Journey through Baja, Sea of Cortez - Travel Account 2021 (Paraphrased)
In Autumn 2021, twenty divers embarked on an unforgettable journey across the Sea of Cortez, from Puerto Peñasco to Cabo San Lucas, aboard the Rocio Del Mar liveaboard. Led by Wild Earth Expeditions, this underwater photography workshop offered a rare opportunity to comprehensively explore the rich and diverse marine ecosystem of the Sea of Cortez, also known as the Gulf of California.
Phoenix, Arizona, was the starting point for U.S.-based divers, with transportation arranged to border crossing and the Rocio Del Mar. The liveaboard, manned by an exceptional crew, served not only as transport but also as a gourmet home for the duration of the expedition.
The Sea of Cortez, stretching over 700 miles of latitude, is home to a remarkable array of endemic wildlife, from whale sharks to sea lions, to barnacle blennies, and nudibranchs. As the participants traversed the sea, they observed the underwater world subtly change with the shifting latitudes, from cold, murky waters teeming with jawfish and blennies in the north to warmer, clear waters brimming with dolphins, whales, and a host of other marine life in the south.
Day 1 and 2 were spent exploring Isla ngel De La Guarda's crystal-clear waters, teeming with nuptial bluespotted jawfish, colorful pike blennies, and a seahorse, considered one of the Sea of Cortez's rarest creatures.
The following day, the expedition aimed to spot the world's largest fish, the whale shark, in Bahia de Los Angeles. Though the search took time, divers were eventually rewarded with close encounters with these graceful giants. The journey continued with the discovery of two frogfish in Pescador.
San Pedro Martir, a remote island with a sea lion colony, delighted divers with its playful pups and schools of sardines. Encounters with dolphins rounded off an action-packed day.
Macro diver's paradises were found in San Ildefonso and Coronado Island, teeming with slugs, signal blennies, and other colorful critters. The trip concluded in Loreto, offering dives in warm waters and a chance to explore the mission town.
The final destinations of Danzate and Isla Las Nimas showcased the southern Sea of Cortez's crystal-clear waters and abundance of marine life in schools. The trip reached its peak with encounters with eagle rays and a sperm whale in Las Nimas.
The expedition culminated in La Paz, renowned for its sea lions, wrecks, and reefs, with the opportunity to encounter angelfish, butterflyfish, sea turtles, and even dolphins at El Bajo. The adventure concluded in Cabo Pulmo, where divers observed a group of eagle rays circling their dive group, creating a meditative experience.
Join the adventure and explore the stunning underwater world of the Sea of Cortez on Wild Earth Expeditions' next Baja California diving adventure. Baja California diving guide for more insights.
- Travelers set sail on the Rocio Del Mar liveaboard in Autumn 2021, embarking on a 14-day diving trip across the Sea of Cortez, from Puerto Peñasco to Cabo San Lucas.
- The underwater photography workshop, led by Wild Earth Expeditions, allowed participants to capture unique images of the diverse marine life in the Sea of Cortez, including whale sharks, sea lions, and seahorses.
- The crystal-clear waters around Isla Angel De La Guarda provided opportunities to spot nuptial bluespotted jawfish, colorful pike blennies, and even rare seahorses during the first two days of the trip.
- The hunt for the world's largest fish, the whale shark, led the expedition to Bahia de Los Angeles, where divers were eventually rewarded with close encounters with these gentle giants.
- Further south, Macro diver's paradises like San Ildefonso and Coronado Island offered a vibrant underwater landscape filled with slugs, signal blennies, and other colorful critters, providing excellent opportunities for macro photography.
- The adventure concluded in Cabo Pulmo, where divers observed a mesmerizing group of eagle rays circling their dive group, creating a meditative experience on the final day of the trip report.
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