A 20,000 year old reef The reef is approximately 20,000 years old, an age that places it among the oldest in the American Pacific. In 1995 the area, around 7,000 hectares, was declared a Natural Protected Area and classified as a National Marine Park in order to preserve its biodiversity and reduce to the minimum the level of human impact. What can I see? 226 of the 875 reef fish species that exist in the Gulf of California It is estimated that 15% of the species reported in the reef are visitors, among them Mantas Rays. Endangered Sea Turtle Species such as the Leatherback, the Loggerhead, the Olive Ridley, the Black and Hawksbill turtle come to visit the Marine Park to spawn or feed. Non-breeding groups of Sea Lions from California, as well as other marine mammals that travel through or near the boundaries of the park, such as Bottlenose Dolphins, the Spinner Dolphin and the Rough-Toothed Dolphin. Also in the winter, Humpback Whales can be found in the area.