Golf & Adventure: 7 Must-Do Excursions in Loreto
Man (and woman) cannot live by golf alone. This is especially true in Loreto and its environs, which offer a multitude of adventures and activities to golfers willing to take a break from the verdant fairways and velvety greens at TPC Danzante Bay.
Danzante Tours at the Islands of Loreto offers a diverse array of excursions for guests of Villa del Palmar. The outfitter’s fun, safe, interactive adventures range from hiking and horseback riding to fishing and snorkeling. Undersea explorers can discover what French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau described as “the Aquarium of the World,” a magical seascape of crystal-clear waters and abundant biodiversity. The pristine beaches, remote Jesuit missions and spectacular peaks in the Sierra de la Giganta mountain range are a match for the aquatic activities.
Here’s a sampling of tours created to provide guests with the most unique and unforgettable land and sea adventures in Baja California Sur. Each of the activities is available year-round.
Memorable Adventures on Land and at Sea
1. Snorkeling at Danzante and Del Carmen Islands
Here’s your chance to explore the aquarium-like waters surrounding Danzante Island and Del Carmen Island aboard a comfortable boat (capacity of 12 passengers) that departs from the resort’s beachfront at 9:00 a.m. View nature’s wonders within Loreto Bay National Park, an 800-square-mile marine preserve in the Sea of Cortes. A snorkeler’s paradise, the bay’s gin-clear waters teem with schools of brightly colored tropical fish as well as exquisite rock and coral formations. Sea turtles and sea lions are common. During the four-hour tour, participants can watch for bottlenose dolphins, manta rays and, from December through March, migratory humpback, grey and blue whales. Be sure to pack reef-safe sunblock.
2. San Javier Mission Expedition
This eclectic excursion to the historic San Javier Mission starts with a comfy air-conditioned ride in a Mercedes van. Enjoy dazzling views of the Sierra de la Giganta mountains before arriving at the Jesuit mission, one of the best-preserved in the Baja. Dating to 1758, the surrounding village is inhabited by only 150 people, which gives visitors the feeling of entering a time capsule. Stroll the town’s quaint cobblestone streets, which are lined with fruit orchards and the oldest olive garden in the Baja. On the way back, participants can view the ancient cave paintings at Cuevas Pintas, created by indigenous people thousands of years before the arrival of the Spanish padres. Sample handmade tortillas and fresh cheese at a local ranch followed by a tasty lunch at a traditional Mexican restaurant. On the winding mountain roads that lead back to Loreto, guests can enjoy panoramic ocean vistas and, for those who book the afternoon tour, dramatic sunset views. The San Javier Mission Expedition is offered from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 pm; and again from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
3. Fishing Loreto Style
Aboard a 23-foot panga (skiff) with an experienced captain that departs from the resort’s beach at 7:30 a.m., troll the Bay of Loreto’s fertile waters for dorado (mahi-mahi), cabrilla (sea bass), yellowtail and other seasonal species. This six-hour excursion is the ultimate fishing experience. Tour includes fishing tackle, box lunch, refreshments, fish filleting and marine park fee. Gratuities and bait are extra.
4. ATV Desert Tour
Explore Loreto’s rugged landscapes on an all-terrain vehicle. Included on this 2.5-hour Off-Road Runners tour are helmet, goggles and bandana; bottled water and soda; training and test driving on a single or two-passenger ATV; and experienced guides. With pilots to guide you, explore the beauty of Loreto’s desert environment on zigzag trails that snake between the mountains and the sea. Morning (9:30 a.m.) and afternoon (2:00 p.m.) tours depart from the resort’s main lobby.
5. Twilight LED Paddle Board
Enjoy Nature at night! This 1.5-hour tour offers a one-of-a-kind experience, enabling adventurers to enjoy a nocturnal cruise aboard a paddle board in the Bay of Loreto. Led by an experienced guide, stand-up paddlers head towards the reef located south of Ensenada Blanca. LED lights connected to the bottom of the boards illuminate the seabed, attracting various marine species that can only be observed after dark. Kayakers are also welcome. Recommended for ages 8 years +. Winter season departure is 7:30 p.m.; summer season departure is 8:30 p.m., both from the resort’s beach.
6. Tabor Canyon Guided Hike
Explore a vast, ecologically diverse canyon with an expert guide on a rugged hike that leads to Tabor Canyon deep in the Sierra de la Giganta. Learn about the vegetation and creatures that inhabit this stunning three-mile-long canyon as you ramble along trails with an elevation change of more than 1,000 feet. Scale steep ridges, scramble over boulders, circumnavigate streams and waterfalls, be rewarded with inspiring views. A perfect adventure for bold, fit, nature-loving individuals. The trailhead is about 20 minutes from Loreto. Includes snacks and refreshments. Available from 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 am; and from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
7. Horseback Adventure
Enjoy one of the most relaxing experiences in Loreto while transiting through mountain foothills and admiring the Sea of Cortes on the horizon. The tour starts with a short introduction and a 10-minute horse management explanation. Upon leaving the meeting point, the horses enter the desert, covering one of the region’s oldest roads and crossing several canyons. During the ride, an expert guide will describe the area’s native flora and fauna and talk about the history of the people who inhabited the region before the arrival of the missionaries. The journey lasts approximately two and half hours, including a stop to enjoy a cold drink or an energy bar. The Horseback
Adventure is a great way to truly experience the Baja desert.
For information and request tour reservations contact Danzante Tours:
sales@viajesdanzante.com
Phone: +52 (613) 134 1037
