On the eastern coast of the Baja California Peninsula, Loreto boasts stone walkways flanked by colonial architecture, giving it the feel of a small European village. From Loreto, you can explore the spectacular landscapes of the region, including the Bahia de Loreto National Park, which has whales, dolphins, and pelicans, and the majestic Sierra de la Giganta mountain range, with trails leading to prehistoric cave paintings. Visitors can hop on a city tour and view the area's many historical landmarks, including the 17th-century Mision de Nuestra Senora de Loreto. Other highlights include the Parque Nacional Bahia de Loreto, Mexico's largest marine park, the chic, modern beachfront area of Nopolo, and a variety of exciting fishing and diving opportunities off the coast.
Magdalena Bay is the largest wetlands ecosystem on the west coast of Baja and one of the most important in North America. The World Wildlife Fund ranks it as one of the most important coastal habitats in Mexico. The Bay is the prime calving ground for the gray whale, and January to March it is possible to see – and often pet - a large number of whales, including mothers and calves. Magdalena Bay also has mangrove forests, barrier beaches and sand dune islands, all of which contribute to the incredible scenery and biological diversity of the area.
La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur and a great jumping off point for all the adventures that the Sea of Cortez holds. It is a waterfront town with a charming malecon (boardwalk) along the sea, marinas full of sailboats and yachts, and terrific local eateries.
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.
About 50 miles north of Cabo on the Pacific side of the Baja peninsula is a pueblo magico called Todos Santos – All Saints. And truly, the handiwork of all the saints seems to be reflected everywhere in our home town. It’s easy to imagine that St. Anthony (San Antonio), the Patron Saint of the Desert, had his hand in the underground springs that make the town a true desert oasis, thick with palms, lush with lagoons and filled with the birds they attract. St. Francis (San Francisco), Patron Saint of the Environment, seems like a sure bet for the town’s seemingly endless miles of pristine beach – home to 5 of the 7 turtle species found in the world, host to surf breaks that make the town one of the best surfing destinations on the Cape, and favored people watching spot of gray whales on their annual trip to Baja because they can get so close to shore. St. Isidore (San Isidro), Patron Saint of Agriculture, almost certainly got in on the act with the vast orchards of mango trees and fields filled with strawberries, chilies and herbs, while St. Peter (San Pedro), Patron Saint of Fishermen, could easily be the wily soul who ensured no natural harbor in the town to keep the waters from being overfished and therefore full of bounty for the intrepid local fishermen, masters of the surf launch and landing. But perhaps the saint who most shaped the town with his piece of manna was St. Aaron (San Aron), the Patron Saint of anyone who lives a passionate life. Todos Santos may be a tiny town but it is filled with Mexican and expatriate artists, chefs, musicians, fishermen, photographers, philanthropists, surfers, sculptors, farmers, film-makers, potters, spiritualists, naturalists, adventurers, entrepreneurs, explorers, yogis and more, all pursuing their passions in this paradise that draws, inspires and drives them. The result is one heckuva place to indulge your passions for travel and adventure so grab your St. Christopher (the Patron Saint of Travelers) and head to Todos Santos!
