numerous tour providers drive out with boats to the specially for the whale sharks arranged protected area. After a 20 minute drive you can see the first whale sharks from the boat.

In order to affect the whale shark population off La Paz as little as possible, rules for snorkelling were introduced in 2009. For example, the number of boats and snorkelers allowed in the protected area at the same time per animal is limited and a maximum length of stay is specified.

Snorkeling with a whale shark is simply unforgettable - definitely a "once in a lifetime" experience. Only with the difference that I went snorkeling a second time two days later. It was just too beautiful. More information about this absolutely amazing experience can be found in my separate article Snorkeling with Whale Sharks off La Paz, Mexico.

Tip: From January to March (but best in February) you can also watch grey whales with calves in front of and especially in the lagoons north of La Paz. I have heard that some animals are extremely curious and come so close to the boat that you could pet them.

Street-Art of La Paz - a colourful Sea of Pictures and Sculptures

La Paz invites you to discover the city and has some surprises in store: street art at its best and original sculptures at the Malecón. Murals of whales, sharks and fishermen remind us of the history of the city and also want to open our eyes to the beauty of the nature of Baja California. And they call upon the viewer to protect the oceans. In my separate article you can learn more about Street Art in La Paz, Mexico. You also get to know some of my favorite murals and sculptures. You will also learn where you can discover the artworks.

Diving with the Sea Lions of Los Islotes

Do you feel like a good dive? For a close encounter with playful young sea lions? Then La Paz is the place for you. Because only about 35 kilometres from the coast lies the small archipelago Los Islotes. Its bare rocks are home to up to 500 Californian sea lions. It is also the largest sea lion colony in all of Baja California. And a visit to this colony is definitely one of the biggest highlights of La Paz. Because here you can dive or snorkel with the sea lions! The curious young animals come very close and even start to play with you. Here you can read my article about Diving with the Sea Lions from La Paz. You can read what to expect when diving or snorkeling with the animals. I also give you some helpful tips for your tour to the sea lion colony.

Walk along the Malecón - pure Joy of Life on the colourful Beach Promenade

The Malecón is colourful, lively and a mirror of the Mexican joie de vivre. It is the center of tourism in La Paz and also connects the city with the sea. From here the excursion boats start to the Isla Espíritu Santo as well as to the sea lions or whale sharks. But also the approximately five kilometres long boardwalk is popular among the local people. Joggers, skaters and bobby cars conquer the promenade in the early evening hours. Countless benches invite you to linger. Photographers are happy about numerous motives, as for example the sculptures that are lined up at the Malecón. But a specially nice motive is a sunset over the bay of La Paz.

Which highlights you should not miss during your walk at the Malecón in La Paz:

• See the great sculptures. Many of them are inspired by the sea and tell the history of the city.
• A visit with Jacques Yves Cousteau. You can reach his statue from the Muelle Fiscal after a 20-minute walk towards the north-east.
• Enjoy the morning atmosphere at the Malecón with cinnamon buns and a coffee, for example at CinnaRolls (Paseo Alvaro Obregon 550; opening hours 7 to 23 hrs, on weekends from 8 hrs).
• Lunch or dinner on a roof terrace with a view of the bay of La Paz, for example at Harker Board (Paseo Alvaro Obregon 299; opening hours 12-24 hrs, Tuesdays from 4 hrs).
• Put your feet in the sand, eat an ice cream and watch people.
• Ein Foto von dem Schriftzug “La Paz” machen.
• Watching pelicans.
• Just watch the sunset over the bay in a very romantic way.

Diving in the "Fish Soup" of Baja California

Die Sea of Cortez (Golf von Californien) ist aufgrund ihres Fischreichtums eines der besten Tauchreviere der Welt. Jacques-Yves Cousteau hat dieses Nebenmeer des Pazifiks das “Aquarium der Welt” genannt. Andere nennen das Meer auch “Fischsuppe”. Zu Recht. Denn hier können je nach Saison bis zu 850 Arten gezählt werden, darunter viel Großfisch. Damit gehört die Sea of Cortez zu den artenreichsten Meeren der Welt. Grund für diesen Artenreichtum ist der Nährstoffeintrag durch aufsteigende Tiefenströmungen und den Colorado River.

There are about 12 dive sites off La Paz, all of which are reached by boat. For one leg of the trip the travel time is between 45 and 90 minutes depending on wind and waves. We spent two days with Team Dive in La Paz and had a great time. I can recommend the dive center from the bottom of my heart.

At some of the dive sites you also have a good chance for extraordinary encounters: Sea lions, whales and dolphins, whale sharks, hammerheads, white tip reef sharks, mobulas, spearfish, sea turtles or large schools of fish. However, most sightings - as always in nature - are a matter of luck and also depend on the time of year:

In addition to the natural reefs, there are wrecks near the coast of Isla Espíritu Santo that are popular for diving. Among them is the wreck of the 100 meter long ferry "Salvatierra", which sank at the Swannee Reef in 1975. It lies in about 15 meters depth. In addition, three other wrecks were sunk on the west coast of the island in 1999 and 2004. They lie at depths of 16 and 20 metres respectively and today give many marine animals a new home.

Diving in La Paz is possible all year round.
Visibility range: September to December to over 30 m; February to end of May approx. 15 m.
Water temperature: between 23° and 28° C, highest in October. January to March between 19° to 22°C.

Do you prefer it a little more lonely and original? Then I recommend a visit to the national park Cabo Pulmo after your stay in La Paz. Here it is all about diving and snorkeling. This secluded diving paradise in the very south of Baja California can only be reached via a gravel road. You get a small impression in my article Shark Diving with Bull Sharks in front of Cabo Pulmo.

More helpful Tips and Travel Information for La Paz in Mexico

Downtown La Paz, thus the area around the Malecón and the Pier, is the centre of tourism. Here, there are countless accommodations, restaurants, tour providers and souvenir shops. To make your search a little easier, I have put together some practical tips and travel information for you.

Getting there and best best Time to travel:

Getting there: La Paz is easily accessible via the international airport. Ferries also operate from the Mexican mainland. From the international airport Cabo San Lucas you can reach La Paz by rental car in 3 hours. The drive goes through a great mountain landscape and is a highlight in itself.

Best time to travel: The weather in La Paz is good all year round. But the warmest months are June to October. From January to June as well as in December are dry periods. But in August and September there is the most rain.

Accommodation & Food

Accommodation: La Paz offers a variety of accommodation in all price ranges. The offer ranges from simple hostels and guesthouses to luxurious resorts on the outskirts of the city. We stayed in the Hotel La Perla (approximately 50 euros for a double room with simple breakfast). It is centrally located and directly at the Malecón.

Breakfast: In the Café CinnaRoll you get good coffee and - as the name suggests - cinnamon snails. And they are really tasty. Address: Paseo Alvaro Obregon 550. Opening hours: 7-23; weekends from 8.

Lunch and Dinner: You will find many resaturants and bars at the Malecón. But many of them are closed in the early afternoon - Siesta! Often you can have your meal or drink on a roof terrace, for example at Harker Board (Paseo Alvaro Obregon 299; opening hours 12-24, Tuesdays from 4 pm). Tip: Come early enough and secure a place with a view of the sunset over the bay.

Souvenirs & Money

Souvenirs: Beautiful souvenirs as well as English books about the region and maps can be found at Allende Books at 21 de Agosto Street. There are also many small stalls selling souvenirs in this street.

ATM: With my VISA card from DKB I was able to withdraw cash at the cash machine of the Santander Bank (corner of Augustin Arriola M. / Mutualismo) without charge (maximum 8.600 Pesos per day).

Paying: Many tour operators charge 5% extra for card payment. So better pay with cash. Guide to La Paz in Mexico

Travel Guides for La Paz in Mexico

Lonely Planet Reiseführer*
Available at Amazon

Travel Know-How Mexico compact*
Available at Amazon

DuMont Travel Guide Mexico*
Available at Amazon

Have you ever been to La Paz and what were your highlights? Do you have any questions about my article or further tips for La Paz? If so, I would be glad about your comment.

Recommendations for further Reading

Santa Catalina Island - Travelogue, Tips and Highlights

Sea Lions of La Jolla - Tips for Watching and Snorkeling

Der Beitrag La Paz in Mexiko – 5 Highlights an der Baja California erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.

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What you will find in my Article:

The Los Islotes Dive Spot at the Isla Espíritu Santo
Curious and playful - the young Sea Lions
Rules for Diving and Snorkeling with the Sea Lions of La Paz
Helpful Tips for your Encounter with the Sea Lions
Facts about Californian Sea Lions
The neighbouring Island Isla Espíritu Santo - most beautiful Island of the Sea of Cortez
Fancy more Animal Encounters in Mexico? Recommendations for further Reading:

The Los Islotes Dive Spot at the Isla Espíritu Santo

To observe wild animals in their natural environment is one of the most beautiful experiences when travelling. When I learned that you can go diving with sea lions in La Paz, I was very excited. I had already been snorkeling with seals in Scotland and Sea Lions in California . But I never developed any interaction with the animals. But with the sea lions of Los Islotes it should be different. It is said that the curious young animals even play with the divers and snorkelers or their equipment! I could hardly wait to get into the water.

While we prepared our equipment for diving, we could see and hear the sea lions from the boat. They lay on the rocks and sunbathed themselves or watched us from the water. There were already several other diving and snorkeling boats, but under water we didn't notice anything of the other groups. First the dive started relatively unspectacular. We dived in 8 to 10 meters depth along the rocks. From time to time a sea lion shot past us, otherwise there was not much to see. 

Curious and playful - the young Sea Lions

The sea lions still kept their distance from us. But that changed after 10 minutes. At first I observed how a sea lion suddenly hung on the diving bottle of a fellow diver. Then other animals swam between the divers, one came directly towards me. What happened in the following minutes, I still can't really believe until today. This young sea lion clung to my legs or arms with his two fins. Meanwhile he snapped at my equipment. I just hoped he wouldn't bite too hard and damage something. Sometimes I pushed him away, but this only made him more curious. I was not wearing gloves and could feel his fur. It reminded me of a wet dog.

Rules for Diving and Snorkeling with the Sea Lions of La Paz

• Always be calm when a sea lion comes towards you
• Not to hold or hunt animals
• Do not stretch out your fingers, do not feed
• Keep your distance from the rocks on the surface, because there are also the more territorial adult males. take the males' warnings (barking and violent expulsion of air bubbles) seriously
• If one of the adult males is in the water, you have to keep your distance

Helpful Tips for your Encounter with the Sea Lions

There are numerous agencies that offer snorkeling or diving trips to the sea lions. In the following I have selected three agencies for comparison. We ourselves had two great days with Dive in La Paz and can warmly recommend the team. We booked our two diving days in advance by email and secured our place with a 10% deposit.

Dive in La Paz
What is included? Combined tour: snorkeling with whale sharks and diving with sea lions. Lunch, snacks, drinks, guide, rental equipment and the national park fee of 5 USD.
Price: 155 USD - only snorkeling with sea lions 95 USD

Sunrider Tours
What is included? What is included? 2-tank dive, lunch, snacks, drinks, guide, rental equipment and transportation in La Paz. An additional 5 USD National Park fee is charged.
Price: 150 USD

Cortez Club
What is included? What is included? 2-tank dive, air and weights, lunch, snacks, drinks, guide and national park fee of 5 USD.
Price: 200 USD. Rental equipment is charged extra (35 USD).

At which Time of the Year it is possible to dive with the Sea Lions of La Paz?

The Los Islotes dive site is located in a protected bay and is also suitable for beginners. But even if the sea lions are here all year round, it is important to have the right timing: Because the sea lion colony is closed for divers and snorkelers during the breeding season from June to August. Every year about 70 young animals are born.

How long does a Tour take?

The drive to Los Islotes takes about 90 minutes. The whole day program (2-tank-dives) takes about 6 hours.

What you shouldn't forget to pack:

• The sea lions are getting very close. With a wide angle lens or wide angle setting on your action camera you are well served here. Unfortunately I didn't have one with me.
• Use reef friendly sunscreen, e.g. from Eco Cosmetics or Speik. You can find an interesting article about the reef-damaging effects of sunscreen at Indojunkie.
• Take a refillable water bottle with you.
• A towel and something warm and windproof for the return trip .

Facts about Californian Sea Lions

The Californian sea lions are found on the east coast of the Pacific Ocean from Alaska to the Galapagos Islands. Since 1994 they are a protected species in Mexico.

• Family: eared seals
• Size: 185 to 250 cm
• Weight: 120 to 300 kg
• Diving depth: up to 100 m
• Diving time: up to 20 minutes
• Food: fish, crabs
• Enemies: sharks, orcas
• Age: 12 to 15 years
• Gestation: 12 months, one cub
• Sucking time: up to 6 months

The neighbouring Island Isla Espíritu Santo - most beautiful Island of the Sea of Cortez

Also the Isla Espíritu Santo is worth seeing and also a popular destination for excursions. It is about 32 kilometres away from La Paz and a popular place for excursions. With its yellow-red rocks, white bays and turquoise water it is said to be the most beautiful island in the Sea of Cortez. It measures 24 x 8 km, is barren, rocky and overgrown with cacti. Since 1995 it has been protected as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO. The CONAP (Comisión Nacional de Àreas Naturales Protegidas) is responsible for the protection of the "Espiritu Santo National Park".

During our day trip to the whale sharks and sea lions we spent our lunch break in one of the beautiful bays of Isla Espíritu Santo.

Book Recommendations for Mexico

You want to know where the journey goes? Then I can recommend these books* about Mexico.

You can order the books at Amazon by clicking on the pictures. If you buy a product through one of these affiliate links, I get a small commission and you help me to keep filling Fernweh-Motive with interesting articles. The product will not be more expensive for you and you do me a huge favor.

Have you ever been diving with sea lions yourself, maybe even in La Paz? How did you like it? Do you have any questions about my article or suggestions? If so, please write me a comment!

Do you want to know when there are new articles on my blog? Then follow me on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram. I would also be very happy if you share my article with your friends.

Fancy more Animal Encounters in Mexico? Recommendations for further Reading:

Snorkeling with Whale Sharks off La Paz, Mexico

Shark Diving with Bull Sharks in Cabo Pulmo, Mexico & Tips for Shark Diving

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Content

My first Whale Shark - a lasting Memory
The Whale Shark - Whale or Shark?
Endangerment and Protection of the Whale Sharks
Snorkeling with Whale Sharks off La Paz - Overview and Tips
Rules for Snorkeling with Whale Sharks off La Paz
Other Places where you can see Whale Sharks

My first Whale Shark - a lasting Memory

Carefully I glide from the side of the ship into the water. At first sight the visibility under the water surface is zero. Then I recognize several bright spots in front of me. Probably small fish. Seeking advice I look to the left to our guide to find out in which direction I should swim. "It's right in front of you..." Unbelievingly I turn my gaze back into the water. In front of my eyes the bright spots from before form a pattern. I recognize outlines and the outlines become fins. The whale shark swims almost vertically in front of me in the water. Eating it opens and closes its mouth. It turns and comes slowly towards me. My small underwater camera is already running and captures this moment. My first encounter with one of these fascinating giants is accompanied by a surprised, gurgling sound.

We were lucky. Because on this day there were 15 animals in the snorkeling zone. As there was a lot of plankton in the water, the whale sharks were busy eating. Then they often stand almost vertically in the water and only move forward slowly feeding. Two days later I went snorkeling again. There the situation was different. The water was a bit clearer but there were fewer whale sharks to be seen. The animals we saw were eating while swimming. Even though they were not swimming very fast, it became more sportive for me as a snorkeler.

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The Whale Shark - Whale or Shark?

As big as a whale, but still a shark. With an average body length of 12 meters, whale sharks are the largest fish in our seas. But it's not only the size that reminds us of a whale. Like many whales, the whale shark feeds on plankton. It can suck in up to 6,000 liters of water per hour. Instead of baleen whales, however, it uses a special sponge-like filter apparatus that is stretched in front of its gills. It also has about 3000 teeth, which are arranged in more than 300 rows close together. A fish of superlatives! And it is not only the largest fish with an unbelievable number of teeth, but also a real pachyderm: at 15 cm it has the thickest skin of all living creatures.

Whale sharks give birth to up to 300 living young. The young hatch from the eggs while they are still in the womb. The time of birth can be controlled by the female. The newborn whale sharks are only about 60 centimeters long.

Facts about Whale Sharks::

Average length: about 12 meters
Maximum length: up to 20 meters up to 20 meters
Weight: up to 20 tons
Age: up to 100 years
Sexual maturity: between 10 and 30 years
Swimming speed: approx. 3-5 km/h
Food: plankton, microorganisms, small fish

Whale sharks are found in all tropical and subtropical seas with water temperatures between 21°C and 25°C. They are most commonly found where the water is rich in plankton, krill and fish larvae. They often follow seasonal fluctuations in food supply and can therefore only be observed at certain times in many places.

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Endangerment and Protection of the Whale Sharks

Since 2016, the whale shark has been on the IUCN Red List. It is classified as endangered. Nevertheless, it is still hunted in many countries. Apart from fishing, oil drilling, aquaculture and shipping are the main threats. The whale sharks also frequently come to feed in the shallow coastal areas rich in plankton. There, however, they are particularly exposed to heavy shipping traffic. In addition, they are increasingly affected by marine pollution, especially plastic waste. This is because they filter it out of the water together with their food. But also unregulated and reckless tourism (excursion boats and snorkeling tours) can put the whale sharks under stress and endanger them.

The bay of La Paz is characterized by its abundance of fish and its biodiversity. Every year between October and April, the water here is also very rich in plankton and attracts whale sharks. Many tour operators have found a source of income in this area.

In addition, since 2003 there is a whale shark monitoring program in the bay of La Paz. It shows that it is mostly younger animals with 6 to 9 meters length that come here to feed. In 2019 a total of 105 different sharks were identified based on their unique pattern on their backs. However, data from recent years also show that up to 66% of the animals have injuries from boats.

To protect the whale sharks, rules for whale shark tourism have been established and the tour operators have been trained since 2009. Finally, in 2018 a sanctuary for the whale sharks was established in the bay of La Paz.

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Snorkeling with Whale Sharks off La Paz - Overview and Tips

An underwater encounter with a whale shark is certainly one of the most exciting experiences one could wish for when snorkeling. Here I will tell you my tips for this unique nature experience:

• Season: 1 October to 30 April
• Water temperature: 26°C in October to 15°C in February
• Visibility range: 20 m to 10 m. The best visibility is in October and November.
• Costs: 70 to 100 US dollars. The national park fee (US$7) is included. For this you will get a green ribbon around your wrist.
• Duration: about 3 hours. Since only 14 boats are allowed in the reserve at the same time, there may be waiting times. Therefore, don't make any plans for the time after that. The boat trip to the reserve takes about 20 minutes. Meanwhile you have time to put on your wetsuit and prepare your equipment / camera.
• Snorkeling equipment can be rented. However, there are big differences: Some rent only thin wetsuits, others 7mm wetsuits.
• Most boats offer snacks and drinks . Take a refillable water bottle with you.
• A towel and something warm and windproof for the return trip .

How to find a Tour Agency

Try to find out how big the group is before booking a tour. The smaller the group the better. Because the snorkelers are divided into groups of five people each. This can result in longer waiting times on board and fewer snorkeling trips. On my second snorkeling trip we were 17 people on board and were divided into 4 groups. Each group could only go in the water twice. On my first trip, however, we were only 8 people and were in the water five times.

Some agencys have combined tours in their program where you go to the sea lion colony afterwards . For example, with Dive in La Paz you can first snorkel with the whale sharks and then dive or snorkel with the sea lions (US$ 155; only whale sharks US$ 90).

Very special excursions are offered by the research organization Whale Shark Mexico . Here you can actively support the monitoring of these fascinating animals as part of a “Citizen Science Programms” . All the data collected will help in the conservation and management of the whale sharks off La Paz. The research trips are conducted in small groups of up to 6 people and cost 90 US dollars.

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Rules for Snorkeling with Whale Sharks off La Paz

The activities with the whale sharks off La Paz are strictly regulated and controlled. Because only with sustainable ecotourism can the population of whale sharks off La Paz remain stable in the future. Therefore, rules have also been established for snorkeling:

• Listen to your guide's instructions.
• Only snorkeling is allowed, no diving or free diving.
• Use reef friendly sunscreen, e.g. from Eco Cosmetics or Speik. You can find an interesting article about the reef-damaging effects of sunscreen at Indojunkie. Rashguards with UV protection are also a good alternative to sunscreen.
• Keep a distance of at least 2 metres and do not swim in front of the whale shark's mouth.
• Do not touch!
• Do not use flash or video light when taking pictures / filming.
• A maximum of one boat and five snorkelers + guide per whale shark is allowed. If you are travelling with a larger boat, you will be divided into several groups which will go into the water one after the other.
• A maximum of 14 boats are allowed in the reserve at any one time.

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Other Places where you can see Whale Sharks

La Paz is not the only place in the world where you can snorkel with whale sharks. There are many more. Here is a selection:

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Book Recommendations for Mexico

You want to know where the journey goes? Then I can recommend these books* about Mexico.

You can order the books at Amazon by clicking on the pictures. If you buy a product through one of these affiliate links, I get a small commission and you help me to keep filling Fernweh-Motive with interesting articles. The product will not be more expensive for you and you do me a huge favor.

Have you ever been snorkeling with whale sharks? Where was that and how did you like it? Do you have any questions or tips for snorkeling with whale sharks off La Paz? If so, please write me a comment!

Do you want to know when there are new articles on my blog? Then follow me on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram. I would also be very happy if you share my article with your friends.

Further Encounters with Sharks

Der Beitrag Schnorcheln mit Walhaien vor La Paz, Mexiko erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.

Nature connects

I knew the Baja California was famous for whale watching. But the fact that I got to see a blue whale took me by surprise. I have trouble capturing this huge animal with my camera. Luckily he holds still and I have a second try. Just in time I press the shutter release, then a red car slides between my camera and the whale.

The artist Dagos Art incorporates in his work elements such as flora, fauna and traditions characteristic of La Paz. He depicts these in ornaments inside the whale. He also divides the mural into two parts, the visible and invisible under water.

There are more whales in La Paz. They are joined by sea lions, sharks, dolphins and coyotes. The murals bring the fauna and flora of Baja California to the city. They want to connect people - among each other and with nature. They also want to shake people up, point out grievances and motivate them to be more environmentally aware.

A City becomes colorful - the Beginnings of Street Art in La Paz

It all began in 2013 in the Ignacio Zaragoza around the Big Sur Café. This is where the first murals of La Paz, Mexico, were created. An artist from Mexico City called the first street art competition. Thereupon several paintings were created in the Ignacio Zaragoza. In some of them several artists worked together. So it happens that some murals combine different styles.

This is where it all began. On the walls of the Big Sur Café in Ignacio Zaragoza a painting of an old woman's face with a hat was created in 2013. It was a joint project of several artists.

This elephant in the Ignacio Zaragoza was also created as a joint project. If you take a closer look, you will discover several faces, eyes and even a pregnant woman lying down in the elephant. In addition, the elephant holds a brush with its trunk. It is almost as if he had painted with it himself.

The Street-Art Project "Mural City La Paz"

In 2017 the artist collective Tomato Collective launched the project "Mural City La Paz". The historical center of La Paz became colorful. Inspired by the nature of the Baja California, 26 works of art were created. Artists and the people who live here painted together and created creative messages that call the value of nature to mind.

• 26 Artists
• 20 Volunteers
• 5 Workshops
• 26 Families
• 26 Murals
• 1350 Square Meters
  Source: colectivo tomate

You can see about 50 murals in the city centre alone. Many works of art can be found in the streets Ignacio Zaragoza, A. Mijares, Melchor Ocampo, Mutualismo. On some murals there are even small signs with the name of the artist, the painting and a short description. You can discover the murals in La Paz on your own. But I liked a guided tour much better. By this way, one gets to know the most about the paintings and the interesting stories they tell.

Street-Art in the Street A. Mijares, La Paz

The mural "Convergencia Armonica" by Dherzu Uzala is inspired by the flora and fauna of La Palz. It shows the contrast that nature unites in one place: the desert and the sea. For Dherzu Uzala, the whale represents a peaceful, noble and magical being. At the same time, however, it is powerful and imposing. These characteristics describe the personality of the inhabitants of la Paz.

Beach, turquoise water, sea lions, birds and the sunsets over the bay of La Paz inspired Fando Criez to create this mural.

The painting by Eva Bracamonts shows two children in the centre of the picture. They hold a baby sea lion in their arms and a pearl shell in their hands. The fauna and flora of the Baja California grows around them. Everything is carried by a large turtle. In her work, the artist emphasizes the need to protect and preserve nature. Among other things, reference is made to the campaign for the protection of parrotfish, which was running at the time.

In the centre of the painting "The hook of yesterday and today" there is a fish, two hands and a hook. The fish represents the importance of fishing. The hook combines the left and the right side, representing the local and Iberian culture respectively. In the background you can see the fauna of Baja Califonia.

Street-Art in the Street Mutualismo, La Paz

The fishing is a basic activity of the inhabitants of La Paz. It does not only provide the people with food but it determines the whole economy and culture. The artist shows in her painting the "Reconcilacion", which means the reconciliation of the fishermen with the sea. Because they have learned to live in harmony with each other. The woman depicts the sea, her hair floating as if in the water. The water and dolphins are reflected on her skin. In the background you can see the architecture of La Paz.

"A good fisherman's conscience" is about fishing and living. In the past, the fishermen of the Manglito community benefited from poaching. However, through better communication and organization of the fishery, an awareness for the protection of species developed. A candle of recognition shines on the fisherman's baseball cap. He recognizes the threat to nature and denounces the pearl fishermen. The blue ribbon around his neck is holding one of the fishing boats, because he wants to prevent all boats from leaving. The white figures at the bottom of the picture were painted by children.

The mural is inspired by the flora and fauna and the beauty of a region threatened by poaching. The hammerhead shark and the parrotfish, two species threatened by man, are representative. The parrotfish carries a pearl in its beak. Both animals remind us that many species are threatened with extinction and must be protected.

Hellcat shows the beauty of small details in several smaller works.

Street-Art in the Street Lerdo de Tejada, La Paz

The painting "One with the Sea" focuses on the natives of Baja California, the Pericue and Guaycura ethnic groups. It shows the bond, love and respect between the Native Americans and the sea. This is shown by the pearl bracelet and the orange "heart fish" that swims towards the protectively folded hands.

In his painting, Amyra Morales represents the surprise and fascination that one experiences by diving into the wonderful underwater world of La Paz.

A tropical-looking painting in which the heads of the fishermen become fruits. Among other things, the painting tells the anecdote of the pitaya (dragon fruit). Once the seeds have passed through the digestive tract, they are used to make a paste that is the basis for a traditional drink.

The artist Argeo shows in his painting La Pesca a chaotic world that is out of balance.

Street-Art in other Streets in La Paz

Values, community and family strengthen the peaceful community in La Paz. Driven by concern over the loss of values and thus identity, Leo Monzoy emphasizes the importance of each family member: the father with his lance as the provider of the family, the mother who maintains the family bond and the child as the representative of future generations. What I find remarkable about this image is that the child alone has opened the eyes.

The painting of Uli Martínez is inspired by the flora and fauna of Baja California, the desert, the Sea of Cortez and traditional rancherias. Coyote Mágico shows the relationship between the environment and its inhabitants.

Sculptures at the Malecón in La Paz, Mexico

The Malecòn is popular with locals and tourists alike. On the approximately five kilometres long boardwalk, people jog, chat and take pictures. The probably most popular photo motive is the colourful writing "La Paz", in English "peace".

Approximately every 100 meters the Malecón widens up to small places. They are decorated with sculptures. Many of them are dedicated to the sea or tell the history of the city, like the huge pearl shell next to the Muelle Fiscal.

The famous French marine explorer Jacques Yves Cousteau is also a frequent visitor. Equipped with a diving mask, bottle and camera, he has been sitting on the shore looking out to sea since 2012. He is probably on the lookout for grey whales. They come to the Baja California every year to give birth to their young. But today he sees only five oil tankers anchored in the bay of La Paz. For many years Cousteau researched and documented the Sea of Cortez and called it the "aquarium of the world".

In the following you can see a small selection of the statues at the Malecón. There are many more to discover.

Have you ever been to La Paz? Which artwork do you like best? I am happy about your comments.

Recommendations for further Reading

Do you love street art as much as I do? Then take a look at Street Art in Kiev .

Der Beitrag Street-Art in La Paz, Mexiko – Murals und Skulpturen vom Feinsten erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.

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Content

Rendezvous with Bull Sharks
Dark Shadows and close Encounters at "El Vencedor
Shark Diving in Cabo Pulmo National Park, Mexico
Shark Diving - the Pros and Cons
Tips for your Shark Dive for more Safety
Bull Sharks - feared, hunted, protected and loved
So you can do something for Shark Protection yourself

Rendezvous with Bull Sharks

The plane from Los Angeles to San Cabo in Mexico is overbooked. Two volunteers are to be rewarded with no less than 900 dollars each for rebooking their flight for the following day. A tempting sum. But the time we can spend in Baja California Sur is already short anyway. And on top of that I have a very special date there.

But when we arrive at the dive center we are disillusioned: The dive spot "El Vencedor" is closed. Because of conservation reasons, only 72 divers are allowed per week at the wreck. And this is THE spot to see bull sharks in Cabo Pulmo.

Not only at the wreck "El Vencedor", but also at all other dive spots in the national park, the number of divers is limited. Furthermore, the number of dive boats present at each spot is limited. Furthermore, time slots are assigned to the boats. For this reason, the planned dive destinations are only released by the National Park Administration before each trip. This has the advantage that you will never find crowded dive spots in Cabo Pulmo. The disadvantage, however, is that you only find out shortly before the dive if the desired dives will work out.

Leo, our guide from Cabo Pulmo Watersports, our fellow divers Farheen and her partner, and James and I get ready for our 2-tank dive. We do not know at this moment where we want to go. The bigger the surprise is soon after. "Do you want to go to the bull sharks?" Leo asks us with a grin. So "El Vencedor" was open after all and is now the destination for our second dive of the day.

I can not believe our luck, I hope with all my heart that the bull sharks will show up.

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Dark Shadows and close Encounters at "El Vencedor

Already while diving down to the wreck lying in about 13 meters depth, I see a dark shadow under me. It is quite big. At the sides two pectoral fins stand out. My heart is beating, and I notice how my senses are sharpened. They are actually there! The bull sharks of Cabo Pulmo!

Next to the wreck - not much is left - the bottom is sandy. We sit on the sandy bottom, keep calm, wait and watch. On our left, a shoal of yellow striped mullet is standing in the light current. The visibility is rather moderate with about 10 meters. But it doesn't take long until we can see the outline of the first shark in front of us. It continues to approach, only to disappear from view again immediately afterwards. I look around carefully so that I don't miss anything. The idea that a bull shark could approach unnoticed from behind gives me a slightly queasy feeling in my stomach.

But unlike me, the sharks seem to already know about encounters between humans and sharks. They are not impressed by us. They calmly circle around the wreck. I am slowly getting calmer and am happy that the sharks are always coming closer. The mighty animals swim up to about three meters towards us. For a moment, I can even spot three sharks at once.

What an experience! I will never forget this dive for the rest of my life. Because this encounter has redefined my image of sharks. And it has ignited my desire for further shark dives. This encounter left me with a deep feeling of respect and an even deeper feeling of love.

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Shark Diving in Cabo Pulmo National Park, Mexico

In the National Park Cabo Pulmo , you can see different kinds of sharks with a little luck. Some of them live here all year round, others are only seen occasionally. We had some luck and saw besides the bull sharks also a whitetip reef shark.

• Bull Shark(Carcharhinus leucas)
• Nurse Shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum)
• Lemon Shark (Negaprion brevirostris)
• Silky Shark (Carcharhinus falciformis)
• Galapagos Shark (Carcharhinus galapaguensis)
• Tiger Shark (Galeocerdo Cuvier)
• Blacktip Shark (Carcharhinus limbatus)
• Whitetip Reef Shark (Triaenodon obesus)
• Dog Shark (Heterodontus francisci)
• Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus)

Source: Cabo Pulmo Watersports

Bull sharks stay in Cabo Pulmo all year round. Depending on the time of year you dive, you can watch the sharks mating, resting or hunting. The sharks can be found at different dive sites in the national park. However, the wreck "El Vencedor" is the spot with the highest probability of sightings. During the winter season from December to April it is also possible to see the animals from the boat. Because then they come in large numbers close to the flat coast.

In the waters of Cabo Pulmo there is more than enough natural food for the sharks thanks to the fishing ban. All shark feeding is prohibited in the entire national park. The bull sharks therefore do not associate divers with food. They are relaxed and slightly curious.

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Shark Diving - the Pros and Cons

The dive with the bull sharks in Mexico caused a lot of different emotions in me. First of all there is the fascination for the animals and a deep respect. But right next to the respect there is also a spark of fear. Most of the time this is overlaid by curiosity, a thirst for adventure and the desire for special nature experiences. But while I was reading more about the bull sharks of Cabo Pulmo and shark diving, questions arose in my head that demanded answers:

What are the differences in shark diving?
How safe is shark diving?
What is the controversial subject of shark feeding?
What are the general tips for shark diving?

What are the differences in shark diving?

Shark dive operators are easy to find on the internet these days. Different types of dives can be distinguished:

• Natural shark encounters at regional or seasonal shark collections
• Provoked Shark Encounters with fed sharks (with open or closed bait)

For the Natural Shark Encounters, you need a bit of luck and maybe a second or third try until you see a shark. You will be rewarded with an authentic nature experience. You will experience the shark in its natural behaviour. This is the most tolerable, respectful and safe way to conduct a shark dive.

In many diving areas, however, shark encounters are only made possible by feeding. A distinction must be made between feeding with open and closed baits. Closed means that the bait is in a box and the shark is only attracted by the smell. With open bait the fish pieces swim freely in the water. So with the so called "chumming" sharks are lured in front of the camera lens. The chances of a close encounter with a shark and an adrenaline-fuelled nature experience increase up to 100%. Business with sharks is booming and becoming more and more popular. However, the topic of shark feeding is highly controversial and involves risks.

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How safe is shark diving?

Accidents with sharks happen. They are listed in the International Shark Attack Files of the Florida Museum of Natural History. For 2018, 66 "unprovoked" and 34 "provoked" attacks were reported worldwide. Five of the attacks were fatal, including one provoked attack. Of the attacks, 5% were targeted at divers, 6% at snorkelers and freedivers. The figures for 2018 are below the five-year average. They reflect the decline in shark populations due to overfishing and habitat loss. (Source: Florida Museum of Natural History)

Sharks are not aggressive by nature. How else would it be possible to see pictures of divers with big sharks again and again? Apparently not every diver is bitten or eaten by the shark. This is also confirmed by the relatively low number of "unprovoked" shark attacks. However, there is a risk that the body size of humans is the same as that of prey of larger sharks. Since sharks have no possibility to analyse a diver more precisely, they cannot exclude us as prey. If the inhibition threshold of the normally rather shy animal is low enough at the same time, a "test bite" can occur. Because only through the sense of taste can the shark determine whether a diver is a possible prey or not.

However, the biggest risk factor in shark dives are human beings. This is because by frequently feeding the sharks, humans provoke a change in their behaviour: they come closer, compete for food and possibly regard divers as food competitors. Sharks often push and jostle divers. A wrong behaviour can quickly lead to a dangerous situation. In addition, sharks will associate divers with food in the future. What if such an animal develops expectations?

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What is the controversial subject of shark feeding?

The development of shark feeding to promote shark tourism is hotly debated and seen ambivalently.
One opinion is: Shark feedings promote shark protection.
Another opinion is: Shark feeding changes the natural behaviour of the animal and can provoke accidents.

Shark feeding brings diving guests and they bring the money. A lot of money! 80 million dollars per year in the Bahamas alone. And where sharks become a lucrative, long-term source of income, the risk of them ending up on your plate or in your soup pot is reduced. With their underwater photos and adventure stories the diving guests advertise the sharks and help the animals to get a new image. At least as long as nothing happens!

I have decided that I will only participate in shark dives where the sharks are not fed. I would like to experience these majestic animals as naturally as possible. And there are enough regional or seasonal shark collections where encounters are possible. For me, a provoked shark encounter is no longer an authentic nature experience, but rather a risky circus spectacle to satisfy the diver's ego (science and professional camera work excluded).

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Tips for your Shark Dive for more Safety

To make your shark dive as safe as possible, you should follow a few rules:

• Find out about the dive, local conditions and sharks in advance.
• Breathe calmly, quietly and regularly.
• Avoid fast, hectic movements. If the shark comes too close, take a vertical position. Do not swim away! This could be interpreted as easy prey.
• Shark dives require calm and controlled behaviour. This applies to breathing, buoyancy and all movements, including handling the camera. Shark dives are therefore rather something for experienced divers.
• Wear dark colors. Avoids strong contrasts and flashing equipment (confusion with loose scales of an injured fish).
• Try to keep present animals in view. If a shark circles you, turn with calm movements. This will help you to recognize changes in behavior more quickly or to balance any bumping into the shark.
• If you approach the shark from the side, do not appear directly above it. Make sure that there is a minimum distance of two body lengths. Do not harass the animal, especially in caves or wrecks.
• Make it look like schooling fish and use group safety. Especially when feeding on sharks.
• Never stand between shark and its potential prey or in the current area of the bait. Avoid fishing spots and the proximity of spearfishers.
• In shark-rich waters, it is better not to dive at dusk or in poor visibility conditions.
• Sometimes sharks show great interest for camera equipment. Because they can sense the electrical voltage of the equipment. If a shark gets too intrusive, better switch off your camera.
• Do not flash directly into the shark's eyes.
• Follow the instructions of the dive guide and don't get cocky. Any imprudent behaviour while shark diving is negligent and can quickly lead to a dangerous situation.  
• Last but not least: If you are not comfortable with the conditions of the planned shark dive - drop the dive! There will certainly be another opportunity for a great shark dive.

Bull Sharks - feared, hunted, protected and loved

The bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas) or also common ground shark owes its name to its brawny physique. It appears strong and stocky and has a relatively broad snout. An important distinguishing feature, apart from its body type, is its almost right-angled dorsal fin and the lack of an interdorsal ridge between the front and rear dorsal fins. His eyes are comparatively small and appear rigid.

Bull sharks live in warmer coastal waters of the tropics and subtropics. It occurs in all seas except the Red Sea and the Mediterranean. It likes to stay close to the bottom over sandy ground and in murky waters. It is particularly common in shallow water near the shore and in the estuary of rivers. Bull sharks often penetrate rivers or even lakes. This is because, unlike other sharks, they are capable of regulating osmosis. This means they can adapt their metabolism for life in fresh water.

• Weight: up to 230 kg
• Length: up to 330 cm (young animals approx. 70 cm)
• Average life expectancy: 16-18 years
• Gestation: 10 to 11 months
• Litter size: 1 to 13 live born baby sharks
• Sexual maturity: with 10-12 years
• Swimming speed: up to 20 km/h

Bull sharks hunt day and night. They feed on fish, crabs, turtles and molluscs. It even eats other sharks and, if need be, even conspecifics. Humans are usually not on its menu. Nevertheless, the bull shark is one of the shark species that can also be dangerous to humans. Together with the tiger shark and the great white shark, it is one of the three most dangerous shark species.

More than 70 shark species are already on the IUCN Red List. The bull shark is also on the list. It is not threatened with extinction and is considered "only" to be at low risk (NT, Near Threatened). It is endangered by commercial fishing and sport fishing, because it can unfortunately continue to be hunted. Since the bull shark is often found in coastal waters, it is also an easy prey. Sharks also often die as by-catch in fishing nets.

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So you can do something for Shark Protection yourself

Keep your eyes open when you buy fish. Do not buy "fantasy fish". Shark products are hidden behind the names "Schillerlocken", "Seeaal", "Kalbsfisch", "Seestör", "Karbonadenfisch" and "Königsaal" . Pharmaceuticals and cosmetics may also contain shark products, such as shark cartilage (collagen) or liver oil (squalene).

Stopp Finning!
Shark fins are considered a "delicacy" in many countries. Live sharks are often cut off the fins. The mutilated animals are then disposed of as waste overboard and are delivered to an agonizing death.
Here to find out more about it.

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Book Recommendations for Mexico

You want to know where the journey goes? Then I can recommend these books* about Mexico.

You can order the books at Amazon by clicking on the pictures. If you buy a product through one of these affiliate links, I get a small commission and you help me to keep filling Fernweh-Motive with interesting articles. The product will not be more expensive for you and you do me a huge favor.

Have you ever been diving with sharks? Where was it and how did you like it? Do you have any questions or further tips for diving with bull sharks in Cabo Pulmo? If yes, then write me a comment!

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Further Encounters with Sharks

Snorkeling with Basking Sharks in Scotland

Snorkeling with Whale Sharks off La Paz, Mexico

"Snorkeling in La Jolla - the best Tips" - Here you can snorkel with leopard sharks.

Der Beitrag Shark Diving mit Bullenhaien in Cabo Pulmo, Mexiko & Tipps fürs Haitauchen erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.