Espiritu Santo Island

As long as you have the time during your stay with us in Los Cabos, you really must consider a boat trip to Isla Espiritu Santo, or “Holy Spirit Island” off the coast of La Paz. It’s part of the national marine park and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, named for its unparalleled biodiversity both above and below the surface of the Gulf of California. Go to explore one of the most magical places along the Baja California Peninsula and experience an immersion in nature that you simply can’t get anywhere else. 

A wildlife sanctuary in the truest sense of the word, Espiritu Santo Island is replete with stunning natural bays and home to about forty percent of the world’s marine species. It’s a tropical paradise with amazing landscapes and endless amounts of wildlife. And it was discovered centuries ago, at least according to documented history. Hernan Cortez discovered the island in the year 1534 when he named it “Island of Pearls.” It wasn’t until almost one hundred years later in 1631 that the Jesuits, who collected pearls from the site, “baptized” the island with its current name. French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau described the 12 mile-long, 3-mile-wide area as “The Aquarium of the World.” Archaeologists found evidence that humans set foot on the island 40,000 years ago.

Floating in the water off the coast of Baja California Sur, Espiritu Santo Island is a 45-minute boat ride from the city of La Paz. And it’s worth every minute in transit. Surrounded by absolutely breathtaking natural splendor, Espiritu Santo Island is where the rocky desert meets the Sea of Cortez with dramatic volcanic rock formations towering along its shores, beckoning adventurous visitors to discover its wealth of beauty within their crags. The sea, meanwhile, is home to one-third of the world’s total species of cetaceans, or marine mammals. It’s the only place in the world where there are underwater sand waterfalls. It also houses 4,500 known species of marine invertebrates, 181 bird species, and 695 plant species, 28 of which can only be found in this region. The island’s waters contain more than eight hundred and ninety species of fish. About ninety are exclusive to the area. Invest in a scuba diving lesson and see everything from parrotfish, angelfish, trumpetfish or rainbow wrasse to sharks, dolphins, turtles, rays and even whales, during some seasons. Watch out for the wild sea lions that roam around, too; get too close and risk scaring them away.

You won’t experience the full beauty of Espiritu Santo, however, unless you splash out of the water and onto the shore. Most of the island’s beaches are still virgin, with several trails inviting curious visitors to explore the island’s arid, mountainous interior. It’s also worth visiting Espirito Santo’s neighbor, Partida Island, home to Ensenada Grande, a beach many consider to be “the most beautiful beach in the world.”

As we’ve mentioned, the easiest way to access the island is by boat from the shores of La Paz. Before you leave, choose from any number of tour guides who can take you to “La Lobera” to spot the sea lions and listen to their “song.” Tours typically last around eight hours and are full of natural wonder. Regardless of whether you join a tour, as you float to the Island, don’t forget to look up to admire the desert cliffs on the horizon, creating a perfect contrast with the brilliant blue Sea of Cortez. Once you’ve arrived and checked-in at one of our luxurious Pueblo Bonito Resorts, speak with our concierge to plan your stay, and spend a day away in Isla Espiritu Santo.

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