The Pacific coast of Baja California Norte is blessed with numerous hidden coves along the rocky volcanic shoreline that create a vast number of unique habitats for a wide variety of marine organisms. A few hundred years ago, these small harbors also proved useful to bands of pirates that would hide in them waiting for word from a lookout high upon a nearby hill that yet another masted freighter was headed down the coast toward the tip of South America laden with valuable riches. Often, massive loads of California gold were onboard as well, which provided an even more tempting prize to entice a visit from these fearless privateers.