Night Dive
in Cabo San Lucas
Small-Group Night Diving in Cabo San Lucas
Watch the Reef Come Alive After Dark
The Marine Park looks like a different place after dark. We run this as a single dive, starting right at sunset, so you get to watch the light drain out of the reef in real time before switching over to dive lights (included) for the rest of the dive.
Since night diving asks more of you than a daytime reef, we only take divers who've already done a Marine Park dive with us. If this is your first time diving at night, you'll get a full briefing beforehand, so you know exactly what to expect once the sun is gone.
Marine Life After Dark
Lobsters and moray eels come out of hiding once the light fades, easier to spot now that they're not tucked deep in a crevice, and octopus turn from shy daytime hiders into active hunters crossing open sand in full view of your dive light. Keep an eye out for a passing turtle, and for the long, snake-like sea cucumbers that only show themselves at night, barely visible outside the beam of your torch.
Colors also read differently once the sun is down: a dive light picks up the reds and oranges that daylight filters out at depth, so the reef looks more saturated than it does by day. Save some attention for the end of the dive: on many nights, the water lights up with glowing plankton, and every fin kick, every wave of your hand, trails a streak of blue-green light.
01.
What are the requirements for night diving in Cabo San Lucas?
You need to be a certified diver, Open Water or higher, in good general health, and to have done at least one daytime Marine Park dive with us before joining the Night Dive. Diving in the dark asks more of your buoyancy and awareness, so that first dive lets us get to know your skills and makes sure you'll feel relaxed once the sun goes down. Minors are welcome when diving with a parent or guardian.
02.
What's the schedule for the Night Dive?
We meet in the late afternoon for a safety briefing on shore, then head out so you're in the water right at sunset. The Night Dive is a single-tank dive, so you watch the light fade over the reef before switching on your dive light for the rest of the dive. Because sunset time changes through the year, the meeting time also changes, and we'll confirm it when you book. The whole outing takes about 2 hours from dock to dock.
03.
What if I've never done a night dive before?
No problem, many of our guests do their first night dive in Cabo with us. Before getting in, you'll get an extensive briefing on using your light, night hand signals and how we stay together as a group. Starting at sunset also makes it much easier, since your eyes adjust little by little as the reef goes dark.
04.
What can I see on a night dive in the Marine Park?
At night, the reef changes completely. Many animals that hide during the day come out to hunt and feed: • Octopus moving in the open • Lobsters and crabs out of their crevices • Moray eels hunting along the rocks You'll also see sleeping fish tucked into the reef, and if you cover your light for a moment, you may spot bioluminescent plankton glowing around you.
05.
Is night diving safe?
Yes, when it's done with the right preparation. Every diver carries a dive light, we keep very small groups, and your guide stays close to the whole team for the entire dive. We also dive sites we know inside out, in the sheltered waters of the Cabo San Lucas Marine Park, which makes it an ideal place for a first night dive.
06.
What should I bring?
Just your swimsuit and a sweater or jacket, since evenings on the water cool off quickly, especially in winter. Your dive light and a microfiber towel are included. If you're prone to seasickness, take your medication at least 1 hour before we leave the dock.
07.
Can I book a private Night Dive?
Yes. Our night dives already run in small, semi-private groups, and you can add a private guide or book a fully private trip for your group, your family or just the two of you. It's a great option for couples or friends who want the reef to themselves after dark.
08.
What's not included in the price?
Your dive light is included. Not included are the rest of your dive gear, which you can rent with us, personal travel or medical insurance, and gratuities for the captain and crew.