Isla Espriritu Santo is located in the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California), about 26 kilometres (16 mi) to its southern tip from the port city of La Paz, Mexico.

The islands also contain a handful of beautiful white sandy beaches, complemented by pristine aquamarine waters and sheer bluffs.

The islands are part of the Islas del Golfo de California Flora and Fauna Protection Area (APFF-IGC),[2] and is an important eco-tourism destination.

The surrounding reefs are home to parrotfish, angelfish,[6] trumpetfish, Moorish idols, and rainbow wrasse, while many other species pass nearby including sharks, rays, turtles, dolphins, and even whales.

A large sea lion colony resides on Los Islotes, off the north tip of the islands; snorkeling with the females and young is a highlight of many tours.

Tim Means,[8] founder of Baja Expeditions, who since 1974 had been a leading conservationist based in La Paz, formed a coalition of activists who were able to purchase part of the island from the ejido that was selling it to the casino resort developer.

Their subsequent donation of Isla Espiritu Santo to the nation is commemorated by a famous sculpture of a dove on the boardwalk in La Paz.

[12] Early Holocene pearl oyster circular fishhooks, dating to 8750–8500 cal BP, have been discovered on Espíritu Santo Island.