Snorkeling Danzante and Carmen Islands from Loreto

Reef snorkeling, island beaches, sea turtles and rays in the Sea of Cortez

Snorkel the reefs around Danzante and Carmen Islands in Loreto Bay National Park with a private boat, guide in English or Spanish, and all equipment. You'll encounter tropical fish, sea turtles and rays in the clear water, then rest on a secluded beach with lunch and refreshments while watching seabirds and marine life along the volcanic cliffs.

Step-by-step itinerary

Island snorkeling and beach relaxation

• Travel to Danzante and Carmen Islands
• Snorkel vibrant coral reefs
• Observe marine life and seabirds
• Relax on a private beach
• Enjoy snacks and refreshments
• Return to mainland

The experience

The boat leaves from Villas del Palmar Hotel and takes you into Loreto Bay National Park, where the water clarity and marine diversity earn the region its nickname: the Aquarium of the World. Your guide tailors the snorkeling to your comfort level, positioning you over the reef systems where the fish are densest. You'll see colorful tropical species, sea stars, and if conditions align, sea turtles and rays moving through the shallows. The guide and boat captain stay with the group throughout, and life jackets are provided.

After snorkeling, you beach on a private island shore backed by dramatic volcanic outcrops. Here the pace slows: you get shade under an umbrella, a chair on the sand, and time to watch soaring seabirds and resident marine mammals along the cliffs while you eat. Lunch is a Baja burrito with chips. Drinks include two soft drinks, one Gatorade and four bottled waters per person. The whole outing runs about four hours from hotel to return.

The charter operates with groups of one to four people or five to six people, each booked separately. A national marine park fee of $16 per person applies at checkout. The boat is subject to rescheduling or cancellation if weather turns, and children must be at least six years old and accompanied by an adult (though the operator notes children from age one can be accommodated, confirm when booking).

What’s included

• Snorkel equipment (mask, snorkel, fins, life jackets).
• private boat with captain and guide in English or Spanish.
• snorkeling at two island reef systems.
• marine fauna and seabird observation.
• private island beach time with umbrella and chair.
• box lunch per person (Baja burrito, chips).
• per person drinks (2 soft drinks, 1 Gatorade, 4 bottled waters).
• visit to Danzante and Carmen Islands in Loreto Bay National Park.

Options for this experience

2 options

Guide in English or Spanish09:00

Guide in English or Spanish09:00

You pick the guide language when booking. Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you pick a date.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 to 70 years) · Senior (71 to 80 years) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Infant (1 to 4 years)

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Loreto Baja Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a guide positioned in the water with you the whole time rather than directing from the boat, and if a half-day timeframe with a midday island lunch works better than a full-day commitment.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years); Infant (1 to 4 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What fish and marine animals will I see while snorkeling around Danzante and Carmen Islands?

Colorful tropical fish, sea stars, and often sea turtles and rays inhabit the reef systems around both islands. The guide positions the group over the densest concentrations and watches for larger marine fauna moving through the shallows.

Is snorkel equipment included, and do I need to bring my own?

Mask, snorkel, fins and life jackets are all provided. Wetsuits are not included but can be rented for $25 per person if you request at least 48 hours before your departure.

What's included in the lunch and drinks?

Per person you get a box lunch with a Baja burrito and chips, plus two soft drinks, one Gatorade and four bottled waters. Snacks and refreshments are served on the beach after snorkeling.

Do I need to arrange my own transportation to the boat?

The boat departs from Villas del Palmar Hotel. Round-trip ground transportation from your hotel is not included. You'll need to arrange your own way to the departure point.