|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Once the capital of all the Californias, Loreto is one of Baja California Sur’s oldest settlements and a key entry point to the Sea of Cortez. The town sits between the Sierra de la Giganta and a bay protected by the Loreto Bay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its biodiversity.
Within an hour’s drive, visitors can reach beaches that range from undeveloped clam beds to resort-front swimming areas, each shaped by the region’s desert-meets-sea geography.
The six beaches below — La Salinita, Oasis, Coronados Island, Ensenada Blanca, Ligui, and Juncalito — offer different access, terrain, and activities, making it possible to choose a shoreline for a quiet morning walk, a day of snorkeling, or a weekend camping trip.
La Salinita Beach
Approximately 20 minutes south of Loreto, this largely undeveloped shoreline stretches about 1.8 miles and combines soft sand and pebbles. It’s a free-access spot favored by locals on weekends, known for its active clam beds and estuary that attracts marine birds. As the sun sets behind the mountains, beachgoers settle into their chairs, taking in the quiet light over the bay.
Oasis Beach
Positioned just adjacent to the malecón, Playa Oasis is about a quarter of a mile in length. The sand slopes gently into the water, eliminating the need for aqua socks, and the beach is supported by basic services such as cafés and bars. Early risers will find the beach exceptionally peaceful, making morning walks along the shore a good way to start the day.
Coronados Island
Accessible by boat from Loreto, this uninhabited volcanic island features white sandy beaches and rugged volcanic rock formations. Its shoreline and adjacent reefs draw snorkelers, hikers, and wildlife enthusiasts. Sea lions, dolphins, and vibrant tropical fish are commonly reported. With over 800 marine species in the park, including dolphins, whales, and sea turtles, it’s easy to spend hours in the water.
Ensenada Blanca
About 28 miles south of Loreto, Ensenada Blanca sits within the Villa del Palmar resort area. While the resort fronts a section of the bay, the beach remains accessible to the public. Clear, shallow waters make it suitable for swimming, and the surrounding landscape combines desert hills with open views across the Sea of Cortez. The surrounding desert landscape, with towering cacti and rugged cliffs, frames the bay in sharp contrast to the water’s blue-green shallows.
Ligui Beach
Also south of Loreto, Ligui offers a dramatic meeting of coastal mountains and sea. Visitors often snorkel near rocky outcrops. Facilities are minimal, more suitable for prepared day-trippers than casual stops. It’s one of those rare places where you can swim, find a small local restaurant nearby, and return to the water without ever leaving the shoreline.
Juncalito Beach
Roughly 12 miles south of town, Juncalito is a compact, serene beach favored for swimming, kayaking, and picnicking. Its small scale and calm waters make it an appealing, low-traffic option. From the water, the view north takes in the distant town and the volcanic outline of Del Carmen Island.