I am planning on taking the family to Santa Catalina off Loreto. We need transportation to the island and then need to be picked up 48 hours later.
I emailed some tour operators in Loreto for transportation quotes and those that responded asked for between 500 and 800 dollars. Does this seem
reasonable. I thought about asking around the marina when I arrived, but this could cost me a day out of my short holiday and adds uncertainty. I
will not go if it costs 500 dollars.
Does anybody know the best way to get to and from Santa Catalina. Marla Daily - 1-5-2015 at 08:32 PM
Things to know before you go:
The island is one of five islands in Parque Nacional Bahia de Loreto. It is little visited, but a permit is still needed to camp there. This oceanic
island is the second largest in the park (16.6 square miles). It is 15 miles to the nearest mainland (and a lot farther from Loreto~like 40 miles!)
If you are interested in herpetology, there are 10 species of reptiles there, eight of which are endemic, including the rattle-less rattlesnake. They
are mostly found in the arroyos of the island; they climb trees to eat baby birds in nests and they often rest in tree branches.
SNAKES (4 species):
Isla Santa Catalina Rattlesnake (Crotalus catalinensis) endemic
Isla Santa Catalina King Snake (Lampropeltis catalinensis) endem.
Nightsnake (Hypsiglena torquata)
Western Threadsnake [Blind Snake] (Leptotyphlops humilis)
LIZARDS: (5 species ~ all endemic)
Isla Santa Catalina Whiptail Lizard (Aspidoscelis catalinensis)
Isla Santa Catalina Desert Iguana (Dipsosaurus catalinensus)
Isla Santa Catalina Spotted Chuckawalla (Sauromalus klauberi )
Isla Santa Catalina Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus lineatulus)
Isla Santa Catalina Spiny Side-Blotched Lizard (Uta squamata)
GECKO: also endemic
Isla Santa Catalina Leaf-Toed Gecko (Phyllodactylus bugastrolepis)
Marla Daily - 1-6-2015 at 07:20 AM
Curious as to why you would like to go to this particular island?
David K - 1-6-2015 at 08:03 AM
Maybe to see the rattle-less rattlesnake?
bobsyouruncle - 1-6-2015 at 12:29 PM
I want to visit because it has rattlesnakes without rattles and the biggest barrel cactus in the world.David K - 1-6-2015 at 01:05 PM
I want to visit because it has rattlesnakes without rattles and the biggest barrel cactus in the world.
Right on... be careful of the fangs and thorns of Baja!
Valle Chico (southwest of San Felipe) has some big ones too...
Both fat...
and tall (about 7 feet)... wilderone - 1-6-2015 at 01:19 PM
Just a comment - but maybe a fisherman at Agua Verde could take you after you get a permit in Loreto to camp overnight. Seems a lot closer than from
Loreto. Maybe whoever takes you there would prefer to spend the night as well instead of making two trips. Report back if you go.Phil C - 1-6-2015 at 07:01 PM
Wilderone that's the best reply yet! Have the guy, or guys stay there as well.....make life long friends...
