More photos scuba diving at Isla Tortuga

A den of Panamic green moray eels on the west side of Isla Tortuga
Scuba divers often miss the diminutive denizens such as flatworms (Phylum Platyhelminthes)

Hermaphroditic Rainbow Wrasses

Giant Damselfish at Isla Tortuga

Normally I'm not much of a fan of the damselfishes (pomacentridae). Sometimes pretty, they nonetheless have nasty personalities and I,m quite sure if they grew to the size of sharks, nobody would dare put a toe in the water. I suppose there is a certain amount of respect that these little devils deserve... A ten gram fish that will face off with a wandering diver's hand (and win) isn't short on chutzpah!
There one damsel that I am rather fond of in the Sea of Cortez, the giant damselfish, Microspathodon dorsalis. They are a little more shy than their smaller cousins, but will still charge a diver's mask if the diver recklessly wanders too close to their large nesting territory. They were out in force at Isla Tortuga, and become increasingly common as one moves south along the Baja peninsula.

Landscape & Geology of Baja's Isla Tortuga

Here are a few photos that show what a barren and rugged area this desert island is. Far from lush, Isla Tortuga possesses a starkness that creates a dramatic beauty contrasting with the diverse and abundant marine life surrounding the shores.

A wider view showing the thin layer of soil suitable for plant growth atop the unstable volcanic island

Cacti clinging to the edge near a fissure

The south tip of the island

Scuba Diving at Isla Tortuga

A few more pics from recent trips to Isla Tortuga, a small volcanic island off the coast of Baja on the Sea of Cortez

Stone Scorpionfish

Scissortail Damselfish and Cortez King Angelfish

Closeup of an electric bullseye ray

Scuba Diving at Isla Tortuga

I have been fortunate enough to be able to dive at Isla Tortuga a few times this summer. For those not familiar with Isla Tortuga, it is a small, barren, volcanic island positioned offshore between Santa Rosalia and Mulege on the Baja side of the Sea of Cortez. We crossed from San Carlos aboard the Ocean Spirit. It makes the crossing in about 3.5 hours, although it may take 4.5 grueling hours if the seas are rough.

Getting out of grad school and launching a business has kept me pretty busy these days, but I thought I would at least put up a few pictures from Isla Tortuga while I have the chance.

Stratified layers of lava flows and ash comprise the side of Isla Tortuga



An electric ray settles in for a rest on my fin

A Giant Damselfish protects his clutch of eggs

A pair of Moray Eels keep an eye on me as I pass

More to come soon after I resize additional pics!