Espiritu Santo Island: Snorkel with Sea Lions & Beach Lunch

Summary

Swim with sea lions at Espiritu Santo then unwind on quiet beaches

You’ll swim near playful sea lions around Espiritu Santo Island, guided by marine biologists who know every cove. After snorkeling, share fresh ceviche on an empty beach where pelicans might join you for lunch. Expect laughter, salty skin, and moments of real connection — both with wildlife and people.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was a little nervous when our boat slowed near Los Islotes — the rocks were alive with barking sea lions, and their smell hit me before anything else. Our guide, Ana, grinned like she’d seen this a thousand times but still loved it. “They’re curious,” she promised, handing me a mask. I hesitated at the edge, water colder than I expected for Baja. The first pup zipped past my flippers so fast I swallowed half the Sea of Cortez in surprise — not my most graceful moment.

Snorkeling with sea lions is wild in every sense. They dart around you, sometimes close enough that you catch their fishy breath or see those big eyes checking you out. Ana floated nearby, pointing out which ones were just showing off and which to give space (especially the big males). She told us June through August is their rookery season — so if you come then, you just watch from the boat and snorkel reefs instead. Still worth it for the color alone: turquoise water, orange cliffs, flashes of silver fish everywhere.

Afterwards we landed on a beach that felt almost private — no crowds, just our small group and a few pelicans eyeing our lunch. Ceviche tasted better than any restaurant meal I’ve had (maybe because I was starving), plus chips and cold soda under a blue tarp for shade. One of the crew showed us tiny shells in the sand and told stories about old pearl divers here; I tried repeating one name in Spanish and got it totally wrong — everyone laughed, including me. There’s something about eating with salty skin and sand between your toes that makes you feel like you belong there for a minute.

We saw dolphins on the ride back — quick flashes, nothing staged or guaranteed. The sun left everything gold for a while before we reached La Paz again. I still think about how quiet it felt out there compared to town. If you want to snorkel with sea lions around Espiritu Santo Island and don’t mind getting a little salt in your mouth (and maybe your hair), this day trip is probably for you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkel and explore Espiritu Santo Island

• Snorkel with sea lions at Los Islotes
• Lunch on sandy beach with refreshments
• Visit abandoned pearl farm and mangroves
• See rock formations and bird colonies
• Spot dolphins, whales, or manta rays

Top questions

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

No — during June, July, and August (the rookery season), swimming with sea lions isn’t allowed; instead you snorkel other sites nearby.

Is lunch included on the Espiritu Santo day trip?

Yes, fresh ceviche (with vegan option if requested), chips, water, and soda are included as lunch on the beach.

Are marine biologist guides part of this tour?

Yes, certified guides including marine biologists lead the trip and share information about wildlife and local history.

What wildlife can you see besides sea lions?

You might spot dolphins, whales or manta rays (mobulas) as well as birds around Espiritu Santo Island.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, all snorkeling equipment is provided for guests on this tour.

Are there options for vegans at lunch?

Yes — vegan ceviche is available if requested in advance.

How do they reduce plastic use on this tour?

No single-use plastic bottles; water is served in cups instead.

Is hotel pickup included?

No mention of hotel pickup; public transportation options are nearby.

What’s included

Your day includes all entry fees and taxes for Espiritu Santo Island access plus use of snorkeling equipment throughout the tour. Water is served in cups to avoid single-use plastics. Lunch features fresh ceviche (vegan option available if needed), chips and cold drinks right on a sandy beach before heading back to La Paz in the afternoon.