The Magical Waters of the Sea of Cortez, Baja California Sur — Mexico
Sea lions are incredibly social creatures, full of energy and curiosity. When diving underwater, they often come close, drawn by their curiosity about us, and sometimes even invite us to play.
In those moments, I often forget about the camera and simply enjoy the unfiltered interaction. Once, a female offered me a piece of coral to play with, and other times, I’ve found myself diving in circles with playful pups.
The Sea of Cortez is home to one of nature's most mesmerizing spectacles—the massive migration of Mobula Munkiana, or Munk's devil rays. Thousands of these graceful creatures gather in synchronized movements, leaping from the water and gliding through the currents like a living dance.
In the Sea of Cortez, upwelling brings nutrient-rich waters from the depths to the surface, turning the water a vibrant shade of green. This phenomenon fuels massive plankton blooms, forming the foundation of a thriving marine food web. As a result, the region becomes a magnet for marine wildlife—from schooling fish and sea lions to majestic whales and playful dolphins. This upwelling is one of the reasons why the Sea of Cortez is considered one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, teeming with life at every level.