Loreto may be small, but it punches far above its weight when it comes to adventure. Located on the eastern coast of the Baja California Peninsula and flanked by the Sea of Cortez, this laid-back town offers easy access to marine biodiversity, desert solitude, and wild exploration.
Our first visit to Loreto was nearly eight years ago, back when we were just getting started as travel writers. For Ed, it was a long-awaited return to a place that had lived in his imagination for years. Baja had always held a certain mystique—wild, amazing, secluded, and unique. He even planned early trips with a photocopied Baja guidebook tucked into a manila envelope long before online travel planning was a thing.
We returned a couple of years ago aboard UnCruise Adventures’ 7-night Baja’s Bounty itinerary, and it reminded us just how special this destination really is. Here are some of our favorite adventurous things to do in Loreto.
Scuba Dive In The Aquarium Of The World
Jacques Cousteau famously called the Sea of Cortez the “Aquarium of the World,” and diving here proves why. The protected waters around Loreto are part of a national marine park, home to everything from sea lions and whale sharks to eels and rays.
Local dive shops, such as Dorado Buceo and Blue Nation, offer trips to Isla Danzante and Isla del Carmen, where visibility is often crystal clear, and the biodiversity is stunning. This was our first dive after completing our open water certification, and the boat ride out was as much fun as the diving! We saw humpback whales up close and a school of mobula rays breaching around us that made the ocean look like it was boiling.
Kayak the Loreto Bay National Marine Park
Paddling in Loreto feels like gliding through a nature documentary. With towering cliffs, secluded coves, and sea turtles popping up beside your boat, kayaking here is both serene and thrilling.
During our UnCruise journey, we explored these waters by kayak right from the ship. It’s a can’t-miss experience that lets you slow down and connect with Baja’s natural rhythms. On our bucket list are multiday kayak camping expeditions where you explore the outlying islands, which, by the way, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hike into the Sierra de la Giganta
The desert doesn’t end at the beach. Behind Loreto, the Sierra de la Giganta mountains rise with rugged canyons, cactus-studded trails, and hidden waterfalls. One hike that’s high on our list is the Tabor Canyon trail, which winds through volcanic rock formations and leads to seasonal pools perfect for a mid-hike cooldown.
While we haven’t done it ourselves yet, our research suggests the trail is public, though there’s some contention locally about access. Most sources highly recommend going with a local guide service, and we agree—using a guide not only helps ensure safe and respectful access, but also enhances the experience with regional insight. As always, use your own best discretion when planning your route.
Snorkel with Sea Lions at Isla Coronado
A short boat ride from the marina, Isla Coronado is one of Loreto’s crown jewels. This volcanic island boasts white-sand beaches and turquoise water, but the real highlight is snorkeling with the resident sea lions.
We’ve done this twice now—once on our own and once with UnCruise—and it never gets old. Curious pups zip around in the shallows like underwater acrobats. It’s the kind of moment that sticks with you long after the saltwater dries.
Go Whale Watching (Seasonally)
Between mid-December and March, Loreto becomes a prime location for whale watching. Massive blue whales, humpbacks, and fin whales pass through these nutrient-rich waters, making for some of the best viewing in all of Baja.
On our UnCruise trip, we spotted several blue whales right from the deck—no binoculars required. It was the kind of bucket-list moment that made us appreciate how far we’d come since that first road trip down the peninsula. We’ve also departed from Loreto for road trips across the peninsula to see gray whales in the San Ignacio birthing lagoon.
Discover Loreto’s Historic Heart
Adventurous travel isn’t just about adrenaline. In Loreto’s historic town center, you can wander through cobblestone streets, visit the Mission of Our Lady of Loreto (the oldest in Baja), and sample some of the best fish tacos you’ll ever eat. Don’t miss the Museo de las Misiones de Baja California, with approximately 300 curios that detail the founding of Loreto by Jesuit missionaries.
After a day of paddling or diving, there’s nothing better than kicking back in the plaza with a cold drink and some local music wafting through the air.
Why UnCruise is the Ultimate Loreto Launchpad
On our second visit to Loreto, we explored the region with UnCruise Adventures, and it made all the difference. With skiffs, kayaks, paddleboards, and naturalist guides all onboard, we had seamless access to the best parts of the region—without the stress of logistics or crowds.
Whether we were snorkeling at sunrise or hiking into the hills, UnCruise offered a flexible, immersive way to experience Baja—and Loreto was easily one of our favorite stops.
Final Thoughts
Loreto may not be as flashy as Cabo or as sprawling as La Paz, but that’s precisely its charm. It’s a place where adventure and authenticity meet—where you can paddle alongside dolphins in the morning, hike a desert canyon in the afternoon, and still be back in time for street tacos and sunset.
For us, Loreto represents more than just a destination. It’s where Ed’s dusty manila-envelope plans finally came to life, and where we’ve returned to reconnect with both nature and each other. Whether it’s your first visit or your third, Loreto delivers the kind of raw beauty and rich experiences that stay with you long after the journey ends.
Ready to Book Your Trip? These Links Will Make It Easy:
Airfare:
Insurance:
- Protect your trip and yourself with Squaremouth and Medjet
- Safeguard your digital information by using a VPN. We love NordVPN as it is superfast for streaming Netflix
- Stay safe on the go and stay connected with an eSim card through AloSIM
Lodging:
- We loved staying and the beautiful all-inclusive Sandals Royal Curacao and we think you will too! Book your Sandals getaway now!
Car Rental:
Attractions/Activities:
- Save on tickets to attractions, sightseeing tours, and more with Tiqets
- Get Your Guide and Viator for guided tours/excursions, day trips, and activities
- Want to learn a city from the ground up? Take a small group walking tour with Walks – 5-star rated with a Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence
- Want to book an epic adventure experience with top-notch companies like Intrepid Travel, G-Adventures, or Backroads? Check out Travelstride
- Find information on local trails with the All Trails App.
- Need something else to plan your perfect trip? Visit our Resources Page for more trusted partners
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Hi! We are Jenn and Ed Coleman aka Coleman Concierge. In a nutshell, we are a Huntsville-based Gen X couple sharing our stories of amazing adventures through activity-driven transformational and experiential travel.
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