When most divers think “Baja,” they picture La Paz, with its whale sharks, or Cabo San Lucas, with its mega resorts. But Loreto, just four and a half hours north of La Paz, is the original capital of Baja California and the oldest permanent settlement on the peninsula. Here, history is rich, diving excellent and varied, and the pace of life much more relaxed.

Thinking about a trip to one of these locations? We’ve got what you need to plan your trip, including when to go, where to dive and the types of wildlife you can expect to see.