Loreto makes for an outstanding location for bird-watching, even during summer when some birds migrate north. Despite this, there are still plenty of resident birds, with over 600 species to observe, including pelicans, cormorants, ospreys, roadrunners, woodpeckers, and even blue-footed boobies. Be sure to bring your binoculars or camera to capture these stunning creatures, from the grand frigate bird to the tiny Xantus' hummingbird, for an exciting bird-watching experience in Loreto.

It was here that the first mission of the high and low californias – Nuestra Señora de Loreto was built. It was from this mission that Christianity was peacefully presented to the Californias, functioning as a catalyst for a land-sea expedition led by the Franciscan priest, Father Junípero Serra, and it was from Loreto that he launched the 18th century expedition that gave rise to a series of 17 now famous California missions, stretching as far north as San Francisco, California.

In addition to the expansion of Father Serra to the north, Father Salvatierra also founded towns to the south and west that were the antecedents of population centers such as La Paz, San José de Comondú, Todos Santos, San José del Cabo, San Ignacio and others. In 1744, the San Javier mission, just 26 miles from the heart of Loreto, was built by Father Francisco María Piccolo. The accomplishments of these missionaries were impressive, given the difficult geographical environment. Their peaceful work on the peninsula lasted seven decades, until 1768, when they were expelled by Carlos III.

Loreto was the capital of California for more than 133 years until the capital was moved to La Paz, and today more than 300 years after its founding, Loreto is still rich in history and full of natural wonders to discover. Today Loreto is the seat of the government of the municipality that bears its name and is an exciting tourist destination with avant-garde tourist infrastructure.In addition, its prestigious past gives Loreto another deeper dimension: the Mission of Nuestra Señora de Loreto and the adjacent museum are a testament to this legacy.

Like an oasis on the coast of the Sea of ??Cortez, near Nopolo, Puerto Escondido, the Carmen Islands and Coronado, modern Loreto is a mini-Shangri La. Both those who live in Loreto and those who can visit it can appreciate how 300 years after its founding, its unique blend of history, culture and nature continue to make life interesting and enjoyable.

During the summer season in Loreto, stand-up paddle boarding is a delightful activity, offering the opportunity to paddle in warm, clear waters along miles of stunning coastline. Take in the scenic beauty of the La Giganta mountains in the background and the breathtaking views of the nearby islands.

In addition to Loreto, an excellent location to engage in stand-up paddle boarding is located north of the city on the Mulegé River, where you can paddle along its course until it reaches the ocean. The serene waters are lined with date palms and mangroves, making for a picturesque view as you glide through. Keep an eye out for turtles and pelicans during your journey.

If you've ever envisioned yourself snorkeling in crystal-clear, warm waters surrounded by natural beauty, then you must visit Loreto Bay National Marine Park in Baja California Sur, Mexico.

Jacques Cousteau, a famous oceanographer, called the Gulf of California "the aquarium of the world" because it has approximately 900 fish species, with 90 of them being endemic. When snorkeling in the park, you'll be able to see an array of brightly colored tropical fish, such as parrot fish, scorpion fish, damsel fish, king angel fish, Cort's angel fish, and puffer fish.

Moreover, the marine park is home to various sea creatures, such as eel species, Yellowtail surgeonfish, sea cucumbers, sea stars, sea anemones, sea urchins, nudibranchs, stingrays, manta rays, and more. Additionally, the area boasts 39% of the world's marine mammals and one-third of the world's marine cetacean species.

Despite the absence of coral reefs, the waters of the park are full of sea fans, and the majority of the underwater landscape is made up of sponges, soft corals, gorgonians, and sea fans, which come in a variety of shapes and hues. These sea fan gardens can be quite colorful and striking, especially on steep rock faces.

Visibility is at least 25 to 30 feet, usually 40 to 50 feet, and sometimes more than 60 or 70 feet, depending on the time of year and location. Winter air temperatures range from the 60s to the 70s, with water temperatures in the mid-60s, while summer air temperatures can reach the 100s, with water temperatures in the 80s.

Hike outdoors in natural settings between the desert and the sea, often in mountainous terrain and scenic terrain.

This is such a popular activity in our beautiful Loreto, both for the beautiful landscapes and for the benefits it has for emotional, physical and spiritual health, due to direct contact with nature.

Loreto is a popular destination for sailing enthusiasts in Mexico due to its sheltered coves, breathtaking scenery, calm waters, numerous anchorages, and convenient proximity to the town of Loreto. Take in the stunning views of the mountains and feel the gentle breeze as you sail through the islands of the Gulf of California, a naturally protected region composed of volcanic and oceanic islands.

Sailing the Islands of Loreto

The Islands of 'Bay of Loreto National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprised of 244 islands, islets, and coastal areas where you can discover the Gulf of California's calmest waters and spectacular mountain and desert landscapes while escaping the crowds.
You'll find plenty of variety to enjoy as you sail amongst the islands of Danzante, Coronados, del Carmen, Montserrat, and Santa Catalina. While most of the islands in the gulf are volcanic, Santa Catalina Island is very different because it’s a granite piece of the continental shelf surrounded entirely by water and has different endemic plants such as the giant barrel cactus and its famous rattle-less rattlesnake.

Back almost 12,000 years, Loreto is considered the oldest human settlement in the Baja California North and South Peninsula. To this day, some extraordinary cave paintings and petroglyphs can be seen. These paintings are lavish rock murals with spectacular human and animal figures representing this way of life, ceremonies, rituals, pilgrimages, hunts or battles, making them truly fascinating displays of the communication style of primitive man.

Loreto is a top-notch destination for sport fishing, offering a full range of charter fishing boats, hotels, fine dining options, an international airport, and high-quality tourist services. The Gulf of California is home to an incredible diversity and abundance of fish, with around 900 species and a substantial and consistent population of game fish.

Whether you're a passionate angler or just want to try your luck with a fishing rod for a day while on vacation, you'll enjoy the excitement of fishing in traditional "pangas" for a variety of fish, including dorado (Mahi-mahi or Dolphin fish), cabrilla (sea bass and grouper), amberjack, wahoo, sierra mackerel, toro (Jack Crevalle), cochito (triggerfish), or any other fish that your hook may catch.

You can have your catch prepared by local restaurants and invite your friends to a great meal while boasting about your fantastic stories of how you caught that "big one."
Loreto's location between the warmer waters of the southern Gulf of California and the cooler waters of the Midriff Area to the north provides two distinct fishing seasons for two highly sought-after game fish: dorado in the summer and yellowtail in the winter.

Just off the coast of Loreto there are five desert islands waiting to be explored. Among the most popular are Coronados Island, which is part of the largest marine nature reserve in Mexico.

The Loreto Marine National Park was officially created in 1996 and stretches for more than 61 km (38 miles) along the coast, and 35 km (21 miles) of coastline.

Large fishing boats are prohibited in this region, allowing local fishermen to survive by selling the products they obtain from the sea.

Coronados Island itself is small, covered by volcanic cacti, white sand beaches with crystal clear waters and a very nearby rocky islet, crossing its eight kilometers (5 miles) takes about 20 minutes by “panga”, once you arrive On the shore, you can enjoy a wide area in which both hiking and beach activities are practiced. The pale blue water that laps the ivory-colored sand offers an exceptional opportunity to dive or snorkel.

The complex of islands in the national park includes Isla Del Carmen; which is a reserve of the bighorn sheep and natural saline, Danzantes Island, Montserrat Island, Santa Catalina and of course Coronados Island, as well as caves, lakes and other crystalline waters that surround it.

These 5 islands create a protective refuge for marine life, among the most common sightings that you can enjoy are flying fish, dolphins, sea lions, giant manta ray – flying, blue and gray whale, killer whale, whale shark and much more. Once under water, you can enjoy a wonderful variety of colorful fish and other marine species that transport you to another spectacular world.

Loreto offers an exceptional kayaking adventure, boasting a lengthy coastline and various islands and coves to discover. Summer kayaking in Loreto is both breathtaking and invigorating, as you take in the stunning scenery around you. Enjoy cruising through the unspoiled, balmy waters of the Gulf of California while observing the diverse wildlife in the Parque Nacional Bahía de Loreto islands. Along the way, you'll encounter numerous rocky structures and picturesque white sand beaches, perfect for taking a break and swimming in the refreshing waters. Whether you're interested in a single day excursion or a more extended trip, Loreto has something to offer for all levels of experience.

Best Places to Kayak in Loreto and Northern Baja California Sur

The Bay of Loreto's shoreline, the area surrounding the Islands of Loreto Bay National Marine Park, and Puertecitos at the southern end of Danzante Bay are some of the best locations in the Loreto area for kayaking. If you keep going south, you can kayak in the stunning bays of Aguaverde, San Cosme, and Aguacaliente.

Other good kayaking areas include the desert oasis area of La Purísima in Comondú, where you can paddle in freshwater pools under the backdrop of El Pilon, a conical-shaped 4,741-foot dormant volcano crowned with an almost perfect basalt square surrounded by marine sediments with impressive formations.

If you drive north for a couple of hours, you can kayak in Coyote Bay in the Concepcion Bay area, with its small islets and rock formations. Or try kayaking in the lush, green region of Mulegé along the Santa Rosalía River, which is lined with date palm trees and leads to the mouth of the Gulf of California.

The local gastronomy has evolved over time. Although fish and shellfish are the basis of Loreto’s diet, every year new flavors are added to the panorama: Mediterranean, Asian, South American and from other parts of our country, so the gastronomic proposal is richer in variety each year. Due to this, the Association of Restaurants and Bars of Loreto in conjunction with the Association of Hoteliers of Loreto, have prepared the gastronomic program “Loreto Food Included”. This program allows all our visitors to request a bracelet per day per person at the hotel of their choice, to be able to enjoy their three meals of the day in any of the 16 restaurants participating in the program, so the gastronomic offer is enhanced for each one of the visitors, since you can attend the main restaurants of the destination without repeating them for a single day.

Just as a suggestion, we recommend the “Chocolat Clams”. Emblematic mollusk of Loreto, but that in each restaurant where you order it, it will have different flavors to enjoy it. Every year on the first Saturday in June, Loreto celebrates the “Chocolata Clam Festival”, where the Loreto restaurant owners show the different ways of tasting our star product.

Loreto has an incredible amount of fabulous restaurants and places to taste the typical dishes of the region. Most visitors discover that they never have enough time to experience them all, be sure to try the “almejas Chocolatas”, a representative dish of Loreto, they are cooked in different ways in almost all local restaurants, so we suggest you start as soon as possible. For more information visit the following website: www.loretorestaurants.com

If you do not know the Sierra de Baja California Sur better known as the Sierra de la Giganta, we recommend you climb its rocks and cliffs, where you will find small paradises majestically hidden between the mountains and the sea, the perfect activity for lovers of extreme sports.

In Loreto, one of the most popular places to practice this activity is the Tabor Canyon, full of waterfalls, green landscapes and rocks that are a challenge to overcome; If you are interested in this beautiful activity, we have a wide variety of suppliers with guides and special equipment. Go for it!

If extreme sports and strong emotions are your thing, this will be your favorite activity.

Dare to know the landscapes of our beautiful port pedaling through our hills and trails, also live the experience of sunrises and sunsets with the best landscapes in the background as a reward for the physical activity that this fun requires.

Camping in Loreto is a family campsite where one of their great concerns is knowing that their adventurers are well received and that they have multiple activities to do during the camping days. It is for this reason that apart from the visits around the Bahía de Loreto National Park and the knowledge of its territory and natural heritage that shows with its Missions, Islands, mountains and beaches a spectacular cultural landscape, in addition to its endemic flora and fauna. native to this municipality.

You can do many activities and shows with the intention of having fun and discovering Loreto, many of these activities try to merge a fun activity with the culture of the area. A magnificent example is the kayak or paddle board trips that we do on the beach during this campsite. That is to say, a combination of fun, health and culture!

The gray whale is the most popular in Baja California Sur, however; There are 8 species of whales that visit the decline each year, including the orca, humpback, seri, minke, pilot, gray, whale shark and the world’s largest mammal, the blue whale.

The islands of Loreto are a great place to see these magnificent mammals, as the sighting of the gray whale and orca is known to be a great animated spectacle, as they are naturally curious and social. The gray whale likes to show off its children and get close enough to the boats to be seen on the front page. Something that you definitely cannot miss.

It is one of the true joys of an eco-tour of Baja Sur to get up close to these magnificent creatures. Gray whales have been known to playfully approach small boats, putting visitors at a distance.