Espiritu Santo Island Tour

The History of Espiritu Santo Island

Espiritu Santo Island was inhabited by the Pericu tribes that were indigenous to the most southern parts of Baja California Sur around the 16th and 17th century. You can visit the famous ‘Mascara’ rock formation that haunts a cliff edge at the side of a paradise beach. This ‘face’ was the place of offerings and prayers. Visit an ancient burial site where the hidden treasures of indiginous people were found next to where they were laid to rest in a fabled haunted cove.

Espiritu Santo Island is now home to a scattering of fishing families who belong to the Islands ancestors. It is not inhabited by any others and there are no hotels, just a few eco camping facilities. Some of the local conservationists lobbied hard to prevent the building of Casinos and resorts. It is now recognised as part of a UNESCO biosphere.

Common wildlife sightings on La Paz island Snorkel Tours

We are used to hearing the Sea of Cortez being called the ‘Aquarium of the World’ and for good reason. On the way to and from Espiritu Santo Island it is normal to encounter dolphins, schooling rays, whales during winter months and even whale sharks as we pass by the area. Once at the island there are sea lion colonies (Los Islotes being the largest in the area), as well as turtles and eels. On the reef you can snorkel with pufferfish, porcupinefish, yellowtail tangs, parrotfish, trumpet fish and much more!

We support conservation efforts to keep the island pristine and for this reason we do not feed the animals. We are actually not permitted to affect their environment in any way, including leaving an foreign items on the island in the form of organic or inorganic waste. If you are a bird lover you will enjoy visiting one of the largest frigate bird colonies in Baja at the old pearl farm. The males perform an impressive display by inflating their bright red gular pouches for female attention.

Find out our various tours to swim with the whale shark or mixing diving in La Paz and snorkeling with the Sea Lion. There is something for every kind of animal lover on this beautiful, remote Island.