Where Desert Meets Aquarium: A Kayak Journey Through Baja’s Waters
- Ruth Bergman
- Apr 24
- 10 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Introducing the World’s Aquarium: The Sea of Cortez
I spent several years living in San Diego while attending UCSD, and I thought I knew Baja California. I’d driven the Pacific coast multiple times, suntanned on its beaches, eaten delicious Mexican cuisine, drank the margaritas, and crossed the border more times than I could count. But somehow, I had no idea what wonders lay just on the other side of the peninsula.
The Sea of Cortez — or the Gulf of California — has been called “the world’s aquarium,” a nickname given by none other than Jacques Cousteau. It’s said to hold nearly 80% of the species diversity found in the Galápagos Islands. Dolphins, sea lions, whale sharks, and migrating whales thrive in its waters. Its rich marine life, warm climate, and striking combination of desert and sea make it unlike anywhere else.
After returning to San Diego from a kayaking expedition in Antarctica, we saw photos from our local kayak club’s recent trip around Isla Espíritu Santo. Their images were enticing: turquoise water, rocky cliffs, whales, kayakers alongside sea lions. And I thought—how are we this close to a place like that and not going ourselves?
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