Full-day boat tourUNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Isla Espíritu Santo Tour: Snorkel with Sea Lions from La Paz
★ 4.7 · 53 La Paz City Map reviews on TripAdvisor · See reviews · Certified bilingual guides
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- Duration≈ 6.5 hours
- Check-in10:30 am
- BoatUp to 18 guests
- GuideEnglish / Spanish
Why this tour
A day on the island that La Paz is famous for
Isla Espíritu Santo is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Gulf of California, just off the coast of La Paz: turquoise coves, red cliffs and one of the most playful sea lion colonies in Mexico. It can only be reached by boat, so this tour takes care of everything from the pier.
The highlight is snorkeling with the sea lions at San Rafaelito, where curious young sea lions often swim right up to you (September to May). Then you snorkel over the reef at El Corralito, have lunch on board and close the day with a stop at Playa Balandra.
You travel on a 35-foot boat with shade, coolers and an onboard bathroom, with a certified bilingual guide, all gear, the protected-area permit and insurance included. Along the way, dolphins, seabirds and, depending on the season, whales or whale sharks may appear.
Itinerary
- 10:30 amCheck-in at our office
With hotel pickup in downtown La Paz, we collect you between 10:15 and 10:45 am.
- 11:00 amDeparture from the pier
Boat ride across the bay toward the island.
- MiddaySea lion colony
Snorkel with the sea lions (September–May). From June to August we watch them from the boat.
- AfternoonEl Corralito beach and reef
Beach time and snorkeling over the coral reef, then lunch on board.
- Late afternoonPlaya Balandra
Short photo stop at the mushroom rock on the way back.
- ≈ 5:30 pmBack in La Paz
What's included
Included
- Hotel pickup in downtown La Paz or check-in at our office
- Certified bilingual guide (English / Spanish)
- Snorkeling with sea lions (September–May)
- Wetsuit, snorkel gear and life vest
- Protected Natural Area permit
- Travel insurance
- Fish ceviche and ham & cheese sandwiches
- Bottled water and soft drinks
Not included
- Alcoholic drinks (you may bring your own)
- Gratuities for the crew
- Personal expenses
Good to know before you book
The sea lions are wild and seasonal: from June to August the colony is in mating season, so we watch them from the boat instead of snorkeling with them; the rest of the tour runs year-round. Dolphins, whales and whale sharks may appear, but sightings are never guaranteed. Balandra is a short photo stop — if you want a full beach day there, see our Balandra & Tecolote beach tour.
Before you go
What to bring
Swimsuit and a change of clothes, towel, biodegradable sunscreen (required to protect the reef), hat and sunglasses. Optional: underwater camera or waterproof phone case, and cash for personal purchases.
Not suitable for
Pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments and wheelchair users.
Weather policy
This is an outdoor ocean activity. If conditions are unsafe, we contact you before departure to reschedule for free or give you a full refund.
Drinks on board
Alcoholic drinks are not included. You are welcome to bring your own; there is a convenience store on the Malecón, 5 minutes from our office.
Meeting point
Check-in is at 10:30 am at our office: 5 de Mayo No. 11, local 1, Edificio Laura, between Álvaro Obregón and callejón 18 de Marzo, downtown La Paz — one block from the Malecón. If you chose hotel pickup in downtown La Paz, we collect you between 10:15 and 10:45 am.
What travelers say
4.7
★★★★★
53 La Paz City Map reviews on TripAdvisor
“Our guide and our captain were great! We saw lots of dolphins, swam with sea lions, saw a Blue-footed Booby, and had lunch under canopies on Espíritu Santo. It was unforgettable.”
Lynne W.
“The guide is super friendly and explains everything so well. Helps you with the equipment and the instructions to have a fun day on the boat and in the sea.”
DannOrtz, Mexico City
Frequently asked questions
Where is Isla Espíritu Santo and how do I get there?
It sits in the Gulf of California, about a 45–60 minute boat ride from the pier in La Paz, and it is only reachable by boat. This tour includes the boat and, if you choose it, hotel pickup in downtown La Paz.
When can I swim with the sea lions?
From September to May. From June to August the colony is in mating season, so we watch them from the boat; the rest of the tour runs year-round. As with any wildlife, sightings are never guaranteed.
Can I do this tour from Los Cabos?
The tour departs from La Paz, about 2.5–3 hours by car from Los Cabos. Many travelers stay a night or two in La Paz; message us on WhatsApp and we help you arrange transportation.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
Basic comfort in the water is recommended for the snorkeling stops. Wetsuits and life vests are provided and the guide is in the water with you.
Is Isla Espíritu Santo the same as Playa Balandra?
No. The island is the UNESCO reserve where the sea lions and reefs are; Balandra is a beach on the mainland that we visit briefly on the way back.
What time do we leave and return?
Check-in is at 10:30 am, the boat leaves at 11:00 am and you are back in La Paz around 5:30 pm.
Is there a price for children?
Yes. Children 6 to 17 pay $1,600 MXN and adults pay $1,980 MXN. Children must travel with an adult. For children under 6, message us on WhatsApp before booking.
Can I cancel?
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before for a full refund. If the weather is unsafe, you can reschedule for free or get a full refund.
Book your day at Espíritu Santo
$1,980 MXN per person · free cancellation up to 24 h before
Per person$1,980 MXN