El Bajo

El Bajo is a long submerged coral ridge with amphitheater-like outcrops and rocky formations that form a classic hard- and soft-coral reef environment. The site is widely dived and often appreciated for its drift potential along the ridge; marine life is abundant, with garden eels and large schools of reef fish commonly seen and turtles frequently grazing on the coral, and seasonal visitors such as mobula rays and whale sharks may pass by. The dive is done from a moored boat, descending or drifting along the roughly 500 m north-south ridge. Reef tops are usually around 10-12 m with the deepest points near 15 m. Currents commonly flow along the ridge and can be moderate to strong, so divers often use reef hooks or follow a guide. Visibility is generally very good (often better than 15 to 20 m) except during winter plankton blooms, water temperatures range roughly from 19°C in winter to 28-29°C in summer, and no decompression stops are normally required due to the moderate depths.