Turtle Releases

Turtle Releases Todos Santos

Ready to help with turtle releases?  You can volunteer in the effort to help several species of the critically endangered turtles – Leatherback and Olive Ridley. Watch these baby turtles take the long walk from the shore into the waves. Great for kids!

Volunteers

Due to environmental and human population factors, these turtles now lay their eggs on the beaches of Todos Santos where the sand temperatures are too low for the eggs to hatch naturally. The wonderful people involved with the conservation group, Tortugueros Las Playitas, dedicate themselves to incubating the eggs, running nightly patrols to gather and protect the eggs, and educating all on sea turtle restoration.

You can participate in the effort by helping release baby turtles into the ocean. Amazingly, although these turtles can grow to over six feet long, when they first hatch, they are barely the size of your palm.  It is best to arrive to their beach and greenhouse about one hour before sunset. This will give you time to explore the greenhouse, learn about the environmental factors at play and chat with the volunteers about their work and devotion to the cause.

Inside the greenhouse, you will observe the turtle nests that the volunteers rescue and relocate to this safe and warm environment – out of reach of predators and nestled in warmer temperatures. Visitors have the opportunity to “adopt” a rescued turtle nest. With a small donation, you can name the nest after your family and the volunteers will keep you posted on its progress. When it hatches, they will send you tons of data on how many turtles hatched, etc. and even photos!

Turtle Releases take place a few miles south of Villa Santa Cruz at the end of Camino Internacional.  No charge – but please leave a small donation to help the effort. You can buy tee shirts as well. If turtles are being released, they will post the information on their Facebook page: Tortugueros Las Playitas A.C (check it daily).

If you are looking to experience some of the best surfing in Mexico, Todos Santos is the place to be. With three surf spots all within a half-hour drive of Hotel Villa Santa Cruz, you can surf several different waves in the same day.

The perfect spot for Todos Santos Surfing

For surfers, one of the best features of Villa Santa Cruz is the location. We are one of the only beach hotels in Todos Santos with direct surf access – just walk out the beach gate and you’ll be surfing in just a few minutes. The main break in the area is world-renowned La Pastora, just a 10 minute walk south. La Pastora is an exposed point break with a sandy beach with rights and lefts, but mostly known for its bigger rights. The surf is reasonably consistent and works any time of the year, although, due to the boulder bottom, it is not a beginners’ break. The crowd level is low and you can pick your own peak to enjoy…a surfer’s dream!

Before heading to the break, head up the Villa stairs to the Roof Terrace where you can see the waves breaking and decide exactly when to go. With the beach so close by, you can easily catch a sunrise or sunset surf session, or take a break from the waves and relax under the sun with a cold drink in your hand. No need to worry about loading up a car with your gear and driving to the beach.

For more Todos Santos Surfing, there are a number of other surf spots within 20 minutes of the Villa. San Pedrito is a reef break a few miles south of Todos Santos in Pescadero. Cerritos Beach is located a few miles south of Pescadero and is a beach break. It is very well known and can be a bit crowded, but is a welcoming spot for beginners.

Where to Get Todos Santos Surfing Lessons

New to surfing? Give it a try with surf lessons! Beginning lessons all take place at Cerritos Beach – just 25 minutes south of the Villa. With years of experience as surf instructors, qualified instructors will show you the ropes and ensure that you have a fun-filled and safe day on the waves. For the more experienced surfer, they can take you to advanced surf breaks to improve your skills – what a great way to learn the La Pastora Surf Break!

Here are some recommendations on the best surf schools and instructors in Todos Santos:

Explora Baja

This small shop offers private lessons for all levels of surfers and can include transport to the beach. Their instructors are experienced and passionate about Todos Santos surfing.

Todos Santos Surf Shop

In addition to selling surf gear, the Todos Santos Surf Shop also offers lessons with knowledgeable instructors. They offer lessons for both adults and kids, and can customize the lesson to fit your skill level and goals.

The Best Time of Year to Visit Todos Santos

If you’re a surfer planning a trip to Todos Santos, timing is everything. The best season for Todos Santos surfing is from November to March when the northwest swells are consistent, making these months the busiest and most desirable for catching the perfect wave. The wind is also calmer during this time, creating optimal conditions for surfers of all skill levels.

However, it’s important to note that the winter months in Todos Santos can be crowded, and accommodations are more in demand, especially during the holiday season. If you’re searching for a quieter and less crowded beach experience, the shoulder months of September and October can provide great Todos Santos surfing opportunities too, while avoiding the crowds.

The Perfect Surfing Destination

If you’re ready to experience the ultimate Todos Santos surfing paradise, come stay with us at Villa Santa Cruz. With luxurious accommodations and unbeatable beach access, you’ll have everything you need to make your dream Todos Santos surfing trip a reality. Just imagine waking up each day to the sound of the waves and spending your days catching the perfect wave – it doesn’t get much better than that!

Todos Santos is truly a surfer’s paradise, and Villa Santa Cruz is the perfect Todos Santos hotel for you. You will experience the best Todos Santos surfing trip. So what are you waiting for? Book your stay today and get ready to catch some waves!

Todos Santos has a wide variety of delicious restaurants. From a casual taco dinner to haute cuisine, there are great options for all budgets and palates. Here is a list of our favorites:

The Green Room:

Walk inside the Villa and dine in front of the sea, with your feet in the sand, in this newly opened restaurant, located on the property. Serving modern Mexican food. For reservations visit thegreenroombcs.com

Boyitacos:

An incredible taco and hamburger stand located next to Cafelix on Calle Juárez (between the Hotel California and the Gallery of Todos Santos).

Chez Laura:

Baja-French food fusion located in a beautiful garden, Located in Hidalgo, between Rangel & Cuauhtémoc

Cleo’s:

Mexican food restaurant located between the two stops, on the way to the Villa.

Derek Sushi:

Fantastic sushi in a casual atmosphere. Located in Military almost one block from St. Judes Clinic.

El Mirador:

Haute cuisine and drinks under a beautiful palapa with an incredible view of the Pacific, incredible to see the sunsets. Located on top of a hill, overlooking Punta Lobos. Located south of Todos Santos (see map for a better location or ask for the address) Fantastic place to have a drink before dinner.

El Refugio:

With Mexican food dishes and a wide variety of mezcal. Located next to the Pemex gas station and opposite the park.

Closed on Sundays and Mondays.

El Zaguan:

A simple seafood restaurant with an authentic Baja vibe. As its name implies, it is in a hallway in the middle of two buildings. Located in front of the Todos Santos Gallery.

Hierbabuena:

Amazing and delicious “from the field to the table” restaurant, walk through its beautiful garden, located in Pescadero, on the way to Rancho Pescadero.

Il Giardino:

Cozy Italian restaurant, run by a young family. Stylized decoration with beautiful sunset views. Located on the first hill at the entrance to Todos Santos.

Jazamango:

Haute cuisine, from the countryside to your table with Mexican inspiration. Arrive before sunset to see their amazing garden. Located at the end of Calle Hidalgo, south of the town.

La Esquina Café:

A simple cafe in a charming garden serving sandwiches, soups, smoothies, healthy juices, and espresso. Located north of town on the corner of Topete and Horizonte.

La Generala:

Authentic Mexican food with an amazing mole, the lunch buffet is a favorite of many. Located in Cuauhtémoc, on the main street when entering Todos Santos.

La Morena:

Outdoor cafe with good Cuban-inspired food (same owner as El Zaguán), an easy lunch if you are in town. Located next to the Jill Logan Gallery, one block from the Hotel California.

Landi’s Restaurant – Cocina Mexicana Traditional:

Landi prepares traditional Mexican food with a twist of modernity in dishes such as shrimp in chipotle sauce and pasta with tequila. Simply charming. Located on the main street, a few blocks from the bookstore.

Pacifica – The Fish Market:

Quick and simple seafood, they serve tacos, burritos and daily specials. Located just outside the Villa, next to Mercado Los Pinos (bright green building)

Michael’s at the Gallery:

Fusion restaurant of high Asian food. Open only on Friday afternoons and Saturdays in high season. Reservations are required 612-145-0500. Inside the Todos Santos Gallery.

Pizzeria RomAntica:

Authentic Italian pizza, pasta and salads. Located on the counter corner of the park. Closed on Sundays.

Tacos El Poblano:

Authentic taqueria for street-style tacos with a churro cart in the evenings. Located in Military opposite Derek Sushi.

Find peace and serenity in the relaxing massages and body therapies offered at Villa Santa Cruz. Choose from Relaxation, Deep Tissue and Therapeutic Massages. Pricing begins at $100 USD + tax. All services performed in the privacy of your guest room or your preferred location anywhere on property – we love the Oceanfront Palapa or Roof Terrace!

Explore the calm crystal clear waters and sea life in the Sea of Cortez by kayaking in Baja. You’ll have the opportunity to kayak around Espirtu Santo island and check out beautiful Balandra beach.

For more information and guided tours, contact Todos Santos Eco Adventures.

Horseback riding in Todos Santos is a great way to experience true Mexican culture. Take a horseback ride down the beach. Great for couples, groups and kids!

For more information and tours, contact Todos Santos Eco Adventures.

Itching to get out on the open sea and go fishing in Todos Santos? Hoping to catch a marlin, tuna or dorado? Head out with a local guide in a panga boat that launches from Punta Lobos and spend the day on the Pacific.

$250 USD per trip. Up to 4 guests. Please inquire for more information.