The other half to Isla Partida, Espiritu Santo is another sublime rock formation, brought to the surface by ancient earthquakes. Colored in shades of soft pink, chocolate, and ripples of beige, this island is the 12th largest in the whole of Mexico and is completely uninhabited. It’s also a protected area of fauna and flora and a UNESCO biosphere region. This whole area is home to froclicking dolphins, curious sea lions, blue footed boobies, squawking birds, and rays drifting along the vibrant blue surface of the sea. Isla Espiritu Santo is a great spot for snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and simply soaking up the wonders of Mexico’s remote island wilderness.
A short sail away from La Paz, Isla Partida is one of the UNESCO protected sister islands on the beautiful Baja peninsula. Separated from Isla Espiritu Santo by a narrow blue channel, when the tide is right it's even possible to wade across to both islands. Isla Partida is home to the Ensenada Grande - celebrated as one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole of Mexico. This remote beach is all Tiffany blues, sculpted rock formations, and homemade fish tacos.
Spend the day paddleboarding to admire the chiseled coast, swim in the jewel toned waters, and visit the blue footed boobie colonies close by. Those who adore diving will certainly be in their element when ducking beneath the blue as scores of marine life make their home on this evocative sea shore. Even if you stay on the surface you are likely to see playful sea lions, dolphins, and even pods of humpback whales if you are there in the winter months.
A craggy rock adrift in the Sea of Cortez, Los Islotes not be the image of white sand beaches but it's this spot that helps earn Baja the reputation for being the Galapagos of North America. Barking sea lions love this rocky spot and spending any time here will introduce you to a whole cast of the whiskered characters. Whether heaped in a pile or popping their head up from the waters, Los Isolates invites you to get up close and personal with the curious and playful creatures. Charter guests can choose to snorkel in these waters rather than just watching the sea lions from the deck. As the sea lions appear to be completely unfazed by snorkelers, you can expect plenty of light-hearted interaction from these charming dogs of the sea. Along with sea lions you can also witness a world of other creatures too - sparkling fish, rays, dolphins, and whales all make their home in these waters.
On the eastern coast of the balmy and bohemian Baja Peninsula, Isla San Francisco is separated from the mainland by a 10km channel stretch. It’s a tiny island, less than 2km long and less than 3km wide and is of course, completely uninhabited. The sheltered waters that ebb and flow around Isla San Francisco make it an ideal anchorage, especially for those who want to soak up stark beauty, get up close and personal with the island's reptile population, and snorkel in the vibrant blue and remarkably clear waters. Charter guests can take a hike up along the ridge for majestic views or spend a lazy afternoon swimming and snorkeling. There’s also the opportunity to head out kayaking around the coast or to explore the salt flats.
The sixth biggest island in Mexico, San Jose, can be found along the blissful Baja peninsula surrounded by the marine riches in the salty Sea of Cortez. A popular kayaking, diving, and snorkeling spot - the waters are one of the main draws for charter guests traveling to San Jose. Fossils, corals, and sea creatures, both large and small, flit beneath these waters, but even back on dry land, you can immerse yourself in the natural delights of this intricate Isla. Remote beaches seem to sweep on for days, impressive rock arches tower along the carved coast, and mangroves and sandstone hills lend color to every corner of this island.
Sitting in the Sea of Cortez, Isla Carmen can be found a mere six miles offshore from Loreto in Baja. The isle spreads its wings, reaching out to engulf 56 miles of sea. With its rising mountains, desert dunes, and pale blue sea it is the very picture of a remote end of the earth paradise. There’s something about Baja that captures the imagination - wide and open with seemingly little interaction, Isla Carmen feeds into that sense of surrealness. The island's salt history remains can be found in the leftover saline plant in Bahia Salinas with its beautifully preserved white chapel and ruins of a thriving community that once lived there. From a bank to oil tanks, there’s a ghost town like vibe that runs through this place. Beyond the price of salt, the island is ebbed with natural bliss. Sublime snorkelling, dolphin pods cruising the clear waters, beautiful beaches, kayaking, and mind melting sunsets all add to the colour of Isla Carmen.
Snorkel, hike, explore or simply anchor and while away the day in glorious surroundings on Isla Monserrate. One of the Loreto Islands in the briny Sea of Cortez, this area is full of whale tails, dolphins, rocky shores, swathes of glittering sand, strange coloured seas, blissful beaches, underwater reefs, and desert dreams. At first glance, islands like Monserrate seem wild and remote, but peek beneath the surface and there’s plenty to see. While it isn’t on the cruise run for those passing through Baja, the island does have a signature draw thanks to the white sands of Yellowstone that roll on for half a mile. For charter guests seeking a dreamy beach, this is the one with its epic mountain views, sun-warmed sands, and glorious visibility for donning your mask and fins and meeting all the marine creatures you can imagine.
On the southern end of the sandy spit, Bahia Amortajada is a sandy spit of mangrove lagoons and shimmering hues. A beautiful spot to drop anchor, this peaceful bay invites you to swim, snorkel, kayak, and partake in any gentle activity that involves you and the sea. Exploring the mangroves with a kayak is a great way to spot egrets, long legged pelicans, and other local wildlife trilling in the bright blue and humid air. For those charter guests who want to do a spot of fishing, it’s also a great spot to cast your line and see what snaps. There’s no doubt that the simple life is here to be enjoyed on the Bahia Amortajada.
On the southern tip of the balmy Baja peninsula, Cabo San Lucas is one of the main destinations for those seeking a slice of Mexico’s resort action. This sizzling city has it all - from snorkeling the whale shark rich waters of the Sea of Cortez to culture, food, and night-time fun. Active adventurers can hike in Fox Valley and for small town feels, you can head into the charm of San Jose del Cabo where colonial architecture and creative galleries pique your interest before a fresh seafood supper. Sailing around this coastline is heaven sent. From big sport fishing to whale watching and pastel painted sunsets that would make Monet proud and an endless string of pink sand beaches and salt whipped waves, Cabo San Lucas never fails to dazzle.