Just off the Pacific coast of the Baja peninsula near Guerrero Negro, is Baja’s largest and most-developed island—Isla Cedros. At about 135 square miles in size, the island is a part of the Islas del Pacífico de Baja California Biosphere Reserve. The island has one developed town of Cedros that relies on the fishing industry as well as the salt export business from Guerrero Negro. There are also a few smaller villages and settlements, most of which must be reached by boat.
Isla Cedros is mostly a draw for anglers who come to catch calico bass, sheepshead, and especially yellowtail (which breed here). The other draw on Isla Cedros is for naturalists and eco-enthusiasts. The island is full of hiking areas and home to a diverse array of wildlife, including sea lions, dolphins, and seabird species as well as interesting flora such as the unique Isla Cedros pine trees and California juniper. Botany enthusiasts will appreciate that the island is home to some rare, island endemic cactus and succulent species.
Accommodations
Travelers who choose to visit Isla Cedros mostly do so through an outfitter running all-inclusive trips ranging 4-8 days. Cedros Outdoor Adventures (U.S. tel. 619-793-5419) is an eco-lodge with all-inclusive packages. This includes flights to and from Ensenada, ground transportation between San Diego and Ensenada, as well as accommodations, food, and fishing excursions. Premium packages now include airfare directly from San Diego, sparing travelers the border wait on the return trip. They can also provide just accommodations and food for those travelers who arrive on the island themselves.
Another outfitter with all-inclusive trips is Cedros Sportfishing (formerly Cedros Adventures, (U.S. tel. 619-772-7570) the first fishing resort on the island. The company offers American-style accommodations and four fishing boats with professional and knowledgeable captains. Trips range 5-6 days.
For those who choose to visit on their own, Hotel Zam-Mar in the town of Cedros, is conveniently located and offers basic accommodations and hot water.
Getting There
Visitors can get to Isla Cedros by chartered boat from Punta Eugenia or Bahía Tortugas. Flights from Guerrero Negro are available multiple times a week on a small, single prop plane via Aéreo Calafia or Aéreo Servicio Guerrero for about US$60 one-way. Extra charges apply for more bags and special gear, such as fishing tackle or surfboards. Be sure to book your reservation at least a few weeks in advance. The flight is about 45 minutes. If you book a stay through an outfitter, they will help arrange your travel to and from the island.
DBTC Insider Tips
- Make reservations for accommodations and travel in advance.
- Have enough cash (in pesos) to cover costs for lodging, meals, taxis, supplies, and activities. There are currently no banks or ATMs on the island and most businesses do not accept credit cards.
- Although many visitors travel to Isla Cedros from Baja California Sur, the island is actually a part of the state of Baja California (Norte) and therefore in the same time zone as the northern state which is an hour behind Baja Sur part of the year during Standard Time (since the state of Baja Califiornia Sur does not observe Daylight Savings).