Nature reserve 27 km south of Loreto
A small, rugged island off Puerto Escondido, loved by kayakers for its sheltered coves and good snorkeling.
Isla Danzante is a small, rugged island of only a few square kilometers lying just off Puerto Escondido, south of Loreto, within the Bay of Loreto National Park. It is close to shore and well protected, which makes it one of the favorite destinations in the park for sea kayakers and for short boat trips.
Its best-known spot is Honeymoon Cove, a narrow, sheltered inlet at the northwest end of the island with clear water for snorkeling and a small beach. Across the channel, the cliffs of the Sierra de la Giganta rise straight from the coast, one of the most dramatic views in the region.
Around the island there are rock arches and reefs full of fish, and a sunken ship off the island draws scuba divers. Short hikes from the coves climb to small lookouts over the bay.
What to see and do
Snorkel in the clear, calm water of Honeymoon Cove.
Paddle a kayak around the island, or across from the coast on a calm day.
Dive the reefs and the sunken ship off the island with a Loreto dive shop.
Hike from the coves up to a lookout facing the Sierra de la Giganta.
Getting there
Boat trips leave from Loreto and from the marina at Puerto Escondido, about 25 minutes south of Loreto by car; from Puerto Escondido the ride is short. Experienced kayakers cross from the coast near Puerto Escondido or Ligüí in calm conditions. The national park fee applies, and camping on the island is part of some guided kayak trips.
27 km south of Loreto
Directions from Loreto on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
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Places to stay in Isla Danzante
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Weather warm
Isla Danzante shares the climate of Loreto, 27 km away. The best months to visit are Jan, Apr, May, Nov.
Make Loreto your base
Isla Danzante is an easy trip from Loreto, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
More around Loreto
-
Isla Coronado
· Beach · 14 km away
The closest island to Loreto: a volcanic cone with a white-sand beach, turquoise water and a colony of sea lions. -
Isla del Carmen
· Nature reserve · 18 km away
The bay's largest island, with quiet coves and the ruins of an old salt works at Bahía Salinas. -
Puerto Escondido
· Town · 23 km away
A nearly enclosed natural harbor and marina south of Loreto, set below the cliffs of the Sierra de la Giganta. -
Parque Nacional Bahía de Loreto
· Nature reserve · 24 km away
The marine national park right off Loreto's malecón: five desert islands, whales in winter and clear water for snorkeling and kayaking. -
Misión San Javier
· Landmark · 26 km away
A remote Jesuit mission in the Sierra de la Giganta, with a fine 18th-century stone church and a centuries-old olive tree. -
Agua Verde
· Town · 62 km away
A remote fishing village with turquoise coves at the end of a rough mountain dirt road; best with a high-clearance vehicle.
Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.