There are places in the world that leave even the most seasoned explorers in awe—and the Sea of Cortez, off the coast of Baja California, is one of them. The legendary French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau spent his life diving the depths of our planet's oceans, but few regions left a deeper impression on him than this one.
In fact, he famously referred to the Sea of Cortez as:
"The Aquarium of the World."
This poetic nickname stuck—and for good reason.
Who Was Jacques Cousteau?
Before we dive deeper (pun intended), let’s take a moment to understand who Jacques Cousteau was. Born in 1910, Cousteau was a naval officer, filmmaker, inventor, and one of the world’s earliest marine conservationists. He co-developed the Aqua-Lung, an early version of scuba gear, and used it to explore parts of the ocean no human had ever seen.
His groundbreaking documentaries—like The Silent World and The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau—brought ocean life into the homes and hearts of millions of people around the world.
But despite all his global travels, one region in particular stood out.
The Sea of Cortez: Nature’s Living Aquarium
The Sea of Cortez, also known as the Gulf of California, lies between the Baja Peninsula and mainland Mexico. It’s a narrow, warm body of water stretching over 1,100 kilometers (700 miles), and it holds one of the highest concentrations of marine life in the world.
When Cousteau and his team visited the Sea of Cortez in the mid-20th century, they were amazed at what they found:
- Over 900 species of fish
- Dozens of species of marine mammals, including dolphins, seals, and whales
- Hundreds of species of invertebrates
- Vibrant coral reefs, tidepools, mangroves, and deep ocean trenches
It was a place where the boundaries between land and sea blurred, and where every tide brought something new to life.
Why Cousteau Loved the Sea of Cortez
Jacques Cousteau didn’t just explore the Sea of Cortez once—he returned many times. Each visit gave him new insight into the dynamic ecosystems that thrive in these waters.
Here are a few reasons why the Sea of Cortez earned his admiration:
1. Unmatched Biodiversity
Even today, biologists consider the Sea of Cortez one of the most biologically rich marine environments in the Northern Hemisphere. Cousteau and his crew documented vibrant schools of fish, massive whale migrations, and species that hadn’t yet been classified.
2. Unique Geographic Location
Because the Sea of Cortez is semi-enclosed and protected by the Baja Peninsula, its waters are warmer and calmer than the Pacific. This creates ideal breeding and feeding grounds for many species, including sharks, sea turtles, and manta rays.
3. Isolation from Industry (at the time)
During Cousteau’s time, the Sea of Cortez was relatively untouched by tourism or development. Its wild, pristine nature made it a haven for serious research and observation.
Cousteau’s Legacy and the Sea Today
Jacques Cousteau’s description of the Sea of Cortez as the Aquarium of the World helped bring attention to its ecological importance. Today, much of the region is protected under Mexican environmental law, and UNESCO has named parts of it a World Heritage Site.
However, Cousteau also warned of the fragility of marine ecosystems. He believed the Sea of Cortez—and oceans everywhere—could only survive through conservation, responsible exploration, and education.
Much of what we know about ocean preservation today stems from the foundation he laid decades ago.
A Place That Still Inspires
What makes the Sea of Cortez so remarkable is that it remains awe-inspiring to this day. Modern marine biologists still conduct research here. Photographers and divers travel from around the world to experience its underwater magic. And travelers—RVers, kayakers, beachcombers—continue to be captivated by its beauty.
On any given day, you might:
- Spot dolphins playing just offshore
- Hear the blow of a gray whale on the horizon
- Watch pelicans dive for fish in the early morning light
- Discover crabs, urchins, and sea stars in the tidal pools
- Or simply sit still and take in the serene rhythm of the sea
Tips for Exploring the Sea of Cortez Like Cousteau
If you’re planning a trip to the Baja Peninsula and want to experience the Sea of Cortez as Cousteau did, here are a few suggestions:
- Bring binoculars and a field guide – There’s always something to see, whether it's birds, fish, or migrating whales.
- Go tidepooling at low tide – The intertidal zones are rich with tiny sea life.
- Visit marine parks or protected areas – Many regions offer guided tours or have interpretive signs about local ecology.
- Practice “leave no trace” ethics – Respecting this delicate ecosystem is essential to its survival.
- Watch Cousteau documentaries before you go – The Cousteau Odyssey: Sea of Cortez is a perfect primer for your adventure.
Final Thoughts: A Timeless Sea, A Lasting Message
Jacques Cousteau’s words continue to echo through time. When he called the Sea of Cortez “The Aquarium of the World,” he wasn’t being poetic—he was simply stating a fact. This stretch of water, with all its color and complexity, remains one of the most important natural wonders on our planet.
Whether you're a marine biologist, a family traveler, or someone who just enjoys watching the waves roll in, the Sea of Cortez offers something profound: a connection to life, to history, and to nature’s most intricate designs.
Want to Wake Up Beside the Aquarium of the World?
If you're drawn to Cousteau’s beloved sea and want to experience it for yourself, you don’t need to book a cruise or fly across the world. You can simply drive—RV-style—to the edge of the Sea of Cortez and stay a few quiet days by the shore.
Vee’s Ramada just outside of San Felipe, offers a peaceful, private RV site steps from the beach—perfect for watching the tides, spotting dolphins, and honoring Cousteau’s legacy in your own way.
But whether you visit for a day, a week, or a winter season, one thing is certain:
The Sea of Cortez will stay with you—just like it did with Cousteau.