1. Connect on Facebook and WhatsApp
Social media may typically not be “your thing,” but to get the scoop on what’s going on in Loreto there are a number of pages on Facebook which include regular posts: Voices of Loreto and Ads-Voices of Loreto. If you search farther, there are multiple more Loreto sites.
And for the largest listing of activities, businesses, and services, go back to the main page of www.loretolocal.com.
Nearly every business, service, and resident of Loreto uses the smartphone app, WhatsApp. Download it to your phone, memorize +52 as the country code, login to Wifi whenever you can, and cut your cellular charges to a minimum.
2. Top of the list is an Island Tour or Fishing Charter
A day trip to the islands can be spontaneous or planned ahead. Boat captains are typically members of cooperatives (not all, but most). They congregate at the marina every morning after 7:00 AM. If you look like a tourist, they’ll probably offer to help you before you even ask. Many speak English or offer to help those who don’t.
Whether you just jump on board or plan ahead, clarify what you are expecting on your tour. They have published prices, but tour costs vary depending on your expectations. Maybe you just want to be dropped off on a beach and picked up later. You plan to bring your own lunch, umbrella, drinks, and any snorkel equipment. There’s also the full treatment—ride to and from an island, information on geology and hiking, picnic and beverages provided by the captain, snorkel equipment, beach towels, etc.
Don’t be surprised if the captain stays at the beach no matter what you say. The biggest expense is fuel to go back and forth.
It is customary to offer a tip at the end of your tour besides the cost quoted you—10% to 20% depending on the service you received. If the captain deviates from a direct route to the islands to see a dolphin stampede or mobula fever, that’s extra fun.
Don’t forget your reef-safe sunscreen and bug repellent. Respect the rules in Loreto Bay National Marine Park: don’t remove natural objects, harass the wildlife, or take your dog onto the islands.
Photo courtesy of Blue Nation 
3. Dive or Snorkel
There is limited snorkeling from the beach around the north and east side of the marina. To be safe, don’t cross the entrance. You can also safely snorkel around Nopolo rock. Walk to the beach through the Loreto Bay neighborhood or from the southern end of the resort.
SCUBA diving and the best snorkeling is done off the islands. Talk to your tour operator or boat captain about wind conditions and marine life. Don’t be afraid of the sealions off Isla Coronado as long as you stay off their rocks. They love to blow bubbles in the face of divers, but never let you touch them.
Photo courtesy of Blue Nation 
4. Watch the Whales
Whale watching season in Loreto is from January through March with February being the peak. Blue whale watching season in Loreto Bay National Park is predominantly late February to mid-March. You’ll arrange a tour with a boat operator licensed for whale watching. Plan a ride out to the channel and possibly to the east side of Isla Carmen. Fin, Sei, Bryde’s, Humpback, and Pilot whales and Orca can be seen in Loreto Bay National Park year-round.
To interact with gray whales, tour operators will take you to the Pacific side of Baja California Sur to the lagoons on a long day trip. Males start to arrive in the lagoons in late December. Females arrive to calve and mate in January. By mid to late February, friendly mothers approach the pangas with their calves. By April first, almost all have headed north. Staying overnight by the Pacific lagoons during gray whale season typically requires reservations made weeks/months in advance. Photo courtesy of Blue Nation.
5. Walk on the Plaza
The charm of most Mexican towns can be found on their central plaza, and Loreto is no exception. You’ll find varied restaurants and shops. Restaurants open for a casual breakfast and most shops open at 10:00 AM. The misión and its museum are central to the plaza.
6. Tour the Misións
Misión de Nuestra Señora de Loreto Conchó is central to the Loreto plaza. This was the first successful misión in Baja California.
Misión San Francisco Javier de Viggé-Biaundó is twenty kilometers west of Loreto. A paved, winding road west off the highway is about one kilometer south of Loreto Centro. This is a nice day trip. A small museum, several restaurants and shops, and an agricultural area surround the mission. There is a precious 400-year-old olive tree.
7. Walk on the Malecon at Sunrise
Sunrise in Loreto over Isla Carmen is magical, especially when there is a low, partial cloud cover. The two-kilometer paved walkway is handicap-accessible and much more stable compared to neighborhood sidewalks. It is lit at night. Street dogs here are typically friendly, kept in line by the marina staff, boat captains, and police. Keep yours on a leash and under control so they don’t disturb other walkers or the turtle nests on the beaches.
8. Watch Dolphins and Mobula Rays
Common and Bottlenose Dolphins are frequently seen in Loreto Bay National Park year round.
Mobula Rays, otherwise known as Munks Devil Rays or Flying Mobila, are most commonly viewed in large numbers in May through July. One of the favorite sights by residents and visitors, the annual “fever” can number in the thousands when they jump two meters out of the water and flop back in.
9. Hike or ride in the Desert
Loreto is the only area in Mexico with three adjacent national parks: Loreto Bay National Marine Park, Nopolo Park, and Loreto II. Follow this link to Keep Loreto Magical to read about the most recent designation. Hiking the new national parks is encouraged.
If you choose to hike other areas, please be aware that most are private ranches so please obtain permission before you go. Respect the wildlife, fences and gates, and ranch animals. Tour operators know the best accessible locations. You can ride ATV’s, horses, or mules.
10. View Cave Paintings
Viewing the cave paintings in Baja California Sur is always done under the guidance of a licensed tour operator. The paintings are known to have been created tens of thousands of years ago.
11. Sample the Restaurants
With over 120 restaurant and bar listings in Loreto and the surrounding area, what more can we say? Sample our diverse offerings.
12. Watch the Sunset
If you thought sunrise was good, wait until sunset and walk to a spot with an open view of the mountains. Because the Baja at Loreto isn’t that wide, about 100 kilometers as a crow flies, humidity and clouds can cause a breath-taking sunset over the desert mountains.
13. Walk or Bike Through Town to see the Murals
There are over a dozen murals in Loreto that can only be discovered in the neighborhoods. Walking and bike tour operators know the locations if you’re short on time or want guidance. Otherwise, go discover! Neighborhood dogs protecting their property can pop out so be prepared with treats, spray, or a walking stick.
Photo courtesy of #TasteOfLoreto.
14. Ride a Bike, Kayak, Horse, Mule, or Paddle a SUP
Many hotels have free or rental bikes, kayaks, or SUPs. There are also tour operators that offer rental equipment. There are repair shops in town.
15. Visit the Library or Bookstore
You don’t have to be a Loreto resident or have a card to borrow at the non-profit library. The Caballo Blanco bookstore is on the corner of Benito Juarez and Davis with a selection of Baja books and lots of used paperback novels for that lounge day by the pool. Both the library and bookstore accept selected donations.
16. Volunteer
According to the National Ocean Service, volunteering to clean up Loreto beaches is one of the top ten things you can do to help our Gulf of Mexico. Contact www.keeploretomagical.org to find out what you can do.
Saturday and Sunday mornings, 9:00 to 11:00 AM, generally November through April, is volunteer time for dog cuddling at Animalandia, a non-profit spay and neuter shelter. Watch the Facebook site Voices of Loreto for announcement of spay and neuter clinics when volunteers are especially appreciated to care for the dogs after their surgery.
17. Foster, Adopt, or Transport a Dog or Cat
Loreto is a typical Mexican town with an overpopulation of dogs and cats that need homes. If you’re staying for the winter season, consider fostering a dog or cat. Rescue organizations in town will assist you with food and supplies. Veterinarians can put you in touch with them. If you’re looking for a new pet, there are plenty to choose from. The rescue organizations are always looking for flight angels to escort dogs to US and Canadian rescue organizations. They will handle everything for you and assist you with making a pet reservation attached to your airline ticket.