PLANNING YOUR THINGS TO DO IN LORETO, MEXICO
It is a good idea to do a bit of planning prior to your visit to Loreto. Many Loreto tour companies need a minimum amount of people signed up in order to go out. For example, if the snorkel tour needs a total of $200.00 to make a profit, the total price for everyone needs to exceed $200.00. So, if its just two people, it might be $100.00 per person, but if there are four (4) people, then it would be $50.00 per person.
Also, availability can be an issue if the tour is full or the tour operator realized they haven't signed up anyone on lets say Tuesday, so he took it off to do work around the house. This doesn't mean you cannot find a tour company to take you out the same day or the next, it just might be more difficult.
Lastly, the tour operator who gets the "money" might be a different person than the one who takes you on the Loreto tour. If your captain provided good service, then you should tip' em accordingly.
There are plenty of things to do in Loreto, Mexico. Although Loreto is a quiet town, it can also feel like Disneyland for adults. Relax on a catamaran, snorkel the reefs of Loreto, play a round of golf, get a massage, take a tour to the islands, scuba dive the depths of Loreto Bay Marine Park, take a tour to the missions, peek through the sea on a glass bottom boat, rent a kayak. There is so much to do in Loreto.
It is a good idea to contact a Loreto tour company prior to visiting to get an idea of availability and costs. Some Loreto tours are by reservation only, while some may take you the next day or even that same day.
TOP THINGS TO DO IN LORETO, MEXICO - FROM A TO Z
ATV TOURS
CITY OF LORETO
Loreto has some awesome trail riding and what a great way to see the hillside by going on an ATV tour.
Professional and skilled guides will take you off road and into the dirt. It doesn't matter your skill level, the guide will make sure you are having fun and you are safe.
BEACHES OF LORETO (MAINLAND)
ALL OVER
Loreto is home to miles and miles of pristine shoreline and great beaches. Usually, all of Loreto's beaches have calm, clear water to enjoy.
Many of the beaches require getting off the highway and taking some dirt roads, but its worth it.
CATAMARAN TOURS
PUERTO ESCONDIDO
Take a short tour or long tour on a Catamaran out of Puerto Escondido which is just 15 minutes south of Loreto.
Let the breeze push you along the Sea of Cortez in style. Make stops on your own private island. Snorkel in a secluded cove. Private tours are available.
Loreto Catamaran tours are a blast!
FISHING
PUERTO ESCONDIDO OR LORETO MARINA
Are you ready to hookup? Loreto has some of the best fishing in the world. Let an experience captain take you out for some world class fishing.
Most Loreto fishing companies offer full boat pricing or per person. Catch Yellowfin, Dorado, Marlin, Yellowtail, Grouper, Snapper and more!
GLASS BOTTOM BOAT TOUR
PUERTO ESCONDIDO OR LORETO MARINA
See how Loreto Bay Marine Park has to offer by getting a fishes view. A glass bottom boat tour is a terrific way to see Loreto's marine life.
From dolphins, sea turtles, sea lions to reef fish, mantas and more, Loreto has it all.
GOLF
LORETO BAY OR VILLA DEL PALMAR
There are two golf courses in and around Loreto. First, there is the Golf Course at Loreto Bay in Loreto Bay / Nopolo and then there is the TPC Dazante Bay golf course next to Villa Del Palmar.
Both courses offer beautiful views of the mountains and the sea! Golf is especially enjoyable in Loreto during the winter when its cooler.
HIKING
ALL OVER
Loreto is next to the Sierra Gigantes mountains which offer some great hiking. There are even hikes that have creeks you can get wet and use to cool off.
Most of the land is private, so it would be a good idea to go with or talk to a local. Better yet, check out a Loreto Hiking Tour.
HORSEBACK RIDING
Loreto
Love horses? Love Loreto? Well love Loreto on horseback!
There a a few tour companies that will take you to the trailheads and get you on horseback with a smile.
Most will provide snacks or lunch, but check to see what is included. Cooler months are preferred for this activity.
MISSION DE NUESTRA SENORA DE LORETO CONCHO
Located in the city of Loreto is the oldest mission in the Californias. If you going into town, its hard to miss. You'll find it in the heart of the town, next to the arching trees and tasty restaurants.
Beautifully crafted and historically significant, the mission is a must see when you are in Loreto.
MISSION SAN JAVIER
Located about a 25 minute drive away from the city of Loreto, San Javier mission is a timeless work of art. The mission is nestled in the Sierra Gigantes Mountains at about 1400 feet in elevation.
Several tour companies will take you there, or if you have a car, you can go yourself.
PANGA TO ISLA CORONADO
LORETO MARINA
Isla Coronado offers white sand beaches and the turquoise water you have been dreaming about. There are several Loreto tour operators that can take you by panga to the island.
There you can relax, snorkel, have a drink, its all up to you! Its about a 30 minute boat ride from the marina.
PUERTO ESCONDIDO
15-20 MINUTES SOUTH OF LORETO
There is a beautiful naturally protected Marina located about 15 minutes south of Loreto.
They offer rentals, bare foot charters, fishing, tours and more. You might check it out when you book your tour, or just to check it out. There is a restaurant where you can have a delicious meal over looking the harbor.
RENT A GOLF CART, BIKE OR KAYAK
LORETO, LORETO BAY
Check out Loreto in the comfort of a golf cart, on freedom of a bike or by paddling through its sea on a kayak.
There are a bunch of companies that offer kayak and bike rentals. You can do hourly, daily or weekly rates.
SCUBA DIVING
PUERTO ESCONDIDO OR LORETO MARINA
The water is clear and the marine life is at its best between June and November, making it a wonderful time of year to go scuba diving.
Whether its your first time, or you are a seasoned diver, Loreto will provide unmatched underwater views.
SNORKELING THE SHORES OF LORETO BAY
You don't have to travel to one of Loreto's islands for great snorkeling. Just off Loreto Bay's shore is a great reef with corals and tons of marine life.
Located just outside the Loreto Bay Hotel and around Nopolo rock, the clear waters provide ample opportunities to see countless fish and corals.
SPA TREATMENTS AND MASSAGES
LORETO, LORETO BAY, VILLA DEL PALMAR
what's a vacation without a little relaxing time? Loreto has several spas that will take you to your happy place.
From massages to facials, deep tissue to therapies, let your anxiety go and enjoy a Loreto spa treatment next time you are here. Remember to call ahead.
WHALE WATCHING
PUERTO ESCONDIDO OR LORETO MARINA
Blue whales, Humpbacks, Finbacks, Orcas, Pilots and Minkes love to make Loreto's sea their destination.
Get on a boat and seek out one of nature's most majestic creatures. From around January to March, is the best time to go whale watching in Loreto.