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Dolphins, Whales, Reefs, Landscapes and more in the Sea of Cortez

  • Writer: Michel Braunstein
    Michel Braunstein
  • Jun 13, 2025
  • 2 min read

Updated: Jun 14, 2025


A dolphin gracefully swims alongside a boat, illuminated by the sun's rays in the crystal-clear blue water.
A dolphin gracefully swims alongside a boat, illuminated by the sun's rays in the crystal-clear blue water.

Discover the Wild Magic of the Sea of Cortez

The Sea of Cortez is a true haven for marine life — not only famed for the breathtaking mobula ray migration but also home to an extraordinary variety of ocean giants and playful creatures. From graceful dolphins and majestic whales to curious sea lions, stealthy orcas, gentle sea turtles, and dive-bombing pelicans, this vibrant sea is a dream come true for wildlife lovers.

One of our most unforgettable moments was witnessing a mother whale and her calf. In a stunning display of maternal instinct, the mother taught her young one how to breach and tail-slap — lifting her massive tail and crashing it against the water with thunderous force. The calf mimicked her movements, his smaller splashes a charming echo of his mother’s power.

Throughout our journey, we were surrounded by the magic of the sea — pods of humpback whales, large schools of dolphins racing alongside our boat, and even a pair of sea turtles mating in the open sea. Above, pelicans plunged into the waves with precision, fishing with remarkable skill.

And as if the marine encounters weren’t enough, the Sea of Cortez also gifts you with sunrises and sunsets so vivid and surreal, they’re simply beyond imagination.

Whether you're a seasoned wildlife enthusiast or simply looking to be inspired by nature’s wonders, the Sea of Cortez offers an unforgettable, up-close encounter with the beauty of the wild.


Sealions passing by...

  • Sealions in the Sea of Cortez
  • Sealion in the Sea of Cortez
  • Sealion in the Sea of Cortez

Whales, whales, whales...humpbacks...

  • Humpback whale tail in the Sea of Cortez
  • Humpback whale back in the Sea of Cortez
  • Humpback whale tail of mother and calf in the Sea of Cortez
  • Humpback whale tail of mother and calf in the Sea of Cortez
  • Humpback whale tail of mother and calf in the Sea of Cortez
  • Humpback whale tail in the Sea of Cortez
  • Humpback whale tail of mother and calf in the Sea of Cortez
  • Humpback whale tail of mother and calf in the Sea of Cortez
  • Humpback whale tail of mother and calf in the Sea of Cortez
  • Humpback whale laying in the Sea of Cortez
  • Humpback whale's back in the Sea of Cortez
  • Humpback whale tail in the Sea of Cortez
  • Humpback whale tail in the Sea of Cortez
  • Humpback whale tail in the Sea of Cortez

Joyful Dolphins...

  • Dolphins in the Sea of Cortez
  • Photographying dolphins in the Sea of Cortez
  • Jumping dolphin in the Sea of Cortez
  • Dolphin swimming in the Sea of Cortez
  • Dolphins in the Sea of Cortez
  • Dolphins in the Sea of Cortez
  • Jumping dolphin in the Sea of Cortez
  • Dolphin swimming in the Sea of Cortez
  • Dolphin in the Sea of Cortez, La Ventana
  • Dolphins in the Sea of Cortez, La Ventana
  • Dolphin in the Sea of Cortez, La Ventana
  • Photographying dolphins in the Sea of Cortez, La Ventana
  • Dolphins in the Sea of Cortez, La Ventana

Mating turtles - Turtle love...

  • Mating turtles - Turtle love - Sea of Cortez, La Ventana
  • Mating turtles - Turtle love - Sea of Cortez, La Ventana
  • Mating turtles - Turtle love - Sea of Cortez, La Ventana
  • Mating turtles - Turtle love - Sea of Cortez, La Ventana

Jumping Mobula Rays

  • Jumping mobula rays - Sea of Cortez - La Ventana
  • Jumping mobula rays - Sea of Cortez - La Ventana
  • Jumping mobula rays - Sea of Cortez - La Ventana
  • Jumping mobula rays - Sea of Cortez - La Ventana
  • Jumping mobula rays - Sea of Cortez - La Ventana
  • Jumping mobula rays - Sea of Cortez - La Ventana
  • Jumping mobula rays - Sea of Cortez - La Ventana
  • Jumping mobula rays - Sea of Cortez - La Ventana
  • Jumping mobula rays - Sea of Cortez - La Ventana
  • Jumping mobula rays - Sea of Cortez - La Ventana
  • Jumping mobula rays - Sea of Cortez - La Ventana
  • Jumping mobula rays - Sea of Cortez - La Ventana
  • Jumping mobula rays - Sea of Cortez - La Ventana
  • Jumping mobula rays - Sea of Cortez - La Ventana
  • Jumping mobula rays - Sea of Cortez - La Ventana
  • Jumping mobula rays - Sea of Cortez - La Ventana
  • Jumping mobula rays - Sea of Cortez - La Ventana
  • Jumping mobula rays - Sea of Cortez - La Ventana
  • Jumping mobula rays - Sea of Cortez - La Ventana
  • Jumping mobula rays - Sea of Cortez - La Ventana
  • Mobula rays, view from the sky - Sea of Cortez - La Ventana

Orcas

  • Pod of orcas in the Sea of Cortez, La Ventana
  • Orcas' dorsal fin in the Sea of Cortez, La Ventana
  • Pod of orcas in the Sea of Cortez, La Ventana
  • Pod of orcas in the Sea of Cortez, La Ventana
  • Pod of orcas in the Sea of Cortez, La Ventana
  • Pod of orcas in the Sea of Cortez, La Ventana
  • Pod of orcas around the motor boats in the Sea of Cortez, La Ventana
  • Orca in the Sea of Cortez, La Ventana
  • Orcas' dorsal fin in the Sea of Cortez, La Ventana
  • Pod of orcas in the Sea of Cortez, La Ventana
  • Pod of orcas in the Sea of Cortez, La Ventana
  • Pod of orcas in the Sea of Cortez, La Ventana
  • Pod of orcas in the Sea of Cortez, La Ventana

Landscapes

  • A look at La Ventana, Sea of Cortez
  • Motor boat passing in the Sea of Cortez, in front of La Ventana
  • Sunset on the Sea of Cortez, La Ventana
  • Pelicans at flight over the Sea of Cortez, La Ventana
  • Pelicans at flight over the Sea of Cortez, La Ventana
  • Pelicans at flight over the Sea of Cortez, La Ventana
  • Lonely pelican over the Sea of Cortez, La Ventana
  • Sunset on the Sea of Cortez, La Ventana
  • Sunset on the Sea of Cortez, La Ventana
  • Lonely fisherman on a pedal boat on the Sea of Cortez, La Ventana
  • Sup surfing early morning on the Sea of Cortez, La Ventana
  • Sunset with cactuses in La Ventana
  • Sunset with cactuses in La Ventana
  • On the road at sunset in Baja California
  • Sunset with cactuses in La Ventana, Baja California
  • Sunset with cactuses in La Ventana, Baja California
  • Sunset with cactuses in La Ventana, Baja California
  • Sunset with cactuses in La Ventana, Baja California
  • Sunset with cactuses in La Ventana, Baja California
  • Sunset with cactuses in La Ventana, Baja California
  • Sunset with cactuses in La Ventana, Baja California
  • Sunset with cactuses in La Ventana, Baja California
  • Cactus flower in La Ventana, Baja California
  • Sunset on the beach of La Ventana, Baja California
  • Sunset on the beach of La Ventana, Baja California
  • Sunset on the beach of La Ventana, Baja California
  • Sunset on the beach of La Ventana, Baja California
  • Glamping camp at night with stars in the sky, La Ventana, Baja California
  • Sunset on the beach of La Ventana, Baja California
  • Sunset on the beach of La Ventana, Baja California
  • Glamping camp at night, La Ventana, Baja California
  • Impressive old cactus in La Ventana
  • Cactuses in La Ventana, Baja California
  • Beautiful cactus in La Ventana, Baja California
  • View on the Sea of Cortez from La Ventana
  • Sup surfing at sunrise on the Sea of Cortez, La Ventana
  • Sup surfing at sunrise on the Sea of Cortez, La Ventana
  • Sup surfing early morning on the Sea of Cortez, La Ventana
  • Sup surfing early morning on the Sea of Cortez, La Ventana
  • Sup surfing at sunrise on the Sea of Cortez, La Ventana
  • Sup surfing at sunrise on the Sea of Cortez, La Ventana


Some views of the reefs while snorkeling in the Sea of Cortez, La Ventana

  • Free diving on La Ventana Reefs, Sea of Cortez
  • Free diving on La Ventana Reefs, Sea of Cortez
  • Snorkeling over La Ventana Reefs, Sea of Cortez
  • Free diving on La Ventana Reefs, Sea of Cortez
  • Free diver over La Ventana Reefs, Sea of Cortez
  • Free diving on La Ventana Reefs, Sea of Cortez
  • Reef fish shoal in La Ventana, Sea of Cortez
  • Free diving on La Ventana Reefs, Sea of Cortez
  • Free diving on La Ventana Reefs, Sea of Cortez
  • Free diving on La Ventana Reefs, Sea of Cortez
  • Snorkeler silouhette in La Ventana, Sea of Cortez
  • Free diving on La Ventana Reefs, Sea of Cortez

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