Click on image for larger annotated version
This is an image of the southern portion of the Baja California Peninsula.
The Pacific Ocean lies to the west and the Gulf of California to the east.
Within the Gulf of California are Isla Cerralvo (the more southern of the
two visible islands) and Isla Espiritu Santo. Ecologists work to keep
these islands pristine so existing flora and fauna survive and so visitors
can learn about the sea and enjoy the white sand beaches, the
multi-colored cliffs and the sea life. Magdalena Bay is the smaller
enclosed bay within the Bahia de La Paz. The town of La Paz lies on the
peninsula surrounding Magdalena Bay. La Paz is the capital of the state of
Baja California Sur. Surrounded by a barren desert; the city of La Paz is
set amid ancient laurel trees, and coconut and date palms. La Paz draws
sport fishermen, divers, and water enthusiasts to its sunny beaches, calm
bays and ecologically pure offshore islands.
Magdalena Bay is one of three major lagoons traditionally used by
California gray whales for breeding in Baja. The bay has a narrow opening
to the Pacific Ocean, through which the tide flushes water in and out,
bringing nutrients and oxygen to the diverse marine inhabitants. The water
becomes a soup of minute organisms and fish, which in turn attract
seabirds of many species during the winter months. Sea kayaking and bird
in the mangrove canals of the calm and sunny lagoon is activities commonly
enjoyed at Magdalena Bay.
Photojournal note:
EarthKam was formerly known as KidSat. To see images of KidSat, see
http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/mission/KidSat .