La Paz: Espiritu Santo Island Snorkel & Sea Lions Tour

Summary

Snorkeling Espiritu Santo’s wild side with sea lions and fresh ceviche

You’ll boat from La Paz out to Espiritu Santo Island, snorkel near playful sea lions (with all gear included), then eat fresh ceviche on an empty beach before heading back. Expect laughter with your guide, cold drinks onboard, and moments where you forget there’s anywhere else but here.

What’s the experience like?

You know that feeling when you step off the dock at Marina Fonatur in La Paz and suddenly realize you’re about to spend the day somewhere totally different? That’s how it started for us. The boat ride out to Espiritu Santo Island was windier than I expected—salty spray everywhere, hair a mess, but I didn’t care. Our guide, Diego, pointed out these jagged red cliffs along the coast and told us about the old pearl divers. I tried to picture them out here in tiny boats. The air smelled sharp and clean, kind of like sun-baked rocks mixed with ocean.

When we got close to the sea lion colony (there must have been hundreds), you could hear them before you saw them—barking, flopping around on the rocks. Some slid into the water so fast I almost missed it. Getting into the water felt cold at first (they gave us wetsuits), but once I put my face down with the snorkel mask on, everything went quiet except for my own breathing and these flashes of gold fish darting around. A young sea lion swam right by me—so close I could see its whiskers twitching. Honestly, I panicked for a second thinking it would bite, but it just circled back like it wanted to play.

Afterwards we dried off on the boat and headed to Ensenada Grande. Lunch was fresh ceviche and sandwiches—nothing fancy but honestly perfect after swimming so much. There were chips too (Diego called them “papitas”—I ate more than my share). We sat on this little beach that felt miles from anywhere; just pale sand and turquoise water with nobody else around except our group. Someone spotted a pelican gliding over the bay and we all stopped talking for a minute just watching it land.

I still think about that light on the water as we packed up to leave—kind of shimmery and unreal. If you’re looking for a day trip from La Paz that’s not just ticking boxes but actually feels wild (and maybe a bit messy), this is it. Bring warm clothes if you go in winter—the breeze gets chilly fast—and don’t be surprised if you end up smelling like sunscreen and salt all afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 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

Top questions

Can you swim with sea lions at Espiritu Santo Island?

Yes, snorkeling with sea lions is included except from June 1st to August 31st when you observe them from the boat instead.

Is lunch provided during the Espiritu Santo tour?

Yes, lunch includes fresh ceviche, sandwiches, chips, fruit, cookies, plus drinks.

Are wetsuits included for snorkeling?

Yes, wetsuits are provided during winter season (December to April).

How long is the boat ride from La Paz to Espiritu Santo Island?

The ride typically takes about 1–1.5 hours each way depending on weather conditions.

Is pickup included in this day trip?

No hotel pickup; you meet your guide at Marina Fonatur La Paz.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; infants can ride in a pram or sit on an adult’s lap.

Are entry fees included in the price?

No, admission fee to Espiritu Santo National Park is not included.

What happens if there aren’t enough people booked?

If minimum numbers aren’t met (4 adults), you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

What’s included

Your day covers use of snorkeling equipment (plus wetsuit in winter), guidance from a certified local expert throughout the journey, unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages onboard, and a lunch spread of fresh ceviche, cold meat baguettes, potato chips, fruit and cookies before returning by boat to La Paz marina.