Eco-tourism has become one of the largest economic resources in Baja as tourists from the world over come to enjoy the pristine beaches and crystal blue waters of the Sea of Cortez. And the thriving life below those same waters offers visitors a glimpse into another world, one that famed oceanographer Jacques Cousteau referred to as the “world’s aquarium”.

Espiritu Santo Tours encapsulates much of a true eco-tourist experience available in the Sea of Cortez, with world-class scuba diving, seemingly untouched beaches, and abundant marine life, causing the area to be deemed a world heritage site by UNESCO. Island Cat, a large and spacious catamaran, capable of comfortably accommodating up to 35 people offers guests an experience that goes beyond mere transportation to the heritage site.

Door-to-boat transit is provided for guests at no additional charge, and the day of relaxation begins there as they enjoy the beautiful scenery of the cactus spotted desert backdropped by the Pacific Ocean during their two hour journey to La Paz. Once aboard the boat and after a short safety briefing with the captain and crew, guests are welcome to a light breakfast, and coffee or a cocktail from the open bar. The hour long cruise to the island is a time of rest and pampering for guests. If the visit includes scuba diving, the crew will offload the participating guests into the smaller dive boat, Island Kitty, and along with an experienced dive master, they will head to their site as the larger boat continues to the paridasical cove where they will spend their day.

Espiritu Santo tours are a favorite among the Island Cat crew, as they find more “experience” to be found there. “ It’s all available there- in the coves, on the beaches, among the reefs,” says Captain Chris Miller, who has been at the Helm of the Island Cat since her earliest days. “Not to mention the amazing things you see in the deeper waters.”

The island is accessible only by boat, and it is illegal to live or build on the federally protected land. The clear water and white sand beaches found in deep inlets and private bays are each surrounded by 40’ cliffs, their faces carpeted in desert flora, giving visitors a sense of seclusion. And the buoyancy brought about by the high salt content in the Sea of Cortez offers visitors further relaxation.

The Fang Ming, a 185 foot Chinese fishing vessel, was seized by authorities in the Sea of Cortez as they attempted to smuggle migrant workers to the United States. In 1999 the vessel was intentionally sunk in 70 feet of water for use as an artificial reef for the abundant sea life off the coast of Espiritu Santo. Today the wreck is a thriving mecca for a number of fish, mollusks and sea turtles. The dive to the shipwrecked Fang Ming is one for all levels, and navigating the deep blue water is an easy exercise.

Island Cat also offers a snorkeling trip to the large sea lion colony - more than 600 strong, residing on Los Islotes, off the north tip of Partida, the neighboring island separated by a small canal. Guided by an experienced snorkel leader and marine biologist, the trip is as educational as it is fun.

Lunch is prepared for guests by Island Cat’s onboard chef as they continue to enjoy the beaches and clear water of Isla Espiritu Santo before the trip back to port. The cruise home is a time of relaxation for guests as crew members continue to wait on them to help make their day an experience they won’t forget.

In addition to being a fun and relaxing time, Espiritu Santo tours are an ecologically responsible option for tourists looking for an activity while vacationing. For further information, or to book a private charter to Isla Espiritu Santo, see: www.bajaespiritusanto.com. For a Private Charter to swim with whale sharks, see: www.bajawhaleshark.com. Visit www.IslandCatBaja.com for more information. In the U.S. or Canada call: 541-325-7369, in Mexico call 612-152-9940.