Playa Santa María

Close to the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula, Playa Santa Maria curves around a small bay of clear calm waters facing roughly southeast. Primarily made up of a broad expanse of coarse pale sand mixed with shingle, it is edged by high rocks which help to keep it sheltered from offshore winds.

A relatively quiet beach by the standards of the region, Playa Santa Maria is situated within a marine reserve, meaning there’s little boating activity and plenty of inquisitive fish. They are best observed by snorkelling in the shallows here. The best snorkelling is said to be among the rocks on the right-hand side of the beach.

Facilities are limited to an unsealed parking lot. During the high season there are also a handful of hawkers selling basics such as drinks as well as renting out beach chairs, parasols and snorkelling gear. There is a beach club, but it is a private enterprise reserved solely for the use of local residents. A new building contains public restrooms and showers.