Espiritu Santo Island Snorkeling Tour with Sea Lions Guide

Marine biologists run the boat, not just point from it.

A six-and-a-half-hour snorkeling tour around Espiritu Santo Island and Balandra on a full-service yacht with marine biologist guides, all snorkeling gear, fresh-caught meals prepared on board, and a guided swim with sea lions. The boat carries a full bathroom and onboard kitchen, and the guide stays with you during the sea lion activity. A shared tour in English or Spanish.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Espiritu Santo Island and Balandra

• Visit southern tip of Espiritu Santo Island
• Snorkel at island beach with equipment
• Enjoy fresh food served on boat
• Stop at Playa Balandra for photos
• Swim and snorkel at Balandra Beach
• Swim with sea lions with guide

The Experience

Six and a half hours means the day holds two full snorkel stops plus a sea lion swim without rushing. The boat leaves with a marine biologist on board who stays with the group through each activity—not a driver who drops you and waits. You start at the southern tip of Espiritu Santo Island, anchoring in San Gabriel Bay to snorkel a beach of the island itself while the crew prepares fresh food in the galley. All snorkeling equipment comes with you: viewfinder, snorkel, fins and a life jacket. The catch-of-the-day menu includes vegetarian and vegan options, served on board with unlimited non-alcoholic drinks.

Balandra is the second stop—a beach famous enough that you'll photograph the rock formation from the water before anchoring. Once you're in, the time is yours: snorkel, swim, float on the mat, or stay on deck. The third activity is the one people come for: a guided swim with sea lions in their own water. The biologist briefs you on approach and behavior before you enter, then stays with you throughout. This is not a boat-watching tour; you are in the water.

The boat itself changes the day. A full bathroom and an onboard kitchen mean no portable toilets and no pre-made sandwiches. The yacht-type hull is stable enough that the ride itself is not the hardship. Infants and small children can come—the boat has space for a pram or stroller. The guide speaks English or Spanish, and you choose which when you book.

What’s included

• All snorkeling equipment—viewfinder, snorkel, fins and life jacket.
• fresh-caught meals prepared on the boat with vegetarian and vegan options available.
• unlimited non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day.
• marine biologist guide in English or Spanish.
• guided sea lion swim with the biologist staying with you in the water.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomeNot for heart conditions

Operated by Baja Off Shore

Is this one for you?The boat departs from the water in Espiritu Santo, so you need no car to reach it—just a way to the dock. The full bathroom, onboard kitchen and marine biologist guide make this the version for anyone who wants the snorkeling and the sea lions without the small-boat trade-offs: no portable toilets, no pre-made food, no guide who stays on deck.

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Top questions

Can I bring my own snorkeling gear or do I have to use what's on the boat?

All snorkeling equipment is included and provided on the boat: viewfinder, snorkel, fins and life jacket. You're welcome to bring your own if you prefer, but there's no need to.

What happens during the sea lion swim and how close do you actually get?

The marine biologist guide gives you safety and behavior instructions before you enter the water, then stays with you during the entire activity. You swim in their habitat, and the guide is there to ensure you follow the right approach so the interaction is safe for both you and the animals.

Is the food prepared fresh on the boat or brought from shore?

The crew prepares food on board with the catch of the day, so it's made fresh during the tour. Vegetarian and vegan options are available—just mention your preference when you book.

What's included to drink, and can I bring alcohol?

Natural water, soft drinks and juices are included throughout the day with unlimited non-alcoholic beverages. You can bring alcoholic drinks if you'd like, but glass bottles aren't recommended on the boat.

How long is the actual snorkeling time at each stop?

The tour anchors to snorkel at Espiritu Santo Island while food is prepared, then stops at Balandra Beach where you have time to snorkel, swim or relax on the floating mat however you choose. The sea lion swim is the third water activity, all within the six-and-a-half-hour day.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer or have snorkeling experience?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. A life jacket is included with your snorkeling gear, and the marine biologist guide is with you during the sea lion swim to ensure safety. The tour is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.