Whale Watching
There are few places in the world were you can see Fin, Humpback, Blue, Sperm, Byrde and Orca whales. The Sea of Cortez is extremely deep (more than 2 miles at its deepest) Nutrients from deep submarine canyons feed abundant fish and plankton near the surface. These are perfect conditions for whales.
What makes this amazing is how close to shore the whales swim. From boats or kayaks, you get right on top of them. People fly in from all over the world to just to have this opportunity. From San Carlos, you can see these majestic animals up close.
Many types of whales in the Sea of Cortez are found up and down the 1100 mile coast
The fin whale, Baleaenoptera physalus, is the most common baleen whale in the Gulf. The fastest swimming of all the large whales. It has been called the "greyhound of the seas." It is second only to the blue whale in size, reaching a maximum length of 85 ft and a weight of 80 tons. The fin whale is unique in the animal kingdom by its asymmetry in lower jaw coloration. The right side of the jaw is white whereas the left side is dark. The fin whale feeds primarily with its right side submerged as would be predicted by this unusual form of counter coloration. It is very streamlined in shape. Like the other fast swimming whales, the fin whale is generally free of external markings, scarring, callosities and parasites.
The humpback whale, Megaptera novaeangliae, is a frequent visitor to the Sea of Cortez. One of the more spectacular of the great whales, it is known for its sensational breaching, lobtailing, and blowing a ring of bubbles to herd its prey of small schooling fish. Humpback whales are more frequently spotted in the lower Gulf but this individual was observed near Isla Partida in the mid-riff surprising veteran whalewatchers so that they initially identified it as a fin whale.
Orcas, or killer whales, Orcinus orca, are associated with the cold waters of the Pacific northwest so it seems peculiar to see them cruising in warm waters of the Sea of Cortez in the summer along the and Baja California coast. However, they are frequent visitors to this sea possibly because of the rich availability of fish, dolphins, sea lions and large baleen whales in the Gulf during all times of the year. Pods of orcas have been observed attacking blue whales and Bryde's whales, and recently, a whale shark in Bahia de los Angeles.
In addition to whales, there are over 600 species of fish, including huge manta rays, and several species of shark. At night marvel at bioluminescent seas and watch seahorses, sea snakes and flying fish as they are drawn to the ship's lights.
San Carlos offers an exceptional access to the Sea of Cortéz (also known as the Gulf of California) with two world class marinas. Actually, the Marina San Carlos is the largest natural marina in all of Latin America. Together, Marina Real and Marina San Carlos offer over 750 slips - a great way to start a scuba diving or sports fishing experience.
Call one of the following to schedule a trip to see these wonders of nature:
El Mar Diving Center
263 Creston
San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico
Phone/Fax 1-877-365-0251
E-Mail: elmarmex@prodigy.net.mx
The Sonora Sport Center
011 52 (622) 226-0929
MAROSA NO. 1 SAN CARLOS C.P. 85506
Diversiones Del Mar De Cortez
011 52 (622) 226-0839
SAN CARLOS, SAN CARLOS C.P. 85506
hdtours@prodigy.nst.mx
Yacht and Fishing boats
Tesoros Del Mar De Cortez
011 52 (622) 227-0171
SAN CARLOS, SAN CARLOS C.P. 85506
scplaza@prodigy.net.mx
Kayak Rental
Ecotours Los Jitos
011 52 (622) 226-0404
SAN CARLOS, SAN CARLOS C.P.85506
elmarmex@prodigy.net.mx
Kayak Rental
Dory Charters
011 52 (622) 226-0044
SAN CARLOS, SAN CARLOS C.P. 85506
Yacht and Fishing Boats Charters
Blue Water Sports
011 52 (622) 227-0171
Hotel San Carlos Plaza
011 52 (622) 226-0696
Marina
Servicio De Buceo
011 52 (622) 224-2148
Fax 011 52 (622) 222-1513
AV. DEL AMOR Y CALLE DEL TRABAJADOR NO. 8 COLINA DEL TRABAJADOR C.P. 85470
Yacht and fishing boats
Gary’s Diving Center
gary@garysdivemexico.com
www.garysdivemexico.com
(Canon de Barajitas)
Select from the choices on the right to learn more.
