Jacques Cousteau Island: A Natural Jewel of the Sea of Cortez

Just off the coast of La Paz lies a rugged, desert island surrounded by turquoise waters, vibrant marine ecosystems, and a remarkable history. This is Jacques Cousteau Island, formerly known as Isla Cerralvo, renamed to honor the legendary ocean explorer whose documentaries and scientific expeditions revealed the wonders of the Sea of Cortez to the world. Today, the island stands not only as a tribute to his legacy, but as one of the most pristine marine destinations in Baja California Sur.

A Legendary Name for a Legendary Place

Jacques Cousteau famously referred to the Sea of Cortez as “The Aquarium of the World,” a title that still holds true. Recognizing his contributions to marine science and his deep appreciation for the region, the island was renamed in 2009—an enduring acknowledgment of his impact on ocean exploration.

Untouched Wilderness

Unlike many popular islands in the area, Jacques Cousteau Island has no tourist resorts, no paved roads, and no permanent population. The result is a wild, untouched environment where cactus-covered mountains meet the sea and nature remains as raw as it has been for centuries.

A Rich Underwater Kingdom

The waters surrounding the island are a paradise for divers, anglers, and marine enthusiasts. Here you can encounter:

Giant schools of golden snapper
Amberjack, dorado, marlin, and tuna
Sea turtles cruising over rocky reefs
Seasonal whale sharks and migrating humpback whales
Playful sea lions and pods of dolphins

With nutrient-rich waters and changing currents, marine life thrives in remarkable abundance.

A Playground for Adventurers

Visitors come to Jacques Cousteau Island for a variety of outdoor pursuits:

Snorkeling reefs teeming with life
Scuba diving in crystal waters
Deep-sea fishing
Kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding along rocky coves
Hiking remote beaches with spectacular desert views

The island offers an accessible yet completely remote escape from daily life.

Birdlife Above the Waves

For bird lovers, Jacques Cousteau Island is equally compelling. Ospreys nest on the cliffs, pelicans skim the waterline, frigatebirds patrol the sky, and shorebirds gather in quiet bays. With no development or crowds, wildlife remains undisturbed and plentiful.

A Living Museum of Baja’s Geology

The island also tells the story of Baja’s volcanic past. Jagged cliffs, sharp ridges, and hidden inlets offer a dramatic landscape shaped by millions of years of geological activity. Photographers especially love the contrast of arid rock against brilliant blue water.

Protected Waters

While fishing and tourism take place around the island, growing conservation awareness has led to greater efforts to keep the ecosystem healthy. Research groups regularly monitor marine populations, helping ensure that this underwater world remains vibrant for future generations.

A Journey Worth Taking

Jacques Cousteau Island is an unforgettable blend of rugged desert beauty and remarkable ocean life. Whether experienced from the deck of a boat or from beneath the waves, it captures the spirit of exploration, wonder, and respect for nature that Cousteau himself inspired.

If you find yourself in La Paz, Baja Charters offers trips to this island, one of most biologically stunning corners of the world.

Email

chartersbaja@gmail.com

Phones

(52) 624-128-5666 (Spanish, English, German)
(52) 612-152-9940 (English Only)

Location

The Baja Charters office is at our very own Captains Sunset Bar and Restaurant a part of the Marine Waterfront Hotel, located in Marina Palmira, directly on the water - Dock 5