The Sea of Cortez (known as the World's Aquarium)

The Sea of Cortez has been called “The Worlds Aquarium” and “The Worlds Greatest Fish Trap”.  The Sea of Cortez is close to five million years old , making it the youngest of all the seas in the world. This body of water separates the Baja California Peninsula from the Mexican mainland. This narrow sea is home to a unique and rich ecosystem. There are three general types of shores found here, they include a rocky shore, sandy beach and tidal flat. There are 37 islands in the Sea of Cortez. The largest two are Isla Angel de la Guarda and Tiburon Island.  

Sea of Cortez history

The origin of the Sea of Cortez dates back 130 million years to the Mesozoic age, when the peninsula began to detach from the mainland. Approximately 5 million years ago the Sea of Cortez began to take its present form. It took form because of tectonic forces that rifted the Baja California peninsula off of the North American Plate. As a part of this process the East Pacific Rise propagated up the middle of the Gulf along the seabed. 

Sea of Cortez tourism industry

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The temperature of the water in the Sea of Cortez is generally a low of 61 degrees fahrenheit in the winter and 75 degrees fahrenheit in the summer. The water is almost always warmer by the coast than in the open ocean. This narrow sea is home to a unique and rich ecosystem. In addition to a wide range of of endemic creatures  as well as many migratory species such as the humpback whale, California gray whale, killer whale, manta ray and leatherback sea turtle. It is also home to the worlds largest animal the blue whale. This region is also very well known for it’s commercial fishing. The Sea of Cortez sustains a large number of marine animals, many of them are rare and endangered. Its more than 900 islands are important nesting sites for thousands of seabirds, and it’s waters are primarily breeding, feeding and nursing grounds for resident fish species. For decades, this area has been a primary resource for two of Mexico’s leading marine resources, sardines and anchovies. Water pollution is a problem in the Sea of Cortez but the more immediate concerns are the overfishing in the area and bottom trawling which destroys eelgrass beds and shellfish. The Mexican government has made efforts to create conservation zones and nature reserves but these have been hampered by lack of enforcement, resources and a lack of political consensus on the conservation of the gulf. There are many cruises that take you through the Sea of Cortez and allow you to see the beauty that it holds. You can also go on whale watching expeditions, fishing, kayaking, snorkeling and scuba diving. 

 The Sea of Cortez has the great honor of being called a UNESCO site.  
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