Top 5 Marine Species Near La Paz
With roughly 900 species of fish, 2,000 of marine invertebrates as well as sharks and cetaceans it is not easy to make this list. We will include only the ones found near La Paz that in our experience are the most active and fun. We are using the pictures of world famous underwater photographer Hannes Klostermann. It´s no surprise he is a permanent Baja resident considering the richness of the area, we thank him for his work.
1.- Califonia Sea Lion
Anyone who has had the pleasure of diving or snorkeling with “The Puppies of the Sea” will probably agree that it is one of the best underwater experiences you can have. These playful and smart animals live in colonies found in small rocky islands all throughout the Sea of Cortes.
No other marine species has such interactions with humans, they enjoy your presence, play with your bubbles and even bite your fins in a friendly way. You have to experience this during your visit to Baja, it´s simply a must!
2.- Parrot Fish
Okay this is a personal favorite, the Parrot Fish is one of the most amazing inhabitants found in underwater Baja. Not only are they one of the most beautiful fish with their lively colors, they are also an important part of a healthy reef.
They basically stop the reefs from suffocating by eating the algae and sediment that covers them. If the reef dies, everything else dies.
Parrot fish are endangered species due to overfishing. DO NOT EAT PARROT FISH when you visit Baja please!
3.- Green Turtle
Despite being home to five species of turtles, the Green Turtle is the most abundant in the Sea of Cortes. These sea reptiles are also essential for having a healthy marine ecosystem. Besides their ecological importance, turtles make reefs and wrecks come alive!
They are also very curious and it isn´t strange to see them showing up next to yachts every now and then. Very little things compare to the excitement of seeing one of these masters of the sea during a dive or while snorkeling.
4.- Whale Shark
That´s right, the biggest fish in the world is also a big fan of the Sea of Cortes. There is something special about this gentle giants that get surprisingly close to La Paz. They arrive in the winter months and spend their days feeding in the Bay of La Paz. The ones found in that are are generally 7 – 10 meters long and can live up to 70 years!
Another unique experience that Baja has to offer, however there are many restrictions in place to swim with them. You have to go with a recognized center, if you are interested we can direct you to our partner diving center.
5.- Mobula Rays
The first time you hear them is very strange, as if someone on another yacht was clapping and playing a prank on you. But you soon realize it´s a ray, a Mobula ray. These marine animals are amazing, they rocket up to 6 feet out of the water and land on their bellies.
It is still unclear why they do this acrobatic jumps, some say it´s to show off to a potential mate or communicate. What do you think?
Another amazing thing about this weird looking cartilaginous fish migrate in schools of hundreds of rays. Needless to say watching this migrations is simply a spectacle of nature.
Keep listening for the belly flop, whoever spots them first gets a cold Corona!
Tell us which have been your most amazing encounters with the sea life around La Paz, leave a comment below.
We´ll make another post in which we include dolphins, whales, sharks and big fish such as marlins. Join us on the Sea of Cortes and get to experience this amazing creatures yourself. Remember we can arrange scuba diving and whale shark excursions while you´re onboard so you don´t miss out, when you come back to the boat we´ll welcome you with fresh food and cold drinks! See you soon!