About Baja and Isla Espiritu Santo
This island in the Gulf of California is the ultimate classroom. There are innumerable places to snorkel above coral reefs, hike in the Sonoran desert and observe marine life. The subject of marine biology will come alive here as we observe whales hunting, rainbow wrasse swimming over sea anemones, frigate birds circling, sea lions barking, and much more. The island also makes for a great study of ecology with several ecosystems and many communities represented. It is a natural place to study outdoor leadership as we kayak, hike and camp around the island. As an added bonus, the natural beauty is outstanding!
The Nature Conservancy has targeted the Gulf as a priority of conservation. Here is some information from
their website, "The Sea of Cortez is a global conservation priority, containing 31 species of marine mammals (one-third of the world's whale and dolphin species), 500 species of fish, 4,848 known species of marine macro-invertebrates and 626 forms of macroalgae. The area provides nesting sites and migratory habitat for about 210 bird species (both terrestrial and marine). It also provides breeding grounds for colonies of sea lions and several types of marine turtles. Many of these species are found only in the Sea of Cortez. In addition, the largely arid land rising from the coastal water is home to a number of endemic species, including the world's largest cactus and a variety of reptiles."
"The island has the most intact ecosystem in the region. Several animals on Isla Espiritu Santo are found nowhere else in the world, including the blacktailed jack rabbit, ground squirrel and two species of snake. The island is home to 53 regional endemic plant species. The waters surrounding the island support coral reefs, resident colonies of sea lions, and 500 species of fish."
The Gulf of California, or Sea of Cortez as it's also called, is a perfect place to study marine biology because it's teeming with marine diversity. Espiritu Santo is an outstanding destination for us not only because it's safe but also because there are so many locations to observe the marine ecosystem both above and below water. Furthermore, on land, we can study the Sonoran Desert ecosystem. Federal conservation of Espiritu Santo protects the amazing features of the area such as a sea lion rookery, beautiful reefs, crystal blue bays, tidal communities, marine birds, marine reptiles, mangroves and much more. The area is special because it has a large diversity of plants, wildlife, and topography in a small area: a microcosm of Baja.
“I think one of my most favorite parts was snorkeling. I had never done it before and I loved every minute of it! It was amazing to see all of the different life forms under the ocean – you would never guess what is under the surface of those blue-green waves until you stick your head under!”
- Student, Baja '05
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