🇲🇽 Loreto, Mexico — Cruise Port Guide
The first mission town in the Californias, founded in 1697 — a small Pueblo Mágico of stone streets under the Sierra de la Giganta, with a national marine park starting at the shoreline.
Updated September 2026
Quick facts
Getting ashore
When to visit Loreto
Best November-May for mild, dry weather, with whale watching peaking January-March; summers are very hot and the Pacific hurricane season runs June-November.
Getting back to the ship on time
Tendering here is exposed to swell and can be cut short in wind, so never plan on the last tender — and note the San Javier mission trip alone runs about five hours round trip on a mountain road.
All-aboard is ship's time — check it in the daily programme, and set your watch to it.
Things to do in Loreto
Mission church & museum
The 1697 mother mission of the Californias, with a museum in its cloister.
Coronado Island
Volcanic island in the marine park with white sand and a sea lion haul-out.
Plaza & malecón stroll
The whole old town is a few walkable blocks from the tender landing.
Mission San Javier
An hour inland through the Sierra de la Giganta to a 1744 stone mission.
Snorkel or kayak the park
Bahía de Loreto National Park begins at the shoreline.
Whale watching
Blue and fin whales pass through the channel, best January to March.
Popular excursions
Loreto Old Town & Mission
Stroll the plaza and Baja's 1697 mother mission steps from the pier.
What to eat
- Almejas tatemadas (fire-roasted clams)
- Chocolate clams
- Tacos de pescado
- Dates from the mission palms
- Machaca
Weather by month
Best time to visit: Nov-May (dry, mild)
| Month | High | Low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 73° | 51° | 0.4" |
| Feb | 76° | 52° | 0.2" |
| Mar | 80° | 55° | 0.1" |
| Apr | 85° | 58° | 0" |
| May | 90° | 62° | 0" |
| Jun | 95° | 70° | 0" |
| Jul | 97° | 77° | 0.4" |
| Aug | 97° | 77° | 1.3" |
| Sep | 95° | 75° | 1.5" |
| Oct | 89° | 68° | 0.6" |
| Nov | 81° | 59° | 0.4" |
| Dec | 74° | 53° | 0.6" |
Local phrases
A little history
Loreto was the first capital of the Californias, governing territory from Cabo to San Francisco.
Misión de Nuestra Señora de Loreto, founded in 1697, was the first permanent mission in the Californias.
Bahía de Loreto National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage marine site.
Mission San Javier, an hour inland by mountain road, is the best-preserved Jesuit mission in Baja.