On my 3rd road trip to Sonora, Mexico from Los Angeles I decided to reserve a boat tour to Isla San Jorge, part of the 'Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California' world heritage site. During previous visits I had primarily focused on El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve. Typically each trip was 4 days and we always entered and departed Mexico from the Lukeville Port of Entry in Arizona. On the way to the border, you will drive through Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, the location being quiet far from population centers, you can expect a relatively quick border crossing. November through March are all excellent times to visit, I would avoid the Summer.

1st Trip: February - March 2014

2nd Trip: December 2016 - January 2017

3rd Trip: November - December 2024

Island of San Jorge (Bird Island)

Some years ago I noticed a tiny isle on the world heritage map for the Gulf of California. I also vaguely remembered an island tour being featured in a tourism brochure during my first visit to Puerto Penasco. Thus began my initial interest in visiting San Jorge Island.

During this recent trip, my main priority was to visit this small island near the Upper Gulf of California. The cost (as of 2024) is $114 per person and its mostly a full day experience. From Puerto Penasco's harbor, you will depart at 8am and return by 4pm (approximate). The boat keeps a leisurely pace and it will takes about 2 hrs and 15 minutes to arrive at Isla San Jorge (if you get motion sickness, plan accordingly). Once you arrive, you can snorkel, kayak, swim, or simply focus on the wildlife (birding, photography). For visitors interested in scuba diving, this can also potentially be arranged  (inquire in advance). I focused on wildlife viewing and kayaking. 

The main draw to this island is the large sea lion colony and birds (including Pelicans, Blue-footed Boobies, Red-billed Tropicbirds, and Double crested Cormorants). On the way to the island, we spotted several Fin Whales. The amount of birds you will see fit the islands nickname (bird island) and the sea lions were loud, active, and curious. You can expect to be anchored close to the shore of San Jorge Island for 3-4 hours, you are permitted to kayak to the coastal rocks or shoreline, but you cannot step foot on the island.

We had beautiful weather, mostly warm and sunny (75F / 24C), light wind, during our day excursion on November 30th, 2024. Overall, the experience was worth the effort and we got some great pictures, but I caution visitors to be ready for the long day. Spending 4.5 hours on the boat to and from the island in the morning and afternoon can be draining. 

I believe spending a few nights in Puerto Penasco (we stay at Las Palomas) is worth your time if you wish to visit El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve and the Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California. Additionally, visiting two of Mexico's six natural WHS over a short trip from the US is rewarding in itself.

Alto Golfo de California Biosphere Reserve

Also noteworthy, from Puerto Penasco its only about 20 minutes to the buffer zone of the Alto Golfo de California Biosphere Reserve, here you will see some scenic wetlands that include channels that fill up with the tide. Expect plenty of birding opportunities here as well. For me the 'Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California' is a WHS that is particularly rewarding for return visits. I will gladly seek out new areas of this exceptional natural world heritage site in the future. In fact, 2-3 locations of the Gulf of California WHS are part of future trips to the region.

Flickr Album