The Sea of Cortez is an interesting place. Many years ago giant mantas were common and multiple schools of hammerhead sharks would swirl around El Bajo. Commercial fishermen hit the place really hard in the 1990’s before the government of Mexico enacted exclusionary zones and marine protected area. The sea has come back to life but it is different than before. Whale sharks are still found seasonally off La Paz and the sea lions at Los Islotes were never impacted. Humpback whales still show up every winter and the huge schools of fish are as abundant as ever before.  Hammerhead sharks are making a come back at El Bajo and Los Animas and mantas at La Reyna although not as abundantly as before.  A number of whale sharks at Bahia de Los Angeles in the northern Sea of Cortez have been seen. 

 

The Sea of Cortez is also home to many different and exciting migrations of megafauna, including one of our favourites, the Munk’s Pygmy Devil Ray.  More commonly known as mobula rays, this iconic species gathers in the tens of thousands (not a misprint!) twice a year, with peak season from May to July, in the waters from Cabo San Lucas around to La Paz.  Let us organise a mobula ray tour to witness this extraordinary migration, along with some rarely encountered guests... Because where there are mobulas, there are Orcas!  Commonly known as killer whales, these large apex predators are actually giant dolphins by definition. Males can grow up to 10m in length and swim over 35 mph, but the grandmas are the real bosses of the family. These fascinating and highly intelligent “resident” and “oceanic” whales often stay in tight family groups for their entire lives.

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Then if that isn't enough, imagine a 49-foot long grey whale, no more than an arms length away, raising its great head from the water to look you directly in the eye. A mother whale approaches and gently nudges her newborn calf towards your boat, presenting him to be admired. There is a remote lagoon in Baja California where these dreamlike encounters are a reality, and a visit there will touch your soul. 

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During October and November, a magical event happens in the nutrient rich swirling blue waters off Magdalena Bay where striped marlin gather to hunt on the second largest sardine run in the world. This thrilling underwater action is spectacular. There is an excellent chance of also seeing California sea lions, dolphin, wahoo, pelicans, different species of gulls, boobie birds, frigate birds, shearwaters and even the awe inspiring albatross. But wait, there is more! Humpback whales are on the move at this time of year and if you are really lucky, you might even see orcas or blue whales!