They were fantastic. My husband and I went to Isla Coronado one day and Isla Danzante two days later, with Tours Loreto, and had a great time. We were the only ones on each trip (I think because we weren't diving), but that was great, because our captains were able to tailor the trips to us.
The boat trip to Isla Coronado was about 25 minutes, and beautiful the whole way. Noë, our captain, was easy to talk to (fluent English and a good conversationalist, super friendly), and knew a lot of fascinating information about the area. Kept pointing out different sites and animals and telling us about them. He stopped alongside the island at a spot where snorkeling is good, showed us how to get in the water, and helped when we needed it. I enjoyed the snorkeling, but didn't feel like staying too long, and my husband was weirded out by breathing underwater, so we went around to the beach side.
The beach was stunning. Crystal clear water, perfectly aquamarine, with lots of little yellow striped fish all around us. It was fun with fins and a snorkel, but not necessary; the water is transparent and the fish come right to you. There are blasted bits of jellyfish in the water, so bring ammonia or wear something to cover your skin in the water. No entire jellyfish, but the little bits that leave small stings.
The outhouse on the island is about what you'd expect. All I will say is to bring toilet paper if you you want it, because they have trash baskets for it, but no paper.
Noë showed us a well marked path that goes across the island, so we walked there while he stayed with the boat and our things. It was great to walk in a desert and see ocean and mountains all around. This is a preserve, so there are sidewinder tracks, prickly plants of various kinds, and no way to get out of the sun. Wear a hat; cover yourself as much as you need; bring water; and stay on the path.
Lunch was waiting when we got back. Pre-rolled roast beef burritos with fresh tomatoes and avocado to add. Plus a cooler full of water and a few Cokes. You can bring beer if you want, and they'll chill it, but they provide everything else. It was delicious and easy. We were ready to go back after another quick swim, but it was clear that we could have stayed as long as we wanted. (The owner told us just to tip extra if we stay longer, of course.)
Isla Danzante was an even better experience. We had a different captain, who did not speak English, so I got to practice my Spanish. He was very skilled with the boat and was very responsive to us. If I started taking pictures, he slowed the boat. When we got to a particularly pretty spot, he asked if we would prefer to go more slowly and admire it, or go quickly and get to Danzante. We spent a fair amount of time going past Isla Carmen, a private island that is only accessible for hunters who supposedly pay $50,000 to hunt rams there. We saw no rams, but it was still beautiful.
After Carmen, we slowed down to snorkel in one of the most amazing places I've been. I almost didn't get in the water, because I'd heard so many things about how great Danzante was, but Ricardo seemed a bit concerned and kept saying that the snorkeling was very good there. I was still squeamish about getting in open water out of a boat, and he was extremely patient while I dithered around and worked up my nerve to get in. I'm so grateful that he didn't just go to the shore of Danzante when I wasn't immediately interested in snorkeling there, because it was an incredible experience. So many different types of fish and starfish! And crystal clear water.
We went to Danzante after that, ate lunch (same as before, and fantastic), and then took out the sea kayaks that we'd asked for. Aside from one boat that was playing loud music and doing doughnuts around my husband (they quickly got bored and left), it was so quiet it was otherworldly. Beautiful scenery, crabs crawling around with such intricate designs it looked like someone had captured them, painted them five different colors, and let them go. And that water! I've read that the clarity is only there in the summer--it sounds like you basically choose whales or clear water, and I'm very happy with our choice. The clarity was better than I've seen in Quintana Roo or Jamaica.
Ricardo and I talked a bit after I had had my fill of kayaking. He was so friendly and kind and very patient with my searching for words, given my limited Spanish. Really great captain. Really great trip.
On the return trip, we saw a really big tortoise, tons of flying fish, and a shark. It was a wonderful experience and I highly recommend it.
We got a bit of a discount for booking both trips with them, and Tours Loreto was very easy to work with. If you are going snorkeling with them, go by the day before and try your mask on; they have plenty and they are the kind of company that wants you to have a good trip. Completely positive experience. read more