Dolphins and Blue Whales in the Sea of Cortez

Mexico's Sea of Cortez is filled with marine life, including blue whales, dolphins, orcas (killer whales), and sea lions. While on our Sea of Cortez cruise on the American Safari Cruises' Safari Quest, we had the opportunity to see many different species, including these pods of thousands of dolphins.

Many people confuse dolphins with porpoises, and the names are sometimes used interchangeably. However, the two mammals are in different families and can be easily distinguished. Porpoises do not have beaks, and their dorsal fins are not curved like those of dolphins. Porpoises are also shyer than dolphins, and not nearly as friendly towards people. The Safari Quest skiff took us out into the midst of this huge pod of dolphins, and we skimmed along the surface of the sea in harmony with the jumping and frolicking dolphins.

The same day, we also saw several blue whales, the largest creatures on earth. These mammoth creatures often reach 80 feet long and weigh over 120 tons.