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

★★★★★★★★★★ 5.00 (15 reviews)

Free cancellationExcellent quality

1/21

Duration7h

GroupUp to 10

LanguagesEN · ES

Mobile ticketAccepted

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.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for 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.