{"id":7873,"date":"2018-03-17T00:45:13","date_gmt":"2018-03-17T00:45:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.seasidemexico.com\/bloger\/?p=7873"},"modified":"2018-03-17T00:45:43","modified_gmt":"2018-03-17T00:45:43","slug":"for-an-amazing-mexico-eco-adventure-try-espiritu-santo-island","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.seasidemexico.com\/bloger\/for-an-amazing-mexico-eco-adventure-try-espiritu-santo-island\/","title":{"rendered":"For an Amazing Mexico Eco-Adventure, Try Espiritu Santo Island"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"SergeantA scenic 60-minute boat ride from La Paz<\/a> lies Isla Espiritu Santo \u2013 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.<\/p>\n

La Paz day trip to Espiritu Santo<\/h2>\n

Experience nature in all her glory on a day trip to this protected marine park, which is regarded as one of Baja\u2019s most important eco-tourism destinations. The island\u2019s turquoise waters, striking rock formations and pristine coastline have an otherworldly beauty, and its relative isolation gives a sense of being in the wilderness.<\/p>\n

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 \u2013 where you can snap pictures of an iconic mushroom-shaped rock formation.<\/p>\n

Swimming with sea lions<\/h2>\n

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 \u2013 which have been known to \u201ckiss\u201d snorkelers on the mask\u2014will 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.<\/p>\n

Depending on the season, travelers may catch a glimpse of pilot whales, dolphins or whale sharks \u2013 the planet\u2019s largest fish. Experienced tour guides explain the history of the island and prepare a delicious picnic lunch on the white sands of Ensenada Grande \u2013 rated by Travel Magazine as Mexico\u2019s most beautiful beach!<\/p>\n

A getaway to Espiritu Santo Island should be on everyone\u2019s bucket list. If you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n

Espiritu Santo Island Quick Facts<\/h2>\n