A scenic 60-minute boat ride from La Paz lies Isla Espiritu Santo – one of the most beautiful islands in the Sea of Cortez. Void of hotels, shops or other tourist trappings, this uninhabited island remains an unspoiled paradise in Baja California Sur. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, Espiritu Santo is home to windswept beaches, Martian-like desert landscapes, coral reefs and a staggering array of flora and fauna.  Here you can swim with sea lions, kayak along the rocky shoreline, watch nesting frigate birds and snorkel with colorful fish, sea turtles, manta rays and other marine life.

La Paz day trip to Espiritu Santo

Experience nature in all her glory on a day trip to this protected marine park, which is regarded as one of Baja’s most important eco-tourism destinations. The island’s turquoise waters, striking rock formations and pristine coastline have an otherworldly beauty, and its relative isolation gives a sense of being in the wilderness.

Various companies in La Paz offer half and full-day excursions to Espiritu Santo Island, with plenty of chances to swim, snorkel, kayak, hike, and take in the amazing scenery. The journey is made on local fishing boats known as pangas that cruise past the island of San Rafaelito, before heading to the spectacular Balandra Bay – where you can snap pictures of an iconic mushroom-shaped rock formation.

Swimming with sea lions

A large colony of sea lions, numbering in the hundreds, bask on the banks of Los Islotes, where the real fun begins. Snorkeling with these inquisitive, acrobatic mammals – which have been known to “kiss” snorkelers on the mask—will undoubtedly be the highlight of your trip! Sea lion pups are exceptionally frisky and a delight to watch. Wet suits are provided during windier months, but average water temperatures hover between 73-84 F. Keep an eye out for huge parrot fish, grouper, rays and angel fish.

Depending on the season, travelers may catch a glimpse of pilot whales, dolphins or whale sharks – the planet’s largest fish. Experienced tour guides explain the history of the island and prepare a delicious picnic lunch on the white sands of Ensenada Grande – rated by Travel Magazine as Mexico’s most beautiful beach!

A getaway to Espiritu Santo Island should be on everyone’s bucket list. If you’re into scuba diving, this island provides phenomenal opportunities to see Mobula rays, hammerhead sharks and whale sharks. The visibility is the best (average 80 feet) from July through December.

Espiritu Santo Island Quick Facts

• Located in the Sea of Cortez, Baja California Sur
• An hour’s boat ride from La Paz
• Mexico’s 12th largest island with a land area of 31,000 square miles
• Designated a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1995
• Connected to Isla Partida by a small isthmus
• Both Espiritu Santo and Isla Partida are uninhabited
• Overnight camping available
• Home to diverse marine life: sea lions, sea turtles, sharks, dolphins, whales and rays
• Only known habitat of the black jack rabbit
• Half and full day eco tours available from La Paz 

Read More about Espiritu Santo Island:

1. ThePlanetD, An Unforgettable Adventure at Mexico’s Isla Espíritu Santo https://theplanetd.com/isla-espiritu-santo-mexico/
2. TripAdvisor, Isla Espiritu Santo https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g150771-d153205-Reviews-Isla_Espiritu_Santo-La_Paz_Baja_California.html
3. com, Espiritu Santo Island Day Trip http://bajaex.com/expeditions/day-trips/espiritu-santo-island-day-trip/

It’s official: the top three international destinations American college students are flocking to for the annual rite of Spring Break are all in Mexico, according to a new survey.

Researchers analyzed U.S. travelers’ Spring Break travel plans in 2018, and their study yielded some great news for vacation home owners south of the border, as they can accommodate large groups of budget-conscious Breakers. Worldwide, the top three destinations are in Mexico, with Cancun leading the pack (14.2 percent), then San Jose Del Cabo (6.3 percent), and Puerto Vallarta (5.1 percent).

Rounding out the list of leading international destinations are Higuey, Dominican Republic (4.9 percent); Montego Bay, Jamaica (4.8 percent); Aruba, Aruba (4.5 percent); Nassau, Bahamas (4.3 percent); Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (3.4 percent); and Cayman, Cayman (3.3 percent). The only European location that made the Top 10 list is London, United Kingdom (2.8 percent).

Researchers reviewed trips planned for the Spring Break season (February 23, 2018 through April 16, 2018) for travel between five and eight days in length. The results revealed that Orlando (9.5 percent) was the number one domestic destination for Spring Breakers. Following in popularity are Phoenix (5.2 percent), Honolulu (4.7 percent), Fort Lauderdale (4.4 percent), Las Vegas (4.2 percent), Fort Myers (4.1 percent), New York (3.8 percent), Los Angeles (3.4 percent), Miami (3.3 percent) and Maui (3.2 percent).

Spring Breakers Choose 8-Day Vacations

The findings also uncovered the most popular days to fly for Spring Break travel in 2018. The busiest travel day anticipated for domestic (4.1 percent) and international flights (5.69 percent) is March 10, 2018. Also, the study found most Spring Breakers are taking a five-day trip for domestic destinations (31 percent) and an eight-day vacation for international destinations (52 percent).

Mexico’s plentiful sand and surf were major factors in its stellar ranking. The survey also indicates a renewed confidence on the part of Americans traveling to the country, despite recent safety concerns.

“Americans are opting for sun and fun this Spring Break, with a majority of travelers planning domestic and international beach getaways, whereas last year many travelers opted for a ski destination,” one researcher concluded.

Bring on the Breakers!

Sea Side Reservations caters to Spring Breakers and travelers of all ages, offering incredible deals on vacation rentals at all the hottest destinations in Mexico, including Puerta Vallarta, Cancun, and La Paz, just to name a few. Since 1996, we’ve been bringing property owners and guests together, offering affordable rentals in beautiful villas, furnished condos, and beachfront homes, steps away from all the attractions visitors want to experience.

 

More Information on Spring Break in Mexico:

1. Coastal Living, “Top 10 Spring Break Destinations in Mexico,” https://www.coastalliving.com/travel/top-10/best-spring-break-destinations-mexico
2. Chicago Tribune, Spring Break Beyond the Beach: Why more travelers opt for active trips, http://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/travel/ct-active-spring-break-20180208-story.html

There are dozens of stunning beach destinations in Mexico, but few that promise the natural beauty and provincial charms of La Paz. Boasting a privileged location on the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, this cosmopolitan city lures travelers with a perpetual Spring-like climate and an endless array of eco-tourism activities.

If you want to experience the best that Mexico has to offer, without the hustle and bustle of tourist crowds, La Paz offers the perfect backdrop for adventure, romance and cultural exploration. If La Paz is on your Bucket List, be sure to check out our top 5 things to do in this colorful city! 

Snorkeling & Scuba Diving at Espíritu Santo

La Paz sits between the Gulf of California and the Sea of Cortez, making it a word-class destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. Explore surreal underwater seascapes at more than 25 diving spots flanking La Paz Bay, where you’ll have opportunities to swim alongside sea lions, manta rays, hammerhead sharks, endangered sea turtles and other marine life. Tour operators feature half and full-day snorkeling or diving excursions to Espíritu Santo and other islands that include a professional guide, boxed lunch, gear, beverages and a relaxing catamaran tour.

A stroll down El Malecon

El Malecon is one of the most popular attractions in La Paz for good reason. This lively oceanfront boardwalk, built in 2004, is a great place to grab a drink or a meal, pick up souvenirs, enjoy the sunset, or do some people watching. This breezy promenade stretches more than five kilometers along the beach and is brimming with bars, restaurants and shops.

Desert Horseback Ride

About 30 minutes north of La Paz, you’ll find an authentic ranch that offers horseback tours through the surrounding desert. These spirited excursions take guests through cacti-laden landscapes down to small fishing hamlets on the sea, where you’re free to let loose and gallop on the soft sands.

Angling for Big Game Fish

Are you ready for the fishing adventure of a lifetime? La Paz sportfishing is legendary, and the variety of big game fish is astounding. Whether you’re a beginner or veteran angler, local charters will hook you up with some hard-fighting fish. Most of the action happens close to shore in the Sea of Cortez, where the waters are so clear, you can actually see schools of tuna, dorado and sailfish. Local operators will tailor a fishing package that suits your timeline and interests, whether you want to try spear fishing, fly fishing or trolling the open waters.

Experience amazing cuisine

The cuisine in La Paz goes far beyond fresh seafood and chocolate clams. The restaurant scene is eclectic, thanks to a large international expat population. In La Paz, you can sample just about every style of fare imaginable, from Swiss, Italian and French to Japanese. Of course, there are plenty of trendy cafes and eateries that serve up traditional Mexican food, including octopus ceviche with cilantro and lime and grilled tampiquena arrechera (flank steak). 

More Resources for Things to Do in La Paz:

1. CrazySexyFunTraveler, 6 Things to do in La Paz Baja California Sur https://www.crazysexyfuntraveler.com/things-to-do-in-la-paz-baja-california-sur/
2. Panterra Expeditions, Espiritu Santo Island Tour http://panterra.com/espiritu-santo-island-tour/
3. Ze Wandering Frogs, Top 10 Things to Do in La Paz Mexico http://www.zewanderingfrogs.com/top-10-things-to-do-in-la-paz-mexico/