Loreto Bay National Marine Park: Islands and Wildlife Guide

A complete guide to visiting Loreto Bay National Marine Park, from paradise islands to marine wildlife.

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Loreto Bay National Marine Park (Parque Nacional Bahía de Loreto) is a wildlife lovers’ paradise. Due to its rich biodiversity and largely untouched natural beauty, Loreto is a popular eco-tourism destination on the east coast of the beautiful state of Baja California Sur. Boasting remote islands, unspoiled beaches, and crystal-clear waters, Loreto Bay National Marine Park is perfect for a variety of relaxing activities including snorkelling, diving, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Not to mention the vast wildlife watching opportunities in the bay, from blue whale watching to swimming with sea lions. In this post, we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about visiting Loreto Bay National Marine Park, including things to do, the best tours, and how to visit.

What is Loreto Bay National Marine Park?

Loreto Bay National Marine Park is a protected marine reserve off the coast of Loreto, on the east coast of the Baja California peninsula. Established in 1996, the marine park is home to several islands known for their rich biodiversity, especially marine life. Isla Coronado is the most accessible island and a popular day trip destination.

Loreto Bay National Park is part of the larger protected area of the Gulf of California (Golfo de California), also called the Sea of Cortez (Mar de Cortés). A special protected area between Baja California and the Sonoran Desert in northwestern Mexico, the Gulf of California is home to 240 islands, including five that sit within the boundaries of Loreto Bay National Marine Park.

Loreto Bay National Marine Park has received several recognitions for its conservation efforts over the years, including status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a place on the Ramsar list of Wetlands of International Importance.

The marine park covers a vast area of 206,580 hectares (510,472 acres), most of which is ocean, and includes a range of diverse ecosystems. Landscapes boast rolling coastal dunes, rocky shorelines, and cacti-strewn desert landscapes, while the sea is full of colourful coral reefs and underwater canyons.

Loreto Bay National Marine Park is managed by CONANP (the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas), which is part of Mexico’s environment ministry SEMARNAT (Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources). These regulatory bodies work to maintain sustainable fishing practices within Loreto Bay and to protect endangered species like the blue whale and California sea lion. Regulations in the park restrict harmful activities, including overfishing and habitat destruction, to help preserve its biodiversity.

Where is Loreto Bay National Park?

Loreto Bay National Park is located on the east coast of the Baja California Peninsula, about halfway up the state of Baja California Sur. The marine park lies just off the town of Loreto and along the large bay (Loreo Bay or Bahía de Loreto) to the south of the city.

Loreto Bay National Park sits about 126 miles (203 km) north of the city of La Paz, the vibrant capital of Baja California Sur.

Loreto Bay National Park Map

On the map, you can see the 5 islands that border Loreto Bay, as well as the two marinas, one in Loreto and one in Puerto Escondido.

The best things to do in Loreto Bay National Park

With sprawling sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rugged mountain landscapes adorning uninhabited volcanic islands, there’s no shortage of exciting activities on offer in Loreto Bay National Park. Here are some of the best things to do:

Exploring the bay’s stunning islands and the variety of native wildlife that call them home is one of the most popular things to do in Loreto Bay National Park.

Water activities like snorkelling, SCUBA diving, kayaking, and paddleboarding are also great ways to experience the stunning turquoise waters in Loreto Bay.

Land-based activities like hiking and beachcombing are also popular with those wishing to explore more of the park’s islands.

Visiting Isla Coronado on a day trip is one of the most popular things to do in Loreto Bay National Marine Park. A relatively unspoiled island, Isla Coronado offers beautiful beaches, wildlife watching, snorkelling, diving, hiking, and kayaking, as well as the opportunity to swim with sea lions.

How to get to Loreto Bay National Park

Loreto Bay National Marine Park is only accessible by boat. Most boats in Loreto Bay are pangas, a small kind of fishing vessel.

Boats can be taken from Loreto Marina downtown or Puerto Escondido Marina about 10 miles (16 km) south of Loreto.

The best way to explore Loreto Bay National Marine Park is on a boat tour of the bay. Tours include a variety of options. Some focus on whale watching in the winter months, while others simply take you out to Isla Coronado for sunbathing or hiking. Some tours offer a combination of activities. We’ve delved into the best Loreto Bay tours below.

Loreto Bay National Park Tours

There are several types of tours that you can take in Loreto Bay, each offering a different way to experience the landscapes and wildlife in the park.

The tour we did with Loreto Sea & Land Tours started with whale watching in Loreto Bay, where we saw fin and blue whales. Then we did some wildlife watching around the islands, spotting bottlenose dolphins, sea lions, a turtle, and blue-footed boobies. This was followed by a landing on Isla Coronado where we had a picnic lunch of authentic Mexican foods, with spare time for swimming and hiking. We particularly enjoyed wandering through fields of petrified lava rock as bottlenose dolphins swam around the island.

It’s worth checking with your tour company what’s included and where you’ll be going on your trip. It’s also worth asking whether they provide gear like beach chairs, umbrellas, kayaks, and snorkel equipment.

Loreto Marine Park Pass

The Loreto Bay National Marine Park Pass is an entry fee that helps support the management and conservation efforts of the Loreto Bay National Marine Park. This pass is required for all visitors who want to access the park, including the islands and marine areas.

If you’re visiting as part of a tour like whale watching, snorkelling, diving, and fishing, the pass is usually included in the price of the tour.

If you are not visiting with a tour, or the pass is not included in the price, you can pay for the pass at Loreto Marina. It’s about $5 USD per person. You’ll be given a paper bracelet that must be worn while you’re in the park to indicate that you’ve paid.

Loreto Bay National Park Islands

There are five uninhabited islands within the boundaries of Loreto Bay National Marine Park. Each is home to stunning beaches and dusty mountains covered in cardon cacti. These islands were created by volcanic activity and are still covered in basalt lava rock and unique rock formations.

What are the islands off the coast of Loreto?

The five islands in Loreto Bay National Park are:

1. Coronado Island

Isla Coronado is the closest of the five islands to Loreto and can be seen from the downtown malecón (boardwalk). It lies roughly 7 miles (11 km) off the coast of Loreto and is a 30-minute boat journey from the marina.

Coronado is the second smallest of Loreto Bay’s islands but, what it lacks in size, it makes up for in natural beauty.

Isla Coronado is actually an extinct volcano and you can hike to the summit for epic views. You can also see dramatic lava cliffs on the island’s eastern side.

The west side of the island is home to powdery white beaches and crystal-clear waters.

Isla Coronado is an important habitat for several species of native wildlife. It is an important nesting site for a variety of sea birds, including pelicans and frigatebirds. It is also home to a large sea lion colony that you can swim with on a tour.

The surrounding waters of Isla Coronado are home to black coral forests and an abundance of fish, making it perfect for snorkelling and diving.

2. Carmen Island

Isla Carmen is the largest island in the park at 15,000 hectares (37,000 acres). It’s home to steep cliffs, rich marine life, and great hiking opportunities.

Among its native wildlife, you may spot bighorn sheep, which were rewilded on the island in the 1990s and can be seen scrambling along the cliffs.

The deserted town of Bahia Salinas is located on the northeast end of the island. Once the site of a salt mining facility, this area is now home to the submerged remnants of a loading dock. This island is still managed by Organización Vida Silvestre A.C. and the Salinas del Pacifico Company.

3. Danzante Island

Isla Danzante is the smallest island in Loreto Bay National Park Islands but it’s one of the most popular to visit.

On the island, visitors can enjoy wildlife watching, kayaking to rock formations and hidden coves, and wandering down secluded beaches.

Underwater, the 180-foot wreck of the Agustin Melgar and the black coral banks of Punta Eleonor are perfect for SCUBA diving.

4. Monserrate Island

Located about 10 miles (16 km) off the Baja California peninsula, Isla Monserrate is home to rocky terrain and colourful coral reefs.

This picturesque island is a great place to see a range of bird species, including pelicans and cormorants or tropical fish.

5. Santa Catalana Island

The most southerly and remote of the five islands, Isla Santa Catalina is situated about 15 miles (25 km) from the coast of the Baja California peninsula.

The island is officially called Isla Catalana but US Navy mapmakers changed its name in the 1850s to Isla Santa Catalina.

The island is home to a variety of plant species, including the iconic giant cardon cactus, as well as seven species of reptiles that can only be seen here.

Loreto Bay National Park Wildlife

Loreto Bay National Marine Park is one of the most biodiverse places on earth thanks to its location within the Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez). Once called “the aquarium of the world” by explorer, oceanographer, and marine conservationist Jacques Cousteau, the Sea of Cortez is home to a wealth of marine life, as well as a variety of land-based species that have flourished on the islands.

What animals can you see in Loreto Bay National Park?

To us, Loreto Bay National Marine Park felt like a lesser-known Galapagos. We saw almost all of the animals we have on our Galapagos wildlife wish list in one trip to Loreto Bay.

The reserve is home to over 800 species of fish, 35 species of sea mammals, and 39 species of marine birds. Here, you can spot whales, dolphins, sea lions, sea turtles, manta rays, fish, birds, reptiles, and more.

Whales

Every year, from December to April, various species of whales migrate to the warm waters of Loreto Bay. Blue whales in Loreto are most commonly seen in January and March, but other species are also found in the park. Here’s a list of whale species you might see in Loreto Bay National Park:

Dolphins

It’s not just whales that you’ll see in Loreto Bay National Marine Park. The bay is also home to a variety of dolphins, including bottlenose, common, Pacific white-sided, and Risso’s dolphins.

Sea Turtles

Five of the seven species of sea turtle can be found in the Sea of Cortez. The most commonly observed species in Loreto Bay National Marine Park is the green turtle, known as a black turtle in Mexico.

Sea Lions

Loreto Bay National Park is home to several sea lion colonies, mainly on the islands. The main kind of sea lion here is the California sea lion, an endangered species known for their playful and curious nature.

Rays

Loreto Bay National Marine Park’s clear, warm waters, rocky outcroppings, seagrass beds, and coral reefs provide an ideal environment for several species of rays, including manta rays, spotted eagle rays, mobula rays, and southern stingrays.

Birds

Loreto Bay National Marine Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise. With diverse habitats, it plays an important role as a stopover for migratory birds travelling along the Pacific Flyway, a major migratory route for North American bird species. Birds you can spot here include the brown pelican, scissor-tailed flycatcher, magnificent frigatebird, blue-footed booby, yellow-footed gull, osprey, and American oystercatcher.

Blue-footed boobies

Perhaps the most unique of Loreto Bay’s birds, the blue-footed booby is so-called for its distinctive bright blue feet. They are found on the rocky islands in Loreto Bay National Marine Park, including Isla del Carmen, Isla Danzante, and Isla Coronado.

Sharks

A variety of sharks can be found in Loreto Bay National Marine Park, including hammerhead, whitetip reef, nurse, mako, and leopard. Although sharks are often feared for their predatory nature, they play a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems within the park.

Fish

Loreto Bay is home to an abundance of tropical fish including parrotfish, angelfish, Moorish idol, as well as barracuda and grouper.

Can you see whale sharks in Loreto?

Loreto Bay National Marine Park also occasionally sees passing whale sharks. Despite their name, they are not whales but a type of harmless carpet shark and the largest fish in the sea.

Despite what others may say online, although possible, it is very unlikely you’ll see whale sharks in Loreto. Whale sharks are found in the Gulf of California so it is theoretically possible to see them when snorkelling or diving.

There are no companies offering dedicated whale shark tours in Loreto. If you’re interested in getting up close to these gentle giants, you can ethically swim with whale sharks in La Paz.

Loreto whale shark season

Whale shark season in Loreto would be the same as in La Paz and other parts of Baja California Sur, between October and May. However, it is rare to see whale sharks here and there are no tours to see or swim with them.

Loreto Bay National Park Snorkelling and Diving

Loreto Bay National Marine Park’s stunning azure waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundance of marine life make it a haven for snorkelers and divers. Its top-quality dive sites give diving in Cabo a run for its money.

Divers can enjoy a variety of underwater landscapes, including sea cliffs, submarine canyons, kelp forests, and marine terraces, with a wealth of animals including tropical fish, moray eels, turtles, rays, and octopus, as well as pelagic species like tuna, sharks, and mackerel.

The best time for SCUBA diving in Loreto Bay is from May to November, when the waters are warm, and visibility is best.

Loreto Bay has great visibility, ranging on average from 9 to 15 meters (30 to 50 ft) and a pleasant water temperature of around 21°C (70°F) in winter to 29°C (84°F) in summer.

There are a couple of islands in Loreto Bay National Park that are home to large colonies of California sea lions. They inhabit the island’s rocky beaches and inlets, using the rocky shores as a breeding and haul-out site. These cheeky animals are highly sociable and are often seen sunbathing, playing in the water, or interacting with each other.

You can get up close to these playful sea-puppies by joining a tour to swim with them. The activity is highly regulated to ensure no negative impact on the animal or the species and is popular with snorkelers looking for an ethical marine animal encounter.

Loreto Bay Problems

Loreto Bay National Marine Park has faced its fair share of environmental and social challenges over the years.

Overfishing and the depletion of fish stocks were the main concerns that led to the creation of a protected marine reserve. The park has several no-fish zones, where neither commercial nor recreational fishing can be carried out. This gives the ecosystem much-needed space to recover and replenish. Despite the existence of no-take zones, illegal or unsustainable fishing practices still occur. Bycatch, the accidental capture of species like marine turtles when fishing, is also an issue.

Rising ocean temperatures and plastic pollution are other major concerns for the health of coral reefs and marine ecosystems within the bay.

There are also protected zones within Loreto Bay which are of great importance for tourism and commerce. While tourism is a great source of income for the local community, unsustainable tourism practices can have a negative impact on the local environment. Overcrowding of popular sites like Isla Coronado can lead to disturbance of wildlife, especially marine mammals like whales, who may be harassed by constant human presence.

With a combination of conservation efforts, sustainable practices, and the involvement of local communities, Loreto Bay National Marine Park can continue to thrive as a protected reserve and eco-tourism destination for generations to come, safeguarded from overfishing and exploitation.

Where to stay in Loreto Bay

You have two options when choosing accommodation in Loreto: staying in the large Loreto Bay area or the town itself.

Loreto Bay hotels are typically upscale resorts and sprawling developments on the strip of coast south of Loreto. While these might be appealing, they do have the disadvantage that you need to travel to Loreto Marina or Puerto Escondido Marina for Loreto Bay trips.

There’s a large variety of hotels in Loreto from budget apartments to luxury resorts, so there’s something for every budget. We’ve shortlisted the best accommodations below.

Loreto Bay National Marine Park Camping

Camping in Loreto Bay National Marine Park is permitted in certain areas under strict conditions and is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of the bay’s islands.

Sea Kayak Adventures offers kayaking and camping trips in Loreto Bay that offer you the chance to explore remote islands, enjoy pristine beaches, and witness diverse marine and wildlife.

When to visit Loreto Bay National Park

The best time to visit Loreto Bay National Marine Park is during the cooler months from October to April. This is also the peak of the whale watching season between December and March, with blue whales being most present in February and March. Temperatures at this time range from 15°C to 27°C (60°F to 80°F).

Loreto Bay’s hurricane season typically runs from August to October. While Loreto rarely sees hurricanes, there’s always the increased risk of storms and heavy rainfall during this time. While this can interrupt your travel plans, this is a great time to take advantage of fewer crowds and cheaper prices.

Tours can be cancelled due to bad weather, so it’s worth leaving room in your Baja California Sur itinerary to reschedule a tour if you’re keen not to miss out.

Loreto Bay Weather

The weather in Loreto Bay National Marine Park is typically dry and mild with a subtropical desert climate, with consistent warm temperatures year-round.

Loreto Bay has four seasons:

What to pack to visit Loreto Bay National Park

To ensure an enjoyable experience in Loreto Bay, it’s important to pack the right gear. Don’t forget to pack your:

Loreto Bay National Marine Park FAQs

We’ve covered some frequently asked questions about Loreto Bay below in case there’s anything else you need to know before you go.

How far is Loreto Bay from Loreto, Mexico?

Loreto Bay National Marine Park is located just off the shores of Loreto, the town that shares its name. The islands range in distance from the Baja California peninsula. The closest is Isla Coronado at about 11 miles (17 km) from the town.

What is the significance of the Loreto Bay National Park in Baja California Sur?

Loreto Bay National Park is known for its coastal habitats, islands, wildlife, and marine ecosystems which are some of the most unique in Baja California Sur. It has a rich biodiversity, cultural history, and sustainable local economies that preserve Loreto Bay’s natural and cultural heritage.

What animals are in Loreto Bay?

Animals you might see in Loreto Bay National Marine Park include fish, birds, reptiles,

What marine life is in Loreto Bay?

Loreto Bay National Marine Park is home to a variety of marine species, including tropical fish, rays, turtles, whales, dolphins, sharks, and sea lions.

Are there sharks in Loreto Bay?

Sharks species spotted in Loreto Bay include hammerhead, whitetip reef, nurse, mako, and leopard sharks.

Are there great white sharks in Loreto Bay?

While great white sharks are present in the Sea of Cortez, they are rarely seen in Loreto Bay itself. As they prefer cooler, deeper waters great white sharks are usually found outside the park’s boundaries.

What fish are in Loreto?

Thanks to strict regulations and no-fish zones, the waters around Loreto Bay are teeming with fish of all shapes and sizes, including yellowtail, parrotfish, angelfish, damselfish, surgeonfish, barracuda, snapper, and grouper.

Read next:

The 26 Best Things to Do in Loreto, Mexico

A Complete Guide to Blue Whale Watching in Loreto

How to Visit Isla Coronado from Loreto

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