The Cortez Club

The narrow peninsula that juts southward into the Pacific Ocean from Mexico's western coast attracts muy grande pelagics. In fact, dive masters at the all-new Cortez Club tell true tales of guests encountering hammerhead sharks as well as manta rays and sea lions on the first day of diving. You may wonder, If I can do all this on the first day, how are they going to impress me on the second day? How about ocean pinnacles with whale sharks, blue whales and a 300-foot ferry boat covered in marine life? What would you say to that? I'd say, Book me now! The all-new Cortez Club adjacent to the La Concha Resort in La Paz has redefined diving in the Sea of Cortez. The first-class diving center was designed by divers for divers. The well-appointed facility includes a full-service PADI dive center with equipment storage areas, changing rooms and photo work stations for recharging camera strobes and dive lights. A private jetty is only steps away to the fast rigid-hull inflatable dive boats. You'll also find the Cortez Club perfect for individuals or groups: It features a large lecture theater and an informal bar and restaurant. There are plenty of other water-sports activities as well: sea kayaks, Waverunners, sailboats and windsurfers. The waters around La Paz offer a variety of exciting, unusual and unique dives year-round. There is some seasonal variation throughout the year with the larger animals. Typically, migrating whales are most often seen during the months of January to March, while whale sharks usually are found between May and August. Other big fish just seem to hang around through out the year. El Bajo, sometimes called Hammerhead City, consists of three seamounts in the open ocean that attract huge pelagics. Here you will find the schooling hammerhead sharks, the huge Pacific manta rays and whale sharks. While encountering the big ocean dwellers never is a guarantee, you've got some of the best chances of it happening here. Another fascinating experience is the Sea Lion Colony at Los Islotes. This is a small group of rocky outcroppings that is a raucous nonstop party of sea lions, some of which enjoy getting in your face. While dozens of dive sites offer marine encounters, the wreck of the Salvatierra rounds out the area's intriguing array of underwater attractions. The 300-foot wreck is covered in hard and soft corals, and the often-strong currents create a sanctuary of marine life that can only be described as phenomenal. The Cortez Club is adjacent to the La Concha Resort, the only hotel in the area that overlooks a protected bay and has its own crescent-shaped beach. The charming resort is distinctly Mexican, elegantly manicured and yet casual. La Paz, with its unique architecture, cobblestone streets and quaint palaces, is 1.2 miles away. The 107 rooms have air conditioning, television, telephone, full bath and shower, and terrace or balcony views that face the sea. There are three styles of rooms: standard rooms, found in the main hotel; studio-style rooms with an additional split-level living area and dining area with kitchenette; and apartments with separate bedrooms, living area, dining room, well-equipped kitchen and upgraded furnishings. You'll also find comfortable additional facilities that include a restaurant, small gift shop, freshwater swimming pool and pool bar.ADVERTORIAL