What to pack for Espíritu Santo Island (and what to leave behind)
What to bring
Swimsuit on from the hotel, towel, dry clothes for the ride back, cap, sunglasses with a strap and biodegradable sunscreen. That last one is not a nice eco touch: inside the protected area regular sunscreen is restricted because it damages the reef.
Bring cash. The protected-area access fee is paid separately and there is no card terminal or signal on the island.
What we provide
A wetsuit in your size, mask, snorkel, fins and life jacket. Food too: ceviche, sandwiches, water and sodas, with tables and an umbrella on the beach. No need to carry a cooler.
What to leave at the hotel
Big bags, laptops, jewellery and anything that will not survive salt water. Space on the boat is what it is and everything gets splashed.
The thing almost nobody brings
A long-sleeve rash guard. Four hours of Baja sun bouncing off the water will burn you even if you reapply sunscreen every hour. The shirt solves it completely.
If you get seasick
The channel to the island can be choppy in the morning. Take your pill forty minutes before departure, not once you are aboard, and sit in the middle of the boat facing forward.
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