Visit Isla Cerralvo (Jacques Cousteau Island), Baja California Sur, Mexico

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Isla Cerralvo, as is commonly named, whose official name is Isla Jacques Cousteau, is an island located off the Cerralvo Channel oast near La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico. The 4.5 mile wide waterway between the island and the Baja peninsula is known as Canel de Cerralvo (Cerralvo Channel) There is abundant marine life surrounding this island due to underwater topography and ocean currents. Virtually all local marine life must migrate past the island and water visibility goes up to 30 meters making it a prime location for big game fishing. There are abundant golden grouper, marlin, sailfish, swordfish or broadbill, and other game fish in Cerralvo Channel waters. Views from island at dawn and sunset are very lively and filled with color. It is 18 miles long with a land area of 136.498 km² (52.702 sq mi), and is the ninth-largest island in Mexico. It is part of Municipality of La Paz. The island peak comes to 2,100 ft (640 m) and the ridge line runs north-south with many small streams draining east to Sea of Cortez and west to Cupalo Channel. There are many steep bluffs on the eastern sides and many sandy beaches and points on the west side. The winds, waves and currents that flow through the channel at times can make it a rough passage. So start early if your just passing through. In November 17, 2009, Mexican government changed the island name from historical name "Isla Cerralvo" to "Isla Jacques Cousteau" in honor of French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau (1910–1997) who had led many expeditions in this area. This name change has generated annoyance and a growing resistance amongst citizens of nearby shores, in Baja California Sur state, who were not consulted; they insist on keeping the name "Isla Cerralvo". This resistance is also supported by many people in other Mexican regions.

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