Nestled on the eastern side of the Baja peninsula in the shadow of the towering Sierra de la Giganta mountain range is the small town of Loreto; population 21,076.

Boasting a warm small-town atmosphere where amiable locals welcome visitors with hospitality, Loreto retains a more authentic feel in comparison to its larger neighbors to the south. The Mission of Nuestra Señora de Loreto, built by the Jesuits in 1697, pays testament to a history instilled with Old World Spanish influence. A yet to be commercialized setting gives visitors a less scripted version of Mexico, one where extensive development has yet to eclipse the tradition of the town.

Loreto is famous for its incredible fishing, attracting conventional anglers and fly fishermen from around the world. It is also a prime destination for hiking, diving, kayaking, horseback riding, cave exploring, whale watching, and golf for visitors seeking other adventures in this unique area of Baja.

THE RUNDOWN

If you plan on fishing on a boat, fishing licenses will be required for all passengers on board, regardless of age, or whether or not they plan to fish. Fishing from the shore does not require a fishing license.
Spanish is the official language and is the most spoken. However, most of the establishments there have English-speaking staff.
The currency is the Peso, and it is quite easy to exchange from dollars in both the US and in Mexico.
There are no official vaccine requirements, however, it is recommended that you are up to date with routine vaccinations.
United States citizens enjoy visa-free travel in Mexico for up to 180 days.
Traveling to Loreto is very easy. There are a variety of international flights from popular US airports that fly direct into Loreto. Another option is to fly from Tijuana through the Cross Border Express. For those who are flying from Southern California, this can be a great cost-efficient way to travel.
For traveling within Loreto, there are a couple of options. There are no Ubers but local taxis function well. It is also possible to rent a car, which will help if you plan to explore the surrounding areas.

SEASONALITY

In Loreto, the summers are long, hot, and oppressive; the winters are comfortable; and it is dry and partly cloudy year round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 58°F to 95°F and is rarely below 53°F or above 99°F. The best times to visit are May, June, and October.

THE FISHING

Sportfishing in Loreto is an exceptional opportunity to fish in the Sea of Cortez – from billfish to bottom fish and everything in between – marlin, sailfish, tuna, dorado, yellowtail, roosterfish, to name a few. With nearly 900 other species of fish, 77 that are found nowhere else on earth, it’s no surprise that Jacques Cousteau famously coined the Sea of Cortez “The Aquarium of the World.”

During the summer months, the bread-and-butter species for anglers from near and far has always been the dorado. In the winter, the anglers’ attention turns toward the depths, where yellowtail lurk around the pinnacles and inshore reefs.

In years past, if you wanted to tick dorado off your bucket list, Loreto in July was a reliable way to do so. With dorado of exceptional size-grade in large volume, they are frequently caught and impress anglers with both their acrobatic fights and incredible colorations.

Fishing for Loreto’s California yellowtail that arrive in the late fall and peak when the larger fish arrive from January thru April is quite a different proposition from the summer dorado fishing for two reasons: it can be windy, and you will be fishing deeper. Several IGFA world records for California yellowtail have been set and broken over the years from January through April. The torpedo-shaped yellowtail can grow 18-inches in one year. Unpredictable, strong, and great fighters once hooked, they never fail to excite anglers.

KEY SPECIES

KEY SPECIES

DORADO

YELLOWTAIL

ROOSTERFISH

MARLIN

SAILFISH

GROUPER

PARGO

YELLOWFIN

JACK CREVALLE

CABRILLA

PARGO

YELLOWFIN

JACK CREVALLE

CABRILLA

Loreto offers an extensive assortment of offshore and inshore fish species. Relative newcomers to the Loreto fishing scene are the billfish in volume – marlin, sailfish, and swordfish. They are found offshore with record-sized yellowfin tuna now being caught in the mix. These are farther out than most pangas can venture.

Inshore, dorado, yellowtail, roosterfish, giant needlefish, sierra mackerel, pargo, and cabrilla can be regularly caught during the appropriate times of the year and can be requested to the captain as the targeted species. The area’s charter fishing fleet ranges from pangas to larger sport fishers run by qualified captains who have been fishing in the local waters for decades.

FISHING CHARTERS+

Fishing in Loreto is some of THE VERY BEST! Yet finding the right place to fish for any species can be complicated.
For your best outdoor adventure, we recommend going with a professional – a captain or a guide possessing local knowledge.

Mexican fishing licenses will be needed to enjoy fishing in Loreto. You can purchase these through your fishing charter upon request, or by visiting Sport Fishing BCS

VIVE LORETO

(+52) 613-118-2311
www.viveloreto.mx

Plaza Santuario #170 Loreto Bay, Nopolo. Loreto, BCS, Mexico

SPORTFISHING • GUIDED QUAD TOURS • EXPLORING TOURS • BIRD WATCHING • WHALE WATCHING • ISLAND TOURS • CULTURAL TOURS

Family business, since 2010. We discovered the best way to show how beautiful Loreto is. We offer the best nature and adventure tours in Loreto, Mexico. Our eco tours are based on beautiful desert landcapes and we have one of the biggest marine parks in Mexico. We bring you real contact with nature through our guided tours, emphasizing the habitats of wildlife native to the “La Giganta” mountain range and the Sea of Cortez, referred to as the “Aquarium of the World”. Vive Loreto offers sportfishing, whale watching, birdwatching, nature tours, off-road quad tours and island excursions. Please note that spearfishing is prohibited in the park where we conduct many of our activities. 

ARTURO’S SPORTFISHING
(+52) 613-140-8522
www.arturosport.com

Calle Miguel Hidalgo s/n, 23880 Loreto, BCS, Mexico

SPORTFISHING • GLASS BOTTOM BOAT TOURS • TOURS TO THE ISLANDS • PADDLEBOARDING TOURS • WHALE WATCHING • NATIONAL BAY MARINE PARK TOURS

Arturo’s Sport Fishing & Tours, provides first class services, has a very professional team of young and enthusiastic people who love their profession and are committed to showcasing the best of Baja California Sur. With more than 37 years of experience doing tourism activities in Baja California Sur, Mexico. We know what our guests need to enjoy Baja California Sur with all five senses.

WILD LORETO
(+52) 613-135-1424
www.wildloreto.com

Paseo Miguel Hidalgo Oriente 68 Colinio, Centro, 23880 Loreto, BCS, Mexico

PANGA FISHING • CATAMARAN SUNSET CRUISE
ISLAND HOPPING • ISLAND BONFIRE OVERNIGHTERS
CATAMARAN SNORKELING & KAYAKING • ISLAND TOURS • NATURE WATCHING • WHALE WATCHING • HIKING TOURS • HORSEBACK RIDING • CAVE PAINTING TOURS • MISSION TOURS • SHUTTLE & TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

Wild Loreto is the number one tour operator in Baja California Sur, Mexico, offering unique outdoor adventure tours in Loreto. These include island tours, historical tours, cave paintings tours, and beautiful sunset catamaran cruises. Wild Loreto Tour’s staff goes above and beyond to make your visit a memorable and unique experience.

DESERT AND SEA
EXPEDITIONS
(+52) 613-135-1979
www.desertandsea.com

Paseo Hidalgo SN entre Colegio y Pino Suarez C.P. 23880

SPORT FISHING • SCUBA DIVING • WHALE WATCHING
ISLAND TOURS • REGIONAL NATURE TOURS • ROCK ART TOURS

Fishing charters targeting the species biting best at each time of the year. Snorkel by beautiful Islands in the Sea of Cortez one day, and hike inland to visit cave paintings on the following day. With our experienced guides and excellent service, we are confident we can help make your Baja Adventure a vacation to remember. 

We help keep your vacation just that, a vacation. When you book activities and transportation with us, we can provide the best services throughout your stay. If the weather becomes inclement or anything else comes up, we will make it easy to rearrange events and logistics. Our staff has many years guiding in the area. Each has unique insights regarding whale behavior, fishing hot spots, favorite dive sites, best restaurants, etc. All of this they enjoy sharing with our guests, enriching your experience here in this Pueblo Magico, Loreto.

SEA & LAND ECO TOURS
(+52) 613-135-0680
www.toursloreto.com

Fco. I. Madero S/N, Centro, 23880 Loreto, BCS, Mexico

SPORT FISHING • ISLAND SNORKLE TOURS • CULTURAL TOURS • HIKING TOURS • ROCK ART TOURS • HORSEBACK TOURS • WHALE WATCHING • DIVE TOURS

Our fishing charters target the species biting best at each time of the year. Snorkel by beautiful Islands in the Sea of Cortez one day and hike inland to visit cave paintings on the following day. With our experienced guides and excellent service, we are confident we can help make your Baja Adventure a vacation to remember.

LODGING

Loreto offers many different types of places for you to stay. Looking for luxury? A resort or five-star hotel, perhaps? A B&B, a lodge, a long-term rental? Regardless of your choice, you will enjoy the warm hospitality of Loreto, a true Baja treasure.

HOTEL 1697
(+52) 613-135-2538
www.hotel1697.com

Calle Davis 13, Centro, 23880 Loreto, BCS, Mexico

Loreto’s Best Hotel • small boutique hotel • comfortable Mexican small-town feel • centralized location • modern and well-designed rooms • El Zopilote restaurant & Brewing Company

Our small Hotel in the heart of the historical center of Loreto, walking distance to virtually everywhere, beach, sea front promenade (Malecón), shopping, restaurants, cafes, The Mission church and Museum. Offering an opportunity to an authentic small Mexican town experience. Hotel 1697 offers modern and very comfortable rooms, with personalized and exclusive service. We have a restaurant with Mexican specialties and international classics that pair with the craft beer that is made at home. 1697 offers the opportunity to live an authentic experience in comfort by visiting the oldest city of the Peninsula and Alta California.

LA MISIÓN
(+52) 613-134-0350
www.lamisionloreto.com

Blvd. Adolfo López Mateos
s/n Centro C. P. 23880

The Ultimate Luxury in Loreto • stunning, new elegant resort • contemporary European- Mexican hacienda style • oceanfront location • luxury Suites • Los Olivos Restaurant & Bar

Discover La Mision Loreto Hotel in Baja Sur, a stunning new elegant resort with a contemporary European-Mexican Hacienda style. Evocative of the Old Mission flavor of Baja Mexico, La Mision Loreto offers a luxurious oceanfront experience for those who seek the finest hotel accomdations in Loreto, Mexico.

HOTEL OASIS
(+52) 613-135-0211
www.hoteloasis.com

Calle Baja California E, P.A. Lopez Mateos S/N, Centro, 23880 Loreto, BCS, Mexico

An Oasis in Mexico • ideal location Facing the Sea of Cortez • perfect retreat for a quiet vacation in contact with nature • Oasis restaurant

Hotel Oasis Loreto and its privileged location facing the Sea of Cortez, at the southern end of the boardwalk of Loreto Pueblo Mágico, is the perfect retreat for a quiet vacation in contact with nature. Ideal for family stays, groups, business trips, and sport fishing enthusiast looking to test their luck on the waters of the Sea of Cortez. Hotel Oasis is the only hotel in Loreto that has a heated pool chlorinated with salt open for year-round enjoyment. The hotel is surrounded by tropical gardens and offers an exceptional view of the sea and the islands from the terraces of our restaurant and rooms.

POSADA DEL CORTÉS
(+52) 613-135-0258
www.posadadelcortes.com

Pipila 4 Sur, Centro, 23880 Loreto, BCS, Mexico

We will wait for you • comfortable rooms with excellent design • charming atmosphere • conveniently located in Loreto Historic Center • beautiful terrace and courtyard

We are an excellent lodging choice, offering comfortable rooms, all of them with exceptional design. Posada del Cortes boasts a charming atmosphere, beautiful terrace, and patio for leisure your relaxation. All rooms are non-smoking with wi-fi and the hotel has free parking. Conveniently located in the Loreto Historic Center, you will be surrounded by restaurants, coffee shops, and shopping. Posada del Cortes is also walkable distance to main attractions such as the Loreto Bay National Marine Park, the Museum of the Missions, Main Square, and the Church of Nuestra Sra. de Loreto. The staff is happy to help if you have any questions prior to your arrival and can assist you with coordination such as finding shuttle services or reservations while in Loreto.

HOTEL ROSARITO
(+52) 613-135-2781
www.hotelrosaritoloreto.com

Francisco I. Madero SN, Entre Benito Juarez y Atanacio Carrillo, Loreto, BCS, 23880

Professional staff, great service, the best experience • located in the Historic Center • high quality, clean, and comfortable rooms • swimming pool, lobby, and bar

Hotel Rosarito provides comfortable hotel rooms of high quality in a nice, clean, and relaxing environment. With a pool and well-designed rooms to relax in, this hotel is an excellent choice. Light complimentary breakfast is served daily and the friendly staff places customer service as the utmost priority.

VILLA DEL PALMAR
LORETO
(+52) 613-134-1000
www.villadelpalmarloreto.com

Km. 84 Calle, Carr. Transpeninsular, 23880 Ensenada Blanca, BCS, Mexico

An Experience Unlike Any Other • luxurious and relaxing beach resort • quiet beaches, scenic vistas, rich history and astounding surrounding natural habitat • set on pristine waters of Danzante Bay • world class golf course • exceptional pool, bar, and restaurants

If you’re seeking a vacation that defines luxury and true relaxation, look no further than Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto by Danzante Bay. With its quiet beaches, scenic vistas, rich history and astounding surrounding natural habitat, you’ll feel as though you’ve been swept off to paradise. As the best of the Loreto all inclusive resorts, Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto offers every modern amenity you could ask for and truly exceptional service, while still maintaining the quaint feel of traditional Mexico. This luxury beach resort in Loreto is the perfect getaway for families, friends, couples, honeymooners, golf enthusiasts and more.

POSADA DE LAS FLORES
(+52) 613-135-1162
www.posadadelasflores.com

Avenida Salvatierra y Fco I. Madero, s/n 23880 Loreto, BCS, Mexico

Exuding Elegance and Serenity • Historic Center location • clean and quiet rooms • beautiful landscaping and interior design

Posada de las Flores Loreto exudes elegance and serenity. A beautiful rose-pink hacienda style hotel, it is conveniently located in the heart of the Historical Center. Cool, leafy gardens with pots of flowers, green palms, climbing bougainvilleas, stone arches, traditional wooden doors, wrought-iron sofas, and a superb roof top pool surround a pretty courtyard lit by lanterns as night falls. The décor and environment of this hotel make it an excellent choice for any visitor to Loreto. All the rooms have unique designs and are comfortable. They are all non-smoking with wi-fi and free parking lot.

HACIENDA SUITES
(+52) 613-135-1693
https://www.haciendasuites.com/

Salvatierra #152, 23880 Loreto, BCS, Mexico

Stay at Hacienda Suites and discover the unique beauty of Loreto, Baja California Sur •  the friendliest hotel in Loreto •  warm Hacienda atmosphere • restaurant & bar • relaxing pool • unbeatable prices

A luxurious and quiet refuge with gardens, palms, multipurpose pool for children and adults, lounge chairs, the “La Molienda” bar, the restaurant “Rancho Viejo”, all in a colonial style reminiscent of teh squares of traditional Mexican villages. Hacienda Suites also holds special events on weekends for guests to enjoy. Relax and refresh your mind and body while getting a beautiful tan with a delicious margarita by your side, surrounded by colonial arches and flowery bougainvilleas while your family enjoys the beautiful pool. ​Come to Hacienda suites to relax and enjoy the beauty of Loreto.

FOOD + DRINK

Most ingredients (and seasonings) are grown locally throughout the Loreto area to make the authentic, delicious Mexican dishes served in the elegant restaurants, the smaller family-run cafes, and even by the street vendors.

CASA CARMEN
(+52) 613-100-8236

Esquina Francisco I
Madero, Atanasio Carrillo,
Centro, 23880 Loreto, BCS, Mexico

Traditional Mexican Cuisine • Seafood • Mixed Drinks & Beer • Lunch/Dinner

We are a restaurant with family atmosphere, our menu is diverse catering to all tastes. Enjoy authentic mariscos with your friends and family surrounded by cheerful staff in an environment that brings Loreto to your table

CLAUDIA´S MARGARITA
RESTAURANTE
(+52) 613-688-1751

Plaza Civica, Centro, 23880 Loreto, BCS, Mexico

Extensive Margarita List • Diverse Menu • Mexican Cuisine • Soups • Pasta • Seafood • Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Claudia’s Margarita’s offers more than just Margaritas. They have beers, mixed drinks, appetizers, breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. They also offer a nice outdoor seating area with live music!

EL ZOPILOTE
BREWING CO.
(+52) 613-135-2538
www.zopilotebrewing.com

Calle Davis 13, Colonia
Centro, 23880 Loreto

Restaurant Menu

Excellent beers • Mexican Cuisine • Pub fare • Lunch/Dinner

Zopilote beers are produced with the highest quality ingredients from all over the world, creating authentic and refreshing beers for our guests to enjoy. The kitchen delivers delicious dishes to pair with our brews. Open since June 2006, they have become extremely popular among visitors. El Zopilote’s menu is a blend of Mexican and Pub style dishes.

LOS OLIVOS
(+52) 613-134-0350
www.lamisionloreto.com

Calle Rosendo Robles s/n, Centro,
23880 Loreto, BCS, Mexico

Mexican Cuisine • Seafood • Steaks • Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Los Olivos Restaurant is on the second floor of La Mision Loreto hotel and serves a range of fine foods, including special recipes prepared by our chef. The restaurant features a spectacular view of the Sea of Cortez, beautifully and conveniently situated on the waterfront in the historic district of charming Loreto, Baja California. Los Olivos serves food and drinks for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The establishment features a unique nouveau Baja cuisine that fuses authentic Mexican food with the freshest Sea of Cortez fish and other seafood, caught daily by local fishermen. Also enjoy our U.S. prime steaks and our creative desserts.

LA TERRAZA SUSHI BAR
(+52) 613-109-5420
www.loreto.com/terraza

Fco. I. Madero 16-2do Piso, Loreto, BCS, Mexico

Japanese Cuisine • Sushi • Sashimi • Soups • Noodles • Wine, Sake, & Beer • Lunch/Dinner

Delicious Japanese cuisine featuring excellent sushi, nigiri, sashimi, teriyaki, soups, and tempuras along with a great wine, sake, and beer selection.

MEZZALUNA PEQUEÑA
TABERNA
(+52) 613-135-0981

Madero esq. Hidalgo Centro, 23880 Loreto, BCS, Mexico

Italian food • Uruguayan Influence • Pizza • Pasta • Crepes • Lunch/Dinner

If you are in the mood for Italian food, Mezzaluna is the place to stop by. They serve exceptional pizza, pasta and salads and crepes along with beer, wine, and mixed drinks in a relaxed environment.

ORLANDO’S
RESTAURANT
(+52) 613-135-1655

Calle Francisco I. Madero Norte Núm. 25 Col. Centro C. P. 23880

Restaurant Menu

Traditional Mexican Food • Seafood • Great Drinks • Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Come to Orlando’s if you are a Mexican food lover. Delicious Mexican favorites, the freshest seafood, a full drink list, and live music will make any trip to Orlando’s a satisfying experience. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!

PALAPA SAN TELMO
(+52) 612-137-7542

Carretera Transpeninsular
Loreto – Cd. Insurgentes 23880

Restaurant Menu

Fresh Seafood • Mexican Cuisine • Palapa Seating

Come here for anything Mariscos. From ceviche to crudos, Palapa San Telmo prepares the freshest seafood dishes artfully constructed and as aesthetically beautiful as they are delicious. A must go for anyone looking to taste what the Sea of Cortez has to offer.

EXPLORE

Loreto is the gateway to one of Mexico’s greatest treasures, the Loreto Bay National Marine Park (established Parque National Bahía de Loreto as an international preserve by the Mexican Government on July 19, 1996, and World Heritage Site in 2005).
Every spring, the Bay of the Loreto National Marine Park is one of the few places on earth where blue whales arrive annually.

The Park contains five unique islands: Danzante, Coronado, Carmen, Montserrat, and Santa Catalina, each with its own rocky formations and attractions. Although no fishing is allowed in the park, some of Mexico’s best diving, snorkeling, sea kayaking, and paddleboarding are found here, along with glass bottom boats for those who prefer to remain dry.

Of course, other whales can be seen in these waters as well. Fin whales, the world’s second largest, are residents in the Gulf of California and humpbacks are very common. Pilot whales, bottlenose, and common dolphins are often seen in large pods. 
California sea lions can be found at their breeding rookeries around the islands, and even Orcas are seen at times.
Also found in the Sea are manta rays, sea turtles, Humboldt squid, and birds of all sizes, shapes, and species.

Loreto’s rugged backcountry awaits the canyon hiker, exploring the desert by those who want to tour on guided ATV trips,
or opt for scenic horseback riding on the beaches. The sea cliffs, marine terraces, and submarine canyons also allow for great
exploring or test your skills at the two beautiful and seldom-crowded golf courses.

Whatever adventure you choose, you will find few places in the world that combine amazing fishing, stunning landscapes,
incredible biodiversity, authentic cuisine, and immersive culture that Loreto offers its visitors. It’s a must visit location in Baja!

BLUE NATION
(+52) 613-124-0607
www.bluenationbaja.com

Plaza Misión Loreto, Ave.
Salvatierra, Centro Histórico
23880

DIVING • DIVE CLASSES • SNORKELING & FREE DIVING • ISLAND TOURS

We are ocean experts! Blue Nation is a small, family-based dive shop in Loreto, founded in 2018. Blue Nation is a younger company, but its staff is deeply passionate about what they do. They are experienced divers and outdoor guides but arrived at that point by first becoming individual adventurers and explorers, determined environmentalists, and people driven by a love for nature and the pursuit of the unknown. They strive to pass this passion on to their guests, by providing only the best adventures and highest standards in everything we do.

DOLPHIN DIVE BAJA
(+52) 613-135-1914
www.dolphindivebaja.com

Av. Benito Juárez s/n Col.
Centro C. P. 23880

DIVING – ALL TIMES OF DAY OFFERED, INCLUDING NIGHTTIME • SNORKELING • PADI CERTIFICATION • GEAR FOR RENT

Dive the Sea of Cortez! The Sea of Cortez was named by the famous Jacques Cousteau as the “The aquarium of the world” and Loreto is one of the best places to expore it! With 206,000 hectares of sea, the Loreto Bay National Marine Park has been a protected area for more than 20 years now, and more than 50 dive sites to discover. Explore the underwater world of Loreto with us!

ABT SAILING
(+52) 613-688-2520
www.abt-sailing.com

Calle Bahia de las Palmas, 23894, BCS, Mexico

ADVENTURE SAILING • ISLAND BEACH DAY & OVERNIGHT TOUR • HAPPY HOUR SAILING TOUR • SUNRISE CRUISE • BONFIRE BEACH PARTY

We strive to be anything but typical. Not only is it the name of our company, but our mission. To feed your adventurous spirit, mainstream and ordinary just won’t cut it. We are an adventure sailing company, and our goal is to give you an active outdoor experience that is unique, satisfying and anything but typical.

SEA TREK
(415) 332-8494
www.seatrek.com/baja

2100 Bridgeway
Sausalito, CA 94965

KAYAKING – LOCAL WATERS & ISLANDS • WHALE WATCHING • MULTIDAY KAYAK EXPEDITIONS • MEDITATION AND YOGA RETREATS • SUP

For 40 years, Sea Trek has been leading trips on the Sea of Cortez from our home base in Loreto, Baja California Sur with adventurers like you. We offer a variety of Baja tours, from relaxing, boat-supported vacations to challenging, expedition style adventures.

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER TRAVEL GUIDES