THE SEA OF CORTEZ
The Sea of Cortez is unique in several ways: it receives more sunlight than any other sea (340-plus days of sunshine per year); it has extreme depths of greater than 2 miles; and it contains three distinct currents. The result is an abundance of microscopic plankton, the stable diet of marine life. Thus, in this environmentally-preserved ecosystem, the wealth of marine wildlife is unequalled anywhere in the northern hemisphere.
The Sea of Cortez Experience
The Sea of Cortez, or Gulf of California, is a naturalist’s delight, both above and below the waters, and offers a huge assortment of water sports and eco-adventures for you to enjoy. For starters, it is a world-class sport-fishing, scuba-diving and deep-sea snorkeling destination. Equally a boater’s dream, the Sea of Cortez abounds with deserted islands waiting to be explored, as well as pristine, white sand beaches, secret coves, and uninhabited islets — perfect for a kayaking, sailing, or cruising expedition.
Espiritu Santo Island
Venture to the magnificent coves of Isla Espiritu Santo. This island, 18 miles north of La Paz, is a nature preserve rich in cacti, plants and wildlife, where you can camp overnight and spend long hours beachcombing, hiking, admiring the sunset and star-gazing into the wee hours. The Sea of Cortez gives a whole new meaning to the word captivating.
Protected Wildlife
The Sea of Cortez has been described as "Ferocious with life," by writer John Steinbeck, while legendary diver Jacques Cousteau referred to the Sea of Cortez as the "world's aquarium." In 2005, hundreds of islands in Mexico's Sea of Cortez were declared World Heritage Fund sites by United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as it is home to one-third of the world’s whale and dolphin species. The Sea of Cortez houses twelve species of annual whales; including the Blue Whale (the largest animal that inhabits the planet), Humpback Whales and California Gray Whales, who travel 12,000 miles from the Arctic Sea to reach the choice lagoons which have become their annual birthing grounds.
