The Cortez Club
La Paz's longest-established water sports operator and the only PADI 5-Star IDC Gold Palm Resort in Baja California Sur. Thirty years of whale shark snorkeling, scuba diving, whale watching, and Sea of Cortez adventures — from first-time snorkelers to instructor candidates.
Why The Cortez Club
30 Years of Experience
Operating on the Sea of Cortez since 1995 — longer than virtually any competitor in La Paz. Local expertise, established dive sites, and a track record that speaks for itself.
Highest PADI Certification in BCS
PADI 5-Star IDC Gold Palm Resort is the highest tier of PADI resort certification — signifying full Instructor Development Course capability. The only resort in all of Baja California Sur to hold this designation.
NMX-AA-133-SCFI 2022 Certified
Mexico's rigorous national ecotourism safety standard. The Cortez Club is the only operator in Baja California Sur to hold this certification — guaranteeing certified captains and verified wildlife interaction protocols.
Experiences & Tours
Whale Shark Snorkeling
$150 USD/personShared boat · 3-hour tour · Season: Oct 1–May 31
Min age 2. Fins, snorkel, wetsuit, water, and soft drinks included.
Scuba Diving
From $175 USD/person2 immersions · Min age 12
Sites include Los Islotes sea lion colony and Espíritu Santo.
Whale Watching
Contact for pricingSeasonal · Sea of Cortez
Grey Whales
Contact for pricingSeasonal
Snorkeling & Combos
See combo pricing belowVarious Sea of Cortez locations
Water Sports
Contact for pricingKayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing
Yacht Charters
Contact for pricingPrivate or group
Fishing & Marlin Tours
Contact for pricingSport fishing in the Sea of Cortez
All prices exclude 16% IVA (Mexican sales tax). Confirm current pricing and availability directly with The Cortez Club before booking.
Whale Shark Season
Season
October 1 – May 31
Shared Tour
$150 USD/person
Duration
3 hours
Min Age
2 years
Whale shark encounters are seasonal and subject to conditions — no sightings are guaranteed. During peak season The Cortez Club has documented up to 12 whale sharks in a single area. Fins, snorkel, wetsuit, water, and soft drinks are included. Prices exclude 16% IVA.
Combo Tours
| Tour | Price |
|---|---|
| Whale Sharks + Balandra Bay | $180/person |
| Whale Sharks + San Rafaelito | $165/person |
| Whale Sharks + Espíritu Santo | $249/person |
| Private boat (any destination) | $1,250 USD flat |
For the full editorial guide to whale sharks in La Paz — including season details, SEMARNAT rules, operator comparison, and booking tips — see Whale Shark Season in La Paz.
PADI Dive Courses
As a PADI 5-Star IDC Gold Palm Resort, The Cortez Club can certify divers from their very first underwater experience through full PADI Instructor qualification. PADI eLearning lets you complete the theory portion before arriving in La Paz, so more of your time in the water stays in the water.
Course schedules, prerequisites, and current pricing are listed on the Cortez Club website. Contact them directly to plan a learn-to-dive trip around your La Paz schedule.
Plan Your Time in the Water
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Cortez Club good for beginners?
Yes. The Cortez Club offers Discover Scuba Diving for first-timers — no certification needed. As a PADI 5-Star IDC Gold Palm Resort, their instructors can take you from your first breath underwater all the way through Open Water certification. Minimum age for scuba is 12; minimum age for whale shark snorkeling is 2.
When is whale shark season in La Paz?
The Cortez Club runs whale shark tours from October 1 through May 31 each year. Peak encounter windows are typically mid-November through April, when whale shark aggregations are largest. Tours operate subject to weather and sea conditions — no specific sightings are guaranteed.
How much does a whale shark tour cost?
Shared boat tours start at $150 USD/person for a 3-hour tour, including fins, snorkel, wetsuit, water, and soft drinks. Combo tours (paired with Balandra, San Rafaelito, or Espíritu Santo) run $165–$249/person. Private boats are $1,250 USD flat. All prices are as of April 2026 and exclude 16% IVA (Mexican sales tax) — confirm current pricing directly with The Cortez Club.
What PADI courses can I take at The Cortez Club?
The Cortez Club is the only PADI 5-Star IDC Gold Palm Resort in Baja California Sur, meaning they offer the full range from beginner courses (Discover Scuba, Open Water) through professional training (Divemaster, Instructor). PADI eLearning lets you complete the theory portion before you arrive in La Paz.
Where is The Cortez Club located?
The Cortez Club is at Carretera a Pichilingue Km 5, co-located with La Concha Beach Resort — about 5–10 minutes north of downtown La Paz by car or taxi. They have a private jetty for boat departures.
What is the NMX-AA-133-SCFI 2022 certification?
NMX-AA-133-SCFI 2022 is Mexico's national ecotourism safety standard, updated in 2022. It governs equipment, guide qualifications, and wildlife interaction protocols for nature-based tourism operators. The Cortez Club is the only operator in Baja California Sur to hold this certification — a meaningful signal for travelers who want to prioritize environmental standards and certified captains.