Snorkeling with Sea Lions at Espiritu Santo Island

Swim among playful sea lions, then explore the island's hidden corners on foot and from the boat.

Snorkel with sea lions at Los Islotes, a colony of over 600, on Espiritu Santo Island with a marine biologist guide who speaks English, Spanish or French. The six-hour outing includes snorkeling equipment, lunch with ceviche on a sandy beach, and stops at an abandoned pearl farm, mangroves, and bird colonies. During June through August, when sea lions are breeding, you snorkel at rocky reefs instead and view the colony from the boat. Children from age 3 are welcome.

The experience

Los Islotes holds a colony of over 600 sea lions, and they are curious about swimmers. The sea lions approach and interact in the water, making the snorkel itself the centerpiece of the day. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and the water is clear enough to watch them move and play below the surface. During the breeding months of June, July and August, the colony is off-limits for swimming, so the guide takes you to rocky reefs where sea lions still gather, and you snorkel there instead: the experience shifts but the sea lions remain part of it.

After the water, lunch arrives on a sandy beach with turquoise shallows. The meal is fresh ceviche with chips and a vegan option if you request it ahead of time. Shade, benches and towels are set up so you can rest between activities. Water and cups come with the meal: no single-use bottles, which keeps the island cleaner. From there, the guide leads stops at an abandoned pearl farm, mangroves, and rock formations that rise from the island. The boat also moves through waters where dolphins, whales and manta rays sometimes appear, though sightings are not guaranteed.

The guide is a marine biologist, so the history of the island's ancient settlers, the current wildlife and plant life, and how locals live there now become part of the narrative as you move through the day. The boat and guide are both certified and permitted to operate here: Espiritu Santo can only be visited this way, which is why the experience stays protected and less crowded than mainland beaches.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• fresh ceviche lunch with a vegan option available on request.
• water and cups.
• shade, benches and towels at the beach stop.
• visits to an abandoned pearl farm, mangroves and rock formations.
• marine biologist guide in English, Spanish or French.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 to 70 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10 · max 8 per booking

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and French

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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Mexico Travel Adventure

Is this one for you?The boat ride and water entry are gentle, and the pace allows time to rest on the beach between snorkeling and walking. This suits anyone comfortable in shallow water and ready to spend six hours on and around the island, not a rushed half-day sprint.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

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.

Can I snorkel with the sea lions year-round at Espiritu Santo?

Sea lions can be snorkeled with from September through May. During June, July and August, the colony is in its breeding season and off-limits for swimming. Instead, you snorkel at rocky reefs where sea lions also gather, and view the main colony from the boat.

What's included in the snorkeling trip to Espiritu Santo Island?

Snorkeling equipment, lunch with fresh ceviche and a vegan option, water, shade and towels at the beach stop, and visits to the abandoned pearl farm, mangroves and rock formations are all included. The marine biologist guide is included as well.

How long is the snorkeling activity at Espiritu Santo?

The full outing is six hours, which covers the boat ride to Los Islotes, snorkeling time, the beach lunch, and stops at points of interest around the island.

What else might I see besides sea lions at Espiritu Santo?

Dolphins, whales and manta rays move through the waters around the island, though sightings depend on the season and conditions. The island itself holds bird colonies, rock formations and an abandoned pearl farm from its history as a pearl-diving site.