Isla Todos Santos, Mexico: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know Isla Todos Santos is one of only three islands in Baja California where great white sharks congregate annually? Between November-May, over 100 individuals circle these waters, earning it the nickname ‘Shark Café’ among marine biologists. This remote Pacific island paradise, located just off Mexico’s Baja California peninsula, offers adventurous travelers a rare combination of world-class surfing, marine wildlife encounters, and pristine natural beauty far from the tourist crowds.

About Isla Todos Santos

Isla Todos Santos consists of two small islands located approximately 11 km (6.8 miles) west of Ensenada in Baja California, Mexico. Often overlooked in favor of mainland destinations, these islands offer a raw, untamed experience for adventure seekers. The islands span about 4.2 km² (1.6 mi²) combined and are known for their dramatic cliffs, diverse marine ecosystems, and most famously, the legendary big wave surf break “Killers” that attracts professional surfers from around the world.

Unlike the mainland town of Todos Santos in Baja California Sur (which is about 1,000 km south), Isla Todos Santos remains largely undeveloped, with no permanent residents. This isolation has preserved its natural beauty and created a haven for wildlife, including numerous seabird colonies, sea lions, and seasonal marine visitors like whales and sharks.

Getting There & Planning Your Journey

Reaching Isla Todos Santos requires some planning, as there are no regular ferry services to the islands. The most common access point is from the port city of Ensenada, located about 108 km (67 miles) south of the U.S.-Mexico border at San Diego.

By Air

The closest major airports to Isla Todos Santos are:

• Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) – approximately 110 km (68 miles) from Ensenada
• San Diego International Airport (SAN) – approximately 130 km (81 miles) from Ensenada, requiring a border crossing

From either airport, you’ll need to make your way to Ensenada, which serves as the departure point for boat trips to the islands.

By Land

If flying into San Diego or Tijuana, you’ll need to reach Ensenada by road:

• From Tijuana: Take the scenic toll road (Mexico Highway 1D) south to Ensenada, which takes approximately 1.5 hours.
• From San Diego: Cross the border at San Ysidro, then follow the same route as from Tijuana. Allow 2.5-3 hours including border crossing time.
• Bus services: Regular buses operate from Tijuana to Ensenada if you prefer not to drive.

By Boat to the Islands

Once in Ensenada, you’ll need to arrange a boat trip to Isla Todos Santos:

• Charter boats: Several local operators offer charter services to the islands. These typically depart from Ensenada’s marina or fishing port.
• Tour operators: Specialized tour companies offer day trips that include transportation, guided exploration, and sometimes activities like snorkeling or diving.
• Fishing boats: Local fishermen sometimes offer transportation to the islands for a fee, though these arrangements are informal and best for experienced travelers.

The boat journey takes approximately 45-60 minutes depending on sea conditions and the type of vessel. Be prepared for potentially rough waters, as the Pacific can be unpredictable.

Best Time to Visit Isla Todos Santos

The ideal time to visit Isla Todos Santos depends largely on your interests and the activities you plan to pursue. The islands experience a Mediterranean-like climate with distinct seasonal variations that affect everything from surf conditions to wildlife viewing opportunities.

Recommended Seasons

Shoulder Seasons

Seasons to Avoid

While Isla Todos Santos can be visited year-round, there are some considerations that might make certain periods less ideal:

• Late August-September: Hurricane season in the Pacific, with potential for storms and rough seas that can prevent boat access
• December-January (for non-surfers): Roughest sea conditions that can make the boat journey uncomfortable and limit island activities
• Mexican holiday periods: Easter week (Semana Santa) and Christmas/New Year can see increased visitor numbers in Ensenada, affecting availability of boat charters

Getting Around Locally

Isla Todos Santos is a small, undeveloped island with no roads, vehicles, or permanent infrastructure. Getting around is entirely on foot via natural trails and pathways, or by boat around the perimeter. Here’s what you need to know about navigating the islands:

On the Islands

• Hiking: The islands feature informal trails that lead to various points of interest, including the lighthouse, viewpoints, and beaches. Trails can be steep and rugged in places.
• Guided walks: Most organized tours include guided exploration of the islands, which is recommended for first-time visitors to navigate safely and learn about the environment.
• Circumnavigation: Some tour operators offer boat trips around the islands, allowing you to see features like sea caves and cliff formations that aren’t accessible by land.

Equipment and Preparation

Due to the undeveloped nature of the islands, you should come prepared with:

• Sturdy hiking shoes with good grip for uneven terrain
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
• Water and snacks (no services available on the islands)
• Windbreaker or light jacket (it can be windy even on warm days)
• Camera with zoom lens for wildlife photography
• Binoculars for bird watching and whale spotting

Where to Stay

Isla Todos Santos has no permanent accommodations on the islands themselves. Most visitors experience the islands as a day trip from Ensenada or other nearby coastal towns. Here are your best options for staying near Isla Todos Santos:

Staying in Ensenada

As the main gateway to Isla Todos Santos, Ensenada offers the most convenient base for your island adventure:

Unique Accommodation Experiences

Dining & Local Cuisine

There are no dining establishments on Isla Todos Santos itself, so you’ll need to either bring your own food for day trips or enjoy meals before and after your island excursion. Fortunately, Ensenada and the surrounding Baja California region offer exceptional culinary experiences, particularly for seafood lovers.

What to Eat

The Baja California region is famous for several distinctive dishes and ingredients that you should try during your visit:

Where to Eat in Ensenada

From street food to fine dining, Ensenada offers diverse culinary options for all budgets:

Packing Food for Island Visits

If you’re planning a day trip to Isla Todos Santos, consider packing the following:

• Plenty of water (at least 2 liters per person)
• Sandwiches or wraps that won’t spoil in warm weather
• Nuts, dried fruits, and energy bars
• Fresh fruits that travel well (apples, oranges)
• Salty snacks to replace electrolytes lost through sweating

Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities

Despite its small size and undeveloped nature, Isla Todos Santos offers several compelling attractions and activities for adventurous travelers. From world-class surfing to wildlife encounters, here are the best things to do during your visit:

The Legendary Killers Surf Break

Isla Todos Santos is home to one of Mexico’s most famous big wave surf spots, known as “Killers.” This world-renowned break attracts professional surfers from around the globe when conditions are right:

• Massive waves can reach heights of 18+ meters (60+ feet) during winter swells
• Best surfed from November through March when north Pacific storms generate large swells
• Suitable only for experienced big wave surfers with proper equipment and safety support
• Several surf charter companies in Ensenada offer trips specifically for surfing Killers

Historic Lighthouse

The iconic lighthouse (Faro) on South Island is one of the few man-made structures on Isla Todos Santos:

• Built in the early 20th century to guide ships approaching Ensenada
• Offers spectacular panoramic views of both islands and the Pacific Ocean
• The hike to the lighthouse features interesting native plant life and geological formations
• Perfect spot for photography, especially during golden hour

Sea Caves and Rock Formations

The islands’ volcanic origins have created fascinating geological features:

• Sea caves carved by centuries of wave action, some accessible by small boats or kayaks
• Natural arches and blowholes that create spectacular water displays during high swells
• Distinctive columnar basalt formations similar to those at Giant’s Causeway in Ireland
• Tidal pools teeming with colorful marine life at lower elevations

Nature & Outdoor Experiences

Isla Todos Santos is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The islands’ isolated location and protected status have created a haven for diverse wildlife and pristine natural environments.

Marine Wildlife Encounters

Shark Diving

The waters around Isla Todos Santos are famous for great white shark encounters, particularly from late fall through spring:

• Specialized cage diving operators offer day trips from Ensenada during shark season
• Typical encounters occur in 30-60 meters (100-200 feet) of water around the islands
• No diving certification required for surface cage diving experiences
• Advanced divers may have opportunities for deeper cage dives with proper certification

Whale Watching

The channel between Isla Todos Santos and the mainland is part of the migration route for several whale species:

• Gray whales pass through from December to April during their annual migration
• Occasional blue whale sightings in spring months
• Humpback whales can be spotted breaching and tail-slapping from December to March
• Combined whale watching and island tours available from Ensenada

Sea Lion Colonies

Both islands host significant California sea lion colonies:

• Observe these charismatic marine mammals hauled out on rocky shores
• Breeding season (May-July) offers opportunities to see pups
• Some tour operators offer snorkeling with sea lions in protected coves
• Listen for their distinctive barking calls echoing across the water

Bird Watching

Isla Todos Santos is designated as an Important Bird Area, hosting numerous seabird species:

• Breeding colonies of Brandt’s cormorants and western gulls
• Pelagic species like black-vented shearwaters and Cassin’s auklets
• Occasional sightings of the endangered Xantus’s murrelet
• Ospreys and peregrine falcons nest on higher cliffs
• Bring binoculars for the best viewing experience

Kayaking and Paddleboarding

When sea conditions permit, kayaking and paddleboarding offer intimate ways to explore the islands’ coastlines:

• Guided kayak tours navigate around the islands’ perimeter, exploring caves and coves
• Calm summer days provide ideal conditions for paddleboarding near the islands
• Transparent kayaks available from some operators for underwater viewing
• Combined snorkeling and kayaking tours allow for both surface and underwater exploration

Safety, Etiquette & Local Customs

Visiting Isla Todos Santos requires awareness of safety considerations and respect for the natural environment. Here’s what you need to know to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and responsible visit:

Safety Considerations

Marine Safety

• Always wear a life jacket during boat transfers and water activities
• Check weather forecasts before departing; trips may be canceled in rough conditions
• Follow all instructions from boat captains and tour guides
• Inform someone on the mainland of your trip plans and expected return time
• Be aware that cell phone reception is limited or non-existent around the islands

Land Safety

• Wear appropriate footwear for hiking on uneven, rocky terrain
• Stay on established paths to avoid damaging sensitive vegetation
• Maintain a safe distance from cliff edges, which may be unstable
• Bring sun protection, as there is minimal shade on the islands
• Carry sufficient water to prevent dehydration

Environmental Etiquette

Isla Todos Santos is a fragile ecosystem that requires careful stewardship from visitors:

• Practice “Leave No Trace” principles by packing out all trash
• Avoid touching or collecting marine life, shells, rocks, or plants
• Maintain appropriate distances from wildlife (minimum 50 meters/164 feet from marine mammals)
• Never feed wild animals, which can alter their natural behaviors
• Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine ecosystems
• Minimize noise pollution, which can disturb nesting birds and other wildlife

Cultural Considerations

While visiting the Ensenada region before and after your island trip:

• Learn basic Spanish phrases as a courtesy, though many in the tourism industry speak English
• Respect local fishing traditions and the livelihoods of fishermen who work these waters
• Ask permission before photographing local people, particularly indigenous individuals
• Tipping (propina) is customary for services; 15-20% is standard for tours and restaurants
• Be patient and flexible, as schedules and plans may change due to weather or other factors

Practical Travel Tips

What to Pack

Beyond standard travel items, consider these essentials for your Isla Todos Santos adventure:

Money Matters

• The Mexican peso (MXN) is the official currency, though USD is often accepted in tourist areas
• Carry some cash for small purchases and tips, as credit card acceptance is limited in smaller establishments
• Notify your bank of travel plans to prevent card blocks for international transactions
• Budget approximately $100-150 USD per person for a guided day trip to the islands
• ATMs are readily available in Ensenada but not on the islands

Communication

• Consider purchasing a local SIM card or international data plan for use in Ensenada
• Download offline maps of the region before your trip
• Learn basic Spanish phrases for navigation and emergencies
• Save important contacts, including your accommodation and tour operator information
• Be aware that cell service is limited or non-existent on the islands themselves

Health Considerations

• Drink only bottled or purified water
• Bring any necessary prescription medications in their original containers
• Consider travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation
• Use insect repellent, particularly during dawn and dusk hours
• Be aware of your physical limitations when planning activities

Conclusion

From riding legendary waves to unlocking marine mysteries, Isla Todos Santos offers raw Pacific beauty few destinations can match. This remote island paradise delivers authentic adventures for those willing to venture beyond the typical tourist trail. Whether you’re watching great white sharks circle in the deep blue waters, hiking to the historic lighthouse, or simply marveling at the untamed coastal scenery, Isla Todos Santos provides experiences that connect you with nature in its most powerful and pristine form.

While reaching the islands requires some extra planning and effort, the rewards are immeasurable: uncrowded experiences, spectacular wildlife encounters, and the satisfaction of exploring one of Baja California’s hidden gems. The islands’ lack of development is precisely what makes them special—a rare opportunity to experience a coastal ecosystem much as it has existed for centuries.

Ready to swap crowds for crashing surf and curious sharks? Isla Todos Santos awaits with adventures that will create lasting memories and stories worth telling. Just remember to tread lightly, respect the natural environment, and embrace the wild spirit of this remarkable Pacific outpost.