Loreto Bay National Park and its island waters
Loreto Bay National Park lies off Loreto on the Gulf of California, between the Baja California peninsula and its island landscapes. Established in 1996, the protected area gives visitors a way to experience the sea while respecting the rules that protect it. Boat trips, snorkeling and wildlife observation have different requirements, so the details of your chosen route matter.
Begin with the departure point and the park wristband, then consider the weather and the activities offered. The park's visitor guidance recommends a visit between 08:00 and 18:00; treat that as a recommended window rather than a blanket rule about every activity after dark.
Five islands: Coronado, Carmen and Danzante
The park's older visitor information names five islands: Coronado, also called Coronados, Carmen, Danzante, Montserrat and Catalina. The two spellings of Coronado refer to the same island. This list is useful for orientation, not a promise that every beach or inland area is open for landing.
Isla Coronado features in trips from Loreto that can combine a circuit, wildlife observation, beach time and snorkeling. Carmen and Danzante appear together on a separate private catamaran itinerary returning to Puerto Escondido. A named island in a description is a starting point for comparing routes, not a guarantee of a particular stop.
Our take
This snorkeling outing includes marine park access and a permit.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
A park island excursion
An island outing includes snorkeling equipment, the protected-area fee and permit.
Park wristband and permitted access
Visitors are instructed to obtain and wear the park wristband, known as a brazalete. The featured excursion includes the park fee and permit. Other boat trips may list the wristband separately, so compare the inclusions for the specific experience you choose. A wristband is part of visiting the protected area; it is not a blanket permission to land on every beach or enter the interior of an island.
Ask about the actual route, landing arrangements and meeting point when planning your outing. The boat tour guide compares different kinds of trip, while the private tour guide explains how a private route differs from a shared excursion. Keep the departure location in mind when choosing where to stay.
Snorkeling and marine life
Park information describes snorkeling around the islands as well as kayaking. Conditions at sea change, and northwesterly winds can be stronger in winter. The time of year alone does not determine whether a crossing or swim is suitable on a particular day. Read the snorkeling guide for the equipment and conditions to consider.
Observe animals without disturbing them. A boat may encounter marine life, but no sighting is assured. Whale watching has its own season and permit rules, distinct from a general island visit. See the whale watching guide if that is your principal reason for going out on the water.
Protecting the islands and sea
Take all rubbish back with you. The park's visitor rules say not to bring pets or introduced plants onto the islands and not to disturb wildlife. Respect areas closed to fishing. These simple choices matter on a short stop as much as on a longer excursion, because the coastline and marine habitat are the reason people come here.
Park guidance also says not to anchor on coral or rocky seabed and not to discharge wastewater. If you fish from a boat or underwater in Baja California Sur, a personal sport-fishing permit is required. That permit does not replace the park's zoning rules. Discuss the day's route and its allowed activities with the boat crew.
Choosing a day on the water
Think about what you want to do before selecting a boat: a coastline view, time for snorkeling or a particular departure area. Check which equipment and park charges are included, and allow flexibility if the sea changes. The weather guide puts seasonal wind and rain in context without promising the conditions on a specific date.
Bring your plans back to shore as well. Loreto's town centre, Nopoló and the southern corridor are separate areas, and boat departures can differ. The accommodation guide helps match your base to your itinerary.
Loreto Bay National Park FAQ
How many islands are named in the park information?
Five: Coronado, Carmen, Danzante, Montserrat and Catalina. Coronado and Coronados are spelling variants of the same name.
Does the wristband allow landing anywhere?
The wristband is a park requirement, but it does not grant unrestricted access to every beach or island interior. Discuss the route and permitted stops for your trip.
Is the park fee included in every tour?
Inclusions vary. The featured island excursion includes the park fee and permit; check the terms of any other trip separately.