Sea of Cortez, Mexico
Where is the Sea of Cortez?
The Sea of Cortez, also known as the Gulf of California, is located between the Baja California Peninsula and the mainland of Mexico. It is a marginal Pacific Ocean sea stretching 4,000 km (2,500 mi) and occupying an area of 160,000 km² (62,000 mi²).
Named the "aquarium of the world" by Jacques Cousteau, who put efforts into the preservation of the area, the Sea of Cortez boasts incredible biological diversity. This earned the region the special status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Islands in the Sea of Cortez
Photo by Madhu Madhavan on flickr.com
The Gulf of California is home to one of the world's largest archipelagos, featuring over 900 islands. Many of them serve as nesting sites for thousands of seabird species and are uninhabited. Below, we'll observe the main tourist destinations around the Sea of Cortez and the Baja California Peninsula.
|
Name of the place |
Highlights |
Activities |
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Balandra Bay
|
White sandy beaches Picturesque rock formations “Mushroom Rock” |
Hiking Swimming Sunbathing Yachting (no overnight stops) |
|
Bonanza Beach, Isla Espiritu Santo |
The largest beach on the island White sand Quiet atmosphere Towering red cliffs Variety of marine life |
Snorkelling Diving Hiking Camping (permission from the Mexican National Park Service is required) |
|
Cabo San Lucas, Baja California
|
The meeting point of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez Abundance of marine life The rock formation of El Arco Medano Beach Lover’s Beach (accessible only by boat) Playa Solmar Vibrant art scene Upscale resorts Spa treatments with indigenous ingredients |
Photographing Sunset viewing Water sports Deep-sea fishing Whale watching (December to March) Diving Snorkelling Dining at seafood and Mexican restaurants Downtown strolling Golfing |
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El Gallo and La Gallina (accessible only by boat)
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Rugged landscape Variety of desert vegetation Teeming marine life Variety of bird species White sand beaches |
Snorkelling Diving Swimming Kayaking Wildlife watching Camping Hiking Fishing |
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El Pardito (Isla Coyote) |
The Cuevas family’s residence |
Trading Dining on fresh seafood Yachting |
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Ensenada Grande Bay (Isla Partida)
|
Pristine white sand beaches Ancient volcanic rocks Impressive geological formations Diverse marine environment Abundance of sea turtles |
Whale/dolphin/turtle watching Diving Snorkelling Kayaking Sunbathing Swimming |
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Gaviota Island (Boobie Island)
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Blue-footed booby rookery (population of 5,000) Frigate birds, pelicans Sea lion colony Lover’s Cove Beach |
Bird watching Yachting Kayaking Snorkelling |
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Isla Ballena
|
Playa El Corralito Playa La Ballena Diverse range of marine life Rugged terrain |
Diving Snorkelling Hiking |
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Isla Carmen (accessible through Loreto)
|
Rich marine diversity Sandy beaches Rocky terrain Secluded atmosphere |
Snorkelling Diving Kayaking Hiking Wildlife watching Boating |
|
Isla Coronado
|
Two fantastic beaches Rugged terrain El Vigia rock formation Variety of marine and bird species |
Yachting Eco-tourism Snorkelling Diving Bird watching Whale/dolphin watching |
|
Isla Danzante
|
Amazing landscape with unique rock formations Vibrant greenery Marine biodiversity Sandy beaches (accessible only by boat) |
Snorkelling Diving Kayaking Wildlife watching
|
|
Isla Espiritu Santo
|
Pristine beaches Abundant wildlife (22 species of dolphins, 9 species of whales, 5 species of turtles, 4 endemic mammal species) San Gabriel Bay Ancient petroglyphs made by indigenous peoples |
Wildlife watching Snorkelling Kayaking Diving Exploration of cultural heritage |
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Isla San Francisquito
|
Beautiful beaches Transparent waters Unique plant ecosystem Abundant marine life
|
Swimming Snorkelling Diving Kayaking Camping/yachting (permission is required) Whale/dolphin watching |
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Isla San Jose (permission from the National Park Service of Mexico is required)
|
Natural springs Rocky landscape Over 50 species of migratory birds Variety of marine life Plenty of coves and beaches Ancient rock sites of Pericu peoples |
Snorkelling Diving Kayaking Fishing Hiking/camping (by permission)
|
|
Isla Partida
|
Array of marine life Ancient rock art sites left by Pericu peoples Rugged coastline Secluded coves and beaches
|
Snorkelling Kayaking Diving Swimming Sunbathing Wildlife watching Boating Hiking (trails available) |
|
Jacques Cousteau Island (formerly Cerralvo Island)
|
Abundant sea life Diverse range of animal and plant species Rock art and petroglyphs by indigenous peoples |
Diving Snorkelling Sport fishing Hiking Nature photography Swimming Bird watching |
|
La Paz (Baja California Sur), town
|
Fabulous waterfront Pristine beaches Gentle waves Playa Balandra (see above) Rich cultural heritage Malecon boardwalk An array of culinary experiences Relaxed and authentic atmosphere First Spanish settlement |
Town exploration Water sports Dining Acquaintance with culture
|
|
La Reina Reef
|
Abundant marine life Sea lion colony Giant mantas Stunning underwater formations |
Diving Wildlife watching Snorkelling Yachting |
|
La Ribera, town
|
Excellent beaches Gentle waves Wildlife variety Authentic cuisine Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park Markets with crafts |
Snorkelling Diving Dining Golfing Stargazing |
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La Ventana
|
Consistent thermal winds Flawless beaches Expansive sandy beaches Laid-back village community |
Kite-surfing Dining
|
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Loreto, town
|
Astonishing sea vistas Rich marine life Second Spanish settlement – colonial architecture Mision Nuestra Senora de Loreto Concho Relaxed ambience Authentic cuisine |
Diving Whale watching Golfing Hiking Kayaking Exploration of heritage Dining |
|
Los Barriles
|
Sierra de la Laguna mountains Rocky terrain Consistent winds Lord of Wind kiteboarding competition Welcoming atmosphere Animated markets Hidden waterfalls Diverse flora and fauna |
Sport fishing Photography Snorkelling Kayaking Paddle boarding Kiteboarding Hiking Dining Attending festivals |
|
Los Islotes
|
Large sea lion colony Unique marine life: 900 species of fish, 32 species of marine mammals |
Diving Snorkelling Underwater photography Wildlife observation |
|
Mulege, town and municipality
|
Excellent ocean views Desert landscapes Bahia Concepcion Bay Mission Santa Rosalia de Mulege Cueva de Palma – cave with impressive rock formations and ancient cave paintings |
Fishing Exploration of heritage Camping Hiking Whale watching (winter months) |
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Pichilingue
|
Pre-Columbian history – a port used by indigenous peoples Abandoned whaling stations and pearl farms Ferry terminal: cruises between La Paz and Mazatlan Cruise ship terminal |
Beach recreation Snorkelling Diving Fishing Historical tourism |
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Playa Tecolote, beach
|
Soft white sand Breathtaking views Relaxed atmosphere
|
Swimming Sunbathing Snorkelling Kayaking Paddle boarding Observation of marine life Dining |
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Puerto Escondido
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Marina in a protected harbour Rocky cliffs Abundant marine life
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Boating Fishing Snorkelling Diving Hiking Beach recreation |
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San Bruno, village
|
The first Spanish mission (1683) Picturesque beaches Rich marine biodiversity Tranquil atmosphere Desert landscapes |
Sport fishing Diving Snorkelling Whale watching Eco-tourism |
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San Jose del Cabo, town
|
The Mission of San Jose del Cabo (1730) Historic town centre: colonial architecture Art Walk on Thursdays Cultural hub Estero San Jose estuary Excellent culinary scene Relaxed ambience |
Historical tourism Snorkelling Cruising Sailing Diving Fishing Bird watching Dining |
Final Remarks
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:El_Arco,_Cabo_San_Lucas,_Baja_California_Sur_(16638939645).jpg
The Sea of Cortez is a true slice of paradise catering to wildlife enthusiasts, water sports fans, history aficionados, and foodies. With the amount of highlights and activities available at the Sea of Cortez's multiple islands, anyone is bound to find something to one's liking. Spend your next holiday in this charming area of northwest Mexico, far away from the busy tourist centres. Get inspired by the incredible nature of the Sea of Cortez and get fascinated by its great heritage. Entrust the accommodation issue to hotelin.com, a hotel price aggregator that allows you to filter stays according to your every requirement and receive the results quickly and easily. Let us help you organise your trip – we hope it will be an impression of a lifetime.