Playa Coral Negro, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

If you can stand the heat and are willing to adventure beyond the local snorkeling tours, Cabo San Lucas is an awesome place to explore colorful and diverse ocean life. One of the easiest locations to explore, for free and feet from shore, is Playa Coral Negro. Playa Coral Negro is at the southern end of Playa Empacadora which is on the south side of the harbor entrance. This beach is also known as El Corsario and Cannery Beach. No matter what name you choose to call it, just walk south on that beach until it ends at the base of the cliffs. This is a short walk once you’re on the beach.

From the beach, before the cliffs, looking into the water from shore, you’ll notice dark areas right off shore the size of a small car. These areas appear to be either old ship or mechanical parts placed in the water right off shore. They have since turned into a thriving ocean life home for hundreds of diverse fish. They are easy to spot in the clear water and there is nothing else nearby except small reefs and sand. This area is only about 10 by 15 feet, yet packed with so much life, you’ll be stuck there watching all the acitivity for a while.

No one really pays attention to this spot except the locals who occasionally swim by it. I came across it swimming from this beach to Pelican Rock. These was so much to see here, I would have to force myself to leave to get on with the rest of my route. Then I would stop by it again on the way back. It’s amazing how many fish frequent this small area and how the mix of fish constantly changes. There are also dark purple and black corals growing in the area and along the shallow reefs.

My favorite fish to watch here are the abundant cute LongSpine Porcupinefish, usually there are anywhere from 12 to over 50 swimming around or resting in the crevices. You’ll also find black with while spots Guineafowl Puffers along with the yellow and black colored varients. There will be many bright yellow striped Sgt. Majorfish swimming about along with yellow and black striped Convict Tangs. If you look closely into the nooks and crevices, you’ll find Green Moray Eels guarding the openings.

When it’s time to eat, all the fish go into a feeding frenzy as they dig into the sand in hot spots. This is when the most fish are present and are super active. You’ll see a sampling of all the fish in the area here mixed together. If you’re ever in Cabo San Lucas near this beach, you should definitely check this small man made reef area out. Also, bring a beach umbrella for shade or you’ll cook in the sun.

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