The amazing Isla Espiritu Santo is one of 900 islands in the Espiritu Santo Archipelago that are part of the Gulf of California Islands Flora and Fauna Protected Area established in 1978. In 2005 Espiritu Santo and 244 other islands in the Sea of Cortez were named a UNESCO World Heritage site, and in 2007 the Marine Zone of Espiritu Santo Archipelago National Park was established. This marine national park covers an area of 48,000 hectares and includes Isla Espiritu Santo and La Partida, the island right next door. Because of its protected status, no permanent structures of any sort are allowed in Isla Espiritu Santo, aside from the camps of the local fishermen who have traditionally made their living from the island and its surrounding waters, and from whom we regularly buy seafood for the camp. Ecotourism companies must be fully licensed and registered to conduct operations on the island, and basecamps must be completely dismantled for a few months each year to allow the beaches to rest. Every visitor to Espiritu Santo contributes to the maintenance of the park through park fees. Your guide will give you a full briefing on the park rules and regulations that help protect the flora and fauna of the area, and we ask everyone to do their part to maintain the wild natural beauty of this remarkable place.
