Snorkeling Espiritu Santo Island from La Paz: Sea Lions & Reefs

Sea lions, coral reefs, white sand beaches and a protected island in one morning boat ride

Snorkel Espiritu Santo Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Sea of Cortez near La Paz, on a full-day boat tour visiting San Gabriel Bay, Candelero Bay, La Partida, Ensenada Grande and Los Islotes. You swim with sea lions (September through May), explore coral reefs full of fish and marine life, and stop at turquoise beaches for ceviche and cold beer. The tour runs 7 hours with a professional guide in English or Spanish, snorkeling equipment, fresh water, snacks and two beers per adult included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Espiritu Santo Island snorkeling and beach hopping

• Travel from La Paz to Espiritu Santo Island
• Visit Big Frigate Bird Colony at San Gabriel Bay
• Explore Candelero Bay and La Partida
• Visit Ensenada Grande beach
• Snorkel with Sea Lions at Los Islotes
• Enjoy fresh ceviche and cold beer on the beach
• Observe dolphins, sea turtles, whales, and mobula rays
• Return to La Paz

The experience

What makes a day on Espiritu Santo different from other snorkeling trips near La Paz? The island itself. It's a natural protected area and World Heritage Site, home to the biggest sea lion colony in the Sea of Cortez. The boat leaves from La Paz and hits multiple stops in one morning: San Gabriel Bay to see the Big Frigate Bird Colony, then Candelero Bay, La Partida, Ensenada Grande and Los Islotes. At Los Islotes, you get in the water with the sea lions themselves (available September through May, June to August swaps in alternative snorkeling sites that are equally good). Between stops you're watching for dolphins, sea turtles, whales and mobula rays, not guaranteed, but the water and the wildlife pressure make them possible.

The boat is shaded and comfortable, and the guide speaks English or Spanish, so the commentary lands whether you're solo or traveling with someone who doesn't speak the same language. Snorkeling equipment comes with you (mask, fins, snorkel), so you don't rent separately or pack your own. The coral reefs at each site are full of colorful fish and marine life. The beaches are white sand and turquoise water. Lunch is fresh ceviche and cold beer (two per adult, non-alcoholic drinks for travelers under 21), served at one of the beach stops. The whole day is 7 hours, which means you're back in La Paz by early afternoon.

The island is a working eco-tourism site, not a resort. You're snorkeling in a place the Mexican government protects as a natural reserve, which is why the sea lions are there and why the reefs stay intact. Dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free) can be accommodated if you note them at booking. Bottled water and snacks are included throughout the day.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English or Spanish.
• snorkeling equipment (mask, fins, snorkel).
• fresh ceviche lunch and cold beer (two per adult, or non-alcoholic drinks for travelers under 21).
• bottled water and snacks throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (3 and older) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

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 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Tuna Tuna Tours

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Spanish, so you can follow the commentary and the marine life explanations in whichever language works for you. This matters if you're traveling with someone who doesn't speak English, or if you want the full story about what you're seeing rather than just the snorkeling itself.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

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 sea lions if I'm traveling in June, July or August?

Sea lion snorkeling runs September through May only, since June through August is their mating season and the area is closed to swimmers for their protection. During summer months, the tour visits alternative snorkeling sites on Espiritu Santo that offer the same coral reefs and marine life without the sea lion interaction.

What's the difference between Los Islotes and the other snorkeling stops on this tour?

Los Islotes is where you swim with the sea lions (in season). The other stops (San Gabriel Bay, Candelero Bay, La Partida and Ensenada Grande) are snorkeling sites with coral reefs, colorful fish and marine life, plus the white sand beaches where lunch is served.

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

Snorkeling equipment is included: mask, fins and snorkel are provided. You don't need to rent or pack your own.

What animals might I see besides sea lions?

Dolphins, sea turtles, whales, mobula rays and seabirds are all present in the Sea of Cortez around Espiritu Santo. They're not guaranteed on every trip, but the conditions make sightings possible.

How long is the full day, and what time does it end?

The tour runs 7 hours total, so you leave La Paz in the morning and return by early afternoon.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?

Yes, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meals can be arranged if you note your dietary requirements at the time of booking.