Mexico
The El Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve is the largest wildlife reserve in Mexico. Covering a wide swath of both the Baja California Peninsula and the Pacific Ocean, it is one of the best preserved wildlife areas south of the border. The land surface is populated by rare birds and animals, but it is the marine life for which this reserve is most famous. El Vicaino is world famous for its seals and sea lions, and is renowned for its whale watching opportunities.
The Baja Peninsula was inhabited for thousands of years before western explorers showed up. However, because the harsh desert conditions were not favorable to human life, the area remained little populated. Because of this some of the rarest desert species of North America can only be found here. The area was designated as a biosphere reserve in 1988.
El Vizcaino is home to native species akin to those found in the American West, such as the Baja California Pronghorn, Desert Bighorn Sheep, Mule Deer and Coyote. The big draw is the sea life. The reserve abounds with Elephant Seal, California Sea Lion and several species of Sea Turtle, all of which come ashore here. Out in the ocean, species of Dolphin and Whale, especially Gray Whale, are common sites.
The El Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve covers an amazing 143,000 square km. It sprawls over much of the central Baja Peninsula, approximately 250 miles south of Tijuana. The reserve is open year round. As of this writing no visitor information was available. Web: www.parkswatch.org (unofficial website).
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