The beautiful, charming town of the Islands of Loréto is one of the oldest settlements in the Baja California region. The quiet town is full of history and overflowing with majestic appeal. From preserved wildlife to colonial splendor, the Islands of Loréto has so much to do and see.
5 Things to do at the Islands of Loréto
- Enjoy a water excursion to explore the stunning areas that surround the city and the Islands of Loréto. Kayaking, sailing, deep sea fishing, snorkeling, paddle boarding, diving, hooka diving, and boat tours are all favorite ways to see the natural beauty that this UNESCO World Heritage site has to offer. The Sea of Cortez has astounding sights of volcanic formations, bustling reefs, and more than 1,000 marine species.
2. Take in the history of the Islands of Loréto by visiting the San Javier Mission. This mission was built in 1759 and is in the Sierra Giganta Mountains. See the archaeological remains of an old Jesuit mission, surrounded by a town with cobblestone streets and the oldest olive gardens in Baja.
3. Explore the caves at the Islands of Loréto to see some of the most ancient cave paintings in the world dating back up to 7,000 years ago. These paintings showcase the vibrant culture of the area by depicting representations of both humans and animals such as birds and reptiles. Caves can be seen in Rancho San Gregorio, Cueva La Palma, Cueva El Borrego, and Cueva Pintada.
4. Island Hopping: There are five Islands of Loréto: Coronado, Danzante, Del Carmen, Montserrat, and Santa Catalina. These islands provide a variety of activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, photo safaris, and exploring the majestic scenery. A $25 pesos permit fee for access to the Natural Reserve Marine Park is required to visit any of the Islands of Loréto.
The Five Islands of Loréto:
- Isla Coronado: A 30 minute boat ride away from Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loréto. Here you can sunbathe on the beach, observe colonies of sea lions and dolphins, go snorkeling, and explore the island.
- Isla Danzante: Features an amazing array of native plants, choral groups and a wide variety of marine life. This island is the home of lovely beaches and a great place to enjoy diving, hiking, or relaxing in the sun.
- Isla Del Carmen: The largest island in the Sea of Cortez. This island features amazing salt deposits, breathtaking beaches, and caves.
- Isla Montserrat: The perfect place for wild game viewing, snorkeling, and hiking.
- Isla Santa Catalina: Boasts incredible natural beauty, gorgeous scenic views, and a rich diversity of fauna.
5. Rejuvenate by being one with nature. The diverse landscapes and variety of wildlife makes visiting the Islands of Loréto an unparalleled adventure. Go mountain biking in the Sierra de la Giganta Mountains, hike the local region, rock climb in Juncalito, or meditate by the bay. Bond with Mother Nature and return home feeling renewed. 
With a variety of ways to take in the surrounding nature and culture, make the most of your vacation at Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loréto by catering to whatever strikes your fancy. Please ask your concierge for more information on activities and tours.
During our first trip to the resort at Loreto, we were pleasantly surprised with the two rooftop tennis courts and the fact that one couple had taped off a Pickleball court. We are avid players and enjoyed this impromptu amenity! I think expanding the availability of Pickleball and organizing play would be a huge draw to this our of the way location.
Hi Linda,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience and feedback with us. We will share your suggestion with the resort so they can see if this is something they can add to the property.
Best Regards,
Brittany
I’m an avid golfer and I would like to bring a few of my friends down for a golf vacation. could we get lower rates since I’m a UVC member?
Hi John,
UVC members do get discounts on golf. Please call Member Services at 800-852-4755 to speak with an agent further about these details.
Best Regards,
Brittany
Looking forward to our visit in December. Any recommendations for restaurants in Loreto?
Hi Kurt,
We look forward to welcoming you to the Islands of Loreto soon and wish you a fantastic vacation!
Here are a few popular restaurants nearby the resort. Once on property, please ask your concierge for directions, if needed.
•Domingo’s Place – Very good seafood and steaks
•Vista al Mar – Fresh seafood, traditional and natural clams au gratin
•Mita’s Gourmet – Delicious pastas, salads and steaks
•Los Mandiles – Traditional Mexican food
•Mediterraneo – Southwestern U.S. (Tex-Mex) entrees and a variety of seafood
•La Palapa – Delicious seafood
Hope this helps!
Best Regards,
Brittany
I would love to visit the Loreto resort. However, to be so far from town and shopping is definitely a draw-back for me. By shopping I mean groceries. The Palmita on location is much too expensive, and so are the restaurants.
Besides, I like the flavor of mexican villages/towns and want to experience it and not American style living.
Hi Inge,
Thank you for sharing your feedback with us. We have shared your feedback with the resort so they can take this in consideration when planning for the resort. In regards to the town, the Islands of Loreto was the first Spanish settlement on the Baja California Peninsula and has a lot of history and Mexican charm. It is different than other towns such as Puerto Vallarta or Mexico City, but it does have a unique charm to it given all of the early history. We appreciate your feedback and look forward to welcoming you to one of our resorts soon!
Best Regards,
Brittany
Best Regards,
Brittany
Hi Brittany,
Do you need a car to go out and eat at outside restaurants, such as the ones you had recommended or are most of them within walking distance? How is the water temperature during the month of October. My husband and I love to do water sports. Thanks.
Hi Regina,
Yes, you will need transportation to get to restaurants off property. Most of the ones recommended here are approximately a 30 minute drive from the resort. Downtown Loreto has a lot of restaurants, which is approximately 30 minutes driving distance away from the resort. The water in October is typically in the mid 80’s.
We hope to welcome you and your husband soon to the Islands of Loreto!
Best Regards,
Brittany
I have already booked my trip for Loretto in December. Do I need to book adventures ahead of time? Is there a shuttle bus or transport, taxi offered at the resort to get into town ? How much is the transportation?
Could you also provide the phone number to aero calafia ? The number I have is not going through.
Thank you, Donna
Hi Donna,
Thank you for your inquiry.
We advise booking your adventures prior to arrival to ensure that you get to attend the adventures you would like. Many times you can book adventures on site but they can sell out or you may not get pre-arrival specials.
There is a shuttle that can take you to and from Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto to downtown Loreto. For adults and children of all ages this shuttle is $5 USD per person roundtrip and $3 USD per person one way.
The number for Aero Calafia is 619 489 1439 if dialing from the US. Dialing from Mexico the number is 01 800 560 3949. Aero Calafia can also be reached on the Whatsapp at 3318557961, which is a free app. Their email address is contacto@aereocalafia.com.mx
Hope this information helps!
Best Regards,
Brittany
Are there good beaches for kids to swim in near the hotel?
Hi Phyllis,
Thank you for reading and commenting on our blog. Yes, the beaches in front of Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto are safe for kids. There are not any big waves at these beaches and they can be enjoyed by all ages. Hope this helps!
Best Regards,
Brittany
I have booked our trip to Loreto for October and was wondering if the 1 bedrooms have a washer and dryer like in Flamingos Nuevo Vallarta? Looking forward to our visit there.
Thank you,
A.P.
Hi Aida,
Yes, the one bedrooms at the Islands of Loreto do have washer and dryers. For a list of room amenities please see this link: /wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Villa-del-Palmar-at-the-Islands-of-Loreto-Room-descriptions-and-amenities.pdf
Hope you have a wonderful, upcoming vacation!
Best Regards,
Brittany