El Bajo Sea Mounts

El Bajo Sea Mounts is an offshore seamount northeast of Isla Espiritu Santo made up of three rocky pinnacles, with the central peak the usual anchoring and primary dive focus. The site is world-renowned for abundant pelagic life, notably frequent schooling scalloped hammerhead sharks and large pelagic fishes; schools of tuna and dorado are common and giant manta rays, whale sharks and marlin are seen occasionally. Dives are boat entries and typically conducted as drift dives, dropping in near the central peak and drifting over the pinnacles and channels. Depths generally range from about 15 m at the peaks to roughly 30–40 m at the base. Conditions are offshore and exposed with moderate to strong currents and possible surge; visibility can be good and water temperatures are roughly 20–27 °C. The site lies within Parque Nacional Marino Espiritu Santo and requires a park permit; advanced drift-diving skills, good buoyancy control and comfort at depth are recommended.