Loreto Charter Guide
Welcome sailors and thank you for joining us at Marina Puerto Escondido in beautiful Loreto, Mexico for an amazing Catamaran Sailing Adventure in the Sea of Cortez! We are excited to have you onboard and want to share some FAQs and travel information with you to help plan your journey. We hope you enjoy Loreto Magico as much as we do!
Balam heading to Marina Puerto Escondido, Loreto, B.C.S., Mexico
Q: HOW DO WE GET THERE?
FLIGHTS
You can fly directly into Loreto International Airport from the following airports:
Calgary (YYC) - West Jet
Dallas/Ft. Worth (DFW) - American Airlines
Los Angeles (LAX) - Alaska Air
Phoenix (PHX) - American Airlines
Tijuana (TJX) - Volaris
Marina Puerto Escondido
TRANSPORTATION & CURRENCY
Once you land in Loreto, you can either rent a car which costs $70-$100 USD per day for a standard car or you can take a taxi from the airport to Marina Puerto Escondido which is approximately $60 USD and takes about 20 minutes each way. Most places in Loreto accept US dollars and/or credit cards, but you will need pesos for taxis and for tips at restaurants. It is highly recommended that you bring US dollars and/or pesos with you to avoid daily ATM withdrawal limits and bank/exchange fees.
Q: WHERE CAN WE STAY?
LODGING
We recommend flying into Loreto a day or two prior to the start of your charter to enjoy the majestic beauty of this charming and historic fishing town.
HOTELS
La Mision - upscale hotel with ocean views on the Malecon in Loreto
Posada De Las Flores - rustic charm in the heart of downtown Loreto
walking distance to restaurants, shops, and the Mission
Hotel 1697 - authentic charm steps away from tequila bar & restaurants
Cordelia Resort & Spa - modern & elegant hotel in Loreto Bay community - 15 minutes from the marina
Villa Del Pal Mar - Award-Winning Luxury Golf Resort & Spa with iconic 17th hole
Hotel Tripui - the only hotel within walking distance to the Marina with peaceful bungalows, pool & free breakfast
Hotel Oasis - affordable location on the beach in downtown Loreto
One of our partners and friend - Kathy Hunter is an superhost and has great Airbnb rentals in Loreto. Great for sharing a house with family and/or a group of friends. Highly recommend!
Loreto Magico
Q: what about food?
ONBOARD CHEF & MEAL PLANNING
When available, you can hire an onboard chef to do all the shopping, cooking, and cleaning so you can spend more time adventuring and less time in the galley! The onboard chef* customizes a meal plan that compliments your food preferences and dietary restrictions preparing creative dishes with fresh, local ingredients.
*Chef rates vary and are based on availability
PROVISION SERVICES
For guests who enjoy cooking but don't have time to do the shopping, the Market at Marina Puerto Escondido offers provision services and will place your food & beverages onboard before your arrival for a 20% service fee.
Q: where do we GO GROCERY SHOPPING?
The Market at Marina Puerto Escondido has basic provisions, snacks, adult beverages, sundries, clothing, gifts and supplies. For full provisioning, you will need to go into Loreto and visit one or all of these locations:
Super Ley - Supermarket with large produce section, bakery, Mexican products & ATMs for pesos
El Pescador - Medium-sized market with a good selection of produce, seafood, international & local products
Delicatessen - Specialty foods & imports, meats, cheeses, wine & champagne
Cactus - Beer, wine & liquor
Q: WHAT RESTAURANTS DO YOU RECOMMEND?
Enjoy a refreshing house-made margarita with wood-fired pizzas and fresh fish specials at La Brisa restaurant right at Marina Puerto Escondido. Or you can go into town to experience the local cuisine. Click here for popular restaurants in Loreto. Some of our personal favorites are:
La Brisa - fabulous margaritas, woodfired pizzas, and fresh seafood at Marina Puerto Escondido. Excellent breakfast options
Pan Que Pan - homemade breads, pastries, fresh smoothies, healthy breakfast & lunch
La Picazon - hidden gem on the water! Beautiful atmosphere, family run, delicious local fare and seafood
Mi Loreto - local favorite, great service, vibey atmosphere in the heart of town
Orlando’s - lively atmosphere and authentic local fare - try the Cilantro fish!
El General - Our favorite tacos en Loreto! Taco truck with best pastor in town
Octatillo - modern hotspot & wine bar in Loreto Bay. Featuring wines from the Guadalupe Valley and live music
Mita Gourmet - known for chocolate clams, mole, and seafood paella
Santo Cielo - Grilled meats & seafood with views of the Mission
Azul - fine dining in Loreto Bay with beautiful farm to table creations
Mezzaluna - South American/Italian fare, empanadas and oven-fired pizzas
Q: What is the weather like?
Loreto has a tropical desert climate with abundant sunshine most of the year. Average temperatures June through October are 34 °C (93 °F) with year-round temperatures averaging 24.4 °C (76 °F). Spring and Autumn temperatures are moderate and temperate with Winter months bringing windy conditions typically blowing from the North and NW. Sea Temperatures range from an average of 84°F in summer to 64 °F in winter.
Loreto's yearly precipitation averages about 160 mm (6.3 in). The wettest months are August and September when there are occasional short-lived rainfalls. The hurricane season in Baja California Sur runs from mid-August through mid-October. Although a handful of hurricanes have affected the northern state of Baja California, the tropical cyclone season is almost exclusively a Baja California Sur issue. Since 1948, only four Category 1 Hurricanes, including 2014's Odile, and four Tropical Storms have made it to northern Baja California.
Fortunately, Marina Puerto Escondido has amazing natural protection that makes our location one of the safest hurricane holes in all of the Sea of Cortez.
More Loreto wind and tide info here
Make sure to download the Loreto area map! We recommend checking the weather frequently and downloading these apps:
Q: WHAT SHOULD WE BRING?
CLOTHING & SAILING GEAR
Typically, days are warm and nights are cool, so layered dry-wicking clothing is a must. Pack as light as possible to maximize space in the cabins onboard. Duffle-style travel luggage is recommended for easier storage.
RECOMMENDED ITEMS:
PFD (personal flotation device) - We have Type 2 life jackets on board, but it’s easier to maneuver with these PFD's.
IMPORTANT: Click here for latest travel information from TSA about flying with CO2 cartridges. You may bring a life vest with up to two CO2 cartridges inside, plus two spare cartridges in your carry-on or checked bag. You may not transport CO2 cartridges without the associated lifejacket. The final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint with CO2 cartridges.
CHECKLIST
Waterproof jacket/windbreaker
Helly Hansen makes great sailing gear
Sailing Gloves
Boat Shoes (No black-soled shoes, heels, or flip-flops while sailing)
Sperry makes classic boat shoes for Men & Women
Sun hat (hat clips like this are helpful)
Sunscreen
SPF Protective Clothing
Swimsuit
Warm clothes & Beanie (for cool evenings)
Lip Balm
Reusable water bottle
Biodegradable shampoo/conditioner & body wash
Wetsuit and/or wetsuit top (optional)
Snorkel Gear (We have basic sets onboard)
Bonine (for sea sickness)
Downloaded music playlist for Bluetooth
Los Gatos
Q: What can we do for recreation?
The Islands of Loreto National Marine park has an abundance of diverse sea life and pristine natural beauty. Some of the most popular recreational activities include swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, paddle boarding, hiking, fishing and whale watching (in season). We have paddle boards and fishing rods available to rent, so let us know if you would like to add them to your charter. Marine Park passes are included with your charter, but make sure to purchase your fishing licenses online here.
Love to dive? We can coordinate a scuba excursion with our partners at Blue Nation in Loreto to explore Jacques Cousteau's "Aquarium of the World.
Shipwreck Dive at Bahia Salinas on Isla Carmen
Q: where will we be sailing?
Check out our (5) Day Sample Itinerary Videos on our YouTube Channel to see some of the beautiful anchorages you may explore during your charter. Based on current weather conditions, you can work with your Captain to create the best sail plan for you and the crew.
MARINE PARK PASSES: National marine park passes will be provided for each guest and will be onboard the vessel when you arrive. You can purchase additional wristbands at the marina office if you plan to extend your stay.
CAPTAIN/CREW GRATUITY: It is customary to tip your Captain/Crew 10-20% of the charter rate for their knowledge, expertise, and hospitality during or after your charter. Cash works best and they are always appreciative! You can also add gratuity to your invoice with an additional exchange rate fee. We hope you have an amazing sailing adventure with us in Loreto and we look forward to hearing about your journey when you return!
