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Rocky Point Marine Science Lab

The Sea of Cortez, otherwise known as the Gulf of California has one of the most diverse and ecologically fragile marine systems on the planet. In addition to being a great beach getaway, researchers, students as well as visitors can visit a Rocky Point marine science lab and get a glimpse of life in the costal Sonoran desert region.

There are two places to visit when in Rocky Point. The first is the CEDO science center, a research facility that is open to the public as well as other schools. They have multiple exhibits, ranging from botanical gardens to fisheries and everything in between.

Whether your focus is on conservation or just learning about new species, the CEDO center offers a comprehensive and engaging experience as you learn about life on the northern coast of the gulf. Additionally, there is a 55 foot whale skeleton on display that was found in the 1980’s.

Next on the list is a small aquarium in Rocky Point called the CET-MAR aquarium. Tied to research institutions, this facility is a great way to get a hands on experience with fish and marine life from various species. For a small entry fee, you can look at seahorses, eels, stingrays and even sea lions. There are hands on feeding opportunities for those who want to get into the tanks with turtles, and there are also guided tours that help to enrich the whole experience, and best of all they are very inexpensive.

Small, frills free and very low key, these facilities are not what you may be accustomed to in the States, however they make great places to study, research or just enjoy learning about the local wild and marine life. Don’t expect a lot of fancy lighting or exquisite layouts like most American Aquariums, but your experience will be more rewarding because of the interactive nature of the exhibits.

Getting to a Rocky Point marine science lab is only a matter of driving a couple of hours south of Phoenix. Call ahead to see what events and exhibits are on the horizon, and make sure to bring a camera. Many schools have field programs tied with these facilities, and they make the perfect way to not only study species, but get into their natural environment and see first hand a unique ecosystem at work.

Whether for study, research or just simple personal enrichment, visiting and donating to these facilities will help encourage conservation as well as bring attention to preserving this precious resource which is the Sea of Cortez. The hands on access to animals and the availability of experts to answer questions makes this one of the best places in the Western United States to study marine life.

Once you’ve visited a Rocky Point marine science lab, schedule a dive or snorkel trip and see these species in their natural environments. Because these waters are so popular among fish and marine life, there is an abundance of different species to see and observe.