HOW TO GET THERE

They are located in the east side of the La Paz Bay. They can be reached by panga, boat or tourist boats boarding in La Paz, Pichilingue or El Tecolote Beaches in an hour to an hour and a half; by plane to the La Paz International Airport or by ferryboat from Mazatlán or Topolobampo. La Paz is 771 kms south of Guerrero Negro through the Transpeninsular Highway.

ORIGIN

Since the middle of the 16th century up to the 18th century the Spaniards exploited the pearl oyster beds of the island. In 1631, Juan de Iturbe and Francisco de Ortega, pearl fishermen christened the island with the name of Espíritu Santo. The Pericú Indians were the original inhabitants of the island. When the mission of La Paz was established the Indians were forced to work in the mission, but they continued to live in the island. Due to the Indians revolt of 1734 punitive expeditions were organized to expel them from the place. At the present time it has become a desert island, though once in a while there are fishing work camps and tourist groups.

DESCRIPTION

Its beautiful landscape and various rock formations make it one of the most spectacular islands of the Gulf of California. It measures 19 km long and 5.5 wide. Its coastline has plenty of escarpments that show multicolored volcanic strata: Red, roses, yellows, pearl white and lava black. The east littoral is quite regular whereas the recesses and projections of the west coast form beautiful inlets with white beaches which are an excellent protection for boats. The island has a rather peculiar fauna and flora. Many of those species are endemic: Blue and white herons look for food in the mangroves, porcelain crabs, ocher brown, orange as well as black hares and squirrels which are also endemic. When the tide is rising the island is divided and La Partida Island appears as another island. There are rock formations known as the isles north of La Partida where a large colony of nice sea lions live.

ACTIVITIES

Diving, sports fishing. Trips to the islands for camping. Nature observation. Sailing, rowing. Ecological tours. Hiking, exploring.

RECOMMENDATIONS

There are several firms in La Paz with expert guides who handle trips to the islands. It is recommended to use them for security reasons and to comply with the regulations. No swimming or diving in the habitat of the sea lions by any means, because they can be unusually aggressive when their territorial waters are invaded.