Planning your winter getaway? Ditch Cabo San Lucas.
Planning your winter getaway? Ditch Cabo San Lucas.
Sun, Sea, Desert, Islands, History and Extraordinary Marine Life! Where is this? Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
- Made up of five desert islands, Loreto Bay National Marine Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- It contains 39% of the world’s total number of species of marine mammals and a third of the world’s marine cetacean species.
- From whales and dolphins to sea lion colonies, white sand beaches and clear water, you will feel as in a Jacques Cousteau movie.
- In fact, he called it the “aquarium of the world.”
- For history, drive out along a winding rural mountain road to San Francisco Javier Mission. Built in 1758, it is well preserved.
- And if you must, Cabo San Lucas is a 6-hour drive away through Baja California Sur’s rural mountain roads and towns.
Top Things to See and Do in Loreto
- Loreto Bay National Marine Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park comprises five desert islands set in clear waters teeming with marine life.
- San Francisco Javier Mission: Built in 1758, this stone church is located in the small mountain town of San Javier. With cobblestone streets, this church is worth the trip for its rural setting and well-preserved architecture.
- Town of Mulege: Located on the Sea of Cortez, Mulege is a beautiful oasis town full of verdant palm trees. The river-setting along with the 18th century mission and town square, will take you back in time.
- Scorpion Bay: Known for its surfing, the waters are great for beginners and advanced surfers.
- Magdalena Bay: Known for whale watching, Magdalena Bay is home to birthing Gray Whales.
And kayak or learn how to in the “World’s Aquarium.”
Planning Tips
Fly Into: Loreto International Airport
Kayaking Season: October to June when temperatures, including water temperatures, vary from 60 degrees to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Choose October, April, May, or June for more warmth and typically calm weather. Visit late January through early March for more whales. Find more solitude in October, January, May, and June.
Sea Kayak Baja Mexico offers day and multi-day kayaking trips. It also rents equipment and offers lessons.
Founder, Ginni Callahan is a British Canoe Union-certified 5 Star Advanced Sea Leader, Sea Leader Course Provider, and Coach Tutor. The British Canoe Union is internationally recognized as the gold standard in paddlesport training. Ginni is also certified by the American Canoe Association as a Level 5 Coastal Instructor. She writes for Ocean Paddler magazine.