"These twin islands about 20 Km (12 miles) southwest of San Miguel - or west of Ensenada the same distance - offer a variety of recreational opportunities.  Fishing is good along the western shores of both islands, especially for yellow tail, halibut, and sea bass.  For longer visits, boats can safely anchor in three coves along the eastern shore of the southern island; the middle cove offers the best shelter overall.  Local anglers stay at seasonal fish camps at the southern ends of both islands.

For hikers, the southern island offers the most interesting terrain, with cliffs along the perimeter and a hilly interior.  The highest elevation, just below the island's midpoint, is approximately 100 meters.  Near the northern end of this island are several caves; at the southern tip are a few tidal pools worth exploring.  The northern island is mostly flat, with a radio tower and two light house - one abandoned, one in use.  Both islands are nestling grounds for brown pelicans, cormorants, blue herons, ospreys, and various other bird species.

Surfing

Islas de Todos Santos is perhaps best known as the site of the Pacific coast's biggest, baddest surf.  As Surf Guide magazine wrote, "The waves here laugh at your 8'2"."  November through February, a deep-water northwest swell sweeps the skinny northwestern point (partially submerged at high tide) of Isla Norte to produce powerful, 8 to 10 meter (25-30 feet) waves.  Dubbed "Killers" this is a break best attempted only by experienced gunners - unless it's running small.  Todos surfers estimate that whatever height the surf at San Miguel is running, waves of Isla Norte will be double plus 2.5 meters (8 feet)."

The northwest corner of the southern island also offers an excellent winter break.  When the northwest swell is rolling hard, the channel between the two islands conjures up a monumental, ling-riding right called Thor's Hammer. formed by the confluence of direct swell movement toward this point and refracted swell as it wraps eastward around the north island, then bounces off the south island into the channel.  This same channel pumps a grinding left break during the summer southwest swell, making the islands a year-round surf destination.  Surfers sometimes camp on the flat northern island, but most boat in for the day from San Miguel or Ensenada."

Additional details available in the BAJA HANDBOOK.