Snorkeling with Sea Lions at Espiritu Santo Island

Swim alongside sea lions in their natural habitat

Snorkel at Espiritu Santo Island, a natural heritage site 20 nautical miles from La Paz, where you encounter sea lion colonies and pristine beaches in the Sea of Cortez. The boat departs from La Paz and the captain may alter the route if weather turns rough, though this happens rarely. A live guide in English or Spanish provides snorkeling equipment, and ceviche sandwiches and sodas are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Espiritu Santo Island and snorkel

• Travel to Espiritu Santo Island
• Encounter sea lion colonies
• Snorkel near sea lions
• Explore rock formations
• Receive snorkeling gear from guides

The Experience

Six to seven hours on the water gets you to Espiritu Santo Island and into the water alongside sea lions. The island sits 20 nautical miles from La Paz and holds two sea lion colonies; you snorkel near them in their own space rather than watching from a distance. The Sea of Cortez here is full of life — the rock formations are unique, and the guide handles the snorkeling setup so you arrive ready to enter the water. Ceviche sandwiches and sodas come along for the day.

Weather can shift the plan: if the sea gets too choppy or the wind picks up, the captain may decide not to make the full crossing to the island for safety. This doesn't happen often, but it's a possibility on any boat day. The guide speaks English or Spanish and manages the equipment and the timing. Children from age one are welcome, and the moderate fitness level the operator mentions reflects the boat ride and the water entry rather than anything strenuous once you're in.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• ceviche sandwiches and sodas.
• live guide in English or Spanish.
• access to two sea lion colonies and pristine beaches at Espiritu Santo Island.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Flexible Tours Los Cabos

Is this one for you?The six- to seven-hour boat ride and water entry suit travelers with moderate fitness who are comfortable on the water and ready to snorkel in open ocean rather than a pool or shallow bay.

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Top questions

How close do you actually get to the sea lions when you snorkel?

You snorkel very close to the sea lion colonies at Espiritu Santo Island — the guide positions the group near them so you see them in their natural habitat rather than from the boat.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of the tour?

If the sea becomes too choppy or the wind too strong, the captain may decide not to travel all the way to the island for safety reasons, though this occurs rarely. The guide will communicate any changes before departure.

Is snorkeling equipment provided, or do I need to bring my own?

Snorkeling equipment is provided by the tour; the guide gives you everything you need to snorkel with the sea lions.

What's included in the meal on the tour?

Ceviche sandwiches and sodas are provided during the day on the water.

Can children go on this snorkeling tour?

Children are welcome from age one; specialized infant seats are available if you're traveling with very young children.