There are about 10 to 15 white radial spines with black dots on smooth conical warts, up to 4 cm (1.6 in) long.

The reddish-brown central spines, four in number, are curved like fishhooks and can be up to 5 cm (2.0 in) long.

The zygomorphic flowers are trumpet-shaped with slightly curled perianths, scarlet red, and up to 3 cm (1.2 in) long.

[2] Cochemiea maritima is found in the Mexican state of Baja California, occurring along the Pacific coast west of Punta Prieta on calcareous rocks on slopes.

[4] The specific epithet "maritima" comes from Latin, meaning "concerning the sea," referring to the species' preferred habitat.