Isla Espiritu Santo: Camp Cecil de la Isla

After our time exploring Todos Santos, we had planned a three night stay on Isla Espíritu Santo at Camp Cecil de la Isla, a slice of remote island paradise located off of La Paz within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Sea of Cortez. This adventure turned out to be an unforgettable experience, blending natural beauty with cozy glamping and relaxation.

Our journey began in La Paz, the perfect base for operations to Isla Espíritu Santo. For those who have rental cars to tuck away during their island stay, Todos Santos Eco Adventures can help! Their Bodega in La Paz is the homebase for Isla Espiritu Santo trips and their team is more than happy to keep a rental in a safe location. We found the process straightforward: meet the team at the bodega, and if needed, the staff at Warehouse L3 are on hand to assist with extra luggage and park rentals while we were whisked off to get fitted for our snorkeling gear. Alternatively, for a more guided experience, clients can book fully guided tours, including airport pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless transition from airport to island.

Before heading out, we were advised to pack with care in the duffel bags we were bringing to the island, and to ensure we had our personalized snorkeling gear and personal flotation devices. Isla Espíritu Santo is a rugged and remote island and demands readiness for wet entries and exits, as well as preparation for all weather conditions. Seasickness was something to consider, especially during panga transfers, since peak season is also the windy season and the sea can be quite rough if the wind is blowing. So we made sure to be prepared with our windbreakers, rain gear, flip flops and anti-seasickness bands.  Our trip was a private adventure, so we were assigned our own guide, Hugo, to help us personalize the days we had on the island, as well as a panga driver, Omar. Hugo met us at the Bodega and helped us prepare for our journey to the island. Omar, our panga pilot extraordinaire provided us with insight on navigating the seas as we made our way across the water. 

Upon our panga arrival at Camp Cecil de la Isla, we were greeted by stunning views of one of the island’s most beautiful beaches. The camp itself was a delightful surprise. Our accommodations were in large, dome-shaped tents—each equipped with real beds, plush linens, and towels for both beach and shower. With a height of 6 feet and an area of 83 square feet, these tents offered plenty of space and comfort, featuring either one king bed or two twin beds. The camp also boasted compost toilet cabanas and a sunshower cabanas, with foot pump handwashing stations. I highly recommend using the sunshower in the evening, after the water has had the day to be warmed by the sun and you have lots of salt and sand to rinse away. Morning showers can be a very brisk awakening! The on-site Espiritu Xantus Café quickly became a favorite spot. The chef's daily meals were not only delicious and plentiful but also a highlight of each day. Every evening, the daily happy hour offered a chance to unwind with a drink in hand, soaking in the breathtaking sunsets and the tranquility of the surroundings before sitting down to dinner with our truly amazing guide, Hugo. Camp also had a fantastic beach lounge with couches and a library, stocked with great information about the flora and fauna of the island. 

*Daily Adventures and Activities*
Each day at Camp Cecil was filled with choices. Whether we wanted to kayak, snorkel, hike, or swim with sea lions, the options were endless. Stand-up paddle boarding and bird watching were equally rewarding, while exploring hidden lagoons, deserted beaches, and ancient cave art provided endless fascination. The camp was a haven for relaxation as well—reading, napping, or simply chilling by the beach were perfect ways to spend our downtime. Sipping margaritas and stargazing under the clear night sky was the cherry on top of each day. A bit more on our excursions in the next posts!