Useful Things to Know Before You Visit Coronado Island

If you’re planning your vacation to Loreto, Mexico, you’ve more than likely heard about the famous Islands of Loreto that pepper the Sea of Cortez, amazing everyone with their beauty and providing incredible experiences that are simply unforgettable. When you’re trying to figure out what to do in Loreto, Mexico, visiting the islands is a must, and if you’re only able to visit one, Coronado Island should be your top choice. Read on to find out everything you need to know before you visit Coronado Island in Loreto, Mexico.

The Loreto Bay National Park

The Loreto Bay National Park is one of the nation's treasures. Officially named a National Park in 1996 and an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, this protected marine park is home to not just the several islands and islets, but a wealth of flora and fauna. Among the largest of islands in the Loreto Bay National Park are Coronado Island, Danzante, Carmen, Montserrat, and Catalina Island. 

Where is Coronado Island Located?

Coronado Island is located in front of the town of Loreto, so close that you can see it from the Malecón. A volcano last active in the 1500s, it is one of the largest  Islands of Loreto. Surrounded by 494,000 acres of a protected national park, a trip to the island provides a wealth of encounters with nature and adventure that most seek when going on vacation. Paying a visit to Coronado Island is a must, and taking some time to plan ahead can make a “boat trip to a beach” one of the highlights of your Loreto vacation.

Getting to Coronado Island in Loreto

To get to Isla Coronado, you can book any of the numerous tours that head there throughout the week. There are group tours and private boats that can be rented for just you and your loved ones. On the way to the island, you can capture amazing sightings of endemic and migratory species, such as tropical fish, sea turtles, manta rays, sea lions, and many species of whales when in season, like gray, blue, and humpback.

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What to Do in Coronado Island

Coronado Island offers something for all ages. The most popular activities on and around the island include snorkeling, kayaking, diving, sport fishing, hiking, and nature watching. As part of Parque Nacional Bahia de Loreto, commonly referred to as the “Aquarium of the World,” snorkeling is one of the top 10 activities by far. Suiting a wide age range, snorkeling near Coronado Island can be the perfect family activity. If your taste takes you deeper, the reefs located around the islands of the national park are definitely worth diving into. Hiking or sunbathing are also on top of the list to enjoy the natural setting.

What to Bring to Coronado Island in Loreto Mexico

Because Coronado Island is located off the shores of the city of Loreto, you’ll need to pack strategically for the trip to the island. Bring your swimsuit, biodegradable sunscreen, a towel, a cap or hat, water or something to drink, and definitely something refreshing to eat, like fruit or a sandwich, comfortable shoes if you’re planning to explore, and, of course, your camera.

What Encounters with Nature Should I Expect When Visiting Coronado Island?

Located off the Baja Peninsula near Loreto, Mexico, Coronado Island enjoys warmth, sun, little rain, and the blue surrounding waters of the Sea of Cortez. Being part of a protected natural area, Isla Coronado and the rest of the islands comprising the Loreto Bay National Park offer home and shelter to a substantial number of species, many of which are endangered, giving the island and the park even larger importance in the preservation of nature’s treasures in this side of the pacific. Large schools of tropical fish, a colony of sea lions, and blue-footed boobies can be seen here. When in season, many species of whales migrate to the warmer waters of the Sea of Cortez to give birth to their calves, hence during the months of February and March, Coronado Island becomes the perfect whale sightseeing tour. Diving around the reefs surrounding the islands, where thousands of plants and marine creatures welcome you to their reign.

Don’t miss Coronado Island during your Loreto vacation. A quick, relaxing escape, Isla Coronado could be just what you needed on your Loreto vacation.