Snorkel at cabo pulmo, a vibrant reef and model for ocean conservation. Baja california sur has a great number of outstanding beaches with a variety of reasons to make a list of the best beaches in mexico or even the world. Thumbnail photos are links to individual species pages. A local dive site boasting a large number of coral heads, small caves and overhangs.
Split page, species info on the left, room for notes on the right. Sea of cortez coastal waters are usually warm enough in summer that a. The log from the sea of cortez ebook written by john steinbeck. Sea of cortez deep sea fishing chart on a fast and easy to use map. Following are the major reef snorkeling spots in cabo san lucas. Best diving sites in baja california, mexico mexico. It details a sixweek march 11 april 20 marine specimencollecting boat expedition he made in 1940 at various sites in the gulf of california also known as the sea of cortez, with his friend, the marine biologist. The reef is formed by the rocky formation of the surrounding bay which provides a shelter and helps maintain the waters at a constant temperature.
The sea of cortez in mexico is unlike most of the other dive sites in this area of the pacific ocean, the reef here is flourishing and incredibly colorful. The vermilion sea is bordered by the states of baja california, baja california sur, sonora, and sinaloa with a coastline of approximately 4,000 km 2,500 mi. Was least regular during the coldest sea temperature period april. On an island in the gulf of california, an intrepid young woman named paloma carries a special legacy from her father a deep understanding of the sea and a sixth sense about the.
A sea of cortez yacht charter is indeed a luxurious, relaxing adventure. Striped marlin are the most common in the sea of cortez, but we also occasionally have blue and black marlin. The complexity of the lifepattern on pulmo reef was even greater than at cape san lucas. New sea of cortez cruise from rocky point is on schedule. With him, you will see and interact with the sea lions in a. The gulf of california also known as the sea of cortez, sea of cortes named for spanish. This results in a high diversity of smaller species, but have no fear, there are some large species spectacles as well. Coral requires very specific temperatures to thrive and the waters in this area provide a perfect environment. John steinbeck was the author responsible for some of the best known works of american 20th century fiction you may have read the grapes of wrath or the wrath of grapes, as my sister is occasionally wont to call it at high school, for example. But, sportfishers will find ample opportunities here, as cortez fishing charters are the most convenient way to sample the very best of florida fish. Cortez, united states march average sea temperature. Mar 24, 2014 imagine an impossibly beautiful place where the sonoran desert meets a clear blue ocean that is teeming with life colonies of playful and mischievous sea lions, flying mobulas manta rays that leap out of the water and endemic species of reef fishes that only occur in that part of the world, large colonies of seabirds nesting and soaring overhead, humpback whales breaching, and blue. The sea of cortez also known as the gulf of california is my new favorite sea. Find books like the log from the sea of cortez from the worlds largest community of readers.
Well be exploring the best of the southern sea of cortez including our old favourites. A recent poll in usa today had local experts nominate their favorite beaches in mexico and readers voted on these selections. Labridae wrasses labrisomidae labrisomid blennies lutjanidae snappers mullidae goatfishes muraenidae moray. The ship holds 550 passengers, and the fare includes meals as well as wine and beer at lunch and dinner. The local grocery store is a couple of blocks away and it has all the important things that make the vacation experience enjoyable, cheap fresh good quality food, cheap beer and tequila and those great little limes that fit so nice into a cold beer by the pool. Bbc oceans the sea of cortez wreck of the fang ming. The sea of cortez is a unesco world heritage site that separates the baja peninsula from the mexican mainland. The cabo pulmo reef is the northernmost living coral reef in the eastern pacific ocean and the only living coral reef in the entire sea of cortez. The resort features spacious suites with private patios or balconies, and full kitchen. Clinging to the coral, growing on it, burrowing into it, was a teeming fauna. Goodreads members who liked the log from the sea of cortez.
Sep 04, 2008 the sea of cortez, also known as the gulf of california, is a unique corner of the pacific ocean. The weather at this time transitions from hot and humid to cooler with a bit of rain. Stocked with supplies and a bountiful sense of adventure, follow steinbecks path into the protected waters of cousteaus worlds aquarium in mexicos sea of cortez. Water colors in the sea of cortez arent particularly notable, but the land is. Cortez sea temperature march average united states sea. It was an inaugural season for the classic ship, astoria. Within two decades, the reef sprung back to life in an amazing way. We recently returned from a small ship 11 day cruise on the sea of cortez. With a max depth of 35 ft, great visibility, coral heads, walls covered with gorgonians and hundreds of schooling fish swanne reef is an excellent dive site. The sea of cortez has gorgeous, easy snorkeling in or near just about every anchorage.
The east cape mexico sport fishing fishing international. Sea life here is incredibly rich, because the whole sea of cortez ebbs and flows around isla san esteban. Cabo pulmo diving and snorkeling moon travel guides. The log from the sea of cortez john steinbeck the log from the sea of cortez. This is the premier scuba area in the sea of cortez. Chabelo is talented at finding marine life so participants can see the most of the reef. No matter what youre looking for or where you are in the world, our global marketplace of sellers can help you find unique and affordable options. Protected by the mexican government, cabo pulmo marine life preserve encompasses the only living reef in the sea of cortez and is considered one of the top snorkeling spots in mexico. Kerstitch university of texas press, 2000 nature 353 pages. Fishing is not the only thing you can do in cortez, though no one will blame you if spend days exploring the bays, flats, and mangrovelined shores. Aug 28, 2017 a school of yellowtail snapper swim near pink coral in baja, mexico.
Sea of cortez dive location in mexico, americas dive worldwide. We are incredibly gratified that the population of mantas and sharks is rebounding, and we should see sharks, a chance of seeing mantas, as well as the more typical sea of cortez life. July to november is the sea of cortez liveaboard season, although shore diving is possible year round. Sea of cortez sst chart for the deep sea fishing enthusiast. Steinbeck described the reef in his book, the log from the sea of cortez. Cliff coast coastal plain coastal waterfall continental margin continental shelf coral reef cove dune. Top 10 cortez, fl fishing charters for 2020 fishingbooker. The gulf of california also known as the sea of cortez, sea of cortes named for spanish conquistador hernan cortes or vermilion sea. Marine ocean climate data updated daily, surface sea temperatures and recorded in degrees centigrade and farenheit. It is thought to be one of the most diverse seas on the planet with the widest variety of whales and dolphins, and home to nearly 900 species of fish. One of only three coral reefs in north america, the cabo pulmo reef is 5,000 years old and the only living coral reef in the sea of cortez. All species of marlin fight well and are extremely acrobatic. Sea of cortez fish draft, awaiting id confirmations divebums.
Explore the sonora coast of the sea of cortez at seasancarlos and the baja peninsula at seabaja. Don a mask and snorkel for a swim around the rocks and inlets of the islands and you will see why. Aug 30, 2016 a short gopro video composed of clips taken while freediving using a gopro 4 silver camera and natural light, around the islands and reefs in the sea of cortez, baja california sur, mexico. Embarkation was in puerto penasco, known locally as rocky point. Reading a good book by the pool or enjoying the scenery on the beach out front. Cannery row 1945, the wayward bus 1948, another experimental drama, burning bright1950, and the log from the sea of cortez 1951 preceded publication of the monumental east of eden 1952, an ambitious saga of the salinas valley and his own familys history. A cruisers guidebook will be a welcome addition to every bajabound boaters bookshelf. Reef fish identification in the sea of cortez, baja mexico. Seacortez marine life and natural history of the sea of cortez. According to octavio aburto, the marine biologist at the site, the sea life has grown by 500fold. If you have images you want to contribute, please contact me. Imagine an impossibly beautiful place where the sonoran desert meets a clear blue ocean that is teeming with life colonies of playful and mischievous sea lions, flying mobulas manta rays that leap out of the water and endemic species of reef fishes that only occur in that part of the world, large colonies of seabirds nesting and soaring overhead, humpback whales breaching, and blue. Deepwater bony fishes collected by the bo miguel oliver on the shelf edge of. The gin clear waters bordered by the 806mile baja peninsula to the west and mexicos mainland to the east, offer visitors a peek through an exclusive window to a very special and little known corner of the world.
August to november is also the season for liveaboard diving in the sea of cortez. The girl of the sea of cortez was his most heartfelt, cherished story of the relationship between man and the sea, both those who live in it and those who love it. Sea of cortez sst chart for deep sea fishing fishtrack. Marine explorer jacques cousteau once called the sea of cortez the the aquarium of the world due to its ideal environment for an incredible wealth of marine life including unique creatures like the vaquita marina, a tiny porpoise listed as an endangered species. A trout in the sea of cortez by john salter and a great selection of related books, art and collectibles available now at.
Fabulous beach front condo on sea of cortez, baja mexico. Striped marlin typically weigh up to 200 pounds but can get larger. I used it in combination with the reef series baja to panama, and between the two, i found almost every fish i saw. Cover shows very minor shelf wear but no tears or missing pieces.
Oct 01, 2009 its been awhile since a new cruising guide for bajas sea of cortez has been published, so shawn breeding and heather bansmers sea of cortez. The log from the sea of cortez is an englishlanguage book written by american author john steinbeck and published in 1951. The sea of cortez is known for its world renown spearfishing. Estimated to be 20,000 years old, the reefs of cabo pulmo have long been considered a treasure of the baja california peninsula. Sea of cortez baja california 2020 all you need to know. Coral reef scenics of the sea of cortez, baja california sur, mexico. The rockyshore fishes of the gulf of california, revised edition donald a. Sea of cortez fish draft, awaiting id confirmations. Fish life abounds but there is only one coral reef other areas are rocky but not a true reef. East cape resorts on the east cape of the baja peninsula, in baja california sur, where the vast pacific ocean merges with the sea of cortez, is one of the worlds most famous sportfishing meccas. This remarkable young sea is thought to be around five million years old and home to nearly 900. Liveaboard diving charters worldwide dive the world. Every dive shop had one of this book and one of the reef series books for reference. Every piece of the soft material broken off skittered and pulsed with lifelittle crabs and worms and.
It is an ideal setting for exploring marine and desert ecosystems, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, surfing, sportfishing, camping, sailing and cruising. Join naturalist journeys on this exciting sea of cortez cruise. Sea of cortes cruise packing list uncruise adventures. In his 1941 the log from the sea of cortez john steinbeck writes.
With all the great ways of how the sand meets the sea in the southern state it is not surprising that 6 of the 10 best. Between the islands is a sand shelf containing a large garden of conger. East cape resorts mexico sportfishing vacations baja. September 23, 2015 evan shwartz at mexicos remote cabo pulmo national park on the gulf of california sea of cortez, about 60 miles northeast of cabo san lucas in baja. Best diving sites in baja california, mexico mexico scuba dive. Reef fish community composition in three segments of a peninsular rocky shoreline. This book is particularly helpful, because it has the animals that are specific to the sea of cortez. Youll also snorkel among sea lions, join naturalists on hikes amid barrel cacti and sculpted sand dunes, and see a variety of desert flora and fauna. Buena vista runs a shuttle service from the airport, and a variety of inshore and offshore guides are available at the lodge. The log from the sea of cortez is a nonfiction work, recounting. Crystal clear water abounds near the shorelines, fringed by red desert bluffs. Chilean sea coral sea east china sea gulf of alaska gulf of anadyr. The water is approximately 80f 27c and these are the best months for hammerhead encounters in the region. Sharpnose puffers are curious and playful reef dwellers rarely exceeding two and a.
Breeding and bansmer spent more than two years painstakingly researching this beefy 312page guide. The sea of cortez offers its visitors striking natural beauty with turquoise waters that contrast with desert landscapes and pristine beaches. Mexico pacific coast field identification guides by. Etsy is the home to thousands of handmade, vintage, and oneofakind products and gifts related to your search. In the sea of cortez, search for a variety of whales, plus dolphins, bluefooted boobies, pelicans, cormorants and magnificent frigatebirds. Cabo pulmo is a very old coral reef next to a very small town. Danzante reefs near shore half is often breaking, so youll dive the south half. May 21, 2016 the sea of cortez is a dazzling pageant of nature. I was just happy to have witnessed that sting rays are doing well in the sea of cortez, despite the fact that some types are considered endangered. Reef fish identification in the sea of cortez, baja mexico jacques cousteau described the sea of cortez in baja mexico as the worlds aquarium and the galapagos of north america. Enjoy the rugged landscape with breathtaking desert and mountain views, and endless coastal sunshine. The log from the sea of cortez penguin classics john steinbeck, richard astro isbn. The desert kisses the sea at the sea of cortez, where schools of colorful fish stream by on one side, while cacti fringe the other.
Interested in a scuba diving vacation in mexicos baja california. Baja mexico vacations are where tranquil warm ocean currents meet the north american continental landmass, sport fishing enthusiasts who visit this. Coolest dive spots around the sea of cortez mexico boating. The beach 12 a block from our villa is adjacent to a wonderful reef full of fish and flora. Fishing international can arrange ground transportation from either airport to any resort we offer. Download our sea of cortes packing list and read helpful suggestions below while gearing up. We can wade into shallow water, slip into a lagoon or dive off rock. Cabo pulmo giving optimism to coral reefs smithsonian. The mv valentina scuba diving liveaboard yacht shows you why jacques cousteau fell in love with scuba diving in mexicos sea of cortez, where you will scuba dive with whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, sea lions, mobula rays and dolphins. Monument pass 35 to 50 feet depths at the south tip of isla tiburon largest island in the sea of cortez offers expert diving in three spots. The log from the sea of cortez by john steinbeck, paperback. The complexity of the life pattern on pulmo reef was even greater than at cape san lucas. The blue whales of the loreto marine reserve, baja california sur.
A school of yellowtail snapper swim near pink coral in baja, mexico. The blue whales of the loreto marine reserve the aquarium of the world is how the great jacques cousteau referred to the sea of cortez. John steinbeck wrote about the reefs, their teeming life, and their electric colors in his 1951 book the log from the sea of cortez. In the central sea of cortez along the midriff islands connecting guaymas, san carlos and bahia kino to the baja side and santa rosalia, mulege and loreto, the spotted sharpnose puffer, canthigastor punctatissima, is king. While guadalupe is cold, the sea of cortez is at its warmest. A spearos dream, the east cape provides great weather, water temps in the 80s and a rarely equaled variety of fish species.
Fish returned, spawned, and grew to maturity in huge numbers, along with turtles, dolphins, and sea lions. Find yourself in mexican paradise at the sea of cortez beach club, located just steps from the ocean. This island is past the continental shelf so it is surrounded by deep water. Scientists say this narrow sea between the mexican mainland and the baja california peninsula is one of the most biologically diverse bodies of. The sea of cortez is a unesco world heritage site and an ecological utopia. Besides our everexpanding online field guides to the marine organisms of the sea of cortez, we are pleased to announce the launch of our new forum which includes travel sections, activities guides including scuba diving, sailing, kayaking and hiking and even a marine science section. Want to see a closer view of a couple of the critters featured in these guides. The water is crystal clear like the caribbean, the sea life is plentiful, and the red mountains that surround the area create a palpable energy to fuel your escapades. If you have suggestions or corrections, please also contact me. The large shark population feeds on the abundant seals and sea lions living on the numerous islands of the sea of cortez.