The Sea of Cortez in La Paz, Mexico is home to one-third of the world's dolphin population due to its abundance of smaller sea creatures, such as squid, crabs and fish that dolphin feed on. Renowned for their playfulness, intelligence and affection towards humans and each other, dolphins can't help but amuse snorkelers and divers with their seemingly smiling faces. There's no denying dolphins are almost magical creatures, complete with their own special language and gregarious personalities.

The sleek, gray bodies of bottlenose dolphins have a dorsal fin on their backs and two side fins to allow for rapid swimming and make them one of the most easily recognizable of all marine creatures. As well, they feature a long, beak-shaped nose for which they are named. Their real nose, however, is the blowhole on the top of their heads. Full-grown adults range anywhere from 2 to 4 meters long and weigh from 150-650 kilograms. Typically, 20% of their bodyweight is blubber to help keep dolphins warm underwater.

Living in small groups called pods, bottlenose dolphins are rarely alone in the Sea of Cortez. It is not uncommon for smaller pods to join other pods to form a large group; however, these groups are continually changing. Dolphins are natural predators and do occasionally behave aggressively. This is generally illustrated by head-butting and fighting amongst each other for rank, as well as showing aggression toward certain sharks and smaller species of dolphin. Overall, dolphins are extremely friendly creatures and have even earned the nickname "Man's best friend of the sea." There are several noted cases of dolphins rescuing injured divers by raising them to the surface of the sea.

Romance and courtship are huge factors in dolphin reproduction. Courtship practices involve males playing, nuzzling, yelping and posing for the female in order to gain consideration. Gestation lasts about a year, and the single calf is born in shallow water with the aide of a "midwife," or helper dolphin. Calves are nursed for up to a year and a half and stick very closely to their mother for the first 6 years. Dolphins are famously attached to their young and have very nurturing, almost human-like maternal instincts. Mothers typically care for their young alone; males are not involved.

Flipper, the beloved "rescue" dolphin, was featured on a long-running TV sitcom and was often helping families in need and protecting their human friends. This series sparked the notion that humans and dolphins could communicate with one another. Scientists have more than enough evidence that dolphins absolutely do have their own language. These mammals make a series of clicks, buzzes, squeaks or screeches that serve two distinct purposes: navigation and communication. Of all the animal species, only humans and dolphins possess a language so complex. To communicate with each other, dolphins generate high-pitched whistles and clicks to express alarm or sexual excitement. As well, dolphins are natural mimics and are often found imitating sounds made by their trainers.

To navigate their way underwater, find food or judge distances, dolphins use their echolocation navigation system. Simply, this means they produce a series of high-pitched sounds and are thus able to navigate by the way their sound "bounces" off an object. A dolphin can then evaluate how close or far they are from an object, and how big or small that object is. In one scientific test, a dolphin was able to locate an object approximately the size of a marble in an area the size of a football field.

As their nose lies in their blowhole which stays closed underwater, bottlenose dolphins have a very weak sense of smell. Their sharp eyesight, however, accompanies their amazing sonar ability so dolphins are able to see even in dim light, such as underwater. Dolphins' pupils perfectly adapt and allow them to easily find their way through the Sea of Cortez.

Zoos and theme parks often have dolphin entertainment as a major draw. Because of their intelligent, clever nature, dolphins easily learn to follow directions and enjoy the awe and applause they gain from delighted crowds. Dolphins in La Paz, Mexico are very similar; although there is no trainer, they are often found swimming in the water near scuba divers and snorkelers and love following the waves created by boats, much to the amusement of the lucky swimmers and boaters.

Soak up the Sun with Sea Lions

People can easily confuse the physical appearance of sea lions and seals. While both have smooth bodies, a similar dark gray coloring and large flippers, sea lions have tiny ears on the sides of their heads. As well, they can walk using their four extremities; a seal simply slides on its belly.

Living near La Paz, Mexico means sea lions don't have to scrounge very hard for food. Small fish, squid and cephalopods are abundant in the Sea of Cortez and provide ample nourishment. Eager sea lions will hunt for an astounding 30 hours straight, with each dive lasting approximately 5 minutes. A prosperous hunting session will result in numerous fish, squid and octopus. Sea lions have a tremendous appetite and eat roughly the equivalent of one-seventh of their entire body weight per day.

Diving isn't just for dolphins, as sea lions are able to dive an amazing 1,300 feet into the water and can stay submerged for up to 15 minutes. These amphibious creatures will even sleep in the water! If a sea lion finds itself sleepy in the sea, they will have a quick nap ... although they do prefer to sleep on rocks under the Mexican sun.

Often found in larger colonies, sea lions are very social creatures and are rarely found alone. The males, or bulls, are often found patrolling their patch of rock for intruders. Should a sea lion be provoked, they have very sharp teeth and are able to swim at a surprisingly quick speed in order to protect their colony. However, those of us who have snorkeled with these beautiful creatures find them gentle and have never had any cause for alarm.

Mating generally occurs in June or July -- just 3 short weeks after the cow's pup from the previous year has been born. The gestation period lasts from 10 to 11 months and only yields one pup. In August, the males leave the females and swim to more northern regions. Females, with their pups, tend to stay in warmer, shallower waters. Once males are old enough to mate, they migrate south to choose a partner -- although they are polygamous creatures and often have several partners during mating season. Once a sea lion is fully-grown, they reach a height of anywhere from 1.7 to 2.2 meters and will weigh between 610 and 860 pounds. Sexual maturity is reached around age 5 and their average lifespan is roughly 20 years.

One of the most defining features of a sea lion is their unique, deep barking sound. Sea lions will honk and bark at one another to communicate however, during mating season, the males bark more intensely and loudly as a means of marking their territory. Females tend to have a more high-pitched bark and generally only make noise when they feel danger looming. Juveniles, both male and female, produce a more growl-like sound and only shriek if they are searching for their mothers.

Sea lions are notorious for being rambunctious and playful -- with each other as well as with snorkelers -- especially the pups! Sea lions love to be able to show off for an enthusiastic audience, although direct contact is inadvisable -- keep a respectful distance. When not cooling off in the crisp waters, sea lions are true sun worshippers. Huge gatherings can be found lazing on rocks enjoying a sun-soaked afternoon nap.