Coronado Island snorkeling from Loreto: Sea lions and ceviche

Sea lions hunt in the same waters where you snorkel.

Snorkel Coronado Island, a UNESCO-protected site in the Sea of Cortez near Loreto, with a certified guide leading a 30-minute boat ride out and back, two snorkeling sessions in clear water, and a beach picnic with fresh fish ceviche, burritos, sliced fruit and drinks. The guide speaks English or Spanish and chooses the snorkeling spot based on conditions. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed but the site is home to sea lions, dolphins, seabirds and colorful reef fish.

Step-by-step itinerary

Coronado Island snorkeling and picnic

• Boat ride from Loreto to Coronado Island
• Observe sea lions, seabirds, and dolphins
• Snorkel in clear waters
• Relax and picnic on white-sand beach
• Boat ride back to Loreto

The experience

Coronado Island sits in Loreto Bay National Park, part of the UNESCO-listed Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California. The boat leaves Loreto for a 30-minute ride across the Sea of Cortez (the waters Jacques Cousteau called "The Aquarium of the World") passing volcanic rock formations as you approach. Your certified guide picks the snorkeling area based on that day's wind, currents and visibility, so the exact spot changes with conditions.

You enter the water with provided snorkeling gear and swim in clear water where sea lions, dolphins, seabirds and schools of colorful fish live in their natural habitat. Sightings and proximity are never guaranteed, but the island's protected status means marine life is abundant. After snorkeling, the boat takes you to one of Coronado's white-sand beaches, where you settle into a beach chair with a picnic lunch: fresh fish ceviche, burritos, sliced fruit, granola bars, chips, bottled water and soda. You swim again if you want, or simply rest and watch the turquoise water.

The full outing runs five hours from pickup in Loreto to return. Bring a swimsuit, towel, hat, sunglasses and reef-friendly sunscreen. The boat ride and beach landings require some balance and mobility. You can bring your own beverages and snacks (no glass bottles), and the national park access fee is included in the price.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• a certified guide in English or Spanish.
• a 30-minute boat ride each way from Loreto.
• access to Loreto Bay National Park.
• beach chairs at Coronado Island.
• a picnic lunch with fresh fish ceviche, burritos, sliced fruit, granola bars and chips.
• bottled water and soda.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (4 to 17 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 50

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Shore Excursions

Is this one for you?The boat leaves from Loreto, so you don't need a car or a second driver to reach the island. The guide handles the navigation and the snorkeling spots, leaving you free to watch for wildlife and swim at your own pace in the water.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 17 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What marine life might I see while snorkeling at Coronado Island?

Sea lions, dolphins, seabirds and colorful reef fish inhabit the waters around Coronado Island, which is part of Loreto Bay National Park. Sightings and how close you get to them cannot be guaranteed, but the protected site is known for abundant marine life.

How long is the boat ride from Loreto to Coronado Island?

The boat ride takes 30 minutes each way across the Sea of Cortez, with scenic views of the island's volcanic rock formations along the route.

What's included in the beach picnic?

The picnic includes fresh fish ceviche, burritos, sliced fruit, granola bars, chips, bottled water and soda, served on the white-sand beach at Coronado Island.

Do I need my own snorkeling gear?

Snorkeling equipment is provided and included in the activity, so you don't need to bring your own.

What should I bring for this activity?

Bring a swimsuit, towel, hat, sunglasses, reef-friendly sunscreen, insect repellent and comfortable clothing. A waterproof bag for personal items is recommended, and you're welcome to bring your own beverages and snacks (glass bottles are not permitted).

Can I do this activity if I'm staying on a cruise ship in Loreto?

Yes. Let the operator know your cruise ship's name, cruise line and port time when you book so the activity can be timed to your ship's schedule.