The primary focus of this expedition is to swim with whale sharks—slow-moving, filter-feeding sharks that are the largest known fish. Whale sharks are threatened with extinction worldwide, classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Whale shark snorkeling in La Paz is a wonderful experience because the whale sharks are found close to shore in shallow waters where tourism is well-regulated. On our expedition we will also look for humpback whales and sea lions, and with luck may also see blue and fin whales, dolphins, "flying" mobula rays, and other marine megafauna. You'll also have the opportunity to snorkel in the waters of Cabo Pulmo Marine National Park where an array of wondrous tropical fish thrive. More than 650 species of tropical and temperate fish inhabit the Sea of Cortez, 90 of them endemic. The bird life in the Sea of Cortez is also spectacular and many tropical seabirds are common. Magnificent Frigatebirds, Brown and Blue-footed Boobies, Brown Pelicans, Heermann's Gulls, Yellow-footed and Western Gulls, Royal and Elegant Terns, and Red-billed Tropicbirds can all be found here and add to the excellent diversity of this expedition. |
