In Baja California Sur, the desert runs straight into the sea. Whale sharks feed just offshore, gray whales nurse calves in sheltered bays, and huge sea lion colonies patrol rocky islets. On land, dry mountains hide canyons full of cactus and cardón, while along the coast, small towns act as launch points for diving, whale watching, and the kind of ocean encounters that have made the Sea of Cortez legendary.
A conservation-focused dive operator based in Baja California Sur, known for combining world-class diving experiences with marine research and citizen science. They collaborate with scientists, NGOs, and local communities to protect marine megafauna such as marlins, sharks, whales, and sea turtles, while offering divers opportunities to participate in conservation projects directly.
A marine conservation organization based in La Paz that specializes in research on large pelagic species, including sharks, rays, and other migratory animals. Their scientific findings inform policy, improve fisheries management, and promote the creation of marine protected areas in Mexico’s Pacific and Gulf waters.
A UNESCO World Heritage-listed marine protected area celebrated as one of the most successful reef restoration projects in the world. Once overfished, its reef has rebounded thanks to community-led conservation and strict protections, now supporting an abundance of marine life and sustainable eco-tourism.
The Organización para la Conservación del Ambiente y Sustentabilidad is a conservation group focused on protecting marine ecosystems in Baja California Sur through research, community engagement, and habitat restoration. They work to safeguard key species and habitats, especially in areas impacted by fishing and tourism.
Cabo Pulmo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is considered one of the most successful marine reserves in the world. Its coral reef, estimated to be over 20,000 years old, supports an array of fish, sharks, rays, and sea turtles. The reserve is a living example of marine conservation in action, offering divers an unparalleled glimpse into a revived ecosystem.
La Paz sits at the edge of the Sea of Cortez, a body of water Jacques Cousteau once called “the world’s aquarium.” Whale sharks cruise the shallows, sea lion colonies amass dozens, and shoals are known to bring in shark life. Offshore islands and marine reserves keep these ecosystems alive. Seasonal visitors like mobula rays and humpback whales add to the spectacle, making La Paz a true epicenter for marine encounters.
La Ventana may be small and still emerging, but it draws ocean lovers from around the world. Its waters hold seasonal gatherings of thousands of mobula rays—one of the most spectacular marine displays in the region. On shore, windswept beaches invite kiteboarding and long walks, with desert mountains as a backdrop and the Sea of Cortez just steps away.
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