Loreto, Mexico’s main claim to fame is the incredible Bay of Loreto National Marine Park. The 800 square mile conservancy consists of a string of five pristine islands and is the largest of Mexico’s marine sanctuaries.

Loreto Bay includes Coronado, Del Carmen, Danzante, Montserrate and Santa Catalina islands and provides refuge for mother-of-pearl, starfish, sea urchins, fan coral, killer whales, blue whales, dolphins and sea lions.

The white sand beaches are exactly the kind you think of when you’re shoveling mountains of snow and the snorkeling is some of the best in the Americas. Small native pangas and sea kayaks are the best way to get around. You may camp on some of the islands, but the popularity makes reservations necessary.

The Marine Park originated as a grass roots effort by the people of Loreto, who prize and protect their unique ecosystem. The natives depend upon the Sea of Cortez for many things and live in harmony with it. Commercial and sportfishing is not permitted.

Welcome back!

As far as I can figure out, Posada LunaSol means “guest house of the moon and sun”. I enjoyed several nights there while traveling around the lower Baja Peninsula and plan to visit again in October. Why October? Well, by then the hurricane season should be over, the summer scorch has moderated and the water’s still plenty warm enough for snorkeling.

But back to Posada LunaSol. This is the type of place you’ll want to stay if you’re a bit adventurous and want to really experience Baja, rather than stay in a cookie cutter resort that caters to US tourists. It’s not cheap, but it is reasonably-priced. It’s tucked away in a quiet residential area, but is just a short walk to the beaches and downtown. It’s colorful, for sure, and clean and well-kept. There’s a little open air kitchen with a sink, fridge and stove where you can prepare simple meals and snacks. The best feature, however, is the spacious rooftop palapa with shade, lounge chairs and cool sea breezes for those lazy afternoons when it’s too hot to move.

The people who run this quaint little hotel seem generally happy to be your hosts. They helped us with where to go and how to get there and welcomed us back when we returned. They have internet access, which is great for weather reports and world news, happily accept major credit cards and communication was not a problem. The other guests we encountered were an eclectic mix of travelers from all around the globe. Ironically, I shared coffee one morning with a  man who’s daughter lives in my hometown.

As a bonus, part of the downstairs is occupied by an outfitter, Mar Y Adventuras, which means Sea and Adventure. These local guides can hook you up with everything you need for a sea kayak and/or snorkeling trip into the Sea of Cortez. You can hire a very knowledgable native guide or go on your own for an afternoon or a week or anything in between.

Read more about La Paz here and about the Beaches of Baja here.

Punta Mita means gateway to paradise. You’ll agree when you stay at La Palmas Punta Mita, a gated resort community on the Bay of Banderas 26 miles north of Puerto Vallarta.

Imagine an ideal year ’round climate with complete resort amenities and more than 9 miles of private, white sand beaches to enjoy with your friends and family. If your dream vacation is all about relaxing in luxury, this is the place!

To introduce you to this beach vacation destination, they offer these Spring Specials:

Hot Deal: Between now and April 6, 2007, you’ll receive a 10% discount off your entire stay.

American Express Special: Use your AMEX card to stay 6 nights and you’ll get a seventh night free at a 3 bedroom, 3 bath luxury golf villa with a private plunge pool.

See more photos and details about this incredible place at the Las Palmas Beach Club website, then call reservations at 800.332.5523 to book your Mexican vacation today!

The white sand cresents and crystal clear waters of Baja area are a beach lovers dream. Unlike in some other Mexican coastal areas, the natives of this region prize and protect their environment. The beaches are clean and the plant and wildlife are appreciated and respected.

While it’s at first startling to see cactus forests growing along the beach, you soon get used to the unsual flora and fauna of the Baja peninsula. The best beaches boast fine white sand perfect for barefoot beachcombing. Others consist of shell shards and rocks and require foot protection. However, even on beaches where shoes are a must, the privacy and scenery are well worth it.

Some of the best beaches are not on the tourists’ radar and can only be reached by boat. Camping is permitted in most places and requires toting along an approved portapotty.Whichever you choose, be certain, when wading in the water, to wear water sandals and to shuffle your feet along the bottom to prevent painful encounters with lurking sting rays. This Baja Shuffle will soon become a habit.

Info about La Paz, Baja’s largest city.

Off the beaten path, yet civilized, LaPaz is a the largest city on the Baja Peninsula of Mexico. With about 200,000 residents, including a healthy population of Americans, this genteel metropolis is one of those rare places where the citizens generally seem content and happy to be there.

Although public works projects suffer somewhat from a manana state of mind, the sections of town where travelers are entertained are clean and well kept. The people are generally friendly and welcoming and many know enough English to enable language-deficient gringos, like me, to communicate with them.

La Paz is the kind of place where middle-class Mexicans take their families on vacation. While nothing is cheap, it is reasonably priced compared to more popular beach resorts. There’s enough nightlife and good dining to keep you entertained after the sun goes down and the malecon (seaside walkway) fills with pedestrians of all persuasions.

During the day, enjoy perfect, crescent, white sand beaches. Surf in crystal waters. Swim with sea lions at the Los Islotes Sanctuary. Snorkel with creatures you’ve only seen in aquariums. Sea kayak among dolphins and through natural arches. Fish for the big ones in the fairytale Sea of Cortez.

La Paz isn’t the place you think of when you dream of a trip to Baja, but maybe it should be. Learn more about La Paz here.