Isla Espíritu Santo is one of the most extraordinary places in Mexico — a UNESCO-protected biosphere reserve where sea lions, coral reefs, and turquoise beaches come together in a single unforgettable day. To make sure your experience is smooth, safe, and stress-free, here is everything you need to know before you go.
1. Pickup, Check-in & Meeting Point
If you selected hotel pickup, we will collect you between 10:15 and 10:45 AM from your accommodation in downtown La Paz. Please be ready in the lobby at 10:15 AM.
If you prefer to meet us at the office:
📍 5 de Mayo No. 11 Local 1, Edificio Laura, between Álvaro Obregón and Callejón 18 de Marzo, La Paz, B.C.S. 23000 → [View on Google Maps]
⏰ Check-in at the office: 10:30 AM
🚤 Boat departure: 11:00 AM sharp — please don't be late.
📞 Questions before your tour? → WhatsApp us📱
📋 Access bracelets & permits Your protected area permit (CONANP bracelet) is fully included in your booking. You don't need to purchase or pick up anything separately — we handle everything before departure so you can walk straight onto the boat.
2. Sea Lions — When Can You Swim with Them?
⚠️ Important: Snorkeling with sea lions is NOT available from June to August. During these months, the sea lion colony enters its mating and pupping season. Access is restricted by the Protected Natural Area regulations — not a tour limitation.
| Season | Sea Lion Snorkel | Rest of Tour |
| September – May | ✅ Available | ✅ Full experience |
| June – August | ❌ Not available | ✅ Full experience |
The rest of the tour — beaches, coral reef snorkeling, ceviche lunch, and Balandra — runs year-round and is equally spectacular.
3. What to Bring
Pack light — the boat has limited space. Here's what we recommend:
✅ Must-have
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Swimsuit (wear it under your clothes)
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Change of dry clothes for the way back
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Towel - Biodegradable sunscreen — mandatory, regular sunscreen damages the reef -
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Hat and sunglasses
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Comfortable footwear (sandals or water shoes)
👟 Rocky entry points
Some beach entry points have rocky areas underfoot. Water shoes are not required but highly recommended if you are sensitive to uneven terrain in the water.
🧥 Wind on the boat
The crossing to the island can be windy, especially on the return leg. Bring a light windbreaker or long-sleeve layer — even on warm days.
📷 Optional but recommended
- Underwater camera or waterproof phone case -
- GoPro or similar — sea lion encounters are incredible on video
💰 Cash (optional) If you'd like to bring alcoholic beverages, the nearest store is OXXO on the Malecón, 5 minutes from the office. → [Where to buy]
🐝 Bee alert
There can be bees on the beaches, particularly near food areas. If you have a bee allergy, please inform the crew before departure.
❌ Leave at home
- Large backpacks or suitcases
- Regular (non-biodegradable) sunscreen
- Drones — not permitted in the Protected Natural Area
4. What's Already Included
No Surprises You don't need to bring or pay for anything extra beyond your booking. Here's what's covered:
✔ Round-trip hotel or office transportation
✔ Certified bilingual guide (English & Spanish)
✔ Marine guide on board
✔ Snorkeling with sea lions (September–May)
✔ Wetsuit — available at the office before boarding
✔ Snorkel equipment and life vest
✔ Protected Natural Area permit (CONANP bracelet)
✔ Travel insurance
✔ Fresh Mexican fish ceviche + ham & cheese sandwich option — guests consistently rate the ceviche as one of the highlights of the day
✔ Bottled water and soft drinks
🍽️ About the food on board
Lunch is served mid-tour. It includes fresh Mexican fish ceviche and a self-assembled ham & cheese sandwich option. These are light, fresh boat-friendly meals — not a full restaurant lunch. If you have a larger appetite, we recommend bringing a small snack for the morning portion of the tour.
Vegetarian option available on request — let us know at booking.
Not included:
✗ Alcoholic beverages (bring your own)
✗ Tips for the guide (appreciated, not required)
✗ Personal purchases
5. Weather & What Happens if the Tour Doesn't Operate
This is an outdoor ocean activity. Safety is always our priority.
If weather or sea conditions make it unsafe to operate:
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We will contact you before departure
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You can reschedule for free on any available date
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Or receive a full refund — no questions asked
Free cancellation is also available if you need to cancel on your own, up to 24 hours before departure.
For questions or last-minute changes, contact us directly on WhatsApp: 📞 [+52 612 155 1900]
6. Safety Tips for a Great Day
Our guides are certified, trained in first aid, and include a marine biologist who will share insights about the ecosystem throughout the day.
🤿 Wetsuit pickup — important Wetsuits are available at our office BEFORE boarding, not on the boat. Pick yours up during check-in at 10:30 AM. The water temperature can be cool, especially November through March — we strongly recommend it.
🌊 On the boat
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Sitting at the back means more splashing from waves — plan accordingly.
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Follow the captain's and guide's instructions at all times.
🐚 On the beach
Drag your feet when walking in shallow water to avoid stepping on small stingrays. Their sting is not lethal but is painful.
🦁 With the sea lions
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Do not touch or chase the sea lions — let them come to you. They will.
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Keep a respectful distance from pups.
🌿 In the reserve
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Do not take rocks, shells, or any natural elements.
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No drones allowed.
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Apply sunscreen before boarding — not in the water.
🩺 Health & allergies - If you have food allergies, a bee allergy, or any health condition, inform the crew before departure. - This tour is not suitable for pregnant travelers or people with back or mobility problems.
👶 Traveling with very young children? This tour involves open-water snorkeling and a 45-minute boat crossing in ocean conditions. We recommend it for children 3 years and older. For babies or toddlers under 3, we're happy to suggest alternative activities — just WhatsApp us before booking.
7. Your Day at a Glance
The order of stops may change based on weather and sea conditions — your guide always chooses the best experience for the day.
| 🕙 ~ 10:15–10:45 AM | Hotel pickup (or office check-in) 🤿 Wetsuit pickup at office if needed |
| 🚤 ~ 11:00 AM | Boat departure from Pichilingue pier |
| 🦭 ~ 11:40 AM 12:10 PM | San Rafaelito — sea lion snorkel (September–May only) |
| 🏝️ ~ 1:00 PM | coral reef snorkel ★ Ask your guide about the shallow walkable reef near the lunch stop |
| 🍽️ ~ 2:00 PM Lunch | Lunch: ceviche + self-made sandwiches |
| 🏖️ ~ 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM | Playa Balandra: photos, mushroom rock, swimming from the boat ★ Note: tour groups cannot go ashore at Balandra due to protected area regulations 🐬 On the way back Watch for dolphins and humpback whales (December–March) — the captain will stop if there's a sighting |
| 🏠 5:30 PM | Drop-off in La Paz |
🎓 Your guide on board Your guide is a trained marine with deep knowledge of the Sea of Cortez ecosystem. Throughout the day they'll share insights about the marine life, geography, and conservation of the reserve — making this much more than just a snorkeling trip.
8. FAQ
9. Shared Tour vs. Private Tour — Which is Right for You?
Our shared tour is the most popular way to experience Isla Espíritu Santo and includes everything you need for an incredible day.
However, if you are looking for:
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More personal space on the boat
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Flexible timing at each stop
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A quieter, nature-focused atmosphere
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Personalized attention from your guide
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Full control over music and pace
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Traveling with a baby or very young child
→ A private tour may be the better choice for you.
Private tours depart at the same times and include the same full experience — exclusively for your group, with no other passengers on board.
📞 Contact us for pricing and availability: [WhatsApp +52 612 155 1900]
