Baja Expeditions Eco Camp is located on Espiritu Santo Island (Holy Spirit Island), a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated 18 miles north of La Paz in the Sea of Cortez, Baja California Sur. The island's name, bestowed by Spanish explorer Sebastián Vizcaíno in 1596, reflects the spiritual significance early explorers attributed to this pristine archipelago. Espiritu Santo remained uninhabited throughout most of its history, with only temporary fishing camps dotting its shores, until the late 20th century when commercial developers sought to build resort facilities. In a remarkable conservation victory, Tim Means, founder of Baja Expeditions, raised funds in the 1990s to purchase the island from developers and subsequently arranged for its donation to the Mexican people, leading to its designation as a national park in 2007. The eco camp operates under one of the few limited minimum-impact base camp permits issued by Mexican authorities, ensuring zero permanent footprint on the island's fragile ecosystem. The beaches surrounding the camp feature dramatic red volcanic rock formations contrasting with white sand coves and the Sea of Cortez's distinctive turquoise waters, often called the 'Aquarium of the World' by oceanographer Jacques Cousteau for its extraordinary marine biodiversity.
The eco camp provides access to multiple pristine beaches ideal for swimming, with the calm, protected bays offering warm waters averaging 24-28°C year-round and exceptional visibility often exceeding 20 meters. Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding allow exploration of hidden coves and sea caves carved into the volcanic coastline, with routes ranging from gentle paddles along sheltered beaches to more challenging excursions around rocky headlands where sea lions bask on sun-warmed rocks. Snorkeling and scuba diving (including discover scuba for beginners) reveal thriving coral reefs populated by parrotfish, angelfish, pufferfish, and schools of yellowtail surgeonfish, while encounters with playful California sea lions are virtually guaranteed at the nearby Los Islotes rookery, where curious juveniles often approach swimmers. Hiking trails traverse the island's interior, offering panoramic views of the archipelago and opportunities to observe endemic species including black jackrabbits and spiny-tailed iguanas, with trails leading to secluded beaches accessible only on foot. The camp's facilities embrace simplicity with platform tents, shared composting toilets, solar-heated bucket showers, and meals prepared in a cook tent, fostering connection with nature while minimizing environmental impact. Nighttime activities include stargazing under exceptionally dark skies unmarred by light pollution, with bioluminescent plankton often illuminating the shallows with ethereal blue-green glows during night swims.
Mariscos Toro el Güero in La Paz, accessible via a 45-minute boat ride and short drive from the eco camp, serves outstanding ceviche tostadas with fresh lime and cilantro, fried fish tacos made with catches from the Sea of Cortez, and aguachile (spicy shrimp in lime juice with cucumber and chili). Mc-Fisher, a colorful local favorite, offers smoked marlin tacos with cabbage slaw and chipotle crema, chocolate clam ceviche (a regional specialty), and grilled octopus with garlic and guajillo chili. El Bismarkcito on La Paz's malecón features pescado zarandeado (butterflied grilled fish with achiote marinade), camarones rellenos (bacon-wrapped shrimp stuffed with cheese), and surf-and-turf platters combining fresh lobster with Sonoran beef. Tacos El Güero serves fish tacos for 25 pesos each, with options including battered fried fish, grilled mahi-mahi, and smoked marlin, all topped with pickled vegetables and house-made salsas.
