Espíritu Santo Island sits about an hour by boat from La Paz, in the Sea of Cortez — a UNESCO World Heritage site and national park, and home to one of the few sea lion colonies in the world where you can get in the water with them. This 7-hour trip takes you out to the colony, gives you two separate water entries, stops at island beaches, and includes a fresh ceviche picnic on board.
When You Can Swim with the Sea Lions
In-water sea lion encounters run from September to May.
From June to August the colony is breeding and protected by law. The island tour still runs during those months, but the sea lions are viewed from the boat instead of swimming with them.
| Duration |
7 hours, 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Departs from |
La Paz malecón, downtown |
| Minimum age |
4 years old, with an adult |
| Group size |
Up to 18 people |
| Languages |
English and Spanish |
| Hotel pickup |
Not included — meeting point on the malecón |
| Cancellation |
Free up to 72 hours before departure |
Tour Highlights
-
Two water entries, not one. You snorkel at the sea lion colony in the morning and again at a reef stop in the afternoon.
-
No extra fees at the marina. Park and dock fees are already covered — the price you see is the price you pay.
-
A protected national park. Only permit-holding operators are allowed to bring visitors to the colony, under CONANP and SEMARNAT rules.
-
Island beaches. El Candelero and San Gabriel, white sand against red volcanic rock.
-
Ceviche picnic on board. Fresh fish ceviche and cold drinks between activities.
Snorkeling with the Sea Lion Colony
The boat leaves the malecón at 10:30 AM and reaches the sea lion colony at Espíritu Santo Island about an hour later. Sea lions here are wild and curious — young ones in particular come close to snorkelers, circling and darting past. A certified bilingual guide runs the safety briefing and stays in the water with the group the whole time.
Mask, fins, snorkel and a life vest are provided. You do not need to be a strong swimmer: the life vest keeps you afloat and the guide stays alongside. Anyone who prefers not to get in can stay on the boat and still watch the colony.
Espíritu Santo Island Tour Itinerary
| 10:30 AM |
Meet at the malecón in La Paz, safety briefing and boarding |
| 11:30 AM |
First water entry — snorkeling with the sea lion colony |
| 1:30 PM |
Beach stop and ceviche picnic on the island |
| 3:00 PM |
Coastal cruise past the island's rock formations and coves |
| 5:00 PM |
Second water entry — snorkeling at a reef stop |
| 5:30 PM |
Return to La Paz |
The order of stops may change depending on sea conditions on the day.
What's Included
Included in the price
- Round-trip boat ride from La Paz to Espíritu Santo Island
-
All national park and dock fees — nothing extra to pay at the marina
- Snorkeling gear: mask, fins, snorkel and life vest
- Certified bilingual guide from the local operator
- Fresh fish ceviche and refreshments on board
- Safety briefing before the first water entry
Not included
- Hotel pickup or transport to the meeting point
- Gratuities for the crew
- Wetsuit rental during the cooler months
- Personal expenses
Meeting Point and Transportation
Paseo Álvaro Obregón 1710, Zona Comercial, Centro
23000 La Paz, Baja California Sur
On the corner of the Seven Crown Hotel, facing the malecón. The group gathers outside, on the waterfront side.
There is no hotel pickup — the meeting point is walking distance from most downtown La Paz hotels. From there, all transportation is by boat: about one hour each way across the Sea of Cortez. Please arrive 20 minutes before departure; boats leave on schedule.
What to Bring
| Swimsuit worn under your clothes |
Hat and sunglasses |
| Towel and dry change of clothes |
Light jacket for the boat ride |
| Reef-safe sunscreen |
Cash for tips and expenses |
Regular sunscreen harms the reef and marine life. Storage on board is limited — leave behind anything you would not want to get wet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I swim with the sea lions year-round?
In-water encounters run from September to May. From June to August the colony is breeding and protected by law, so during those months you watch the sea lions from the boat instead of swimming with them.
Do I need to know how to swim?
No. Life vests are provided and a certified guide stays in the water with the group the whole time. If you would rather not get in, you can watch the colony from the boat.
Are national park fees included?
Yes. Park and dock fees are covered in the tour price — there is nothing extra to pay at the marina.
Can children join the tour?
Children from 4 years old are welcome, accompanied by an adult, and they pay the same price as adults. Life vests are provided for everyone.
How long is the boat ride to the island?
About an hour each way. Seas are usually calm in the morning; if you are prone to seasickness, take something before boarding.
What wildlife will I see besides sea lions?
Tropical reef fish are common at both snorkeling stops. Rays, sea turtles and seabirds show up often, though sightings are never guaranteed.
Is lunch included?
Fresh fish ceviche and refreshments are served on board during the island beach stop.
Cancellation Policy
| More than 72 hours before departure |
Free cancellation, full refund |
| Less than 72 hours before |
No refund. Changes within 24 hours cannot be accepted |
| Port closed by the authorities |
Your choice — reschedule at no extra cost, or full refund |
Cut-off times follow local time in La Paz. If the port is closed for weather or safety reasons, no boats go out and our customer service team contacts you directly on WhatsApp as soon as we know.
Planning more time in Baja? Between November and April you can also swim with whale sharks in La Paz, or browse all our Baja California tours.
