Estero Punta Banda, Protected wetland in Ensenada, Mexico.

Estero Punta Banda is a protected wetland on the Pacific coast of Baja California that encompasses multiple habitats within its boundaries. The landscape includes intertidal marshes, mud flats, sand flats, and seagrass beds that together form a complex natural system.

The wetland gained international protection status as a Ramsar site in 2006, marking official recognition of its environmental importance. This designation reflected growing awareness of the need to conserve coastal ecosystems in the region.

Locals call it Caleta de Todos Santos, a name that coexists with the official Estero de Punta Banda. The word estero refers to the tidal channels that cut through the 2,393 hectares of the site, where mudflats, coastal dunes and seagrass beds alternate with the tides.

The wetland is easily accessible from nearby coastal roads and offers good opportunities for wildlife observation. Visitor access is straightforward, though timing your visit around calmer periods helps maximize chances of seeing active animal life and enjoying the natural surroundings.

The site hosts dolphins, whales, and sea lions that appear regularly in its waters, drawing visitors interested in marine mammals. These large animals represent a key part of the ecosystem and offer memorable encounters for those patient enough to wait and observe.