Begin in La Paz, the capital of Baja California Sur. You might want to spend time here before your departure. The over three-mile-long waterfront promenade (Malecon) offers beautiful views of the turquoise bay on one side and lots of enticing bars and eateries on the other. When you’re ready to sail, head for the Espiritu Santo Biosphere Reserve, where you can snorkel with sea lions and colorful fish at Los Isolotes. The canyon arroyo on Espiritu Santo is ideal for a walk with a scenic view across the island. 

Before anchoring for the night, don’t miss Playa Ensenada Grande on Isla Partida. Adjacent to Isla Espíritu Santo, it’s a stunning secluded beach that can only be accessed by water, with blindingly white sands and brilliant turquoise water that looks like a natural swimming pool. 

Finally, head to Caleta Partida for protected anchorage, with the best spot in the bight on the north side of the cove separating Isla Espiritu Santo from Isla Partida.

Isla San Francisco provides the perfect next spot, renowned for its spectacular anchorages, some of the most awe-inspiring in the country. You’ll find the best on the south side of the deep, crescent-shaped bay, with its surreal, brilliant cobalt water, protection from the north winds, and great sand holding. The comma-shaped island may be tiny at just 1.6 miles by 1.6 miles, but it offers a lot, making it well worth a stop. 

Snorkel, relax on the beach, and hike the desert landscape with its towering cacti, heading to the ridges for panoramic views. The stunning color of the water, bright white sands and backdrop of fiery red hills is simply breathtaking. As a birdwatcher’s paradise, keep an eye out for blue-footed boobies along the way.

Each island has its own distinct geology, although most are made up of sandstone and rock, with cacti the most common vegetation. But Isla San José has a mangrove forest at the southeastern tip that can be explored by kayak. A critical habitat and nursery for a variety of wildlife, watch for dolphins, turtles, rays, sharks, all sorts of fish, and birds, including ospreys, frigatebirds, and herons.

There are also hiking trails that run through the volcanic landscape, while the surrounding sea is teeming with more marine life, including tropical fish, sea turtles, and the occasional whale shark. 

The best place to anchor is on the west side of the island, just east of Isla Cayo, near the sandy beach and mangrove stream. While it is exposed to northerly winds, it offers good holding, easy access to white sandy beaches and a cardón cactus forest.

The small and remote town of San Evaristo offers a peaceful setting for experiencing local Baja life along with a wide range of outdoor activities. It’s a hidden gem for fly fishing, while scenic hiking trails offer mountain and coastal views. Just offshore, the crystal-clear blue waters provide another outstanding spot for swimming and snorkeling among sea turtles, dolphins, and tropical fish.

There are also several cafes serving fresh, local seafood. The Barbarita family runs hiking and snorkeling tours along with the town’s only beachside restaurant, located just above the lagoon. 

The bay is well-protected, providing excellent anchorage and protection from the north winds near the northern salt ponds. Shelter from the south winds can be found by anchoring at the southern end of the main beach.

Sail around Isla Carmen in Loreto Bay National Park to spot bighorn sheep that can often be seen on the rocky hillsides, along with impressive birdlife such as blue-footed boobies and osprey. Afterward, you can anchor in V-Cove on the island’s north side to explore and spend time on the beautiful beaches.

There are many idyllic stretches for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. Those with an interest in history will want to explore the island’s many relics from the past. There is a church, school, and abandoned homes from Carmen’s saltworks operation and many still include the original furnishings.

Stop at Marina Puerto Escondido to anchor in a tranquil spot with a sophisticated vibe in the picturesque cove of Puerto Escondido. You’ll find modern facilities like a grocery store and restaurant while enjoying an ideal base for exploring the surrounds. This is one of the most well-protected harbors in the region as well as being a popular place for fishing, snorkeling, and diving with striking clear waters and abundant marine life.

Hiking and mountain biking in the Sierra de la Giganta mountains is popular, as is the trek through Tabor Canyon. In fact, it’s often called “Steinbeck” Canyon after being described as an oasis in The Log from the Sea of Cortez by renowned author John Steinbeck.

Loreto is a charming historic town that provides the perfect finale to your Baja California Sur yacht itinerary. While some yachters may prefer to stay anchored at Puerto Escondido and take a private shuttle or taxi to Loreto, it’s possible to anchor on the north side of the panga dársena with good holding sand at 10 to 20 feet. You can enjoy easy access to snorkeling and diving in the “World’s Aquarium” as well as explore the town and its rich cultural heritage as the first capital of the Californias.

Old Town Loreto, BCS, is a Pueblo Mágico, is the oldest human settlement in Baja California. It was the site of the Californias’ first Jesuit mission, founded in 1697, but there have been humans here for over 12,000 years. There’s a vibrant downtown square, authentic Mexican colonial buildings (including Misión de Nuestra Señora de Loreto Conchó), intriguing shops, and many outstanding restaurants serving local cuisine.