Photographer: Olimpio Fantuz
Code: PBC512580
To the East lies the deep Gulf of California, or Sea of Cortez, approximately 250 km wide. Just 50 km wider than the Adriatic Sea, but three times as deep. We're talking about the famous San Andreas Fault, a deep rift zone now filled with seawater that stretches between the North American plate and the Pacific plate, and further north threatens the city of San Francisco, foreshadowing with its current behavior a cataclysm of enormously destructive proportions. On 16th-century Spanish maps, the Sea of Cortez was labeled as "Mar Vermehlo" (= Red Sea) due to the seasonal coloring of its waters caused by a particular species of phytoplankton. This phenomenon can still be observed today, although in less striking terms, in some areas of the Gulf.
The Sea of Cortez is a hidden gem between Mexico and the Baja California Peninsula. Each island in the Sea of Cortez has a unique ecosystem, with species of plants and animals adapted to the specific conditions of the island. From the mangroves of Isla Tiburón to the cliffs of Isla San Francisco, each island offers a fascinating overview of biological diversity. Exploring these islands reveals breathtaking landscapes and a variety of habitats that even surprise expert naturalists.
