Account of Journey to La Paz in 2023
The enchanting Sea of Cortez, situated on the Baja Peninsula, provided an extraordinary diving experience for eighteen guests during Bluewater Travel's La Paz Photo Workshop in October 2023. The crystal-clear waters, inviting 86-degree temperatures, and vibrant marine life made for unparalleled encounters with sea lions, turtles, wrecks, and more.
Sea lions, in particular, stole the show, displaying playful antics and engaging with divers. Nonchalant pups nibbled on fins, cameras, and wetsuit lanyards, bringing moments of delight and surprise throughout the trip.
Led by Trip Leader Dan Bishop, this land-based adventure from October 2023 employed the services of Fun Baja as the dive operator. Each day commenced with an 8 a.m. departure for diving, followed by two to three dives daily. Boat rides to and from the sites ranged from one to two hours, depending on the destination. The dedicated dive guides, Edgar and Diana, skillfully selected sites with the finest conditions and most captivating marine life. Although visibility was slightly lower due to El Niño, the group managed to yield impressive images.
The trip was a photo workshop, where underwater photography fundamentals, wide-angle shooting techniques, and editing were discussed for over an hour each day. Image reviews were also conducted frequently throughout the week to accommodate a diverse range of experience levels, from novice to advanced photographers. Equipment in use ranged from the Olympus TG-6 to the Sony A1, with various camera models like the Nikon D7500, Canon R10, and Sony A6600 also in the mix.
Sea Lion interactions were frequent and engaging, with four dives at Los Islotes comprising one of the trip highlights. At this site, home to over 850 sea lions, divers enjoyed the playful antics of the pups, curious females, and large males. Los Islotes was not the only site hosting sea lions; they were also spotted at La Reina and near the wreck of the Salvatierra.
The group explored four wrecks during the trip, with the wreck of the Salvatierra proving particularly popular. The wreck housed an array of sea life, such as turtles, large schools of yellowtail surgeonfish, large green morays, and snapper. The coral-covered wreck structures also served as the backdrop for stunning wide-angle images.
While the trip primarily focused on still image shooters, videographers using their iPhones, GoPros, and mirrorless cameras also contributed to capturing the trip's memories. The week was not without top-side sightings, as guests also spotted a breaching pilot whale and her calf near their boat, explored an island inhabited by booby and other bird species, and were treated to stunning sunsets.
Hurricane Norma forced the trip to be cut short by one day, affecting two dives on Friday for most guests. Despite the delay, the 2023 La Paz Photo Workshop provided a memorable and inspiring adventure for all participants, leaving them looking forward to the La Paz Photo Workshop in November 2025.
Should one wish to embark on similar adventures, Bluewater Travel offers several other trips to the Sea of Cortez, such as the Sea of Cortez Photo Workshop (August 24 to 31, 2024, August 23 to 30, 2025, and October 3 to 15, 2026). The vibrant marine life, diverse dive sites, and unique experiences the Sea of Cortez offers make it an unforgettable destination for marine enthusiasts.
- During the trip, sea lions captivated divers with their playful antics and friendly interactions.
- The crystal-clear waters of the Sea of Cortez, heated to inviting 86-degree temperatures, provided an ideal setting for diving and underwater photography.
- Coral-covered marine life, including turtles, yellowtail surgeonfish, green morays, and snapper, graced the vibrant reefs and wrecks visited throughout the trip.
- Divers on the La Paz Photo Workshop were led by Trip Leader Dan Bishop and assisted by skilled dive guides Edgar and Diana, who carefully selected the best diving spots to experience the marine life.
- Trip participants not only immersed themselves in diving but also engaged in discussions about underwater photography fundamentals, wide-angle shooting techniques, and editing.
- With Hurricane Norma cutting the trip short by one day, the unforgettable experiences of the 2023 La Paz Photo Workshop left participants looking forward to future trips, such as the Sea of Cortez Photo Workshop offered by Bluewater Travel.
