Marine Life and The Sea of Cortez
The Sea of Cortez is considered one of the
richest in flora and fauna. This aquatic arm was created millions of years ago
with the collision and friction of the Pacific and North American tectonic plate
movements. The extraordinary wealth of this ecosystem is due mainly to the
sunshine, heat, winds, and marine currents. All of these ingredients create the
amazing Sea of Cortez that Jacques Cousteau once called "The
biggest aquarium in the world".
Millions of species inhabit the coast that surrounds La Paz, from colorful invertebrates such as sea urchins, anemones, and corals to whale sharks, gigantic manta rays and several species of marine mammals, not to mention, peculiar fish like the Cortez Angel and seahorses. Many of these can be observed with just a mask and snorkel.
In addition, Baja California Sur is the birthplace for
gray whales (Eschrichtius Robustus). Each year, from January through March, it
is possible to see mating, birthing and breeding mainly around Laguna Ojo de
Liebre in Guerrero Negro, Laguna San Ignacio and canals within Bahia Magdalena
(Puerto San Carlos and Puerto Adolofo Lopez Mateos). The latter is the closest
body of water to La Paz and part of the country of Comondu, a three-hour drive
from La Paz accessible by the transpeninsular road north.
In the city of La Paz you will find information on marine mammals living in the Sea of Cortez, everything from the history of these animals to impressive displays of complete gray whale skeletons.