The Sea of Cortez (Mar de Cortés in Spanish) is a breathtaking destination that everybody visiting Baja California Sur should visit. It is also known as Mar Bermejo (Vermilion Sea), Golfo de California (California Gulf), or the Aquarium of the World.
Where is the Sea of Cortez? It is located between the Baja California peninsula and Mexico’s mainland, an extension of the Pacific Ocean. With 2,500 miles of coastline, it is a paradise for people that love tropical marine life, practicing water sports, and enjoying the sun. Baja California Norte and Baja California Sur have coastlines in this sea.
To access the Sea of Cortez, you must visit Cabo San Lucas, a well-known city for its beautiful beaches, warm and sunny climate, and fun nightlife. If you are planning your next adventure on Cabo or the Sea of Cortez, there are a couple of things you need to know about before your visit.
How is the marine life in the Baja California Sea of Cortez?
The Sea of Cortez has a wide variety of sea life that makes this location a very special place. It is a hotspot for amateur and professional snorkelers and divers, not only for its calm and warm water but also due to the many species you can see here.
While swimming in the Sea of Cortez you can spot many marine creatures, like different species of tropical fishes, stingrays, sea lions, sea turtles, dolphins, humpback whales, blue whales, and so much more!
The best way to explore the Sea of Cortez and its beautiful underwater world is with a snorkeling tour or a whale-watching tour that cruises around all important landmarks and locations.
La Isla Tour offers snorkeling tours and whale-watching excursions in a private catamaran that adapts to all your needs.
Why is it known as the Aquarium of the World?
Jacques Cousteau, the popular oceanographer, called the Sea of Cortez “the Aquarium of the World” due to the wide variety of species that can be found in this area.
Since then, it has been recognized by this nickname, and millions of tourists come every year to discover all the wonders that Cabo San Lucas coastline and the Mexican mainland have to offer.
The Sea of Cortez is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Because of the natural beauty and rich ecosystem of the area, the Sea of Cortez is protected by UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This sea in the Baja California peninsula is home to thousands of seabirds, microinvertebrates, sharks, resident fish species, marine mammals (including one of the biggest in the world, the blue whale), and many migratory species.
Some of these species are critically endangered, so the Mexican government also declared the northern part of the Sea of Cortez and the Colorado River Delta as a biosphere reserve. Sport fishing is popular here, so there is now legislation to protect many of these species.
However, the law is rarely enforced, so it is needed that tourists and locals help to protect the natural ecological balance of the area. To avoid legal inconvenience, it is best to follow the guidelines to practice any type of fishing.
What activities are available in the Sea of Cortez?
Snorkeling and scuba diving
The most popular activities to practice here are snorkeling and scuba diving. The calm waters, warm temperature, and popular rock formations home to marine wildlife are inviting to any enthusiastic snorkeler or diver.
With a snorkeling tour, you will be able to explore all the greatest locations where you can spot many species. At La Isla Tour, with 18 years of experience, we know all the hotspots and important landmarks that you need to visit to discover the wonders of the Sea of Cortez.
Our snorkeling tours include all equipment needed, snacks, and drinks, so you only need to worry about having fun.
Water sports
Water sports are also popular. In the Sea of Cortez is possible to practice kayak, sailing, sport fishing or game fishing, paddle boarding, wakeboarding, and more. If you visit the Pacific Ocean side, you can also practice surfing. Keep in mind that the Pacific Ocean side has strong currents, big waves, and rip tides, so it is not suitable for everybody.
Beach activities
If you want to enjoy the beautiful beaches, you can also find many activities on land. From beach volleyball and tennis to exploring the variety of beach restaurants available. Visit the famous Lover Beach, Medano Beach, Divorce Beach, and more. The beaches on the Pacific Ocean have strong waves and currents, so be aware of this if you want to swim there.
Cabo San Lucas activities
Of course, if you visit Cabo San Lucas, you can also opt to go hiking and discover many of the hill hikes, walk around the city, visit San Jose del Cabo, and embark on many off-road adventures. Don’t forget to explore Cabo at night, and visit its different restaurants, pubs, bars, and beach parties.
Explore the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean with La Isla Tour
At La Isla Tour we have 18 years of experience cruising around the landmarks of the Sea of Cortez. We know the best way to explore the sea, and we take all tourists to an unforgettable time in our luxurious boats.
We offer snorkeling tours, whale-watching excursions, dinner cruises, and special events.
With us, you can customize your experience. Say where you want to go, and what you want to do, and we take care of the rest!
All of our excursions include snacks, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and paddleboarding equipment.
Celebrate in Cabo San Lucas with a luxurious private catamaran
If you want to celebrate in Cabo, we offer many options that adapt to your needs. Regardless if it is a small event or a big one, you can count on our luxurious sailboats. Host birthday parties, anniversaries, proposals, weddings, vow renewals, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and more!
Our luxurious experiences include an open bar to delight your guests, and also gourmet food prepared by a popular Mexican chef on board. All of this while we cruise around the most breathtaking locations in the Sea of Cortez.
