
LORETO ISLANDS EXPEDITION
Included: 4 expeditions, 4 nights double occupancy on suite type / apartment, transportation between expeditions, two expert guides, private expedition boat, light breakfasts, lunches and healthy snacks, expedition gear, and high-quality photography.
DURATION:
5 days - 4 nights
LOCATION:
Loreto Bay national, BCS, MX
PRICE:
$25,500 MXN / $1,350 USD
SEASON:
April to December
BIODIVERSITY
ABOUT THE EXPEDITION
Join us on an unforgettable 5-day itinerary through Loreto Bay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to explore its stunning islands in more than a tour, a real expedition, around rich marine biodiversity, and coastal ecosystems. Aboard our comfortable expedition boat, La Puma, you’ll visit the park’s five iconic islands—Coronado, Carmen, Danzante, Montserrat, and Santa Catalina—while also enjoying a unique land-based exploration day along Loreto’s coastal estuaries.
Explore the park's five iconic islands while discovering an array of marine wildlife, including sea turtles, sea lions, mobula rays, cetaceans (whales and dolphins). Enjoy snorkeling and free-diving in pristine waters, hike scenic trails, and learn about each island's unique geology and history. Savor picnic lunches amidst breathtaking views of the Gulf of California.
LANDSCAPE
Marine Research and Exploration Adventure
Join our expert crew aboard a comfortable exploration vessel, guided by certified professionals Regina Domingo, Leopoldo Sanmiguel, and local captain Jorge Lombera, all of whom reside year-round in Loreto. This immersive adventure invites you to actively participate in marine research, contributing to real-time scientific studies:
Log GPS sightings and capture Photo-ID images of cetaceans
Identify marine species and record vocalizations
Support ongoing conservation strategies in partnership with leading marine researchers
All collected data is shared with research institutions to inform management plans and promote regenerative tourism, ensuring your adventure leaves a positive legacy for both nature and local communities.
Unforgettable Encounters and Custom Experiences
Beyond research, your journey includes:
Snorkeling and free-diving in vibrant coastal habitats teeming with sea turtles, mobula rays, sea lions, and colorful schools of fish.
Opportunities to spot rare and local species, such as bottle nose and common dolphins, blue-footed boobies, ospreys, and a variety of rays and sharks.
Encounter marine megafauna: Orcas, bryde’s whales, sperm whales, fin whales, bryde whale, minke whale, false killer whales, etc.
Stops on pristine beaches, where shaded areas and comfortable beach furniture are set up for your enjoyment, complemented by a delicious lunch prepared with local ingredients.
Optional hikes on island trails to discover the unique geological and ecological features that define the Gulf of California and Loreto Bay National Park.
*Our logistics team will work with you to customize your itinerary, ensuring your preferences and interests are fully integrated into your adventure.
ABOUT THE EXPEDITION AND SERVICES
CITIZEN SCIENCE
Participate in a biodiversity workshop half day to understand the park’s ecosystems and the connections between marine and terrestrial wildlife. Spend half a day exploring Loreto’s coastal estuaries to observe birds and terrestrial mammals. This day also serves as a relaxing break during the expedition while we wait for optimal weather conditions for remote ocean exploration.
Our adventures prioritize sustainability and respect for wildlife. With all necessary permits for non-extractive tourism in Loreto Bay National Park, we ensure eco-friendly practices while providing a safe and comfortable experience aboard La Puma. Guided by expert guides, you’ll leave with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for this marine sanctuary.
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Day 1: Biodiversity workshop and coastal land hike
7:00 AM: Start the expedition with a biodiversity workshop, learning about the interconnected ecosystems of Loreto Bay National Park, including its marine and terrestrial wildlife.
Afternoon: Explore Loreto’s coastal estuaries on a guided land hike, searching for birds and terrestrial mammals while enjoying the serene beauty of the coastline. This day also serves as a relaxing introduction to the expedition and ensures flexibility to work with favorable weather conditions.
Day 2: Carmen Island marine expedition
Sunrise: Begin the day with a scenic boat ride along Carmen Island’s coast, keeping an eye out for bighorn sheep on the cliffs as the sun rises.
Morning: Circumnavigate Carmen Island in search of marine wildlife like dolphins, sea lions, and rays.
Lunch: Stop at a remote beach for a delicious picnic lunch and time to relax or snorkel in turquoise waters. Learn about Carmen’s unique geology and history before heading back to Loreto.
Day 3: Coronado Island and Northern Park marine expedition
Visit Coronado Island, a volcanic island known for its striking landscapes and white sandy beaches. Take a short hike to explore its volcanic features and observe its unique flora and fauna and snorkel with a local sea lion colony.
Continue exploring the northern areas of Loreto Bay National Park, searching for seasonal marine wildlife like mobula rays, dolphins, and sea lions. Snorkel in pristine waters or relax on the beach before returning to Loreto.
Day 4: Montserrat Island marine expedition
Head to Montserrat Island, known for its secluded beaches and rich biodiversity. Discover the island’s secrets as you explore its hidden coves and observe its unique geological features.
Enjoy a picnic lunch on one of Montserrat’s remote beaches, followed by snorkeling or relaxing in this tranquil setting before returning to Loreto.
Day 5: Danzante and south park marine expedition
Head to the southern part of the park, known for its secluded beaches and rich biodiversity. Discover the remote coasts as we search for marine wildlife encounters.
Enjoy a picnic lunch on one of Danzante remote beaches, followed by snorkeling or relaxing in this tranquil setting before returning to Loreto.
Important Note:
The order of activities may vary depending on weather forecasts to ensure optimal conditions for exploration. Guests will be advised two days before the expedition begins with an updated itinerary based on forecasted conditions.
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Whales: Humpback, Fin whale, Bryde’s, Minke, sperm whales, pilot whales.
Dolphins: Common, bottlenose, risso's and spinner.
Rays and Mobulas: Cownose rays, spotted eagle rays, mobula munkiana, mobula mobular, mobula birostris.
Fishes and bill fishes: Yellow tail, mahi mahi, sardines, marlin, rooster, etc.
Seasonal sharks: Hammerheads, whale sharks, thresher shark, etc.
California Sea Lions
Top Predators: Orcas, pilot whale, false killer whales, mako sharks
Sea Birds: Osprey, pelicans, cormorant, blue footed booby, kingfisher, american oyster catcher.
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• 4 Marine offshore and islands expeditions: 7h to 8h duration.
• 1 Biodiversity workshop and land expedition of 4 hours.
• 2 Expert Guides: Explore confidently with the guidance of two seasoned experts.
• 4X4 Transportation: Transfers are included from Loreto during all expedition days / locations.
La Puma: Our 27-foot expedition vessel, is designed for comfortable long-distance ocean exploration. It features ample shaded seating, a fully equipped restroom, and secure storage for gear. Equipped with safety essentials and communication tools, La Puma ensures a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience for research and adventure in Loreto Bay National Park.
• 4 night accommodation: Rest in cozy suites with double occupancy in Loreto downtown.
•Meals: Light breakfast (only on sunrise expedition departures), in all expeditions/ activity days: lunches and healthy snacks .
• Safety measures: Stay secure with provided emergency kits and a satellite phone.
• Expedition gear: Binoculars, ultralight towel, snorkel gear, personal box lunch, aluminum water mug and snorkel gear.
• Small Group: Benefit from a more personalized experience with a maximum of 8 participants.
• Courtesy photographs of the expedition.
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Airfare
Airport transfers
Wetsuit
Dinners
Crew gratuity
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Good swimming skills in the open ocean
Comfortable being long days in a boat
Comfortable in remote locations
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Hat & sunglasses
Rash-guard / windbreaker / jacket
Comfortable hiking shoes
Light and lay clothes
Biodegradable sunscreen
Cameras
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By Plane: Loreto Airport (LTO)
Alaska Airlines
Route
: Los Angeles - Loreto
Frequency
: 4 Flights/Week (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday)
Route
: San Francisco - Loreto
Frequency
: 1 Flight/Week (Saturday)
American Airlines
Route
: Phoenix - Loreto
Frequency
: 3 Flights/Week (Monday, Thursday, Saturday)
Route
: Dallas - Loreto
Frequency
: 1 Flight/Week (Saturday)
WestJet
Route
: Calgary - Loreto
Frequency
: 1 Flight/Week (Tuesday)
Aerocalafia
Route
: Tijuana - Loreto
Frequency
: 2 Flights/Week (Monday & Friday)
Route
: La Paz - Loreto
Frequency
: 2 Flights/Week (Monday & Friday)
Volaris
Route
: Tijuana - Loreto
Frequency
: 2 Flights/Week (Sunday & Thursday)
Route
: Guadalajara - Loreto
Frequency
: 2 Flights/Week
By Bus
Two main bus lines operate from Tijuana to Los Cabos:
By Car
Los Cabos to Loreto
: 5 hours 30 minutes (333.6 miles)
La Paz to Loreto
: 3 hours 30 minutes (221.2 miles)
Tijuana to Loreto
: 12 hours 30 minutes (693.4 miles)
Other Options
You can also consider flying into La Paz or Cabo San Lucas airports, which are relatively close to Loreto.
ACCOMODATION
“La Puma” our expedition boat
La Puma is our 27-foot expedition boat, designed for marine exploration and adventure. This boat comfortably accommodates 9 passengers and 3 crew members, making it perfect for group or family expeditions, scientific research, photography, and production work. Operating in the National Park of Loreto Bay, La Puma is equipped for long-distance journeys, featuring ample shaded areas and an onboard wc for your convenience.
YOUR EXPEDITION LEADERS
Leopoldo A. Sanmiguel
Founder
Expedition Leader
Regina Domingo
Director
Wildlife Expedition Leader
At Baja Adventures, we don’t have tour guides — we have expedition and wildlife experts and certified leaders. Regina and Leopoldo are both locally based in Loreto, Baja California Sur year round, and have been developing ecotourism adventures and conservation projects for 15+ years, knowing the Peninsula intimately, by the backs of their hands.
Certifications:
PADI Dive Instructor
AIDA certified free divers
Certified guides Nom 09
First aid responders
Oxygen providers certified
Leave no trace instructors certified
Silver service certified
Gas blender certified
Power boat level II and local captain cert.
PRICES BY SEASONS:
MAY TO SEPTEMBER: $25,500 MXN / $1,350 USD
OCTOBER TO DECEMBER: $30,000 MXN / $1,675 USD
This itinerary can be booked privately for families or friends, or shared with solo travelers. Contact our team for availability, or click below to explore shared calendar options!
*The price in USD is subject to daily exchange rates and may vary; the listed price is only a tentative estimate.
*50% deposit required to secure booking
4 pax minimum or private expedition option
