Islas Coronado dive and wildlife trip

Islas Coronado lie about 13 km off Playas de Tijuana in the Pacific, reached only by charter boat from Ensenada harbour (1.5-2 hours) or from San Diego dive operators crossing the border by sea; there is no scheduled ferry, and landing on the islands themselves is prohibited. Charters depart between 7AM and 8AM and return mid-afternoon, so the destination requires booking several days in advance since trips do not run without a minimum group. The four uninhabited islands are ringed by kelp forest, home to large sea lion colonies hauled out on the rocks, nesting seabirds, and, in autumn, water visibility reaching 20 m that draws two-tank dive charters (from about MXN 3,000) alongside cheaper wildlife-watching trips (from about MXN 1,400). A typical day is entirely at sea: an early morning departure from Ensenada harbour, one or two dive or snorkel stops among the kelp and sea lions through the late morning, a boxed lunch aboard, and a return crossing in the early afternoon, with whale sightings possible on the way back during winter months. The best season is August through November, when water is warmest and visibility peaks, though the exposed crossing can be rough at any time of year. There are no food stops on the islands themselves, since landing is not permitted, so all meals are taken aboard the charter boat.