Road Trip to Isla Espíritu Santo & Loreto April 2026
Our second time driving to La Paz, it takes about 2 hours from Los Zacatitos. We enjoyed La Paz more this time around, the sun was shining and warmer than in December. We stayed on the malecon at Baja Club Hotel, good place. Only one night before our expedition to our camp site.
Next morning we meet our captain Omar and guide Sergio at the warehouse to pickup our gears for snorkeling, etc… They take us to Playa Bonanza where we take the boat for about 1 hour toward Isla Espíritu Santo
On our way we discover the Blue-footed boobies: The blue color comes from structures of aligned collagens in the skin modified by carotenoid pigments obtained from their diet of fresh fish
Arrived! On the east coast of the island
Our camp site: Camp Cecil de la Isla
Quickly settled and informed about snakes, scorpions etc… We are served a good lunch cooked and served by our wonderful chef and staff. Omar and Sergio take us snorkeling in this incredible aquarium of the world… Flying Mobula rays along the way…
Back on the island, we go hiking behind our camp. Sergio is extremely knowledgeable about all nature and history of our surroundings, we enjoyed very much his explanations, all in Spanish for practice!
Isla Espiritu Santo, a UNESCO World Heritage site was formed 16–21 million years ago by cataclysmic volcanic activity and tectonic shifts in the Gulf of California. It consists primarily of layered volcanic tuff, lava, and limestone, creating dramatic high ridges, steep white-sand cliffs, and steep-walled bays
On our second day, early rise and walk on the beach, breakfast and we hop on the boat with Omar and Sergio, direction El Candelero for an amazing hike. The boat rides everywhere are spectacular!
Going thru the passage with Isla Partida in the north…
…to arrive at El Candelero on the west coast
Afternoon back to the north in Las Islotes often referred to as La Lobera (The Sea Lion Colony), a small, rocky island famous for snorkeling and diving with sea lions.
Along the way a blue whale and its calf. The mother is about 30 meters long!
We end this amazing day with a visit to a bird sanctuary with colonies of frigate birds and brown pelicans. Some turtles swim around.
Last morning with the company of dolphins
Bye, bye, it is a memorable experience!
Driving north to Loreto about 5 hours
The Misión de Nuestra Señora de Loreto Conchó was founded in 1697 by a Jesuit priest. iI is recognized as the "Mother of all Missions of the Californias" because it was the first permanent Spanish settlement in the region.
Near by, the Misión San Francisco Javier de Viggé-Biaundó, also from the 18th century is better preserved. It features stunning Baroque stone architecture, a gold-leaf altar, and is situated in a, serene, historic mountain village.
We stayed at the golf resort who had a french restaurant “Le Bistro” at walking distance that we enjoyed tremendously! Otherwise nothing really to mention…
Now driving back home about 9 hours thru Todos Santos where we recuperate with a stop at La Oysteria. Long but a gorgeous drive.
