If you’ve ever envisioned yourself snorkeling in crystal-clear, warm waters surrounded by natural beauty, then you must visit Loreto Bay National Marine Park in Baja California Sur, Mexico.

Jacques Cousteau, a famous oceanographer, called the Gulf of California “the aquarium of the world” because it has approximately 900 fish species, with 90 of them being endemic. When snorkeling in the park, you’ll be able to see an array of brightly colored tropical fish, such as parrot fish, scorpion fish, damsel fish, king angel fish, Cort’s angel fish, and puffer fish.

Moreover, the marine park is home to various sea creatures, such as eel species, Yellowtail surgeonfish, sea cucumbers, sea stars, sea anemones, sea urchins, nudibranchs, stingrays, manta rays, and more. Additionally, the area boasts 39% of the world’s marine mammals and one-third of the world’s marine cetacean species.

Despite the absence of coral reefs, the waters of the park are full of sea fans, and the majority of the underwater landscape is made up of sponges, soft corals, gorgonians, and sea fans, which come in a variety of shapes and hues. These sea fan gardens can be quite colorful and striking, especially on steep rock faces.

Visibility is at least 25 to 30 feet, usually 40 to 50 feet, and sometimes more than 60 or 70 feet, depending on the time of year and location. Winter air temperatures range from the 60s to the 70s, with water temperatures in the mid-60s, while summer air temperatures can reach the 100s, with water temperatures in the 80s.