Gulf of California (Sea of Cortés)

The Gulf of California, also called the Sea of Cortés, is the arm of the sea that separates the Baja California peninsula from the Mexican mainland. Four states surround it: Baja California, Baja California Sur, Sonora and Sinaloa. Its waters are so rich that they attract sea lions, whales, dolphins and hundreds of fish species; Jacques Cousteau called it “the aquarium of the world”.

Its islands and protected areas are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Off the coast of Baja California Sur, Cabo Pulmo National Park protects one of the most important coral reefs in the gulf. Don’t confuse it with the Gulf of Mexico, on the country’s east coast.