Bahía de Loreto National Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bahía de Loreto National Park |
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| Parque Nacional Bahía de Loreto | |
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IUCN Category II (National Park)
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Sea Lions (Zalophus californianus) on the Isle of Coronado
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 Bahía de Loreto National Park
Location in Mexico
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| Location | Baja California Sur, Mexico |
| Nearest city | Loreto, Baja California Sur |
| Area | 206,580.75 hectares (510,472.2 acres) |
| Established | July 19, 1996 |
| Governing body | National Commission of Protected Natural Areas |
| Official name: Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California | |
| Type: | Natural |
| Criteria: | vii, ix, x |
| Designated: | 2005 (29th session) |
| Reference #: | 1182 |
| Region: | Latin America and the Caribbean |
| Official name: Parque Nacional Bahía de Loreto | |
| Designated: | 2 February 2004 |
| Reference #: | 1358 |
Bahía de Loreto National Park (which means Loreto Bay National Park in Spanish) is a special protected area in Mexico. It's located on the east coast of the Baja California Peninsula. This park is about 203 kilometers (126 miles) north of La Paz.
The park protects a huge area of the ocean, about 2,065 square kilometers (797 square miles). This area is part of the central Sea of Cortez. It includes five large islands that no one lives on, plus many smaller islands in Loreto Bay. The park is famous for its many different coastal areas. You can find sandy beaches, tall sea cliffs, deep underwater canyons, and flat marine terraces here. It's also home to a huge variety of animals, especially marine mammals like sea lions and whales.
The Bahía de Loreto National Park was officially created on July 19, 1996. It is managed by the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (CONANP). This group is part of Mexico's government. In 2004, the park became a "Wetland of International Importance" under the Ramsar Convention. Then, in 2005, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This happened along with many other protected places in the Gulf of California.
What is Bahía de Loreto National Park?
Bahía de Loreto National Park protects the beautiful Loreto Bay. This bay is in northwest Mexico, off the coast of the Loreto area. The city of Loreto is right next to the park.
The park covers a total area of about 206,580 hectares (510,470 acres). Most of this area, about 88%, is ocean. The remaining 12% includes islands, small islets, and parts of the coast. Most of these land areas have no people living on them.
Exploring the Islands
The park has five main islands that are popular for visitors. These islands are the main attractions and places for tourists to explore. They are:
- Isla Coronados
- Isla del Carmen
- Isla Danzante
- Isla Monserrat
- Isla Santa Catalina
Even though the city of Loreto is not inside the park, it's the main place where tours to the park start. Many people visit Loreto to explore this amazing natural area.
See also
- List of national parks of Mexico
