The Eastern Pacific Ocean
The largest expanse of water on the
Earth, the Pacific Ocean contains the greatest diversity of marine
life. Temperatures range from the 60s to the 80s as you near the
equator. Islands emerging from the depth atract big animals: whale
sharks, hammerheads sharks, and manta rays. Winter is the whale season
for
Baja, Socorro islands and Hawaii.
BAJA
The Gulf of California (also known as the Sea of Cortez or Sea of
Cortés; locally known in the Spanish language as Mar de
Cortés or Mar Bermejo or Golfo de California) is a body of water
that separates the Baja California Peninsula from the Mexican
mainland.The narrow sea is home to a unique and rich ecosystem. In
addition to a wide range of endemic creatures, it hosts many migratory
species, such as the humpback whale, California Gray Whale, manta ray
and Leatherback Sea Turtle.
Baja California's cool waters offer a first glimpse of warm water
fishes
- puffers, surgeons and mantas. Out of La Paz, Los Islotes is famous
for its sea lion colony, and hammerheads can be seen at the
seamounts. Octopus, and eels are
very common. The northernmost Pacific coral reef, Cabo Pulmo, is just a
3-tank day trip from Cabo San Lucas. Surface water temperature varies
from 60s in winter months to 90s during the summer. Winter is the
season for whale watching in Baja.
Cabo
'Nautilus Explorer'
'Solmar V'
Mar de Cortez & Amigos del Mar
Solmar Suites & Amigos del Mar
LaPaz
Baja Expeditions 'Don Jose'
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
The
islands made famous by Darwin are still astounding tourists on a
daily basis. The Galapagos archipelago is home to some of the highest
levels of endemism (species found nowhere else on earth) anywhere on
the planet. About 80% of the land birds you will see, 97% of the
reptiles and land mammals, and more than 30% of the plants are endemic.
More than 20% of the marine species in Galapagos are found nowhere else
on earth. Favorites include the giant Galapagos tortoise, marine
iguana, flightless cormorant, and the Galapagos penguin—the only
penguin species to be found in the Northern Hemisphere.
97% of the land area of Galapagos is designated as National Park and
visits can be made only to specific visitor sites with certified
naturalist guides. The Galapagos National Park coordinates visits to
these sites and carefully monitors ecological conditions. Different
sites are known for specific scenery, vegetation, and wildlife.
However, many species, such as sea lions, marine iguanas, lava lizards,
and a variety of coastal birds such as herons, tattlers, plovers,
turnstones, and whimbrels, are common at most locations. Each visitor
site has a marked trail that must be respected. Most trails are less
than a mile long, often passing over rough lava or uneven boulders.
Some sites have “wet landings” (visitors wade to shore from skiffs) and
others have “dry landings” (passengers step foot directly on dry land).
From December through May the water and air temperatures are warmer.
Seas are calm. Light rain falls for a short period of time each day,
but the remainder of the day tends to be very sunny. Flowers come into
bloom and vegetation is more colorful. Fish are not as numerous as they
are later in the year, but this is a very good time to observe birds
mating. This is also the time when sea turtles nest on the beaches.
From June through November the Humboldt Current has a stronger affect
on Galapagos, bringing colder water and cooler land temperatures. It
also brings nutrient-rich water that attracts fish and sea birds:
albatrosses arrive on Española and penguins are easier to
encounter. This is the mating season for the blue-footed boobies.
During this time of year clouds fill the sky but rainfall is uncommon.
Winds tend to be stronger and seas a bit rougher. This is the preferred
time of year for experienced divers.
Although it is possible to get to Galapagos by boat, nearly all
visitors travel there by air. Flights depart from Guayaquil or Quito
(via Guayaquil). Two companies currently offer flights: TAME and
AeroGal. Both charge approximately $400 for a round-trip ticket from
Quito ($200 for children). There are two airports in Galapagos, one on
Baltra Island and the other on San Cristobal. Upon arrival, you will
have to pay an entrance fee to the Park (currently $110 for adults and
$55 for children) which is used to fund management and conservation in
the islands (link to explanation). Returning to the US from Galapagos
requires an overnight stay in either Quito or Guayaquil.
The only way to take full advantage of these wonderful
sights is to dive from a liveaboard boat. Fortunately, the boats
stop to visit Darwin Station and offer some land tours, so you get the
best of both above and underwater worlds. Northern islands Darwin and
Wolf are the place to dive with whale sharks, hammerheads, mantas and
eagle rays. Water temperature is high 70s in Northern Islands, but can
drop to the 60s elsewhere. Recommended to have 5-7 mm wetsuits. Leave
time to
visit the Amazon Basin while you are there.
'Deep
Blue'
'Galapagos Aggressor I &II'
'Galapagos Explorer'
Peter Hughes 'Sky Dancer'
SOCORRO ISLANDS
The Revillagigedos Archipelago, more commonly called Socorro Islands,
is a group of four islands off the west coast of Mexico in the eastern
Pacific Ocean. These islands have been compared to Galapagos and Cocos
Island because of the big animal encounters that can be found here. The
remote location and extraordinary dive experience makes these islands a
favorite among scuba divers around the world. The Socorro Islands
located about 250 miles south from Cabo San Lucas
are
called the “Mexican Galapagos” where divers experience the thrill of
big animal: giant manta rays, hammerheads and seasonal humpback whales.
'Nautilus
Explorer'
'Solmar V'
