(SI) Gray whale mother and calf.
(SI) California sea lions chillaxin' on a buoy.
(SI) Osprey feeding it's young.
(SI) Fossils along the shoreline of the lagoon.
(SI) Salt flats along the way to the lagoon.
(SI) Geology of the Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve.
(SI) Fluke (tail) of a gray whale.
(SC) A lizard looks on as we hike by.
(SC) Seabed fossils in standstone.
(SC) Flowering Prickly pear cactus.
(SC) Locally mined salt pans.
(SC) Exploring the amazing geology.
(SC) Aerial view of Espiritu Santos.
(SI) A lone coyote hunts along the shoreline.
Sea of Cortez (SC) – Natural History
The Sea of Cortez is located between the Baja Peninsula and mainland Mexico and is one of the youngest and most fertile seas on earth. The peninsula was formed approximately five million years ago when part of the Earth’s crust separated along the San Andreas Fault drifting in a northwesterly direction away from mainland Mexico. After colliding with southern California, an ocean basin was formed. This basin is known today as the Gulf of California or more commonly referred to as the Sea of Cortez.
Left in the wake of the collision was an explosion of natural geological wonders; a group of desert islands. The area has remained uninhabited, spellbinding and timeless. This amazing Galapagos type setting plays host to some of the rarest and most beautiful marine life on earth and offers an amazing environment for swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and hiking.
On July 15, 2005 the islands of the Sea of Cortez were declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations. It is home to thousands of species of marine animals and is the reason why Jacques Cousteau called this sea “The Aquarium of the World”.
Our journey to the Sea of Cortez is onboard Panterra’s 110 ft. live aboard ship, the “M.V. Adventure“, custom designed and built for comfortable, quiet, intimate cruising. The ship is professionally crewed with passenger certification under the “Nacional de Seguridad Maritima” laws. The Captain and crew bring many years of mariner experience in the Sea of Cortez and offer the warmth and kindness that reflects the beauty and hospitality of the people of Mexico.
It’s an ideal opportunity to explore, discover and learn. Rich in natural history, unspoiled in beauty and unrivaled in marine life, the Sea of Cortez is a world of a different time, place and rhythm. We look forward to having you onboard!
The MV Adventure anchored at the sea lion habitat of Los Isolotes
Gray Whale Birthing Lagoon of San Ignacio (SI) – Natural History
(Baja Peninsula) Today, San Ignacio Lagoon is one of three gray whale birthing lagoons in the Pacific, making it one of the main destinations of the gray whale southern migration. Originally discovered by whaling Captain Jared Poole, brother in law to the infamous Captain Charles Scammon who, in 1860, led six murderous whaling ships into the lagoon. Despite the treacherous sand bars and shallow passages through the lagoon these whaling captains slaughtered the gray whale to near extinction.
The lagoon is located approx. halfway down the peninsula with the closest town of San Ignacio 60 km away. The town of San Ignacio has a population of 100 people all dependent on fishing and the tourism generated by the gray whales migration.The lagoon expands 26 km into the desert terrain and is approx. 8 kms in width. There are three sections to the lagoon; upper, middle and lower. The upper lagoon, being the shallowest part, is where the females give birth, the middle lagoon is transitional where the mothers prepare their calves to join the pod mostly located in the lower part of the lagoon. The lower lagoon is where the social behaviour of the pod occurs. Males and females congregate to mate as well as mothers practice swimming with their calves preparing them for the long journey north to the summer feeding grounds in the Arctic.
San Ignacio Lagoon is the last and only undeveloped nursery and breeding ground in the world of the Pacific gray whales. It is also an important feeding ground for four endangered species of sea turtles; the Olive Ridley, green, hawksbill and leatherback. In 1988 the Mexican government created the El Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve which included San Ignacio Lagoon. In 1993 San Ignacio was declared a World Heritage Site, by the United Nations, because of it’s importance to the world community.
On our expeditions to the lagoon, the eco-accomodations (beach shacks) are a perfect way to enjoy the natural surroundings of the Biosphere Reserve while staying away from the pack. At night, if it is not too windy, you can hear the yipping coyotes and the blows of the whales. The Mayoral family owns and operates the camp and Pachico Mayoral was the first human to encounter the “friendly” whales, over 45 years ago. Their family roots in San Ignacio Lagoon date back to the 1800s. The family has grown up with the whales, dolphins, turtles, birds, and all other ocean and desert life that makes San Ignacio Lagoon one of Baja’s cherished treasures.
Skeleton of a gray whale at the entrance to the town of San Ignacio.
All or our all inclusive adventure travel expeditions on the Sea of Cortez leave from the city of La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico. La Paz is a few hour drive from the famous Cabo San Lucas.
For the Expedition to the Gray Whale Lagoon of San Ignacio the departure city is Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
