As the sun casts its first golden rays over the Sea of Cortez, a sleek catamaran unfurls its sails and prepares for a journey to one of Baja California Sur’s hidden gems – the enchanting Honeymoon Beach on Isla Danzante.
This trip is more than an excursion; it’s a reverie on turquoise waters, an escape into nature’s wild embrace, and a whiff of adventure carried on the mild Mexican breeze.
Sailing the Sea of Cortez is like stepping back in time. The rugged coastline is much the same as it was centuries ago. Harnessing the power of the wind today is no different than what the early adventurers relied on, though much safer. Your enjoyment won’t be interrupted by many other boats, allowing for a peaceful and rejuvenating solitude on your journey.
If you are interested, view my full 5 day itinerary, click here and read here my travel tip with more highlights to explore Baja California Sur.
Catamaran tour in Loreto to Isla Danzante
Our departure point is the picturesque harbor ‘Marina Puerto Escondido‘, just South of Loreto, where the boat awaits. On board, the experienced and friendly crew prepares the catamaran Bel Gato for departure, creating a sense of anticipation that electrifies the air.
Sailing is a wonderfully gentle way to interact with marine life. By harnessing the power of the wind and not relying on motorized engines, sailing proves to be an exceptionally environmentally conscious mode of transportation.
Catamaran Bel Gato at Marina Puerto Escondido in Baja California Sur, Mexico.
Marina Puerto Escondido close to Loreto in Baja California Sur, Mexico.
The enchanting seascape unfolds as we glide away from the mainland, and the coastline lingers lovingly in the morning light, as if bidding us a silent farewell.
Here’s a tip: always keep an eye on the horizon. Look out for dolphins performing their jumps for an audience of admirers.
As we approach Isla Danzante, its contours marked by natural rock formations that tell stories as old as the sea itself, the cliffs and escarpments offer an imposing and majestic welcome. The island’s geological artistry is a testament to the power of nature and time – creating a canvas where the wild and the whimsical come together.
Honeymoon Beach in Baja California Sur
As you approach Honeymoon Beach, watch the water turn a mesmerizing shade of turquoise, so clear and vibrant that it sets the stage for a mesmerizing underwater show.
Honeymoon Cove is located on the northwest tip of Isla Danzante, just three miles east of Puerto Escondido. This cove offers three potential anchorages for a limited number of sailboats.
And then the catamaran anchors at Honeymoon Beach, where the ivory sands welcome visitors with warm, open arms. The secluded and unspoiled beach offers a sanctuary where time seems to stand still. Here, the only footprints are those of our reverent travelers, embraced by towering cacti and kissed by the sun.
Through the crystal clear water, a variety of marine life dances on the edge between the rocks and around the two hulls of the catamaran. Equipped with snorkeling gear, guests are invited to dive into this underwater world and discover the vibrant community of fish that thrives beneath the waves.
The massive rock that forms the reef near the entrance to Honeymoon Beach is popular for snorkeling. It’s easily accessible from any part of the bay and teems with 25-30 different species of fish.
Catamaran tour to Honeymoon Beach at Isla Danzante in Baja California Sur, Mexico.
Honeymoon Bay on Isla Danzante in Baja California Sur, Mexico. Photo credit Garrett Galvan.
In general, the water around Isla Danzanta is exceptionally clear, making it perfect for snorkeling and observing marine life. If you have more time, there are several charming small beaches in the area.
There’s also an excellent network of short hiking trails that cover the northern part of the island. These trails even lead down to a rocky shore that connects to the northernmost point of the island. The views from these trails are absolutely stunning and provide plenty of photo opportunities to capture your boat in this incredibly picturesque location.
Now is also the time to have a picnic on board, or simply enjoy the seclusion and be lulled by the sound of the sea.
I want to be completely open. As with any adventure, there will be the unexpected – a sudden change in the weather or a pesky jellyfish that gets too close.
But that’s the ocean for you: unpredictable yet exciting, full of lessons in letting go and riding the waves as they come.
My advice? Don’t let the small challenges stifle your spirit of discovery. The earth holds too many secrets, shrouded in azure and emerald, just waiting for you to discover them.
But the sea holds another deep secret, for those lucky enough to be on this voyage may encounter the majestic whales of Baja California. Meeting these gentle giants is a profound connection to the marine world – an encounter that will resonate long after the trip is over. The whales come here between December and March to give birth in the warmer waters.
As the catamaran’s sails billow for the return trip, the silhouette of Isla Danzante disappears in the embrace of the sea.
Take with you more than memories – but a renewed sense of wonder for the unspoiled beauty of the world, a beauty that only a place like this, half dream, half island, can reveal.
Pack your sunscreen, grab your best waterproof camera, and head to Isla Danzante.
Honeymoon Beach on Isla Danzante was not only a destination, but also a reminder of all that is wild and beautiful, a story of earth, water and sky that I was privileged to witness and now share with you.
So the next time you get the travel bug, consider this place – a hidden gem in Mexico’s crowning glory.
Sailing in the Sea of Cortez (with a catamaran)
You have the opportunity to explore the islands and visit secluded beaches or uninhabited islands. Alternatively, you can take a longer trip along the coast, including an overnight sail and a stop at one of the secluded bays or fishing villages.
The sailing season in Loreto Mexico is year round, ensuring endless adventure for all.
If you’ve never sailed a blue water catamaran before, get ready for something special. And if you’re an experienced monohull sailor, prepare to have your perspective on sailing completely changed. It’s no surprise that catamarans have become increasingly popular in recent years.
One thing is for sure, you won’t feel cramped aboard the Bel Gato. This magnificent vessel serves as the centerpiece of your Sea of Cortez adventure and boasts top-of-the-line features and amenities. Fully air-conditioned interiors, electric freshwater toilets, and state-of-the-art navigation and electronics ensure your comfort while you sail.
Say goodbye to heeling-or almost! A catamaran eliminates the number one complaint of non-sailors. Without the characteristic rocking motion of traditional boats, it’s much easier and safer to get around inside and out.
In a monohull, all the living spaces are confined to one long corridor on the same level. But with the innovative design of the Bel Gato, Abt Sailing offers different levels of living for more privacy and convenience. You’ll find private staterooms in each below-deck hull; social spaces such as salons are on the main level; and there’s a covered helm station that offers excellent views while sailing. And let’s not forget the Forward Tramps – built-in lounge hammocks that offer front-row dolphin-watching seats!
If privacy is what you are looking for, look no further than your own queen-size double berth with en-suite bathroom and separate shower.
The Bel Gato is also designed for socializing! The spacious main cabin offers an air-conditioned dining area where up to 6 people can comfortably gather or celebrate special moments on board. Meanwhile, the aft cockpit offers a covered dining area along with ample seating that often serves as the hub of activity among guests; the foredeck seats offer unparalleled sunset views while the fold-down stern bench provides easy access to the water or dinghy.
In terms of functionality, their galley leaves nothing to be desired. Equipped with a gas stove, oven and grill, as well as a generous work surface, preparing meals and serving drinks or appetizers is a breeze. Say goodbye to top-loading refrigerators! This boat has two regular refrigerators and a separate freezer that provide ample storage for all your culinary needs.
Their cockpit’s propane grill acts as a large covered porch with stunning ocean views. It has become quite popular with guests who enjoy outdoor dining. This is truly indoor-outdoor living at its finest!
They always prefer to sail with wind power whenever possible, but when nature doesn’t cooperate, they rely on our backup plan – using engines to keep us moving forward. If you plan a 2-3 hours trip, and you want to see the island and have enough time at the beach, you will most probably be using the engines. So if you want to experience a proper sailing experience, it might be smarter to book a longer trip right away.
Our tour with ABT Sailing lasted 3 hours, but every extra hour is worth it because you have so much more time to enjoy the spectacular scenery. For example, they have a sunset tour. We didn’t go on that one, but it must be amazing as the sun sets behind the mountains.
Here you can book your catamaran trip directly with the owner.
Check out my full 5-day itinerary by clicking here. And read my travel tip for exploring Baja California Sur here.
