Why More Travelers Are Flocking To This Gorgeous Island Near Los Cabos This Year

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You come to Cabo for the luxury resorts and the nightlife. You go to a gorgeous island nearby to remember what the planet looked like before humans showed up.

For years, this UNESCO World Heritage site sat quietly in the Sea of Cortez, visited mostly by marine biologists and die-hard divers. But this year, we at The Cabo Sun are seeing a massive spike in interest from standard Cabo tourists who are willing to make the trek.

Why the sudden shift? Because travelers are trading “pool days” for “bucket list moments,” and this island offers one specific interaction you cannot get anywhere else in North America.

It is rugged, it is uninhabited, and it is arguably the most beautiful spot in all of Baja.

It is called Isla Espiritu Santo.

Here is why this island is blowing up, and the logistics of how to actually get there.

The Draw: Swimming With The “Sea Puppies”

The island itself is stunning—think red desert cliffs dropping into turquoise water that rivals the Caribbean. But the real reason people are flocking here is a rock formation at the northern tip called Los Islotes.

This spot is home to a permanent colony of over 400 wild California sea lions.

• The Experience: Unlike other wildlife tours where you watch from a distance, here you jump in. The sea lion pups are incredibly playful; they will zip around you, blow bubbles at your mask, and tug on your fins.
• The “Galapagos” Effect: It is widely considered the best human-marine mammal interaction in the world that doesn’t involve a captive animal.

The Logistics: It Is A Haul (But Worth It)

The biggest misconception is that this island is “in” Cabo. It is not. It is located off the coast of La Paz, the capital city of Baja California Sur.

If you are staying in Cabo San Lucas or San José, you have to commit to a full day.

The Timeline:

1. The Drive (2 Hours): You need to take a van or rental car from Cabo to the La Paz Marina.
2. The Boat (45 Mins): You board a panga (skiff) or catamaran for the crossing to the island.
3. The Tour (4-5 Hours): You explore the bays, snorkel with the sea lions, and have a picnic lunch on a pristine beach like Playa Ensenada Grande.
4. The Return: You generally get back to your hotel in Cabo around 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM.

The Pro Move:

Don’t rush it. Instead of doing a “turn-and-burn” day trip, rent a car and spend one night in La Paz. This lets you wake up fresh for the boat tour without the 2-hour morning commute.

The “Glamping” Upgrade

The newest trend driving popularity is the rise of luxury camping on the island.

Operators like Camp Cecil have set up high-end safari tents on the beach.

• The Vibe: Real beds, chef-prepared meals, and total isolation.
• The Perk: When the day-trippers from Cabo leave at 3:00 PM, you have the entire UNESCO biosphere to yourself. The stargazing here—with zero light pollution—is amazing.

The Bottom Line

If you are tired of the crowded beaches at Medano and want to see the “Old Baja,” this is the trip. Yes, the logistics are heavy, but ten minutes in the water with a sea lion pup will ruin you for normal snorkeling forever.

Just remember: Biodegradable sunscreen only. The rangers check, and they are strict.