About

If you’re passionate about desert and ocean ecosystems and the incredible wildlife they support, add CEDO to your Rocky Point must-do list. Short for the Intercultural Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans, this nonprofit focuses on environmental conservation through research, education, and hands-on experiences. Their engaging museum and programs make learning about the region both fun and meaningful.

Getting There

Nestled in the peaceful Las Conchas community, CEDO welcomes visitors with classic Mexican architecture, ocean views, rounded arches, dark wood accents, and vibrant tilework that brightens its bright white walls. The campus includes interactive exhibits, a botanical garden, student dormitories, a laboratory, a library, local artwork, and a well-stocked gift shop filled with apparel, coffee mugs, glassware, and books on the Sea of Cortez, Pinacate Biosphere, and seashells.

You can’t miss it — a dramatic 65-foot fin whale skeleton, recovered from the Morúa Estuary in 1984, stands proudly out front. Inside, you can also view a vaquita skeleton. Bring your camera for great photo opportunities!

Non-Profit Efforts & Research

CEDO is a binational nonprofit partnership between organizations in Mexico and the United States. For more than 40 years, it has studied the rich ecosystems of the Upper Gulf of California, the Sea of Cortez, and the Sonoran Desert. Its mission is to protect biodiversity while building a community that actively cares for these environments.

Research shows that rapid growth in population and tourism has dramatically impacted the local ecosystem and wildlife habitats. With thousands of residents relying on fishing and tourism, CEDO has helped implement sustainable practices, including regulated shrimping seasons and protections for the critically endangered vaquita porpoise (now fewer than 15 individuals remain).

CEDO’s work is guided by five main pillars:

Community Well-being
Citizen Action for Species & Ecosystems Conservation & Monitoring
Sustainable Fisheries & Aquaculture
Education, Outreach, & Communication
Academic Services & CedoXperiences

Excursions through CEDO

In addition to seminars, CEDO offers guided excursions that highlight the best of Rocky Point’s natural wonders, including:

Pinacate & Grand Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve
San Jorge Island Adventure
Estuary Exploration
Tidepool tours
Oyster Experiences and more.

Booking a tour with CEDO directly supports their conservation and research efforts — so you can enjoy an unforgettable adventure while helping protect the ecosystems you love.

Local Tips

Anyone interested in sharing their knowledge can volunteer as a tour guide through CEDO.
Visit their website for donation opportunities or volunteer information.

Staging environment