Snorkel· Isla Santa Catalina· Mexico
Elephant Rock Snorkel (Isla Santa Catalina)
25° 36.1′ N · 110° 46.5′ W · approximate
Rocky reefs around Elephant Rock on Santa Catalina's south-west side, where clear water shows off king angelfish, giant hawkfish, fine-scaled and orange-sided triggerfish, gaff-topsail pompano and guarding sergeant majors.
Practical
Coordinate is approximate: the same south-end cove point as the Isla Santa Catalina Anchorage, near Loreto.com's 'El Elefante' rock; Lindblad reports place Elephant Rock on the south-west side—confirm visually. Lindblad snorkelers also logged yellow-tailed surgeonfish, Pacific creolefish, porcupinefish and urchins and sea stars on the bottom. Snorkel from the boat or dinghy only: Isla Catalana is a preservation sub-zone where only scientists, rangers and fishermen sheltering from weather may set foot. Remote and exposed—settled weather only. CONANP protected-area fee applies: a Loreto Bay National Park day pass (bracelet) was MX$215 per person in 2025, and the annual Conservation Passport (MX$3,620 in 2025) covers every federal protected area; buy online at descubreanp.conanp.gob.mx or from the rangers at La Dársena in Loreto, and carry proof aboard.
Best for
Water-only exploring of the 'island of giants'
Season
Calm weather only
Nearby
- Isla Santa Catalina AnchorageRight here
- Isla Santa Catalina Giant Barrel Cactus3.1 NM away
- Bahía San Marte (Santa Marte) Anchorage14.3 NM away
- Isla Monserrat South-West Anchorage14.8 NM away
- Isla Monserrat North Anchorage (Yellowstone Beach)16 NM away
- Bahía Santa Marta Anchorage16.1 NM away
- Roca Solitaria (Agua Verde)16.1 NM away
- Bahía Agua Verde16.4 NM away
Place data includes © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).