Espiritu Santo Island: Snorkel & Sea Lions from La Paz

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Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/13

Duration7h

GroupUp to 18

LanguagesEN · ES

Mobile ticketAccepted

Most of the Sea of Cortez stays invisible from shore—until you're on the water

You board a boat at Marina Fonatur, snorkel with sea lions in a UNESCO-protected park, eat fresh ceviche on a private beach, and return to La Paz by afternoon. The guide handles navigation and points out marine life most visitors miss. You bring nothing but a towel and sunscreen—gear, food, and drinks are all covered.

Step-by-step itinerary

Espiritu Santo Island Snorkel Adventure

Meet guide at Marina Fonatur La Paz
Boat ride to Espiritu Santo National Park
Visit sea lion colony and snorkel
Sail to Ensenada Grande for lunch
Swim, snorkel, or relax on beach
Return to La Paz

The Experience

Most visitors to La Paz never leave the marina. You do. The boat leaves Marina Fonatur in the morning, and the coastline you see on the ride out to Espiritu Santo Island is the kind most people miss—steep cliffs, hidden coves, the water shifting from pale green to deep blue as you move away from land. The island itself sits inside a UNESCO-protected natural park, home to a colony of more than 300 sea lions and species you won't find anywhere else on earth.

When you arrive, your certified local guide takes you straight to the sea lion colony. The snorkeling happens right there in the protected waters—you're in the water with them, watching how they move, how curious they are, the way the light hits the reef below. Your guide points out details: which fish are endemic, where the current runs, what you'd miss on your own. If you're traveling between June and August, snorkeling with the sea lions is off-limits during breeding season, so instead you'll observe them from the boat and snorkel at a different site called El Candelero, where the marine life is just as rich.

After the water, the boat anchors at Ensenada Grande, a secluded beach where lunch is waiting—fresh ceviche, cold meat sandwiches, fruit, chips, and drinks. You eat on the sand with no crowds, no vendors, just the water and the quiet. Then you have time to swim again, snorkel if you want, or just sit. The return to La Paz happens in the afternoon, which is why this tour doesn't work for cruise passengers on a tight schedule—the timing is built around a full day, not a port stop.

One thing to know: the national park admission fee isn't included in the price, so budget for that separately when you book. Bring a wetsuit if you're going between December and April—the water cools down and the guide will have one for you, but it's worth knowing upfront. Snorkeling gear is provided, and the group stays small enough that your guide actually knows who you are by the end of the day.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or marina pickup, a certified local guide, boat transportation to Espiritu Santo Island, snorkeling equipment, a fresh lunch with ceviche and sandwiches, and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day.
Wetsuits are provided during the winter season.
National park admission is not included and must be paid separately.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Sunrider Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to snorkel with sea lions and explore a UNESCO-protected marine park without arranging your own boat, guide, or lunch—the small group size and local expertise are what make the wildlife encounter feel real rather than rushed.