Sometimes it feels like the vultures overhead are just waiting for your parched body to drop during the 10-minute walk from the parking lot to Bahía Santa María, a turquoise bay backed by cliffs and lined by a wide, sloping beach. Shade is nonexistent unless you sit in the shadows at the base of the cliffs. The bay, part of an underwater reserve, is a great place to snorkel: brightly colored fish swarm through chunks of white coral and golden sea fans. In high season there's usually someone renting snorkeling gear for $10 a day or selling sarongs, straw hats, and soft drinks. It's best to bring your own supplies, though, including lots of drinking water, snacks, and sunscreen. Snorkel and booze-cruise boats from San Lucas visit the bay in mid-morning. Come in mid-afternoon for a Robinson Crusoe feel. A parking lot just off the highway is usually guarded; be sure to tip the guard. The bay is roughly 19 km (11 mi) west of San José and 13 km (8 mi) east of San Lucas. Turn off the highway's east side just north of the Twin Dolphin hotel, at the sign that reads accesso a zona federal (Access to Federal Zone).