Best Beach Activities in Loreto, Mexico

What do you do on a hot sunny day? Go to the beach of course! And in Loreto Mexico, one can find some of the best beaches in the area. The turquoise waters, white sandy shores, and the warm atmosphere of the locals all add to the beauty and charm of this tropical paradise. In this article, we list down some of the best things to do to get the most out of your Loreto beach experience.

1. Head to the beaches

One of the easiest and the best ways to experience Loreto's beauty is by spending a dat at the beach. And in Loreto Baja California, beaches are everywhere! Because of this, this sunny Mexican city attracts thousands of tourists all year round. Here are some of the best beaches to check out.

This aptly named beach is located at the far end of the boardwalk. This secluded “oasis” of a beach is perfect if you want a less crowded beach but still quite near the shops and bars in the area. Though not as popular to tourists as other Loreto Mexico beaches, Playa Oasis does not miss out when it comes to what makes Loreto beaches one of the best in the world.

Just a short boat ride from the mainland is the beautiful turquoise waters of Honeymoon Beach. Located at Danzante island, this small secluded beach is perfect for people who want to relax sans the crowd. The beach is quite small though but it more than makes up for it with its gorgeous 360-degree view of the sea and the surrounding island.

If you want a beach that’s easily accessible, has tons of activities and amenities, and don’t mind the large crowd of beach-goers then La Darsena is the best beach for you. Located at the mainland near downtown Loreto, this beach is the go-to beach in the city. This wide stretch of white sandy beach has playgrounds and cottages for family and friends to enjoy.

2. Try out some water sports

Swimming is not the only way to enjoy the beaches. The relatively calm waters of Baja California are perfect for relaxing water activities like paddle boarding and kayaking.

To put it simply, paddle boarding is a cross between kayaking and surfing. Though modern paddle boarding is quite new, the concept has been around for ages tracing its roots to pacific islanders and native American tradition. Paddle boards are made from a variety of materials which even includes inflatable ones. This makes for easy transport and storage especially for frequent travelers.

In Loreto, a new form of paddle boarding is starting to grow in popularity not just with tourists but also with locals. LED paddle boarding lets you enjoy paddling in the water at sea at night. LED lights are attached to the board and paddle helping you see the beauty of the undersea life at night. This gives a whole new dimension to the sport which is usually enjoyed during the day.

Kayaking is another popular activity to try in Loreto. Like paddle boarding, the serene waters make kayaking in Baja California truly enjoyable activity. Nothing beats a relaxing paddle on a warm sunny day. Most popular beaches have rental facilities with competent instructors to help first-timers learn the ropes.

3. See the whales in action

California Gulf or the Sea of Cortes is right smack in the middle of the whale highway. From January to March, various whale species like the California gray whale and the blue whale all come down from the cold arctic waters to the warmer Magdalena Bay. Whales come in droves during the winter to mate, give birth to calves, and nurse them until they are ready to head to the cold waters of the arctic. The activity started by accident during the 1970s and has since then grown into an annual tradition. Sometimes, when you are extremely lucky, other marine animals can also be seen accompanying these gentle giants. Some of these include manta rays, sea turtles, and killer whales.

4. Explore the undersea beauty of the Sea of Cortes

Loreto’s crystal clear waters are host to a plethora of colorful undersea life. From different corals to the many marine animals that call Baja California home, there is surely something for everyone to see. Here are some of the best places to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Baja California.

Dubbed as the “Aquarium of The World” by explorer Jacques Cousteau, this 790 square miles of protected ocean park is home to thousands of species of tropical marine life. Because of its biodiversity, it is recognized internationally as a World UNESCO Heritage Site. Here divers can meet sea lions, dolphins, and various tropical fish.

Though quite far from the mainland of Loreto, the long boat ride is worth it because of the hidden beauty of this island. Once a booming salt mining town, the island is now deserted but remnants of its past are still present today. The ghost town, as well as a shipwreck, can be visited through guided tours. The shipwreck itself is home to countless sea animals that call its rusty hull home.

Perhaps the most notable underwater feature of Danzante Island is the impressive underwater canyon. Near the shore are a series of stepped walls filled with various species of corals which then abruptly ends on a 100-foot underwater cliff. This might be daunting for some but if you can look past that, the corals play host to various animals including moray eels and octopuses.

5. Go on an island-hopping adventure

If scuba diving is too extreme for you yet you want to explore Loreto’s neighboring islands, island hopping tours might be the one for you. The best islands to visit are Coronado, Carmen and Danzante Islands. The islands themselves have very distinct personalities and charm but all are equally amazing to visit. All of which has amazing beaches and pristine waters perfect for swimming and other water activities.