In Nopolo:
It is 10 minutes walking to the beach, 5 minutes on the bikes. We
have 4 bikes for your use. The best beach for shell collecting is
down by the boat ramp and old pier which is just a short walk to the
left (north) at the east end of Mision San Ignacio. You can walk for
miles and not see a soul, but find fossilized coral 1.5 million
years old at certain spots. There is an estuary in that direction
about 1/3 mile as well. The white sand, clean-combed beach is about
1 mile to the south of the main street, down by the Inn at Loreto
Bay. The strip on the North side is free public beach accessible by
a walkway next to the hotel, or you can use the hotel's beach, pool,
and swim-up bar, and outdoor showers. Both beaches have big, nice
palapas (palm thatched giant umbrellas) for shade. The best
snorkeling is also found right at the point there, called Punta
Nopolo, with lots of tropical fish and some coral as well.
Around Loreto:
5 miles north of the house, downtown Loreto has the oldest mission
in all of California (upper and lower). It is also a great place for
shopping or dining. Loreto Bay is one of the largest marine
national parks with 5 islands. The fishing is world reknown. Be
sure to go on a panga (boat) trip out of Loreto harbor. You may get
to see dolphins, whales, tropical fish, and much more.
Snokeling/diving with Dolphin Dive Center is a must! Puerto
Escondido is a harbor 20 minutes south of Nopolo that's great for
kayaking.