A short boat ride from La Paz in Baja California Sur

By:Kate Axtell

The contrast between the desert, the sea, and the rock formations is majestic. The blue and, almost always, cloudless sky meets the golden desert which meets the shimmering sea. The water is so clear near the beaches that numerous shades of blues and greens can easily be seen. The volcanic rocks stand tall throughout the bays and beaches. This is Espiritu Santo in La Paz, Mexico.

Espiritu Santo is an island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a National Park, and a Natural Protected Area in the Sea of Cortez off the coast of La Paz in Baja California Sur. The island is composed of 23,000 acres of virgin shoreline, steep-sided mountains, and picture-perfect bays. Approximately 39% of the world’s species of fish swim through the waters surrounding the island. There are 32 species of reptiles, 98 species of birds, numerous species of marine animals, and more than 15 types of flora and fauna.

Formations created by the rocky cliff’s natural landscape look like masks along the southern coastline. Years ago, these masks were belived to be spirits that protected the island and the people inhabiting it. And thus, the name of the island was bornEspiritu Santo or “Holy Spirit”. Make sure to ask your guide to point out the mask of the Holy Spirit.

The national park is a short boat ride from La Paz. Boat rides can easily be scheduled in La Paz. Make sure you go with a certified operator, and you have the appropriate credentials to enter the park. Currently, capacity is limited on the island. Using a licensed guide will provide your credentials and will open your eyes to a world of beauty and knowledge.

What To Do on Espiritu Santo Island

On Your way to the island, you just might get the opportunity to swim with sea lions up close. From September through May, you can snorkel with the sea lions - one of the largest colonies in the Sea of Cortez. June through August, however, is mating season and the males are aggressive and have been known to be not so nice to those snorkeling amongst them. This is a must-do activity if you are in the area at the right time of the year. Most outfitters have fins, masks, and life jackets on board.

Once you arrive, the island is full of views to behold and adventures to take. You can swim, snorkel, and/or dive in the natural reefs and the sunken boats. Marine life meanders by to destinations only known to them. If you are lucky you might get to see a few of the protected turtles in the area.

On land, you can hike the trails. You just might see yucca, cacti, and little flowers along the way. Make sure to stop and look around, the red hills faded into the blue/green sea, and the cloudless sky will take your breath away.

Other activities include kayaking, stand-up boarding, sport fishing, bird watching, and many others. if you are the adventuresome type, check out glamping on the island.

How to get to La Paz

La Paz is approximately 2 hours north of San Jose del Cabo. There are several services that provide transportation from the airport in San Jose del Cabo to La Paz. Plan and arrange transportation before you depart.

Espiritu Santo is an unexpected delight and worth the time to see. Enjoy.

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