Under the Sea: Celebrities of Cabo Pulmo

By Jenna Cavelle
Photo by Beverly Factor

Legendary diver Jacques Cousteau described the Sea of Cortés as the "world's aquarium" and the "Galapagos of North America." Nobel Prize-winning author John Steinbeck joined marine biologist Ed Ricketts in an expedition that resulted in his 1941 best-selling classic The Log from the Sea of Cortez. So just what is it about this magical sea that seems to inspire ever-growing curiosity among celebrities in pursuit of the ultimate encounter with nature? Join us on an underwater tour for a glimpse into the unknown…

While Cousteau and Steinbeck may be some of the more celebrated land-dwelling guests to visit the Sea of Cortés, it seems the most fascinating celebrities are actually resident fauna who make their home beneath these tropical waters. At the southern tip of Baja, just 60 miles northeast of Cabo San Lucas, sprawls a marine protected area known as the Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park. Cabo Pulmo's shallow bay gives way to one of three living reefs and the only hard coral reef in North America. One of the most diverse eco-systems in the world, the Cabo Pulmo reef creates a safe harbor for a remarkable variety of captivating sea life such as whales, sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, sea lions and more than 256 species of fish.

It's no secret that Cabo Pulmo's reef is swimming with famous sea creatures, but perhaps the most celebrated of all is the endangered sea turtle. Sea turtles have lived on earth for an estimated 150 million years. There are seven species of sea turtles, five of which make their home in the Sea of Cortés to feed, grow and nest. Sea turtles in Baja migrate from as far away as Japan, the south of Mexico and Hawaii. In Cabo Pulmo, tourists may be lucky enough to encounter a loggerhead, hawksbill, olive ridley or leatherback sea turtle. During certain times of the year, V.I.P. tourists may assist the residents in releasing baby sea turtle hatchlings.

Another famous passerby is the gray whale that travels here to mate and bear its young. Migrating all the way from the Arctic, the whales reach the lagoons starting in late December and live here through April. During their stay, the whales attract admirers from around the world who can view them up close like nowhere else, often within touching distance.

Few underwater sights are as epic as the graceful sweep of a squadron of manta rays. Their large pectoral fins act as wings, enabling them to fly through the water like angels of the sea. In 2002 the giant manta rays mysteriously disappeared from the Sea of Cortés, and after a two-year absence, researchers bring us good news of numerous sightings. In Cabo Pulmo, tourists have reportedly witnessed over 200 manta rays swimming in massive cyclones that extend 60 feet below the water. Snorkelers can wrap themselves in a blanket of mantas by dipping into the middle of the rays as they dart up, over and all around. Giant manta rays grow to over 24 feet wide, weigh more than a ton and live more than 50 years. Gentle and docile, they glide alongside swimmers and on some occasions make eye contact.

Some say you haven't lived until you've swum with sea lions. Playful and curious, they swim right up to snorkelers and stare at them with wide, soulful eyes. The sea lion colonies at Cabo Pulmo are located at the southern tip of the marine sanctuary, where the charismatic animals perfect their star performances as they bathe and strut for onlookers. While getting close is possible, don't expect a signed autograph, as sea lions maintain a "look-but-don't-touch" posture that serves as a reminder of why meeting them is such a privilege.

From sea turtles to whales, manta rays and sea lions, Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park offers more star sightings and celebrity encounters of the aquatic kind than Hollywood can shake an Oscar at. So grab your camera and head off the beaten path, where Cabo Pulmo rolls out the blue carpet for ocean fanatics everywhere.

Why is Cabo so much fun? There is so much to do! Click here for a list of dive, watersports, fishing and tour operators. You'll also find links to Cabo's world class golf courses, spas, adventure tours, horseback riding, wedding coordinators and cruises.