A Tornado of Fish in Cabo Pulmo, what an amazing trip to on the Sea of Cortez and the Baja! I was excited to put together a small group trip to the Sea of Cortez with Red Travel Mexico for December 3-9, 2017. Red Travel Mexico is an eco friendly tour company operating on the Mexican Baja, and recommended by National Geographic. I wanted to dive Cabo Pulmo, a marine sanctuary that has made a big comeback thanks to the designation of national marine park. Dr Sylvia Earle of Mission Blue has been a big supporter of the project. Dr Sylvia Earle is to fish what Dr Jane Goodall is to chimps! I wanted to see the results of the project to bring back this site to a healthy state, and Red Travel Mexico and I put together a trip to do just that!
On the second dive of our trip in Cabo Pulmo (following our awesome bull shark dive, see video above!!!) we went in search of Bigeye Jacks, also known as Bigeye Trevally. During their courtship the Bigeye Jacks rapidly swim together, so many of them they form what is known as a fish tornado. Why? Because that is exactly what it looks like! These tornadoes have thousands of fish in them, and it has been something I have always wanted to see. Yes, I’ve seen huge shoals of fish and sharks…but I had never seen one of these swirling columns filled with fish. Cabo Pulmo gave me my first look at them! I was so excited to see these tornadoes, and I loved getting in the tornado. Fascinating!
Cabo Pulmo is such a fantastic example of marine protection! To learn more go to this link http://ocean.si.edu/ocean-news/cabo-pulmo-giving-optimism-coral-reefs
We saw schools of Groupers, Yellow Tailed Snappers, and Mutton Snappers! The photos aren’t that great, but you can see how full of fish (and sharks!) Cabo Pulmo is. It has returned to being a healthy ecosystem instead of a barren waste. Truly a sight to see. Marine life can come back, but we have to give it the opportunity before it is too late.
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Love the tornado of fish pictures! Awesome!
Thank you! It was just amazing!
Even if I don’t know how to swim, I wish I could see all this beauty under the ocean!
The beauty of diving and snorkeling is you don’t have to know how to swim, just kick your legs with fins. The ocean holds you up!
Wow! This really seems like an astonishing and unforgettable experience, Tam. Scuba diving is an exceptional activity and your post was truly motivating! 😉
Thank you!
I can imagine how being so close of that swirling tornado is such a rush. I never knew this is something I want to put on my bucket list, but now I know!
Are you a diver??
This is INSANE! I’ve never seen anything like this before, how fascinating! Thanks for sharing these incredible photos 🙂
You are welcome! Fabulous experience!
You are my only link to diving, never heard of the tornado concept with fish, very cool.
diving is a great activity, and it is very addictive!
Woah! Leaving for Cabo on Saturday and hadb’t planned on diving since I’ll be with mom-divers but may need to sneak off to get a piece of this action!
There is diving all off of Cabo San Lucas and La Paz as well!
Wow, what an experience! I think it’d be really cool to see for myself.
Very cool
Tam, that clearly is an amazing experience. What camera did you use to capture the shots? A GoPro? Thanks for sharing such a great experience!
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You are welcome! I was not 100% happy with the photos because I couldn’t use a flash…long story. I used an Olympus OMD EM5 Markii in a Nauticam housing. I’ve been really happy with it, but I have to get strobes that will work with it.
This is a truly fantastic post! I especially appreciated the section on the picture. Thanks for sharing.
This is the reason why I love diving and fishing. I get to have the chance to unite with nature, see its wonders, and release stress from the chaotic community we have today. Happy to see the tornado of fish still exists and I wish they can live forever! Xoxo!
Hey, Tam just awesome!!! I can’t express my feelings in words right now as I am thinking that I was there in place of you. I will love to see me in the bottom of the sea with some wonderful fish like you. Wishing you for the best.
I’ve only seen the tornado at BBC documentary films and other movies. Gosh, this is really amazing! Wish I can see them in person too! Thanks for sharing your experiences!
Oh wow, thanks for sharing! You’ve taken some awesome pictures 🙂
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I have read it over and over, and still, I’m amazed by it. Really nice shots.
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Interesting and Valuable !
Really this is interesting Post. Thanks for sharing with us!
WOW! Amazing pics, thanks for sharing this great content
WOW! Amazing pics.