The Sea Of Cortez is also known as the Gulf of California. It is a body of water that separates the Baja California Peninsula from the Mexican mainland. It is bordered by the states of Baja California, Baja California Sur, Sonora, and Sinaloa (in Mexico).
The name 'Gulf of California' is preferably used on most maps in English today. The name 'Sea of Cortés' is the one preferred by most local residents. The Gulf opened up 5.3 million years ago which allowed the Colorado River to drain into the ocean.
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 Grey Whale, manta ray and Leatherback Sea Turtle. This region has historically been a magnet for world class sport fishing activities, and has an interesting history of sporting world records.
The area also has a history of commercial fishing. It has been noted that tuna schools more than 100 miles (160 km) long have been observed in this region.
The Gulf of California contains two large islands, the Isla Ángel de la Guarda and Tiburón Island, as well as several smaller ones, including Isla Espiritu Santo and Isla Partida which is joined to it by a narrow strip of land that is bordered on two sides by water and connects two larger land masses, known as an 'isthmus'. The beach at Ensenada Grande, on Isla Partida, was named the most beautiful beach in Mexico and one of the most beautiful in the world by British publication, The Travel Magazine.
Depth soundings in the gulf have ranged from fording depth at the estuary near Yuma, Arizona to in excess of 3000 meters in the deepest parts.
